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ProForm Pro 4500 Treadmill Review
This model has been discontinued.
The new ProForm Pro 4500 Treadmill shows off the brandâs latest upgrades. Just like the top-of-the-line Pro 9000, it has a powerful 4.2 HP motor, a wide 22″ belt and a 10″ full-color touchscreen with web browser.
What We Donât Like:
Our Verdict:
ProForm has produced two versions of the Pro 4500 Treadmill. The first was introduced in 2011. It earned a five star rating â but the honeymoon was short. Soon complaints rolled in and the product became discontinued. Is the 2014 Pro 4500 Treadmill any different? As a phone rep told Treadmill Reviews, “The company recycled the name for the 4500, but it looks like a different product.” This yearâs offering has a wider belt, a stronger motor, a steeper maximum incline, additional built-in apps, and other upgrades.
What We Like:
- iFit option: This unit is iFit-enabled, which means that you can use it if you buy an iFit subscription. (Expect to pay about $99/year.) This feature is one of the main attractions of owning treadmill by ProForm or one of its sister companies.iFit technology can virtually take you around the world; just draw a route on the console’s browser. You can route anywhere that Google Maps has mapped, and the Pro 4500 Treadmill will automatically adjust to simulate every hill and valley. Some other possibilities with iFit: access unlimited workouts designed by certified personal trainers; automatically track your fitness progress; easily customize your workout plan; and virtually run along a scenic coastline with high definition video.
- Incline and decline: The automated incline/decline ranges from -3% to 15%. We see plenty of treadmills with inclines, but declines arenât yet the norm. This is a great feature that can significantly enhance your muscle toning. As for the incline, it has a typical grade range for a home treadmill. Training on an incline can significantly boost your metabolic rate and muscle toning. Itâs also a great way to keep indoor exercise interesting.
- Oversized track:Â The Pro 4500âs track measures 60″ long x 22″ wide. Powered by a 4.2 HP motor, it can support speeds up to 12 mph.
- Folding design: The spacious track is appealing, but some people donât want to lose floor space. The ProForm 4500 Treadmill can be vertically folded with shock-assist technology.
- Display:Â An eye-catching 10″ full-color touch screen with Android browser helps sell lots of ProForm treadmills. Ideally, it makes it easy to change speed and incline, navigate through 38 built-in programs, use iFit Live, and browse online. However, we are skeptical about how well the console will work in the long run, given the many complaints posted about the earlier model. The display is also addressed below in the section âWhat We Donât Like.â
- Program variety:Â The built-in program variety is extensive; there are 38 workout modes to target speed, calorie burn and endurance. These workouts can be configured in different ways thanks to the treadmillâs automatic incline and decline. Beyond the included apps, you can get unlimited customized workout sessions via iFit. (See above.) An iFit membership also gives access to high-definition video to simulate running along the beach.
- iPod port:Â This treadmillâs iPod-compatible port make it easy to enjoy MP3s during exercise. You can also hook up your tablet computer to use once youâve selected a workout mode.
- Motor:Â The ProForm Pro 4500 Treadmill is powered by a commercial-grade 4.2 HP motor. The motor has a lifetime guarantee.
- Warranty:Â Customers get a lifetime warranty on the Pro 4500âs motor and frame, five years on parts, and two years of service.
ProForm Pro 4500 Treadmill Treadmill - Key Specs:
| Star Rating: | 3-stars |
|---|---|
| Motor: | 4.2 HP |
| Incline: | -3 to 15% |
| Running Area: | 22" x 60" |
| Folding: | Yes |
| Top Speed: | 12 MPH |
| Weight Capacity: | 400 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 80" L x 39.5" W x 73.5" H |
| Built-In Programs: | 38 |
- Display: The idea of a 10″ touchscreen with Android browser is great. However, some customers have felt misled. Although youâll get an Android browser, you canât install Android apps. Also, you canât navigate the whole web. Youâll be restricted to news and social media. To get around this limitation, some owners of the 4500 plug in their own tablet computers to use over the console. Another concern is that the wireless card isnât powerful; you might need to move your homeâs wireless signal closer to the treadmill. Finally, a review on the ProForm website finds that the controls are “dangerously insensitive.” In his experience, the treadmill is not always immediately responsive to instructions to change speed.
- Smallish rollers: The tread belt moves on 2.5″ rollers. Larger rollers would be preferable to help extend the life of the track.
- Customer service: ProFormâs customer service frequently gets poor reviews. Before you buy, it might be wise to test out their current customer service situation. The sales department always picks up quickly, but getting help for a defective product could be difficult.
- Assembly: Judging from customersâ reports, assembling the treadmill typically takes about two hours for two people working together. It could be worth paying extra for assembly. This will not only save you the frustration of set-up, but will also help you avoid problems that result from not following the instructions perfectly.
Our Verdict:
The first time around, the ProForm Pro 4500 Treadmill was too often a lemon. It would only make sense for ProForm to have learned from its mistakes before debuting this model â but the world isnât necessarily run by logic. Overall, the Pro 4500 Treadmill looks great on paper but the history of its name makes us uneasy. Since many more top treadmills are available, it doesn’t seem like the best choice for anyone.
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