A few years ago before I became pregnant with my 16 month old son, I was an avid fitness walker and was in the best shape of my life. Every morning after taking my older children to school, I’d hit the pavement with my walking shoes on and my headphones attached to my CD player in place. A distance of 4 to 5 miles a day in 60 to 75 minutes was the norm, and the energy alone I received from my walking obsession was enough to keep me going all day long. Of course being able to wear size 6 to 8 clothing comfortably was a great side effect of all my hard work as well. Only pregnancy and then taking care of a new baby cut into my exercise time until my walks occurred very infrequently whenever I could find a free moment. As a consequence, I gained a whopping 45 pounds before my son was born last year and even though I’ve since dropped most of that pregnancy weight, my body is still not close to being the same as it was before. My legs and butt are flabbier and my abdomen is most definitely in need of some major toning, so a few months ago, I decided it was finally time to do something about my self image. Walking outside in the heat of summertime with a toddler around just was not a practical option. So last July, off to Sears we went to purchase a treadmill instead.

Awhile back in time, I had owned a manual treadmill and wasn’t very thrilled with the quality and performance, so this time around I wanted to invest a bit more money and purchase a middle of the line motorized version instead. The more expensive Nordic Track models were way out of our price range, so the Sears Pro Form brand was the one we ended up purchasing. The Pro Form treadmills were both attractive in appearance and contained all the computerized features I was looking for. And as luck would have it, our treadmill was on sale for $599 (regular price $799), so I was a very happy customer. Because our $600 income tax refund was due anytime, we charged our purchase on our Sears card and then later promptly paid the balance when our check finally arrived.


~~~Assembly & Appearance~~~

As soon as we got our Pro Form treadmill home, my husband and I put it together in less than 30 minutes. Assembly required two people, and a Phillips screwdriver and rubber mallet were the only tools that we needed to get the job done. Since our plan was to set it up in the den in our basement (in front of the TV!), we passed on purchasing an optional mat that protects the floor or carpet from possible damage that the treadmill could cause. As directed, we placed our new treadmill on a level surface indoors with at least eight inches of clearance behind it. The base of our Pro Form treadmill measured 28 inches wide and 66 inches long, with an actual walking/running space of 18 X 51. To save on floor space, this section may easily be folded upward and locked into place when not in use, requiring less than half the space of many other treadmills. At the front of this piece of exercise equipment is the actual motor, which produces a moderate amount of noise when in operation, especially at higher speeds. Attached to the two curved support beams is the rather large computerized console with all “the buttons” placed in an attractive, colorful layout. There is space for a book or magazine, a drink holder, an optional space that holds a TV remote control rather well, and handrails on each side for balance control as needed. And across the front directly under the console of our Pro Form treadmill is a useful pulse sensor bar that helps to keep track of your heart rate during aerobic exercise.


~~~Adjustable Speeds~~~

Designed for persons weighing less than 250 pounds who want the combined advanced technology with innovative design that helps users get the most of exercising in the convenience of their own homes, the Pro Form treadmill provides a sturdy and effective workout for both walkers and joggers. I myself prefer to walk most of the time, but occasionally when I get a burst of energy, I’ll speed up and jog for a minute at a time here and there to increase the amount of fat and calories burned with each workout. Users of the Pro Form treadmill can choose to walk as slow as 1 mile per hour all the way up to a very fast run of 10 miles per hour, with all increments in the tenths place in between. A manual speed that does not change unless you want it to can be chosen, or a variety of other programs (including 6 pre programmed certified personal trainer workouts as well as the capability of using the VCR or even your own home computer if desired) may be selected as your fitness level increases and to help prevent boredom. Adjusting the speed is done by simply pushing a few buttons, but it is recommended to avoid sudden jumps in speed to decrease the risk of injury.


~~~Adjustable Inclines~~~

The incline on the Pro Form treadmill can be changed in increments of a 0.5% grade with the touch of a button, from a low of 1.5% grade all the way up to a 10% grade if desired. The incline display found on the console will show at what incline a user is currently exercising at and may be changed at any time. It will usually take a moment for the treadmill to reach the level of incline chosen. Of course the higher the incline, the more difficult the workout becomes, but I find that using an incline higher than 2 to 3% is rather hard on my knees, so the higher inclines are rarely used. It’s more comfortable to me to walk at a faster pace and a lower incline than to slow the speed down and raise the incline grade. But experiment to find what works best for your own fitness level. Always make sure the Pro Form treadmill is on the lowest incline level before folding for storage.


~~~Workout Programs~~~

When the console of the Pro Form treadmill is in the manual mode, the speed and incline can be controlled with the touch of a button. But for a more varied workout, try one of the 6 computerized programs from beginner to advanced that are offered, which automatically controls the speed and incline as an effective workout is provided. The 20 minute low intensity session would be a good choice for beginners and those that have never used a treadmill before. Chose the medium intensity longer 30 and 40 minute workouts as your fitness level improves. And when endurance and maximum fat burning results are desired, the 30 minute high intensity program is sure to give even the most advanced exercisers a tough workout. Log on to www.iFIT.com to learn how to use the interactive technology provided by connecting your treadmill directly into your home computer. An optional upgrade module must be purchased first, however. And an audio CD is included that automatically controls the speed and incline of the Pro Form treadmill when connected to a CD player as a personal trainer guides users through every step of the pre programmed workout. In addition, this treadmill can also be connected to a VCR and video programs add the excitement of working out with a class and instructor, which is one of the hottest trends in many health clubs, all within the privacy and convenience of your own home. CD’s and video tapes as described here may be purchased separately as accessories to your Pro Form treadmill.


~~~Console Features~~~

It is a good idea to become familiar with the computerized console before beginning. Along with the workout programs, speed, and incline controls, many other impressive features may be found on the console of the Pro Form treadmill:

1. LED Track---- This oval shaped display of indicator lights represents 400 meters, or ¼ of a mile (so 4 laps will equal 1 mile). As the user walks, jogs, or runs, each section will light up one at a time until the lap is complete. Then the Pacer Circuit will start again with a whole new lap, which is motivating as you watch your progress as you exercise.

2. DISTANCE/LAPS display---- This display show that distance that has been walked or ran as well as the number of laps that have been completed thus far. Every seven seconds, the display will change from distance to laps and back to distance again.

3. TIME display---- When the treadmill is used in either the manual mode or any selected iFIT program, this indicator will show the elapsed time in minutes and seconds. If a personal trainer program is in use, this display shows both the time remaining in the program as well as the time remaining in the current segment of the program, alternating between each every seven seconds.

4. CALORIES/FAT CALORIES/PULSE display---- An approximate number of total calories and fat calories that have been burned with exercise alternate in this display window every seven seconds. When the EKG pulse sensor is used, your heart rate will show up in this section as well.

5. SPEED/MINUTE MILE display---- This display shows the speed of the walking belt and the exercisers current pace, which is measured in minutes per mile. For example, it will take 15 minutes to walk a mile at a speed of 4 miles per hour. Again, these two figures alternate every second seconds while the treadmill is in use. (Note: this section can be changed to kilometers if desired)


~~~EKG Pulse Sensor~~~

To measure your heart rate, stand on the foot rails of your Pro Form treadmill and place your hands on the metal contacts found on the pulse bar located directly below the console. Be sure to avoid moving your hands for a more accurate reading. When your pulse is detected, the heart shaped indicator light in that particular display as described above will flash steadily and a series of dashes (--) will appear for a few seconds. Soon after, your current heart rate will be shown. To get the most accurate heart rate reading, continue to hold the pulse sensor contacts for about 15 seconds. I’ve found that sometimes this feature works well while I’m still in motion, but many times it does not. So I mainly use this AFTER a workout on my Pro Form treadmill as I don’t like stopping in the middle just to check my pulse rate.


~~~Getting Started~~~

In order for your Pro Form treadmill to operate, it must be plugged into a power source first. Make sure the on/off switch located at the front of the machine is in the “on” position, and then stand on the foot rails located on either side of the walking belt with your walking shoes on. A red plastic key must be inserted into the middle part of the console for the power to come on. This key is attached to a clip that is designed to be worn on your clothing. If you lose your balance and step too far backwards, this key will be removed and the Pro Form treadmill will automatically shut off for greater safety. Once the console lights up, choose your program or simply use the manual mode. The walking belt will slowly begin moving, so carefully step from the foot rails to the belt and you are ready to begin your workout session.


~~~Safety Tips~~~

Keep children under 12 away from your Pro Form treadmill at all times. For increased safety, keep the key hidden away when the machine is not in use. Always wear supportive athletic shoes while exercising, for injury could occur if you exercise with bare feet, socks, or sandals. Use a surge suppressor when plugging the power cord into an electrical socket. Never start the treadmill while you are standing directly on the walking belt. Adjust speed in small increments to avoid any sudden jumps in speed that might cause you to lose your balance. Hold on to the handrails as necessary. A “chirping” sound will announce a speed and/or incline change when one of the 6 programs or iFIT.com CD’s and videos are used, so always listen and be prepared for these changes. Any settings that become too difficult when using the Pro Form treadmill can be manually overidden at any time. This piece of exercise equipment is intended solely for in home use only and is not suitable for commercial, rental, or instructional purposes.


~~~My Experience~~~

In the almost 4 months that I have owned my Pro Form treadmill, I’ve used it anywhere from as many as 7 days a week to as little as 1 day a week. Of course some days I am motivated more than others to get my workout in, but I’m always glad I did it once it’s over for the increased energy and alertness levels if for no other reason. In the beginning, I lost more than 5 pounds rather quickly walking on my treadmill for 2 to 3 miles a session and watching my food portions. Then I got lazy and slacked off a bit and am now back to where I started from. I’ve found that keeping an exercise log really helps to keep me more motivated as I watch the mileage and calories burned add up while my fitness level increases as well. And since I really do dislike sweating very much, I bought a small “clip on” fan that fits perfectly on the console section of my Pro Form treadmill that keeps me cool as I walk. I turn the TV on and then get my legs moving. And even if I don’t lose another pound, I’ll be happy for the energy I get from my workouts is worth the time and effort spent.


~~~Overall Recommendation~~~

For anyone looking for a good middle-of-the-line motorized treadmill for in home use, consider looking at this Pro Form model the next time you take a trip to your local mall containing a Sears department store. While it does take up more space fully assembled than many smaller ones do, it can easily be folded when not in use. Walkers like myself would most likely be satisfied with the sturdy safe ride the walking belt provides while in motion. I’ve never been much of a runner, but I suspect that a more expensive brand should be purchased if this would be the sole reason a treadmill is desired. Even though I would still much rather take a walk outside in the fresh air like I used to in the past, right now my Pro Form treadmill provides the convenient opportunity to get my workout in during my son’s naptime or whenever I get a few moments, regardless of the time of day or the weather. Otherwise, I most likely would have the chance to take a walk very infrequently if at all. So whether you desire to drop a few pounds and increase your fitness level or you want to experience the many mental and physical benefits that regular aerobic exercise provides, you can’t go wrong with choosing this Pro Form treadmill. Gotta go now! It’s time for my walk.

For fitness tips and more information on other Pro-Form treadmills, check out their website online at:

www.proform.com

Questions or comments?
1-800-736-6879

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

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UPDATE (JAN 2005): Well over 3 years later, I've now put well over 2000 miles on this treadmill and it's still going strong! My favorite workouts include interval training (walking then running and so on) and raising the inclinde will reducing speed to really give my lower body a great workout. Thanks to this treadmill, I'm in better shape in my 30's than I ever was in my 20's. Thanks Pro Form!!

UPDATE (APRIL 2005): Still going strong. I found out by accident not long ago that once the timer hits 100 minutes, the machine will automatically shut itself off! This can be quite startling when not expected. I'm now running more (2 minutes at 5.2 MPH and then 2 minutes at 4.2 MPH repeated over and over through my workout) as interval training burns alot more calories than just walking alone. The most mileage I've put in so far in one session is 7.78 miles in 100 minutes, which is as long as the machine will operate before shutting off as mentioned above. So I'm easily in better shape now than I was in my 20's!



Recommended: Yes