ProForm vs Horizon Treadmills
The two major players in the budget treadmill face off are ProForm and Horizon. You'll find many of their models at many of the large sporting goods strores and at the big name retailers. ProForm is built by Icon Fitness, the largest seller of fitness equipment in the world. They also manufacturer NordicTrack, Welso, Image, Epic and Reebok. Horizon treadmills are built by Johnson Health Technology, which also builds Vision Fitness equipment. Both brands sell in the $500-$1,200 price range.
NordicTrack Treadmills vs ProForm Treadmills
I often get inquiries on which treadmill is a better value, the NordicTrack or the ProForm. In fact, they are built by the same company on the same assembly lines with many of the same parts. I witnessed that personally when I was out at their manufacturing facilities. There are some models that are unique to each brand, but others are almost identical. They'll mix and match features like motor size, deck length, iFit technology, workout programs, sound systems and built-in fans.
ProForm Treadmills – 5% Discount Coupon
ProForm is offering 5% off treadmills priced between $799 and $999. They only have a few models that fit into that price range. But if you are considering buying a ProForm treadmill at that price, here is an opportunity to save some additional money. The link and code is
Get $50 off. Use coupon code "PFCJ50OFF" at checkout! (Code is Case Sensitive)
Click here to see the latest ProForm treadmill reviews. This offer also applies to ProForm elliptical trainers in this price range.
Buying a Compact Treadmill – The Pros and Cons
Horizon Compact Treadmill
I've gotten several inquiries about buying a compact treadmill. Most are from individuals who live in apartments and have limited space. The problem with compact treadmills is you make certain compromises in order to have a lite weight machine that does not take up much space. In addition, compact treadmills usually fall in the budget treadmill category, meaning they are built with budget components.
Icon Fitness through their Weslo, Image and ProForm brands have several models that are lite weight, fold and are easy to move. I recommend these treadmills for walking and individuals who are not excessively heavy. These treadmills usually have small treadbelts, so depending on your height you may feel like you are about to walk off the end.
Smooth 5.25 vs ProForm iLog 750
This was a recent question from a visitor to the site ...
Been reading your site so much I am getting a headache 
 Great information, but I am driving myself crazy going back and forth over several models. I am not sure if you answer advice questions so if you don't, I understand that reply. I am a first time treadmill purchaser so I want to stay under $1000 in case it ends up collecting dust like many do. It would only be used for walking and jogging by 2 individuals both 5'11" (210lbs being heaviest) 3-4 times a week. I am not as concerned with ipod capable or someone having 24 workouts over 15. I just want a good reliable machine. I know the smooth 5.25 is very highly recommended, but a couple others I was looking at had larger motors or pads, which may be important for multiple users. Any advice would be appreciated. Here are the 3 I have narrowed:
Thanks!
Price Reduction – ProForm 11.5 Competitor Treadmill
ProForm, which is owned by Icon Fitness, changes prices regularly. Occasionally you can get some real bargains. This also applies to their other popular brands, like Nordictrack, Reebok and Epic.Â
 I monitor treadmill prices regularly for a number of brands, and will alert readers of this blog when I feel a special deal warrants it.
Checking out the ProForm treadmill site, I noticed they are offering the ProForm 11.5 Competitor treadmill for $999, with shipping (As of 2/18/08). What makes this treadmill appealing is the 3.0 continuous duty motor and the 60" long treadbelt. Usually you will find a treadmill with those options costing in excess of $1,500.Â
The 3.0 hp motor is powerful enough for sustained usuage and will not strain at higher speeds or steep inclines. The 60" deck is suited for taller individuals and interval training. You won't feel like you are falling off the end.
What I am not crazy about on this model is the console. The display is rather basic, but what do you expect for $999.
I would recommend this treadmill for walking and jogging. If you are a serious runner you will want to upgrade. Go to the ProForm 11.5 Competitor Treadmill Review for more details.Â
ProForm Treadmills – Are They a Good Value?
ProForm treadmills are built by Icon Fitness, which is the same company that manufactures NordicTrack, Epic, Reebok, Weslo and several other brands. Icon is the biggest manufacturer of fitness equipment in the world. The runner up is not even close in volume.
I was out to the Icon corporate headquarters not long ago. In the past I was critical of most of Icon's products. They had problems with the quality control. In addition, their customer service was lacking. However, this company has done a complete turnaround, and in general offers the best value for budget treadmills. In addition, the mid-range treadmills are strong contenders.Â