ProForm 985 AudioTrainer Treadmill Review

There are two features that make the ProForm 985 AudioTrainer appealing. First, you get a powerful 3.0 continuous duty motor. You also get a 2 year parts and labor warranty. In addition there are a number of programming features that makes this model appealing.

So is this a good buy? It depends on the current price. And since ProForm changes prices weekly, one week it can be the deal of the century, and a next a rip-off.

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Note: As of 11/18/09 the ProForm 985 AudioTrainer Treadmill was selling for $899 with shipping. A good value. Go to ProFormTreadmills.com for the latest deal.

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ProForm 985 AudioStrider Features...

3.5 HP Continuous Duty Motor - The continuous duty means that is the rating when it is running at a comfortable level. That is in comparison to the peak performance, which is the highest HP the motor can reach. This is a strong and powerful motor. In fact, it is ideal for runners and multiple users. However, the rest of the treadmill may not be up to running standards. I would consider the 985 AudioStrider as primarily a walking and jogging machine. In fact, I would say the motor is an overkill for this machine.

Warranty - As with most ProForm treadmills you get a lifetime warranty on the motor. However, you also get two years parts and labor. Normally ProForm offers one year for parts and labor, and charges extra for an additional year.

iFIT technology - How this works is you purchase workout cards that focus on different categories of fitness goals like weight loss, performance, wellness and body shaping. Certified personal trainers design them. Each card has 24 workouts, which control the speed, incline and duration of your exercise. During the workout, you get motivational audio from the trainer, who provides suggestions on how to get maximum performance and results.

The iFIT cards focus on different fitness goals like...

• Weight Loss
• Performance
• Body Sculpting
• Wellness

16 Built-in Exercise Programs - You get a decent selection of workouts automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, while specifically focusing on an aerobic, weight loss or performance goals. I personally have become a big fan of exercise programs, and rotate through the different workouts when I exercise.

Sound System with iPod Input - Music is an excellent motivator. In fact, I play music every time I workout. Having speakers built into the console focuses the sound directly at you.

Our Review - ProForm 985 AudioStrider

When selling for below $1,000 the 985 AudioStrider is a good value. ProForm is built by Icon, which also builds NordicTrack, Epic, Weslo and Image. They are the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. And based on economy of scale (I did listen in Econ 101!), you tend to get a better value from Icon products when they are discounted.

Go to ProFormTreadmills.com for more details.