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ProForm SMART Performance 400i Review

Quick Summary

The ProForm Smart Performance 400i treadmill is great for walkers and joggers. Its design and features cater to that class of exercisers and will be a great option for dedicated walkers, seniors or rehab. The workout session options almost seem limitless between the 50 built-in sessions and the thousands of available on-demand trainer-led videos via the iFit Coach app. (The first year subscription is free). The warranty is also very fair – lifetime on the frame, 25 on the motor and one year on parts and labor.

Specifications

Model ProForm SMART Performance 400i
Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

86.2%
List Price

Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.

$999
Best Price

Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

$629
Speed

Treadmill Speed is measured in Miles Per Hour (mph). Average running speed is 5-9 mph.

0-10 mph
Incline

Treadmill Incline measures the angle of the deck, and how steep it is relative to the floor (0% is flat, and 15% is like a steep hill).

0-10%
Motor

The Treadmill Motor is what turns the belt as you run. We recommend at least 2 HP (Horsepower) motors, 2.5+ HP for jogging, and 3.0+ HP for running.

2.0 CHP Mach Z
Deck

Treadmill Deck dimensions are measured in inches: Width x Length. The wider and longer the deck, the safer it is (55-60 inches long recommended for running).

18" x 50"
Belt

The Treadmill Belt is the surface you run on. The thicker the belt, the less impact on your joints. At least 2-ply (1 inch) recommended.

ProShox Cushioning
Folding?

Some treadmills are designed to conserve space by folding up. This is a convenient option, but some features might be reduced.

Programs

Treadmill Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.

50
Max. Weight

Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.

300 lbs
Heart Rate

Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.

EKG Grip Pulse Sensor
Dimensions

Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).

32.75"x 65.77"x 56.42"
Display

Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.

7” Smart HD Touchscreen
Cooling Fans

Treadmill Cooling Fans are designed to help keep you cool during an intense workout.

Accessory Tray

Some treadmills include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.

Speakers

Treadmills that include a sound system allow you to listen to your MP3 player/iPod through built-in speakers (no headphones).

Quick Controls

Quick Controls allow you to select speed, incline and even workout programs with the touch of a button (usually on the handles).

Warranty

The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.

Frame: Lifetime
Motor: 25 years
Parts: 3 year
Labor: 1 year

Rating: 86.2%

Our Rating

Rating: 86.2/100. The design and features of the ProForm Smart Performance 400i makes it a treadmill for walking – only. Joggers and serious runners will need to look elsewhere, like the ProForm Power or Pro series.

The 2.0 CHP Mach Z, power allows you to walk up to 10 mph, which is a very fast pace for walking, meaning it is more than enough. The incline, which goes up to 10%, increases your resistance, while toning your lower body muscles; the degree of various percentages means different muscles can be targeted.

The 7” Smart HD touchscreen enhances your workout, swipe through to monitor your stats and to view the various locations you’ve chosen to walk/hike  around the world – the crisp views of a white sand beach, an NYC sidewalk or the Jamaican countryside. Not to mention the clarity of the workouts and trainers streaming via the iFit app which comes with a host of  workout sessions – on demand videos, various trainers – guaranteed to accommodate for any fitness level. And with purchase of the 400i you will get the first year subscription for the app free.

Furthermore, your workout choices aren’t limited to the iFit subscription, there are an additional 50 built-in  sessions. You will always be challenged and motivated with the abundance of workouts at your disposal.

With so many options and  challenges, you will want to monitor your cardiovascular fitness and the heart rate grip sensor makes it easy to read your heart rate without having to break your stride.

The assurance that the 400i is definitely for walking (a part from the motor power) is the size of the track – 18” x 50”- it is short, and will not be the best for  longer strides used in running, or someone who might be extra tall. Although short, it is however, designed to absorb shock on impact with ProShox cushioning.

In addition to the necessities are the extra features that may help you to make a decision if you’re on the fence, for instance the tablet holder located above the console that holds your personal machine if you should need it. It could be the dual 2” speakers that enhance your music, podcasts or trainer’s instructions. Or perhaps the fact that it easily folds up and out of the way after use. Needs are different for everyone.

Pros:

  • 2.0 CHP Mach Z: good for walking
  • Power incline (10%)
  • Audio auxiliary port with 2-inch speakers
  • 50 built-in programs
  • iFit-enabled: one year free subscription
  • EKG grip pulse heart rate sensor
  • Space saver (Foldable)
  • User weight capacity: 300 lbs.
  • Warranty: Lifetime on frame, 25 yrs. on motor and 1 yr. parts and labor.

Cons:

  • Not powerful enough for serious runners
  • 50” track length
  • Small track rollers
  • No wireless heart rate monitoring
  • Slow customer service

Introduction

Are you looking for a walking treadmill? Then the ProForm Smart Performance 400i is a good choice for your  wishlist. It has all the specs that make it a good, durable machine in its class.

Workout Programs

There is a vast library of workout programs to work with to increase your walking strength and fitness. The Smart Performance 400i comes with 50 built-in programs featuring calorie burn, high intensity, speed, incline and mixed workouts.

In addition to the 50, through the iFit Coach app, you will have access to an abundance of on-demand trainer-led videos from landscapes around the world to indoor studios that will have you getting on and off the treadmill. The  iFit enabled treadmill will sync with the elevation (the track will incline or decline, increase and decrease in resistance) of the various terrains that you may choose anywhere in the world via Google Maps.

ProForm SMART Performance 400i Features

7” Smart HD Touchscreen: The 7” display screen is large enough to swipe through to view your stats and follow the 50 workout programs that come built in. The high definition provides a clean crisp view of the trainer led on-demand videos or the landscapes from around the world that you may choose to walk on.

iFit Coach enabled: The iFit subscription is part of the new way of working out at home – virtually. On demand trainer-led video options – in the thousands – will increase your cardio and build lower body strength; from the outdoors – where you are able to choose a beach, mountain or city centre via Google maps – to indoor studios with an assortment of trainers that incorporate all levels and exercises with your machine. And whether it is the 50 built – in or the iFit workouts your treadmill will sync to line up with the resistance of the workout by the instructor or the terrain.

Running track/tread belt: The running track is 18” x 50”,  is a little on the short side, although it can work for walking when your strides – physically – are shorter than for running. It is made with the ProShox cushioning which helps to soften your impact on landing, saving those joints for the long run.

Speed and incline: The motor speed for the Smart Performance 400i is 2.0 CHP Mach Z, which allows you to go up to 10 MPH. This is good enough for walking workouts. But if you want to add a little more resistance along with a targeted lower body toning, the incline will do just that, going up to 10%.

Speakers: Sometimes a little music with a lot of volume, or the sound of the trainer in your ear is what you need to get you over the wall to your goal. The dual 2” speakers enhance whatever it is that works for you; the audio auxiliary lets you add your own playlist if need be.

Tablet Holder: An integrated tablet holder above the display holds your personal computer in place.

Space saver: The 400i is on the smaller side of residential treadmills, but if you need to place it discreetly out of the way, the space saver design makes it easy to fold up.

Weight and height capacity: The weight capacity of 300 lbs means just about anyone will comfortably use the 400i. As for the height, if you are on the taller side you may need to check out the 600i or 800i to accommodate longer strides.

Warranty: The warranty is decent: lifetime on frame, 25 years on motor and 1 year on parts and labor.

Warranty & Guarantee

The ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Deck: Lifetime
– Motor: 25 years
– Parts: 1 Year
– Labor: 1 year

ProForm provides a 30-day money back guarantee on its treadmills.

Conclusion

As far as walking treadmills, the ProForm Smart Performance 400i, is a machine of choice. It is good for walking only; you can try to run but it will not be comfortable or durable. It’s a good option for seniors, rehab and those who just want to have the option to walk indoors. The ProForm brand is good, albeit in the past the customer service has left a bit to be desired. Otherwise, their warranty is good, and that is always a positive sign of a  company that stands behind its product.

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