Quick Summary
At $999 the Performance 505 CST is one of ProForm’s cheapest treadmills with a 55″ track.
This treadmill has simpler technology than most other ProForm treadmills, but it’s still compatible with iPod and iFit.
Is it your best option for cardio training?
Decide with help from our full ProForm Performance 505 CST Treadmill review below.
Specifications
Model | ProForm Performance 505 CST |
Rating | 87.4% |
List Price | $999 |
Best Price | $999 |
Speed | 0 - 10 mph |
Incline | 0 - 10% |
Motor | 2.5 CHP |
Deck | 20" x 55" |
Belt | ProShox™ Cushioning |
Folding? | |
Programs | 18 |
Max. Weight | 325 lbs |
Heart Rate | EKG™ Bluetooth Compatible |
Dimensions | 61" x 36.5" x 73.5" |
Display | 5" Backlit Display |
Cooling Fans | |
Accessory Tray | |
Speakers | |
Quick Controls | |
Warranty | Frame: 10 years Parts: 1 Year Labor: 1 Year |
Our Rating
Rating: 87.4/100. With iFit compatibility and an automated incline, the $999 ProForm Performance 505 CST is potentially the most motivating treadmill in its discount price class. First, owners who connect their iFit subscriptions ($99/year) can design workout programs that use terrain data from Google Maps. The treadmill can adjust its incline to mimic real landscape, plus an interactive Street View shows on the iFit monitor. Second, you can listen to your favorite tunes through on-board speakers. The Performance 505 CST is a smartphone-compatible treadmill.
Specs for the ProForm Performance 505 CST include a 2.5 CHP motor, a top speed of 12 mph, a 20″ x 55″ track and a maximum incline of 10 percent. Workout support comes from 18 preset programs — plus unlimited workout programs are available through iFit.
Using iFit with this particular ProForm treadmill requires the separate purchase of an iFit monitor.
Pros:
- Top speed 10 mph
- Power incline (10 percent)
- iPod-compatible (2″ speakers)
- 18 workout apps
- iFit-compatible
- Backlit display
- Contact pulse monitor
- SpaceSaver (Foldable)
Cons:
- Built with less durable parts
- Noisy
- No wireless heart rate monitoring
- Display is basic compared with other ProForm treadmill displays
- Slow customer service
- Short warranty
- Long assembly time (2 hours+)
Finding pros about the Performance 505 CST treadmill is easy, but it’s not hard to find cons either. Overall it offers a lot for $999.
If you can afford to spend a bit more than $999, and if iFit attracts you, then we recommend the slightly more powerful Performance 600i. It can use your tablet computer as its iFit display. The 600i is often priced competitively with the treadmill in this review.
Introduction
The Performance 505 CST Treadmill is an entry level treadmill from ProForm, a brand known for adding motivational features to its cardio trainers. Here the “extras” include 18 preset workouts, iFit compatibility (separate monitor required) and smartphone compatibility.
The Performance 505 CST has a 55″ track with 10 percent power incline to boost your metabolic rate. Its motor has 2.5 continuous horsepower.
Although full price is $999 this ProForm treadmill often sells for $599 including delivery.
Workout Programs
The ProForm Performance 505 CST has 18 workout programs designed by a certified personal trainer. Each workout program has a set duration and can alter the treadmill’s speed and incline. These programs are organized into four categories: Calorie, Incline, Intensity and Speed.
For infinite workout variety you can use an iFit membership with the Performance 505 CST. To do so you’ll need an iFit monitor (sold separately). With iFit you can download a customized treadmill workout anytime or train with celebrity personal trainers’ HD video workouts. You can also virtually jog around the world with Google Maps™: Choose from suggested Google Maps™ routes or set any path you please. The Performance 505 CST Treadmill will adjust its incline to simulate the topography, plus an interactive Google Street View will show on the iFit monitor.
ProForm Performance 505 CST Features
Exercise data are shown on a backlit LCD. Stats shown are mileage, speed, calorie burn, pulse and time. Pulse is measured with contact sensors on the 505 CST’s handlebars.
A top feature on the Performance 505 CST Treadmill is its 10 percent incline, which helps you feel some extra burn. This automated ramp supports faster calorie burn and targeted muscle toning.
The workout surface is the standard length and width for a walker’s treadmill (55″ x 20″). The one-ply tread track runs over ProShox™ cushioning, which is much friendlier to your joints compared with outdoor running surfaces.
For extra motivation this treadmill has a smartphone dock and 2″ speakers.
A SpaceSaver™, this ProForm treadmill can easily be folded up after workouts.
Warranty & Guarantee
The ProForm Performance 505 CST Treadmill warranty includes:
– Frame: Lifetime
– Motor: 25 years
– Parts: 1 year
– Labor: 1 year
ProForm provides a 30-day money back guarantee on its treadmills.
Conclusion
The Performance 505 CST is made primarily for budget-minded walkers. It can be a great aid to someone getting started with cardio training, but like other $599 treadmills it isn’t built for long term use.
Other low-priced ProForm treadmills might be better options. Prices fluctuate but often the Performance 600i is a competitive alternative.