Name: ProForm Performance 505 CST
Brand: ProForm

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 Our custom rating considers all of the treadmill's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	87.4%
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.	$999
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.	2.5 CHP
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).	20" x 55"
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.	18
Max. Weight Treadmill Max User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that it can safely support, which can represent durability.	325 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™ Bluetooth Compatible
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	61" x 36.5" x 73.5"
Display Treadmill Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	5" Backlit Display
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: 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.