The Proform SMART Performance 400i is the new edition of the old Proform 400i version. This new model comes with impressive features such as a 7-inch smart touch screen, incline capability, and a whopping workout library of 50 programs, among other enhancements, that make it stand out from the previous models.
Having some advance and hi-tech features, Proform SMART Performance 400i is entry-level excellent workout equipment for walkers and light joggers. But why can’t it be used for serious running? We’ll see in this detailed review. Contrarily what makes it so good for most walkers and joggers.
Let’s start…..
Construction and Performance
Frame Construction and Design
The Proform SMART Performance 400i has a simple and clean design in black and gray colors. The frame seems sturdy and the machine rests snugly on the floor when in use. The deck sits slightly up off the ground increasing the step-on height a little. And the uprights poles are slightly aft to bring the console closer towards you.
Having a footprint of 65.77 inches length, 32.75 inches width, and 56.42 inches height, it’s relatively compact. Additionally, its deck is foldable in the standing position that makes it even more compact occupying less floor space. But, there is no hydraulic assist system under the deck. So you’ll need to manually lift and lower the deck while folding or unfolding.
Moreover, its base has wheels to move it out of the way and store when needed. So, it’s space-friendly design makes it a good option for space-restricted workout areas.
.It’s a well built and safe machine for people weighing up to 300 pounds that make it widely useable for most average home users.
Motor
The Proform SMART Performance 400i is powered by 2.0 continuous horsepower Mach Z motor engineered for smooth and quiet workouts. This motor power should be adequate to handle walking speeds steadily.
But if you’re after intense running such as sprints, you should look for a higher power motor. However, for your different walking workouts, this motor power is what you need right away and should work fine.
Track with Cushioning
Since the Proform Performance 400i is a walking treadmill, the track area is 50 inches long and 18 inches wide. That should provide a comfortable and safe area to walkers having average stride length. But it might not be best for longer strides made during running, especially for relatively taller persons. If you doubt, you can measure your stride length for better evaluation.
Moreover, the deck is cushioned with shock-absorbing Proshox Cushioning that limits the impact on your joints for less joint fatigue compared to pounding on the pavement. It’s not as good as the cushioning on expensive running treadmills, still, a comfortable feature for those having joint problems or arthritis.
Speed and Incline with Quick Controls
Whether you want to do a brisk walk or power walk to lose weight or build cardiovascular endurance and total body strength, or you want to jog at a moderate pace, Proform Performance 400i got you covered with its 10 miles per hour maximum speed. This speed is plenty fast for most average walkers and joggers.
But if you don’t want to move at a faster pace, and still want to burn nasty calories, you get power incline up to 10% to add different resistance levels to your workout. This not only burns more calories, defines and tones lower body muscle but also helps you train yourself for uphills and hikes while minimizing the shock on your joints.
Both speed and incline can be controlled from the console with the touch of a button. The Quick Controls allow you to jump to any feet and resistance level quickly and effortlessly. So, you can stop immediately for a break or increase intensity for a challenging workout.
Learn More About Proform SMART Performance 400i
Console Functionality and Benefits
Brand New Smart HD Touch Screen
When you’re working out on your machine, you would want to monitor your performance. Therefore, to view your workout stats and interact with the treadmill, there is a 7 inch smart HD display embedded into the console that is touch-enabled and colored.
It displays all the essential fitness data including speed, incline level, time, distance, estimated calorie burned, and pulse rate. All this data helps you determine how well you’re performing and where you need to improve. Moreover, this screen is iFit enabled as well. But it might be a little smaller to fully enjoy the iFit videography and crisp graphics. Otherwise, when not using iFi, it works perfectly fine.
Just to compare, it’s very less likely that you’ll find a touch screen on treadmills of this level. So, a good addition that is nice and easy to use.
Device Holder
And if you want to bring your own smart device on your machine, you can bring that as well. Because there is an additional tablet holder integrated at the top of the console that can firmly hold your device in place.
The best part is this additional device holder allows you to have two screens on your treadmill, the built-in one to keep an eye on your workout performance, and your personal device to watch your favorite videos or browse the web or even read a book. Remember, it’s additional which means you can unscrew it anytime.
Heart Rate Tracking
To keep you aware of your heart rate and stay in your optimum training zone, the crossbars are equipped with EKG heart rate monitoring sensors. When you accurately and firmly grip them for a few seconds, your heart rate shows up on the console screen.
However, some users have shown dissatisfaction with the accuracy and reliability regarding readings, which is common with this touch method among treadmills. Contrary, wireless monitoring is more accurate and convenient but this treadmill isn’t telemetry enabled.
So, if you want highly accurate readings, you’ll probably need a separate heart rate tracker.
Enormous Amount of Preset Programs
When training at the gym, you usually are instructed by a fitness trainer. But working out at home on your own can be really challenging to figure out what to do and how to do, especially if you’re just starting out your fitness journey.
But, a good treadmill like Proform Performance 400i often comes with preset programs. Yes, this machine offers 50 pre-designed workout programs on your fingertips. All these programs are designed by fitness trainers with particular fitness goals in mind.
These programs are divided into different categories such as calories burned for weight loss, high intensity, speed, incline, and some other mixed workouts. Depending on your goal, you can opt for any of the programs through the screen. So, having these programs on your console will surely help you kick-start your locked fitness potential and improve your fitness levels over time.
Moreover, the treadmill’s speed and incline work in sync with the selected programs which means the speed and incline automatically adjust, and you don’t need to change them manually. A great feature to fully focus on your performance and achieve your maximum potential. However, you are able to override the preset setting manually if it’s too low or too hard for you.
iFit with 1 Year Free Membership
Just like Proform’s most other treadmills, this machine is also iFit compatible and comes with a 1-year free family membership that would have cost you $33/month if not included with purchase. iFit requires an internet connection to operate on your machine.
iFit is an online fitness and training app having unlimited workout options and features. You can create an account for keeping track of your workout online. You can run anywhere in the world virtually with Google Maps, train yourself with professional trainers both outdoors (city center or beach or mountain) or indoor studio classes and much more just using your treadmill.
The exciting part is, iFit makes your workout setting automated. Which means the speed and incline adjust automatically depending on what’s happening in the program that you’re following whether a trainer or a terrain. So it takes away all the guesswork.
But still, if you want to use your treadmill manually without iFit, you can because it’s optional and you can bypass the setup process.
Built-in Sound System
Sometimes you might want to enjoy your favorite music and other times the voice of the trainer is what you need for motivation and keep going. For this, the machine has a built-in sound system right into the console.
You can simply connect your smart device or mp3 player through the audio auxiliary port and the sound will be available through the dual 2-inch speakers. The sound quality is decent for a treadmill.
Water Bottle/Cup Holders
For your before, during, and after workout hydration, you can place your water bottle in the holders on either side of the console. They’re good size to hold standard cups and bottles.
Installation & Coverage
Assembly
Either you can ask for an expert assembly at the time of ordering from Amazon, or can install it on your own. If you ask for an expert assembly, it will charge you separately in addition to the product’s price but will save you from installation headaches.
But if you don’t want to pay extra dollars, you can assemble it with the help of another person since it’s little heavy. The machine comes with a user manual that explains assembly in a step-by-step process making it easier to follow along. It’s recommended to read the manual thoroughly before starting the assembly.
You’ll have to connect wires, upright poles, handrails, and console, whereas the deck is pre-assembled with motor and belt in place. The whole process from unboxing to making it ready for use can take somewhere between 1 to 3 hours.
Warranty
You get 10 year warranty on frame, 2 year on parts, and can ask for labor help up to 1 year from Proform. This is not a very long warranty, but it still adds value to your purchase.
Video Review of Proform SMART Performance 400i Treadmill
Pros
- Good value for walker and joggers having hi-tech features
- Relatively compact footprint with folding design to save floor space
- Sturdy frame construction
- Cushioning to save joints
- OneTouch speed and incline control
- 50 trainer-designed preset workout programs
- 7 inches smart colored responsive touch screen
- Integrated tablet holder with an adjustable clip to hold your personal device
- iFit Coach enabled with a 1-year free membership
- Music system
- Drink bottle holders
Cons
- No air fan
- Lacks the hydraulic system for assisted folding/unfolding
The Bottom Line
So, if you want a walking or jogging treadmill that is technologically advance, have an array of preset workout programs to add variety to your regime, offer some kind of online fitness app that’s even free to experience new things every day and allows you to walk at an inclined angle, and can withstand your moderate weekly exercises, then Proform SMART Performance 400i makes a good fit.
Though not intended for serious running, it offers all the bells and whistles of higher-end treadmills that makes it a good example of quality for the price.
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