Just like many of its models, Proform has upgraded the Performance 600i to the SMART Performance 600i with some advanced technology that makes it popular on the market.
It’s a nice blend of some high-end features with significant emphasis on tech, and quality performance that most walkers and joggers are going to love, but it’s probably not best suited for tall runners or hard use. So, should you consider it buying?
We tested and analyzed every aspect of this treadmill and here we’ve shared all the findings and insights to give you a bottom line whether or not this is the right choice for your home gym.
Let’s explore all the bells and whistles….
Construction, Core Features & Benefits
Design & Appearance
The Proform SMART Performance 600i is another neatly and wisely designed treadmill. Though it’s not a commercial grade treadmill, it’s a sturdy built that won’t shake when you’re working on it.
The frame is made up of steel whereas the console seems to be manufactured from good plastic with overall black and grey color contrast. The crossbar supports the frame poles and console so that they don’t wiggle.
Having 33.5-inch width, 69.8-inch depth, and 56.42-inch height, it claims to hold the users of up to 300 pounds. So most users should be able to use this machine safely for their walking and jogging workout sessions.
2.5 CHP Drive Motor
Having a good quality 2.5 continuous horsepower motor strength – a mid-tier performing motor, the Proform SMART Performance 600i allows you to try different walking and jogging without going down. It runs smoothly to power your workouts, and easily handles speed and incline adjustments without hitching.
Moreover, though you can hear it running under the motor hood, the sound output isn’t so high that it’ll not disturb your ears. Contrarily, the sound is normal and tolerable.
But if you’re planning to do hardcore training including longer and intense runnings or serious race training, you should look for more powerful and sustainable motor
Nonetheless, if you’re primarily interested in walking and jogging, the Proform 600i would satisfy you. Additionally, it can serve you for years when not used abusively.
Deck Size
Measuring 18 inches wide and 55 inches long, the track area should be plenty for walking and jogging stride for most users. If you’re not exceptionally tall, you would be able to take natural strides comfortably throughout your regime session. It should not make you feel confined or restrict your footfall while working out.
However, people over 6 feet height should consider longer belts and for this, you’ll likely have to spend more money.
Proshox Cushioning
If you worry about walking or jogging outside on a hard surface that causes joint fatigue, soreness or pain, and disturbs your regular exercise, especially if you’re dealing with joint problems.
Then the Proform’s featured cushioning named Proshox Cushioning on this treadmill is absolutely a thing for you that runs along both sides of the deck. It absorbs the shock when your feet land on the deck reducing the impact on your joints.
It’s not the best cushioning like high-end expensive treadmills, but it makes your joints stay safe compared with outside concrete surfaces. This also enables you to workout longer while improving the exercise recovery rate.
Up to 10 MPH Speed
The belt of the Proform SMART Performance 600i can run at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour which means 1 mile in 6 minutes. This speed range goes good with its motor strength and should easily cover your walking and jogging speed requirements.
Up to 10% Incline
If hiking or uphill training inspires you or you want to burn calories at a higher rate without running, then the incline capability will help you achieve your goals.
The Proform SMART Performance 600i treadmill’s deck raises up to 10 grade or percent incline which is quite modest. Moreover, you’re allowed to versatile your session by making different combinations of speed and incline and get more work done in a short time.
One-Touch Quick Controls for Speed and Incline
If you’re one of those who hate pressing buttons multiple times to reach your right pace and the boosting incline, rather you want to get straight into the workout. Then you would be happy to know that this machine comes equipped with Quick Control buttons to reach the exact speed and incline in no time.
The 1 to 10 buttons on the console allow you to make the changes without breaking your stride or losing focus on your performance. And you reach your intensity level without wasting any time. For example, you can go from 3 miles per hours to 5 miles per hours and/or you can adjust the slope of the deck or incline from 0 to straight 2%, just with one button press.
However, if you want to adjust your speed and incline in small increments, you also get the +/- buttons to make 0.1 mph or 0.5 mph change in speed and up/down buttons for 0.5 change in incline. This precise control enables you to find your extra calorie-torching workout or strengthening your legs while staying in your heart zone.
Space-Saving Design with Foldable Deck
If you can’t afford to have a full-time dedicated space for your treadmill to leave it open all the time, then this Proform SMART Performance 600i got you covered with its space saving design with deck folding.
You can fold the deck in the upright vertical position. Though the process isn’t automated, it’s easy to raise the deck up with just one hand, all thanks to the Easylift assist and the deck automatically locks in place for safety. So, the treadmill will take a lot less floor space.
Unfolding is even easier, all you have to do is push the upper end towards the console, press the upper part of the storage latch with your foot, after that push the upper deck end and step back. The deck will lower automatically, instead of having you hold the deck and bend down with it.
So almost any adult who can safely lift roughly 45 lbs (20kg) can fold and unfold the machine painlessly and safely. And for mobility, there are wheels at the base of the frame.
Know More About Proform SMART Performance 600i
Console Feature and Computer Functionality
10-inch Full Color Smart HD Touch Display
A display is a must to see your workout stats to monitor your workout progress effectively. For this, the Proform SMART Performance 600i features a 10-inch screen, which is the most noticeable part of the console. It’s not like cheap dull screens, instead, it’s colored and bright to give the nice graphics while being touch-enabled for convenient responsiveness. It’s most likely the largest and nicest screen at this level.
It displays all of your essential workout data such as speed, incline level, time, distance, calorie burn and heart rate enabling you to track your workout metrics and plan your upcoming sessions for optimum results. This detailed information will tell you where you’re fitness-wise when you’re training for something in particular such as weight loss.
Also, it gives you access to the built-in programs and iFit as well that we’ll talk below.
Heart Rate Tracking
Whether you’re getting started with a new exercise or are a committed fitness enthusiast, monitoring your heart rate is required to stay in your optimum heart zone while shedding extra calories faster. And a good treadmill should come with this functionality, so do the Proform SMART Performance 600i.
There are EKG heart rate sensors built into the handlebars. To monitor your cardio condition, you need to grab the sensors for approximately 10 to 15 seconds and once your pulse is detected, the reading will be shown on the screen. Though, this method of monitoring is less accurate than wireless monitoring.
Hence, the SMART Performance 600i’s console is also compatible with all Bluetooth smart heart rate monitors that you’ll need to buy separately. In addition to being more accurate, it gives a continuous reading while moving.
50 On-Board Programs
If you have never been on a treadmill before and you’re just starting your fitness journey whether it’s losing weight or training yourself for hikes, strengthening your legs for races or improving your heart’s health for years to come, then you would probably love having some beforehand programs on your machine that you can follow along.
Having said that, the Proform SMART Performance 600i comes programmed with 50 preset workout programs at your fingertips that’s pretty much sheer to keep you engaged.
Best thing about these fitness programs is all these programs are designed by fitness trainers to achieve a particular fitness outcome, so you don’t have to do any guesswork.
Moreover, all these programs are automated, which means the speed and incline works in-sync with the selected program. So, you don’t need to change them, instead, you can entirely focus on your performance.
iFit Enabled with 1 Year Free Membership
What if you’re going to share your treadmill with other members of the family? You would need separate user accounts for each individual? Or what if you want something outside of the preset programs?
For this, the Proform SMART Performance 600i offers something for you – iFit. The treadmill’s screen features iFit and comes with a 1-year free family membership. Which means up to 5 members can create their personal profiles using the iFit on the treadmill’s screen without attaching any external device and without paying for 1 year. Nonetheless, it requires an internet connection to operate.
iFit is an online fitness interactive training app loaded with numerous features such as hundreds of on-demand fitness video workouts both indoors and outdoor that are led by professional trainers. So, no matter what fitness level you’re at, you’ll find something motivational and effective for you.
Another interesting feature that grabs the attention of many people is Google Maps’ integration. This means, using Google Maps, you can choose any place in the world as a route for yourself opening the whole new world of fitness possibilities. This is mind-blowing if you love to walk and jog outdoors to enjoy the scenic and vibrant routes.
And when you’re following a trainer or a terrain that involves going up and down, the treadmill’s incline changes accordingly without your command. You can even challenge other iFit users to bring fun and boost yourself. Know more about iFit on their official website.
Integrated Tablet Holder
One limiting thing about the console screen is probably it isn’t web-enabled which means you can’t access anything outside of the preset workouts and iFit.
But what if you want to browse the web, check your emails and social media, or watch Netflix, youtube or even some fitness programs outside of what you already have on your machine?
The simple answer to all these questions is, bring your own smart device such as your tablet on the treadmill along with you.
For this, SMART 600i has an integrated tablet holder. It stands at the top of the console so, it won’t block any of the areas on your console. Moreover, it’s adjustable to hold devices of slightly different sizes easily and safely. So, you can have all of your training tools and entertainment must-haves while working out.
Audio Compatibility with Built-in Speakers
To make your exercise time fun and entertaining rather than dull and boring, the console of this treadmill has a small sound system consisting of two in-built 2-inch speakers and audio auxiliary port to connect your device via a 3.5 mm male audio cable that’s not included with the purchase and you’ll have to buy one by yourself.
Once you connect your audio device to the console, you can play the audio on your device and the sound will be available through the console speakers. You can adjust the sound volume either on your device or by using the volume buttons on the console.
Obviously, you can’t expect the sound quality like your home theatre system, but you still can enjoy your favorite music or audiobooks with decent sound quality while working out. But if you need to keep the sound limited to you, you can always use your earphone with your audio device.
Built-in Air Fan
To keep you cool throughout your sweating session, there is a fan having different speed settings built at the bottom of the console. It’s positioned to throw fresh air at the core where most people retain heat during workout.
Water Bottle/Cup Holders
To keep your body hydrated before, during and after your workout with a quick water intake, there are deep water bottle or cup holders at each side of the console.
Setting It Up and Maintenance
When it comes to assembly, you have two options; either you can ask for an expert assembly at the time of making the purchase, or you can set it up by yourself.
There comes a user manual with the treadmill to help you with the assembly process. Though the assembly is a two-person job because it’s quite a heavy machine and requires lifting and holding some parts, you can assemble the treadmill if you’ve some DIY skills and follow the instructions properly.
Having the deck, belt, and motor preassembled out of the box, you’ll need to connect wires, attach upright poles, handrails and the console at the top which itself is completely put together. Expect the whole process from unpacking to making the machine ready for use to take 2 to 3 hours or so.
Regarding maintenance, according to the user manual, the belt comes pre-lubricated. So, it wouldn’t require lubrication any soon. But to keep the machine working efficiently, like any treadmill, you’ll need to maintain a regular cleaning with damp cloth and a little amount of mild soap. But avoid spraying liquids directly to the machine, especially keep the liquid away from the console.
Things You Should Know
Not for Tall Runners or Hardcore Use
Though it performs excellent for walkers and joggers or light to moderate use, it’s 2.5 CHP motor and 55-inch long and 18-inch wide belt doesn’t seem to be best for seasoned runners or training hardcore. So, it’s a bit of lightweight in terms of overall construction for intense use.
Warranty
The Proform SMART Performance 600i warranty covers 10 year on frame, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. The 10-year warranty is fairly short considering most quality treadmills offer lifetime or at least 25-year warranty on the frame. However, the parts and labor warranties are fairly acceptable.
At a Glance
- Motor: 2.5 CHP
- Speed: 0 to 10 MPH
- Incline: 0% to 10%
- Quick Controls for Speed and Incline
- Track Size: 18-inch wide x 55-inch long
- User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Footprint: 33.5-inch Wide x 69.8-inch Deep x 56.42-inch Tall
- Cushioning and Folding Design with EasyLift Assist
- Display: 10-inch SMART HD Colored Touch Screen
- Heart Rate Tracking: EKG Sensors and Bluetooth Smart Chest Strap Enabled
- Built-in Programs: 50 Preset Programs
- iFit Enabled with 1-year Free Family Membership
- Sound System: Dual 2-inch Speakers and an Audio Auxiliary Port
- Tablet Holder, Air Fan, Water Bottle Holders
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Video Review of Proform SMART Performance 600i Treadmill
Pros
- Quality motor for walking and jogging workouts
- Handy Quick Control Button for quick changes
- 10-inch HD Smart TouchScreen gives colored and bright graphics
- Bunch of preset workouts to get started
- Folding design to reduce floor space
- Shock Absorbing Proshox Cushioning makes workout easy on your joints
- Heart Rate Tracking Functionality
- Entertainment features included
- 1-year free iFit family membership included
Cons
- Not so many drawbacks, but the warranty could have been a bit longer.
- Bluetooth heart rate chest strap isn’t included
- Assembly might be difficult for some people
The Bottom Line
So, if you’re looking for a treadmill for your daily light to moderate exercise that comes packed with multiple training options and entertainment features while offering a comfortable exercising experience without breaking your bank, then the Proform SMART Performance 600i is a great choice.
All in all, the Proform SMART Performance 600i is an excellent, good quality treadmill for walkers and joggers to build a healthy and active lifestyle. Above all, it’s probably one of the best tech-savvy treadmills at thi price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this have a negative decline?
No, the Proform SMART Performance 600i doesn’t have any decline.
Can you use it without iFit?
Though the Proform SMART Performance 600i comes with 1-year free iFit membership, you
can use your treadmill without subscribing to iFit.
Can you use it without WiFi?
Yes, you can absolutely use your Proform Smart Performance 600i without having an internet connection, but for some features such as iFit, you’ll need to connect your treadmill to an internet connection.
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