ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Review (2024): Diamond in the Rough or Just Another Basic Mineral?

When I was in elementary school, I assumed we’d have a world that looked like something out of “Meet the Robinsons” by the time I was 25. Although we unfortunately don’t have flying cars just yet, we do have an abundance of fitness equipment decked out with tons of technology.  Take that, Disney movie creators! However, not all of us want to be inundated with tech-y things 24/7––it can be a little tiring and overwhelming. Enter the ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill.

In this ProForm Trainer 8.0 Trainer review, I’ll detail why this screenless treadmill could potentially be a decent option for you. I’ve gone full detective mode in order to bring you a killer research-based review that will analyze how the specs stack up with the industry standards.

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ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Foldable at-home treadmill 
• 5″ HD display with Bluetooth
• Comes with iFIT, so you have access to thousands of on-demand workouts
• Built-in tablet holder
• 2.6 CHP motor for long-lasting, quiet use

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Foldable for when it’s not in use
• 5” HD display
• Audio auxiliary port for headphones and other devices
• Trainer-controlled speed and incline
• 300-lb user weight capacity

Cons

• Running area is fairly small (20" W x 55" L tread belt)
• No built-in programs if you opt out of iFIT
• Small screen

Bottom Line

For the price point, the ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill is a high-quality, foldable treadmill that you can count on to be reliable. If you are looking for something with more than just the basics, you might want to check out a different option.

A Quick Look at the ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

ProForm currently offers eight different treadmills, with two of them being closeout options. The ProForm 8.0 Trainer, alongside the ProForm Carbon TL, is one of these machines. ProForm frequently updates their cardio catalog, and will routinely phase pieces of equipment out of their rotation. 

Although the ProForm 8.0 Trainer is living on borrowed time, it still could be a solid investment for you. This budget-friendly treadmill has an integrated tablet holder, is foldable, and has a variety of both speed and incline options. 

My Tips:

• Take a look at our treadmill coupons––you may be able to keep some cash in your pocket.
• Right now, ProForm is offering a free, 30-day iFIT trial with the purchase of the ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill.

Is the ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Worth It?

There is not a single piece of fitness equipment that I’d recommend for absolutely everybody. People have their own wants, needs, abilities, and budgets to take into consideration with every purchasing decision. My take on who’d enjoy the ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill is no different––it isn’t for everyone. Here’s who I think would thrive with this machine and who should tread in another direction. 

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Specs

Customer Reviews

Similarly to NordicTrack, ProForm generally doesn’t publish customer reviews alongside products. Luckily, Costco carries the ProForm Trainer 8.0 and allows for customer reviews. Out of the almost 550 ratings, the average score for this machine is currently 3.8 out of 5 stars. 

Pleased patrons reported enjoying the easy assembly process, inexpensive price, and foldability.

“This treadmill is an exceptional value and is exactly what we had hoped for,” customer Alaska Dan explained. “I wasn’t looking for a lot of bells and whistles, but just something to get some walking in on with a slight auto incline option.”

Displeased customers had various issues with durability, parts coming broken, and irritations with iFIT. 

“I tried using it and it was working OK until the console started smelling like something was burning,” customer Rambo explained. “Now this is not working at all. I was hoping for this machine to last at least a few more years, especially when it was barely used.”

Workout Experience on the ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

I’ve been on almost every currently produced treadmill from both NordicTrack and ProForm. Unfortunately, the ProForm Trainer 8.0 isn’t one of them. However, with my extensive industry knowledge and experience using other ProForm machines, I feel confident that I can provide a good look at the Trainer 8.0. 

The 20-inch-by-55-inch deck isn’t exactly under-desk treadmill short, but it isn’t ideal for taller runners. Generally speaking, I like to recommend 60-inch decks for taller folks or those who run quite a bit. It helps you keep the integrity of your stride without unnaturally forcing yourself to take smaller steps. 

The 2.6 CHP motor is also contributing to my belief that this machine isn’t geared towards runners. If you’re more of a walker or casual jogger, this motor horsepower will work just fine for you. However, someone who plans to use their machine everyday for running may find that the motor lags over time since it is under 3.0 CHP. 

As far as incline goes, the 10% maximum is pretty standard. You should be able to get a great workout and feel the burn in your calves. It is worth noting that the ProForm Trainer 8.0 doesn’t have any decline options, but this isn’t a huge shock for the price. 

The ProForm website doesn’t list the maximum speed of the Trainer 8.0. Perhaps they forgot to put the spec on the product page? This is odd, and slightly confusing. According to Costco, the max is 10 miles per hour, but I cannot guarantee both Costco and the ProForm website are selling the same exact model. 

RELATED: Treadmills at Costco

Footprint and Portability

The footprint of the ProForm Trainer 8.0 is on-par with other machines in its class (like the ProForm Carbon T7). However, it can be folded using the included gas shock, which is always handy. I’m a gas-shock enthusiast, because I believe it can prevent avoidable injuries to pets, small kids, and little toes. If you’re not sure what a gas shock is in this case, it is essentially the mechanism that slowly lowers the deck of the treadmill rather than just slamming it down. 

Since the 8.0 is foldable, this machine might actually work for an apartment or condo. It won’t fold completely flat, but being able to fold a machine and store it in a corner or against a wall is handy for smaller spaces. 

RELATED: Best Workout Equipment for Apartments

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

The ProForm Trainer 8.0 isn’t exactly a technology maven. If you want to view iFIT programming or even just your favorite Netflix show, you’ll have to utilize your own smart device. Luckily, it does appear to have an integrated tablet holder, which can still help you connect your device to the speakers via Bluetooth.

However, if you do put your tablet in the holder, you’re covering up the speed and incline jump buttons. You’ll still be able to switch both of these settings, but it’ll take a bit longer since you’ll be adjusting the number with the arrow keys. 

On ProForm treadmills I’ve used in the past, I’ve been impressed with the speaker quality. According to the ProForm website, the Trainer 8.0 has dual speakers complete with an audio auxiliary port. This is useful if you have traditional headphones you want to plug into the machine. 

Comparison to ProForm Carbon T7

Although I haven’t been on the ProForm Trainer 8.0, I have extensively tested the Carbon T7. Based on a lot of the specs, they seem to be very similar machines. Both have the same deck size, user weight capacity, incline options, and motor horsepower. The only real difference to me is the display––the Trainer 8.0 doesn’t have a touchscreen like the Carbon T7 does. 

Read our entire ProForm Carbon T7 review.

ProForm Carbon T7

ProForm Carbon T7 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.83

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Product Highlights

• Compact and foldable
• Cushioned running deck for longer runs
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Foldable
• Cushioned running deck
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans
• Free 30-day iFIT membership
• Financing available

Cons

• No onboard pre-programmed workouts
• Smaller running surface

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon T7 is an affordable folding treadmill with nice cushioning. Its folding design, added conveniences, and optionality for interactive programming are attractive to those with limited floor space.

Customer Experience 

Oddly, the ProForm Trainer 8.0 does not have a treadmill warranty listed on the product page. However, if the rest of the ProForm treadmills are any indication, it likely has a guarantee of 10 years for the frame and one year on parts plus labor. This is underneath the industry standard of 15 years to life for a treadmill frame. However, I’m judging this machine slightly less harshly since it is under $1,000.

ProForm has a pretty standard return policy. The brand allows customers to return a product within 30 days if they aren’t satisfied. However, it is worth noting that you will have to pay $250 for return shipping and a restocking fee of 10%.  

Ordering and Assembling the ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

The ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill is currently available for around $900 on the ProForm website. At checkout, you’ll have the option to either select free standard shipping or pay an additional $199 for professional delivery/assembly. 

Although I haven’t assembled the ProForm Trainer 8.0, I have put together other treadmills from the brand. Generally speaking, as long as you’re good at following directions (and have an extra set of hands), you’ll likely be able to forego professional assistance. However, if you’re concerned about the process, it may be in your best interest to pony up in exchange for less hassle. 

Although I’d consider the Trainer 8.0 a budget machine, $900 is still a sizable chunk of change to drop all at once. If this doesn’t feel doable to you, consider utilizing ProForm’s great financing options. Just like NordicTrack, ProForm offers financing options through TD Bank. If you qualify, you could pay as little as $25 per month for 39 months (and with 0% APR). 

Final Verdict of Our ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Review

The ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill is under $1,000 and is one of the least expensive machines on the ProForm website. Here are my main takeaways:

• If you’re not interested in iFIT programming and want a really similar machine to the ProForm Carbon T7 (without the extra cash), the Trainer 8.0 is likely it.
• This machine is foldable (and has a gas shock), so it is a decent option for those in smaller spaces.
• For serious runners, the 2.6 CHP motor on the Trainer 8.0 might not be powerful enough. I recommend checking out a treadmill with a motor horsepower higher than 3.0 CHP. 
• This machine is on closeout––snatch it up for your home gym before ProForm discontinues it!

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Rating

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill

Take a gander at our ProForm Trainer 8.0 treadmill review to see if this inexpensive machine could be a good option for you.

Product Brand: ProForm

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 899.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.8

ProForm Trainer 8.0 Treadmill Review FAQs

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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