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Editor’s Note: The ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm City L6 as the best alternative, or view our Best Treadmills for more options.
ProForm is well-known for making high-quality, budget-friendly cardio machines. One of the brand’s popular folding treadmills is the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill, which is currently no longer being produced. Whether you have found one used and want to know a little about it, or if you’re looking for an alternative, we’ve got you covered.
Treadmill Review Experts
Our team of equipment experts has tested hundreds of products. We are made up of certified personal trainers, CrossFit L1 trainers, and endurance athletes. As somebody who has trained for a marathon on a treadmill, I know a thing or two about these machines and what makes them tick. Our testers have run on the best treadmills on the market, and we are here to give you our unbiased opinion.
Looking for an Alternative to the ProForm Performance 400?
If the Performance 400 caught your eye and you want something similar, we suggest the ProForm City L6. It’s the most budget-friendly treadmill from the brand that, like the Performance 400, also folds, has great workout programs available, and is good for beginners or advanced users.
RELATED: Best Treadmill Under $1000
Best Alternative to ProForm Performance 400
ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Foldable treadmill
- 0-8 MPH
- 125-lb product weight
- 250-lb user weight capacity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable design
- iFIT programming with trainer-controlled speed
- Tablet holder
- Free shipping
- Bluetooth-enabled
- 0-8 MPH speed
Cons
- No built in screen for iFIT programming
- 30-day return policy with $250 shipping + 10% restocking fee
- User weight capacity 250 lbs
- No incline or decline ability
Bottom Line
The ProForm City L6 folding treadmill is an affordable and compact treadmill to add to your home even if you don’t have a dedicated home gym.
A Quick Look at the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill
This discontinued treadmill, part of the series that includes the ProForm Performance 400i, 600, 900, and 1450, is the entry-level treadmill. This means that you can expect it to pretty much just have the basics.
The Performance 400 is best used for recreational joggers or as a walking treadmill. Originally priced at $799, it features a 2.5 CHP motor and a treadmill belt that measures at 55 inches long. Therefore, you can use it for running, but it isn’t a machine meant for serious runners. It does, however, have compatibility with iFIT programming as well as come with 18 built-in workouts.
Pros:
- Priced under $1,000
- iFIT compatibility
- SpaceSaver folding design
- 0 to 10% incline
- Heart rate monitor
- Cushioned tread belt
- Built-in cooling fan
Cons:
- 2.5 CHP motor isn’t the strongest
- Shorter tread belt not meant for running
- Top speed of 10 MPH may not be fast enough for some
- No HD touchscreen
ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 72.8″ L x 35.74″ W x 56.4″ |
| Weight | Unlisted |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor | 2.5 CHP Mach Z Commercial Motor |
| Walking Belt | 20’’ W x 55’’ L tread belt |
| Display | Basic LCD display |
| Speed Range | 10 MPH |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Grip pulse EKG heart rate monitor |
| Programs | 18 workout apps, compatible with iFIT |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 25-year motor, and 1-year parts and labor |
Key Features of the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill
There are a few things we like about the Performance 400, including what ProForm calls “QuickSpeed” speed and Quick Incline controls. Essentially, with just the touch of a button, you can adjust how fast you’re going or your incline. There are heart rate monitors on the handles, though we know that pulse grips aren’t always the most accurate.
The Performance 400 has a built-in sound system that features two 2-inch speakers. The system is compatible with most iPODs, mp3 players and other devices.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
This treadmill has a relatively small footprint of only 72.8 inches long and 35.74 inches wide. Plus, using ProForm’s “SpaceSaver” design, you can store it fairly easily by lifting and locking the deck into place. We have used this system when we tested the Proform Pro 9000, which has the same folding technology.
Unlike many other treadmills designed for home gyms, the Performance 400 does not have transport wheels, which means it could be difficult to move around your space. We haven’t been able to find a listed weight for the machine, but we can assume based on its specs that it’s around 200 pounds.
Durability-wise, this machine has a 300-pound user weight capacity. That’s about on par with what we would expect from a treadmill this size. The 2.5 CHP treadmill motor is great for those who run recreationally or want a walking treadmill. However, it isn’t designed to sustain heavy or frequent running. For those activities, we like to see a motor of 3.0 CHP or higher.
When the treadmill was still in production, you were able to get a lifetime frame warranty, 25-year motor warranty, and 1-year labor and parts warranty, which testifies to the durability of this product. ProForm is known for its production on durable machines that are built to last.
Ergonomics
Most people like how this machine has ProShox Cushioning, which is meant to reduce the stress on your knees when running (and which we tested and liked on the ProForm Pro 9000). The four-shock absorber cushioning system takes on some of the impact so your joints don’t have to.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The display on this machine isn’t the fancy touchscreen you might find on commercial treadmills. Instead, there are three LED display windows that display your workout metrics.
The ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill comes with 18 pre-programed workout programs. While you run to one of these workouts, you can take advantage of the treadmill’s built-in speakers by just plugging in your device. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can also sync this machine with iFIT, which unlocks thousands of workouts at your fingertips. iFIT features trainer-led classes, on-demand workouts, and features like Google Maps where you can go for a virtual run literally anywhere in the world.
Some other key benefits of this machine include:
- QuickSpeed and Quick Incline controls
- Workout fan
- Heart rate monitors in handlebars
- Water bottle holder
It does not appear that the Performance 400 has a dedicated media shelf or tablet holder.
Final Verdict of Our ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Review
Overall, this discontinued treadmill could be a great option if you’re looking for something in this price range. It is a reliable cardio machine that allows you to do all the basics that you are looking for in a treadmill.
ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Rating
ProForm City L6
Our ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill review takes a look at this now-discontinued machine and offers alternatives.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 599
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.4
ProForm Performance 400 FAQs
Is the ProForm treadmill worth it?
ProForm makes quality machines at affordable prices. The treadmills available on the site today feature iFIT programming, folding designs, and excellent customer reviews.
Can you use ProForm without membership?
You are able to use ProForm treadmills without a membership, however you are able to purchase an iFIT membership if you are looking to elevate your workouts.
Is ProForm a good product?
ProForm is a brand that has been around for a long time in regards to workout machines. Their products are reliable and built to last.
Is ProForm owned by iFIT?
Yes, iFIT owns both ProForm and NordicTrack, among other cardio brands. The company used to be called ICON Fitness.
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