ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill Review (2024)

The ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill is an excellent walking treadmill. It has a 2.0 CHP motor and overall durable build of a cardio machine. However, ProForm is no longer making this product as newer models have been introduced. If you’re looking to purchase one used, or if you want an alternative, we’ll provide everything you need to know in our ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill review. 

We Know About Treadmills 

Treadmills are an essential part of many gyms, and our job is to give you the facts you need to make the best decision. As a diverse group of certified personal trainers, Crossfit L-1 trainers, and fellow avid gym members goers, we know a thing or two about treadmill training. Our team has tested the best budget treadmills on the market, so we know exactly what to look for when assessing these machines.

Looking for an Alternative to ProForm Performance 400i?

Whether you are looking to buy a new treadmill or looking to upgrade your old Performance 400i, we suggest the ProForm City L6 as an alternative. You will find that this treadmill has a stronger horsepower motor, so you can use it for more than walking. As a treadmill under $600, we love this option for home gym owners looking for an affordable machine. 

Best Alternative to ProForm Performance 400i

ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill

GGR Score: 3

Check Price

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 400i

While we haven’t gotten to personally use the Performance 400i, we have used a number of ProForm treadmills ourselves and know a lot about the brand’s machines. 

Wwe can tell you that the 400i can get your heart rate elevated through its 50 built-in workout programs. If none of those treadmill workouts sounds appealing, you can also follow your own or just watch some television using the built-in tablet holder. 

RELATED: The Best NordicTrack Treadmills

As a compact machine, this is great for those looking to save space. However, you’ll make some sacrifices, like a smaller tread belt that clocks in at 18 inches wide by 50 inches long. Due to the smaller treadmill size and lower CHP motor, this treadmill is best suited for walking in comparison to a run or jog.

ProForm Performance 400i Specs

Because this machine is no longer listed on the ProForm site, we researched its specs and found competing information.

Key Features of the ProForm Performance 400i

Due to the lower-power motor and small belt, this is an ideal treadmill for seniors and people who solely intend to walk. We really like ProForm’s signatute Spacesaver design, which means you can lift and lock the treadmill deck into place to reduce its footprint. We found in our own testing of the ProForm 9000 that the hydraulics make folding the running surface away quick and easy. 

This product has 50 different built-in workout programs, which puts it ahead of most other competitors in a similar price range. You are also able to keep track of your heart rate through the grip pulse heart rate monitor, making it easy to track statistics. 

Footprint, Portability, and Durability

This treadmill is pretty average for a treadmill built to walk. The 2.0 CHP Mach Z motor is not super strong, but one of the benefits of having a lower-grade treadmill motor is that it costs less money. The 400i’s footprint is 65.77 inches long by 32.75 inches wide by 56.42 inches tall. We could not find a footprint of the treadmill folded. 

We like this treadmill because even though it is a little smaller, the weight capacity is still 300 pounds. ProForm integrated its spacesaver design, which allows it to fold up when you are finished using it. The cardio machine is built to last as shown by the warranty, which is a lifetime on frame, 25-years motor warranty, and one-year warranty on parts and labor.

Ergonomics

When talking about how the machine runs, many people like to mention the ProShox cushioning system (we also tested and enjoyed this on the ProForm 9000). This design is meant to reduce the stress and impact on your joints, ideally allowing you to walk for longer. 

RELATED: Best Cushioned Treadmills

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

While a newer model treadmill may have more technology benefits, you will still find the Proform SMart Performance 400i still has its fair share. The cardio machine comes with a 7-inch smart HD touchscreen display and already has 50 built-in workout apps and programs installed for you to choose from. If none of the built-in workouts speak out to you, you can always use the integrated tablet holder to stream your own workouts or shows. 

There is a heart rate sensor located on the handlebar grips. This allows you to track your heart rate as you get your cardio in. This treadmill does not come equipped with a built-in fan, however there are some other key benefits you will find on this machine: 

• iFIT-enabled 
• Incline control 
• Audio auxiliary port
• Dual 2-inch speakers 

Final Verdict of Our ProForm Performance 400i Review

If you like walking indoors or don’t want to get lost trying to navigate the outdoor trails, this is a may be a good option for you. Whether you are looking for a reliable walking treadmill to help you reach your fitness goals or a folding treadmill for your small home gym, this treadmill could deliver. It isn’t meant for serious runners due to the lower-power motor and small running surface.

ProForm Performance 400i Rating

ProForm Performance 400i

Our ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill review takes a look at this now-discontinued machine and offers alternatives.

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 599

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.6

ProForm Performance 400i FAQs

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Kate has nearly two decades of experience working in both the fitness and content industries. On the fitness side, she has worked in a number of settings: youth athletics, owned a CrossFit affiliate, personal training, weightlifting coach, CrossFit coach, and fitness floor consultant at a YMCA. Personally, Kate enjoys competing in weightlifting and stores her barbell in her bedroom.On the content side, Kate’s background is in newspaper journalism. She branched into public relations for the American Red Cross for about five years and then moving into content marketing.Today, her work at Garage Gym Reviews blends her excitement for fitness and love of writing. If she isn’t reviewing fitness equipment, you can find her working out or spending time with her two children.Certifications:NASM Certified Personal Trainer CrossFit Level 1 Trainer USA Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer

Further reading

What You Need To Know About the Egg Diet: Is This Fad Diet Worth Following?

by Zach Pierce, CPT, MSc

This article will outline what you need to know about the egg diet for short-term weight loss. Read more

Rogue Dumbbells vs REP Dumbbells (2024): Which Is the Better Hand Weight?

by Lauren Strong, CPT

It’s a battle of the brands in this Rogue dumbbells vs REP dumbbells comparison. Which will land on top? Read more

Hyperice Hypervolt Review (2024): One of the Best for the Money

by Cooper Mitchell, GGR Founder

In our Hyperice Hypervolt review, we’ll tell you why we think this is one of the best massage guns out there. Read more

Running Heart Rate: What is normal?

by Shane McLean, CPT

What is a good running heart rate? Our guide explains how to determine your working heart rate. Read more