Precor TRM 445 Treadmill Review 2024

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Last Updated: January 2, 2023

The Precor TRM 445 is a high-end treadmill designed for home use. The TRM 445 comes with a 10 year warranty for residential use and has a custom heart rate program that adjusts incline to keep you in your target heart range. There are 23 preset workout programs, it is Bluetooth enabled, and includes a tablet holder for convenience. The TRM 445 inclines to 15% and declines to 2%. You can control the angle or turn on the preset program to automated uphill and downhill training. There are four user profiles and a 7” LCD display. The TRM 445 features a 56” long by 22” wide running track, which isn’t as long as most models in this price range and may be a limiting factor for some users. However, the TRM 445 does include Precor’s proprietary Ground Effects Impact Control system which provides different cushioning points for impact reduction and landing. The Integrated Footplant Technology also reduces running stress by micro-adjusting the track speed in response to your cadence.

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Who It’s For: Users who want a commercial grade treadmill for residential use with heart rate adaptive programming

The TRM 445 is best suited for:

• Runners who want a high-end treadmill
• Users willing to pay the high sticker price for Precor quality
• Athletes who use heart rate adaptive programming and zone training
• Users who want updated tech but not a subscription service
• Anyone needing extra cushioning in the deck
• Those for whom the 56” length is sufficient

In-depth Review of the Precor TRM 445 Treadmill

There are some definite advantages to the Precor TRM 445. This is a solid machine, weighing upwards of 358lbs. It does not fold up and is designed to sit permanently in your workout space or home gym. Make sure you have enough room for the full 79” long x 34” wide x 59” high footprint. A maximum weight is not specified, but based on the design and weight of the machine itself, we anticipate it will support most users. The TRM 445 has an incline range that drops to -2% grade and inclines to a 15% grade which is comparable to most commercial and residential machines. This provides adequate incline training but based on the sticker price, we would expect a bit more functionality here. The TRM 445 features a 7” LCD console which is easy to use but doesn’t offer video or subscription content. For users who just want to jump on and go, this is a great machine. But don’t look for extra features found on other treadmills in this price range.

Construction

Frame

The Precor TRM 445 is solidly built. Featuring a steel frame with powder coated uprights for durability and a stable welded base, the TRM 445 is a heart machine. It does not rock or tilt side to side when in use and can withstand intense training. The TRM 445 does not fold up, so this machine requires a dedicated workout space. The TRM 445 doesn’t offer the same incline range of comparable incline trainers, but it is certainly a solid machine that is well built and provides abundant training options for both new and advanced users.

Deck

Cushioning/Feel

The TRM 445 features Precor’s Ground Effects Impact Control System which is designed to provide the perfect amount of cushioning with precisely engineered shock absorbers along the front of the deck where impact is greatest. The rear of the deck is more supported to provide a stable surface for strong toe off. This deck is well suited for all types of users. Whether you are a conditioned athlete looking for just the right deck surface or a new user who wants to walk in comfort, the TRM 445 feels good underfoot. The deck has a low step up height of just 7.5” so it is also easy to get on and off.

Length/Width

The running surface is 22” wide which provides plenty of lateral length. However, it is only 56” long which is a bit short for a full running treadmill. We recommend a length of at least 60” for users over 6 feet or any athlete who plans to run since the longer stride from running requires more track length. Many folding treadmills and most full running treadmills in this price range offer a length of at least 60” so we find the 56” to be relatively compact for a treadmill of this size. If you plan to use the TRM 445 for walking, this will be plenty of length. Since the deck is cushioned, this makes an excellent walking treadmill. Also, if you are under six feet tall and have a relatively short stride length, the TRM 445 should work fine. For taller users or those with a long stride or who plan to do sprints or any program that requires an extended stride length, the 56” may not be long enough.

Belt and Rollers

Like the frame, the belt and rollers on the TRM 445 are quality and durable. The rollers are precision-machined, and steel crowned which keep the belt centered and running smoothly to reduce noise and wear. The belt is a multi-ply polyester satin weave with a PVC non-slip surface. The belt is also maintenance free dry-silicone lubrication, which means it does not need to be lubricated. Many treadmill belts require frequent lubrication and/or other maintenance so this makes the TRM 445 an attractive option. The deck is also phenolic laminated and bonded to medium-density fiberboard for stability and resilience.

Handrails and Side Rails

There are two sets of handrails. The side handrails extend forward from the console alongside the track. The handrails are full length and provide a secure handhold while getting on or off the machine and also during workouts when needed. These have a plastic overlay for both protection and comfort. The side handrails are moisture and sweat resistant and can be wiped down to sanitize. A horizontal bar spans the distance between the side handrails. This bar is narrower for an easier grip and has heart rate sensors in the center for each hand. Users can hold the sensors to provide a readout on the console screen. A heart rate sensor is also included, but the sensors are easy to use, especially when walking. We do not recommend holding the handrails while running.

Motor

The TRM 445 has a 3.0 horsepower motor which is adequate for most types of training but may not support extended distances or multiple users. Most treadmills in this price range feature motors in the 4.0 range, so here again the TRM 445 falls a little short. For those planning to use the TRM 445 for customized training, walking, jogging and training by a single runner, the motor should be sufficient. The motor is very quiet and provides smooth incline and speed adjustments. There is no need to hold the handrails during programs since the motor makes changes feel natural. However, the TRM 445 has enough power for advanced training. Some of the programs supported on the TRM 445 include six interval training programs, Rolling Hills, Mountain Peaks, Heart Rate Cardio, Aerobic, Aerobic Plus, Fat Burner, Heart Rate, Fat Burn, Heart Rate Zone, Glute Toner, Glute Toner Plus, Leg Sculpt, Leg Sculpt Plus, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K and Fitness Test.

Console/Controls

Console Layout

The TRM 445 features a 7” LCD display with 16:9 color and backlit touch buttons. The console isn’t as large as some, but it is easy to see. The display shows a graph of your workout progress and upcoming challenges. Alongside the display are readouts for various metrics. Beneath the console are lever style paddle controls for both speed and incline. Just above the lever controls two large digital numbers display your current speed or incline. There is no fan on the TRM 445 but the console is Bluetooth enabled so it will sync with your phone or tablet. A tablet screen sits at the top of the console with tabs along the sides to hold your tablet securely. Since your personal device syncs with the machine, you can actually control volume on the console. Next to the console are two large water bottle pockets which will hold any size water bottle.

Paddle Speed and Incline Controls

The TRM 445 does not have any preset buttons on the console. Instead, there are paddle levers at the base of the console for both speed and incline. These are fun and a bit different. They work great to increase or decrease metrics at any given time; however, they may be a bit clunky if you are doing manual intervals. For preloaded programs with automated intervals, the machine adjusts speed and incline automatically. But since there are no preset speed buttons, you can’t simply skip from one speed to another with just the touch of a button. Instead, you have to use the levers to get where you want to be which can be a bit more of a hassle. The levers are wide with a center ledge that makes them easy to quickly tap up or down.

Accessories and Storage

Two pockets sit just next to the console panel for water bottles or other items. There isn’t any other storage area on the TRM 445.

Speakers

There are speakers on the console. Bluetooth functionality also makes it so you can sync your phone with the TRM 445 to play your music through the speakers. There is also a headphone jack at the bottom of the console.

Tablet Holder

A large tablet holder at the top of the console has an adjustable clip on the top and tabs along the sides to hold most devices securely. The console is Bluetooth enabled so it will sync with your tablet and there are actually control buttons on the console to play, skip or pause a program on your tablet. You can also control music volume from your phone right on the console.

Fans

There are no fans on the TRM 445. This is one design element we find to be lacking on a treadmill at this price point. While we appreciate the clean console and sleek cockpit, the addition of a fan would be beneficial, especially when doing longer runs, sprints, etc. A fan is always handy on a high-end treadmill such as this.

Functionality

Performance

The TRM 445 excels at providing instant functionality at the user’s fingertips. There are 23 preloaded programs with 16 customizable programs as well. The TRM 445 has adaptable heart rate training control which means it will adjust the speed and/or incline to keep your heart rate in a predetermined range. This allows for customizable heart rate training which is a unique feature on a residential treadmill. The TRM 445 includes six interval training programs which provide excellent HIIT training. There are also programs for rolling hills, mountain peaks, heart rate cardio, aerobic conditioning, aerobic plus (challenge), a fat burner program, glute toner, leg sculpt and several heart rate training programs. There are also preset distances for 1 mile, a 5k, and 10k. The TRM 445 also includes a fitness test to assess your overall conditioning level which is very helpful for the heart rate training and customizable programs.

Incline / Decline range

The TRM 445 inclines to 15% and declines to -2%. In the preset programs the speed and inclined are automated, so for the rolling hills and mountain peak training, you don’t have to adjust the controls, the machine will automatically change. Incline training is not only harder, it also targets different muscle groups for balanced leg musculature. Many runners develop tight hip flexors and weak glutes due to all the forward running motion. Adding an incline allows users to recruit and strengthen hamstrings and glutes. Incline training also burns significantly more calories in the same amount of time due to the added challenge of working uphill. Additionally the 2% decline is a useful training variable. Downhill training enables runners to get a real-life feel for rolling hills, with both the up and downhill sections. It is also nice to enjoy a gentle downhill after a long workout.

Pre-programmed workouts

The preloaded programs include the following:

• Be Fit: Intervals 1-1, 2-1, 4-1; Rolling Hills, Mountain Peaks, Heart Rate Cardio
• Lose Weight: 4-3 Interval, Aerobic, Aerobic Plus, Fat Burner, Heart Rate Fat Burn
• Push Performance: Intervals 1-4, 1-2; Heart Rate Zone
• Get Toned: Glute Toner, Glute Toner Plus, Leg Sculpt, Leg Sculpt Plus
• Go The Distance: 1 Mile, 5K, 10K
• Fitness Test
• Manual Mode

Noise Level

The TRM 445 motor is quiet and smooth. As with other treadmills, there is a bit of impact noise, but this is relatively subtle. Since the TRM 445 doesn’t fold, it sits firmly on the floor and most noise absorption is retained under the treadmill. This is a serious training machine that should be properly used by an attentive athlete.

Storage / Folding

The Technogym TRM 445 does not fold. It is recommended to place the TRM 445 on a solid surface with a treadmill mat underneath. This treadmill requires a dedicated space, so it is best to assemble it in the room you plan to use it. Since the TRM 445 weighs 358lbs it should be used with care on an upper floor or apartment. Make sure you have enough overhead space for the incline feature and extra width alongside the machine to safely get on and off.