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Last Updated: January 1, 2023
The 400i is part of ProForm’s Performance Series which features affordable treadmills under $1000. This treadmill is a great intro for speed walkers and light joggers who want some fresh tech on a sturdy machine. Featuring ProForm’s specialized ProShox cushioning, the 400i absorbs some of the impact force created during running. The 400i also features iFit, with over 16,000 trainer-led workouts and running routes.
Who It’s For: Joggers and light runners who want iFit enabled tech on a sturdy, folding treadmill
The ProForm 400i is perfect for users who:
- Want a quality treadmill at a lower price-point
- Are looking for 10mph max speed
- Would like to try iFit free for 30 days
- Like a small touchscreen that fits nicely in the console
- Desire 0-10% incline for hills and glute work
- Compact footprint with folding design keeps the 400i out of your way when not in use
- iFit is included free for 30 days, which gives you a chance to try out all the trainers, classes and routes before you commit to a subscription
- 10mph max speed is plenty for most runners and gives you a nice kick for sprint training or HIIT workouts
- 10% incline brings hills into your home for some high-intensity, low-impact training to strengthen glutes and hamstrings
- An integrated tablet holder with adjustable clip will hold personal devices securely and within your line of sight while exercising
- ProShox cushioning reduces impact on your body for increased comfort while walking or jogging
- QuickControl buttons for both speed and incline on the console make moving between speed and incline settings easy with just the touch of a button
- No hydraulic system under the deck for assisted folding and unfolding. You need to hold and lift the deck to both raise and lower.
- Screen is a bit small and doesn’t do iFit justice
- Incline 0 – 10%
10% incline is a nice feature on a treadmill in this price range. Incline training strengthens glutes and hamstrings. You can work hard and kick that heart rate up while walking a hill for high-intensity, low-impact training.
- iFit Enabled, Included Free For 30 Days
iFit is ProForm’s app program with over 16,000 workouts. These are displayed in full-color on the integrated 7” touchscreen. In iFit, you can join a class or run an outdoor route guided by a trainer. Abundant training options are a nice feature with iFit. The routes and classes are engaging and the trainers keep you motivated.
- 18” x 50” Tread Belt
This is a compact tread belt. It will work fine for people under 6 feet, but if you are tall, I would suggest trying it out first to make sure there’s enough length. While the tread belt is shorter than some, it folds up nicely and keeps the treadmill compact.
- ProShox™ Cushioning
This cushioning is standard on ProForm’s Performance line. It is not as soft as the cushioning found on more expensive treadmills, but it is certainly better than running on outdoor surfaces. Cushioning reduces the shock on your spine and joints, so a little bit goes a long way in alleviating impact discomfort.
- Folding Deck SpaceSaver® Design
One of the best features about the 400i is the compact footprint that folds up when not in use. There is not a hydraulic system under the deck, so you need to manually lift and lower the deck. When you release it, hold the deck while you lower it back down to the floor.
- 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
It is nice to have a touchscreen, but the size is a little small. The 7” just doesn’t do iFit justice — you miss a lot of the videography and crisp graphics that are more visible on larger screens. When not running iFit, the screen works fine to display any of the onboard programs.
- Digital QuickSpeed® Control and Incline Control
QuickSpeed buttons are helpful! Even the super-expensive Peloton Tread doesn’t have quick buttons, so I love these on the 400i. You can quickly jump from one speed to another without having to manually increase .5mph at a time. When doing fartleks or running HIIT, the QuickTouch controls are very useful.
- Tablet Holder Integrated with DeVice Grip™ Design
Since the screen is small, the tablet holder becomes more valuable. You can set a tablet or phone in this holder and the clip at the top will keep it secure. This allows you to watch a program, listen to a podcast, or even read a book while on your treadmill.
- Weight Capacity 300 Lb.
300lb is a pretty good weight capacity for a treadmill this compact. This should accommodate most users.
Construction:
- 2.0 CHP Mach Z™
- 18” x 50” Tread Belt
- ProShox™ Cushioning
- 1.6” Precision-Balanced Rollers
- Folding Deck SpaceSaver® Design
- Weight Capacity 300 Lb.
- Footprint 32.75” Wide x 65.77” Deep x 56.42” Tall
Console:
- 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
- EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensor*
- Digital QuickSpeed® Control
- Digital Quick Incline™ Control
- Tablet Holder Integrated with DeVice Grip™ Design
- Audio Auxiliary Port with Dual 2” Speakers
Functionality:
- iFit Enabled, Free For one month
- Speed 0 – 10 MPH
- Incline 0 – 10%
- ProShox™ Cushioning
- Weight Capacity 300 Lb.
Warranty
- 10-Year Frame
- 2-Year Parts
- 1-Year Labor
In-depth Review of the ProForm 400i Treadmill
Construction
Frame
The frame on the 400i is sturdy and the machine rests snugly on the floor while in use. Uprights angle slightly aft to bring the console closer to the user. The deck sits slightly up off the floor which increases step on height just a bit, but adds travel underneath for enhanced cushioning.
Deck
- Cushioning/Feel
This isn’t the most cushioned deck, but it is certainly better than running outside. The ProShox system is designed to add gentle cushioning as needed but still be light enough to fold up.
- Length/Width
At 18” wide by 50” long, this is deck is on the smaller side. Other folding treadmills will range up to 22” wide and 60” long, so this one is best for smaller users or those who just plan to walk.
- Belt and Rollers
The belt and rollers work well together so the running surface glides nicely underfoot. The belt can get a bit slick if you have wet shoes or sweat a lot, so keep an eye on your footing as needed.
Motor
The motor is a 2.0 CHP motor which should hold speed steady throughout. However, the motor is lower-powered than comparable models and is probably best suited for brisk walking. Jogging at high speeds or for long periods of time may tax the motor.
Console/Controls
Screen
The screen is a 7” full color touchscreen which is very unusual for a treadmill in this price range. Designed to showcase the full iFit database, you can watch a lot of different classes on this screen. We wish it were a bit larger, however, since the programs and content are so good. It can be a little hard to see all touchscreen buttons and you miss out on some of the crisp videography in iFit on the 7” screen.
Layout
We do like the layout on the 400i console. The screen sits at eye level in the center with incline and speed buttons just below. Each incline and speed has a button, so it is easy to quickly navigate from one level to another. The buttons are not raised, so they are easy to wipe off. Speakers on either side of the console project iFit volume. There is also an AUX port so you can plug your phone into the speakers.
Fans/Storage
There is no fan, which is unfortunate.There are two water bottle holders on either side of the console and a pocket at the base of the console.
Functionality
Performance
The ProForm 400i is good for walking. The incline range allows you to add variables to your training and also engage additional muscle groups. 10mph is enough speed for any walking program. However, when running, the treadmill feels a little light underfoot and the cushioning is not sufficient for heavy training.
10% Incline
The 10% incline is a nice feature on an affordable folding treadmill. When working an incline, you engage glutes and hamstrings to get a more well-rounded workout. This also allows you to get your heart rate up but stay low-impact when you walk briskly uphill.
Pre-programmed workouts
There are 50 pre-programmed workouts on the 400i which is significantly more than comparable models. Preprogrammed workouts don’t require a subscription and you don’t need WiFi to run them.
Subscription Options: iFit
Currently, the 400i has iFit included free for one month, which means you can try out all the trainers and classes when you purchase the 400i. iFit has over 16,000 workouts both on and off the treadmill, so you get a lot of training options and classes.
Noise Level
The 400i is pretty quiet when walking. It generates a bit of impact noise when running, but we don’t recommend running for long distances or periods of time.
Storage / Folding
It does fold up and locks into place when not in use, which makes it ideal for spaces like apartments or small rooms.
Recommendation:
The ProForm 400i is a compact machine that offers 10% incline and 10mph max speed on a folding treadmill. As a part of ProForm’s Performance line, the 400i typically hovers well below $1000. With a cushioned deck, iFit enabled touchscreen, and EKG heart rate sensors in the grip bar, you can get some low-impact training on a very affordable machine with the 400i.
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