Cross training treadmills offer the addition of an added feature to change the dynamics of the treadmill workout. Some cross trainers do a better job than others of making the added feature, most commonly hand wieghts, work with the machine to create an overall enjoyable workout.
The ProForm 660 cross trainer treadmill is, like many other cross training treadmills, little more than more than a cheap treadmill with hand weights. Even though the programs featured are designed to encorporate the hard weights into the workout, this machine does not offer enough power to truly enjoy this machine a treadmill or a cross trainer.
ProForm 660 Cross Trainer Treadmill Specifications
Motor- 2.0 HP
Folding- Yes
Max Speed- 10mph
Incline- 0-10%
Walking Surface- 55″ X 19″
Display- LCD
Programs- 12
Dimensions- N/A
Treadmill Weight- N/A
Max User Weight- 300 lbs
Warranty- 12 year Motor, 1 year Parts and Labor
To be entirely fair, the programs included do use the hands wieghts well to offer a workout targeted at various regions of the body. Unfortunately, regardless of the motor rating, this treadmill does not offer enough power to even allow a light jog without feeling as though you are taxing the motor to its limit. It is hard to get an effective workout at a light walk. The fan, despite making the machine look a little more serious, only comes in handy if you would be sweety sitting on the couch, the 660 has a hard time delivering a truly sweaty workout.
Price Is The Advantage
Every treadmill has some advantage, no matter how many faults. For the ProForm 660, cost is its major advantage over other machines. At under $600, what the machine delivers is understandable, a week motor, a week warranty, and poor construction. But, a $600 machine that does not have those flaws would be hailed as a wonder and ultimately be one of the best values on the market.
What this treadmill does offer, is good programs which well designed to meet fitness goals. Unfortunately for anyone already in decent shape, this machine does not have the power to deliver the type of intense workouts necessary to maintain conditioning and serve as a cardiovascular workout. At a low speed and when used by someone who casually approaches exercise, looking to lightly walk, this machine provides programs which make sticking to a chosen workout easy.
Cushioning is adequate for light walking, which is all this machine can really handle, but does not compare to better machines when it comes to even a light jog. For a machine often referred as being one of the better machines at its price range, the 660 doesn’t offer much.
Spend More, Get More
Cheap treadmills are often made from cheap parts, utilize a cheap design, and worst of all, are powered by a cheap motor. The 660 from ProForm offers $10 worth of 2lb hand wieghts instead of a powerful motor, larger belt, or good cushioning. Looking at the pool of $600 treadmills the 660 may not look bad, but in general it is not an acceptable machine.
Update: The Proform 660 treadmill has been discontinued but you can check out other Proform treadmills here
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