ProForm 415 LT Treadmill Review

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Released in 2013, the ProForm 415 LT treadmill features a compact 18″W x 50″L running surface, 10 mph belt speed, and 10% maximum incline gradient.

It’s essentially a similar design to the entry level treadmills in ProForm’s ‘T series’, but now includes a more varied combination of onboard workouts that includes both calorie burning and performance training programs. This is in addition to the iFit Workout Card access.

So how does this compare to other treadmills in ProForm’s LT collection, such as the 690 LT and 700 LT, which features the Jillian Michaels 8-week weight-loss plan?

In this review we’ll be making some important comparisons between the ProForm 415 LT and the upgraded treadmills of the same series. This means taking a close look at the design features, console functions, entertainment options, and workout programs, to determine which model is best suited to your fitness goals and budget.

Note: This treadmill has now been discontinued by ProForm. For a comprehensive list of ProForm treadmills, including their current bestsellers, we recommend taking a look at our in-depth buyer’s guide.

Design and safety features

Although it’s several models behind the 700 LT treadmill, the 415 LT still shares many of the same features, such as a 10% maximum incline setting and 10 mph maximum belt speed. So what are you missing out on by choosing the 415 LT over the 700 LT?

The only difference we found in terms of physical design features was the size of the running area. For the 415 LT this measures 18″W x 50″L, while the 700 LT measures 18″W x 55″L. It’s still short of the 60-inch belt lengths we’re used to seeing on ProForm’s high-end treadmills (Pro series, Performance series), but it’s enough of an improvement to cater for a much wider range of user heights.

Another similarity between these two LT series treadmills is the motor, which is a 2.8 HP Mach Z design. This includes an axial fan, which acts as a self-cooling drive system to reduce wear on internal components and create a quieter indoor running experience. Unfortunately it’s only covered by warranty for 10 years, which is considerably less than the 25 years motor warranty that’s available on the Performance 400i, and the lifetime coverage that’s available with treadmills like the Sport 7.5.

One final feature worth mentioning is the TreadSoft™ Cushioning, which reduces the impact of your foot striking the tread belt, limiting the stress placed on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. This can also limit the amount of muscle breakdown in your legs, leading to faster recovery times and more frequent exercise as a result.

Safety features
With any home fitness routine, it’s important to make sure you’re performing the exercise safely. With weightlifting this can mean having a spotter or using a power cage, but with treadmills the features are a little more subtle.

The ProForm 415 LT is fitted with the standard combination of hand rails and safety key. This is enough to stop the tread belt in the event of a fall, and provide balance assistance if necessary. But you’re missing their more advanced family-oriented safety features, which include a 4-digit child-safety passcode for gaining access to the belt speed and incline functions, and a safety screen timeout that resets the console if no button is pressed and the belt doesn’t move for a set period of time.

These advanced safety features are usually only found on ProForm’s high-end treadmills, such as those in their Pro series, Premier Series, Boston Marathon series, and the Performance 1850 model.

Display console design

Although the ProForm 415 LT is still considered an entry level treadmill, it’s still an upgrade from the 300 LT, which offers a higher number of onboard workouts but has no access to iFit Workout Cards.

The 415 LT also includes a compact LCD screen for providing accurate feedback of useful workout information, such as speed, time, distance, incline, heart rate, and number of calories burned. The fact that the console allows you to enter your body weight improves the accuracy of the ‘calories burned’ calculation, and is another of the features that was missing from the 300 LT.

So as to keep the 415 LT affordable, entertainment options are limited, and you certainly don’t have access to the same advanced iFit Google Maps programs or web-enabled touch screen that you do with their Pro series treadmills.

Instead you have a similar sound system to the treadmills in the ProForm ZT and ProForm T collections, called Intermix Acoustics 2.0. This system offers two 2-inch speakers and an iPod and MP3 compatible Interplay Music Port for listening to your favorite workout music.

Quick controls are available for the speed and incline gradient, which allows you to switch between the same preset levels as on the earlier 300 LT model (10% incline, 10 mph belt speed).

Heart rate monitoring
As with most treadmills at this price point, the ProForm 415 LT doesn’t support telemetry heart rate monitoring via wireless chest straps. Instead you can use the dual EKG™ touch sensors built into the handles, although these aren’t ideal for monitoring your heart rate accurately during high intensity exercise.

Workout programs and user profiles

Despite being one of ProForm’s most affordable treadmills, the 415 LT still provides a challenging selection of preset workout programs, with the ability to extend the collection using iFit Weight-Loss Cards.

Unfortunately you don’t have a choice of goal-based programs like you do with ProForm’s Boston Marathon treadmills, and some of their top-of-the-line designs. But considering the price this is to be expected, and you still have access to programs that have been optimized for calorie burning and increasing your cardiovascular endurance.

Workout categories

Ease of assembly and maintenance

ProForm continue to be one of the best fitness companies in the industry for designing cardio equipment that’s quick to assemble, with clear setup instructions that are easy to follow. Although it’s probably not something you want to base your buying decision around, knowing what to expect from the assembly process can help you get started with your new fitness routine as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the ProForm 415 LT user manual includes clear step-by-step written instructions, accompanied by exploded diagrams with parts references to show how each part fits together. ProForm even include most of the tools you need, including a hex key that can adjust the walking belt.

It’s important to bear in mind that ProForm recommends two people for this assembly. That’s because having most of the treadmill pre-assembled cuts down on the setup time, but does mean you’re moving heavier parts around, such as the running deck.

If this isn’t possible, an alternative to self-assembly is the ProForm professional assembly service.

Professional assembly services
Many modern fitness companies now offer an in-home assembly service, performed by a trained technician, which is often a more convenient option than assembling the equipment yourself.

ProForm only guarantee curbside delivery, but as part of the initial purchase they do offer an in-home assembly service, depending on your location. As an alternative, Amazon have also started offering their own home assembly service for treadmills.

With Amazon, your options very much depend on your location, but it’s an excellent way to find highly rated local companies that can setup the treadmill for an affordable price. Moving the treadmill to a new room isn’t included, so you’ll need to have the boxes in the location you plan on using the machine. If Amazon don’t have service providers in your area, you can sign up to be emailed when they become available.

Transport and maintenance
As with most of their treadmills, the ProForm 415 LT is fitted with transport wheels, which make it easier to move between rooms if needed. You can also benefit from the folding SpaceSaver® design, where you can fold the treadmill to its vertical storage position, creating a compact footprint.

For maintenance, the user manual is packed with useful information to keep the treadmill running smoothly. This includes how to:

What’s covered by the warranty?