ProForm 700 LT Treadmill Review

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The ProForm 700 LT treadmill is an upgraded version of the 415 LT, with more onboard workout programs and an 8-week weight-loss routine created by world reonowned personal trainer, Jillian Michaels.

But although you’re gaining onboard workouts, you actually lose the compatibility with iFit Workout Cards.

So taking into account the cost of the two treadmills and the cost of the Workout Cards, which model really represents the best value for money?

In this review we’ll be taking a close look at the design features, console functions, workout feedback, and onboard fitness programs, to help you decide which is the best treadmill for your own home gym.

This includes important comparisons between the ProForm 700 and other treadmills in the LT collection, such as the 1000 LT and 415 LT.

Note: This treadmill has now been discontinued. For an up-to-date list of ProForm treadmills, including the bestsellers from their most recent collection, it’s worth taking a look at our in-depth buyer’s guide.

Design and safety features

Although the ProForm 700 LT includes a powerful 2.8 CHP Mach Z Commercial Pro motor, the maximum incline setting of 10% is the same as on their ZLT series treadmills, which feature a much less impressive 2.0 CHP motor.

The belt speed is even less than ProForm’s ZLT treadmills, with a 10 mph limit, and the weight capacity is only slightly higher, at 300 lbs (250 lbs to 300 lbs for their ZLT series machines).

So we’re not seeing the incline and belt speed we would expect from a treadmill with this level of motor power. To put this in perspective, the ProForm Performance 1850 treadmill has a 3.0 CHP motor, but offers a 15% maximum incline and 13.6 mph maximum belt speed.

Even though the Endurance M8i appears to have a smaller 2.5 CHP Mach Z Motor, it still manages to offer a higher 11 mph belt speed, and the same 10% incline.

In terms of the cushioning system, ProForm have opted for ProShox™ Lite, which reduces the impact of your running stride and limits the stress placed on your feet, ankles, hips, and kness during high intensity workouts.

Unfortunately this cushioning isn’t adjustable and can’t be switched off like you can with the Boston Marathon 4.0 treadmill.

But having this in place reduces the stress placed on your leg muscles, which leads to faster recovery times and longer, more frequent workouts as a result.

One final important feature we want to mention is the 20″W x 55″L running surface. This is generally considered mid-range for a ProForm treadmill, which has belt lengths down to 48″ (400 ZLT), and up to a maximum of 62″ (Boston Marathon series).

Because of the slightly lower maximum belt speed, taller users may not experience any issues with stride length. But if you’re over 6ft tall and want a larger running area, we can recommend the bestselling ProForm Pro 2000 (20″W x 60″L surface) or Performance 600i (20″W x 60″L surface).

Safety features

As with most of their more affordable treadmills, the ProForm 700 LT is fitted with the more basic collection of safety features.

This means you have the short set of hand rails for balance assistance, and the safety key that stops the tread belt in the event of a fall.

Unfortunately what you don’t have is the 4-digit child-safety passcode and safety screen timeout function that’s available on their high-end treadmills.

This includes the machines in their Premier series, Boston Marathon series, and Pro series, as well as the ProForm Performance 1850.

Although these aren’t mandatory for enjoying a safe exercise routine, they’re certainly useful additions if your treadmill will be placed in a family environment with younger children.

Display console design

The ProForm 700 LT is one of the top models in ProForm’s LT collection, second only to the top-of-the-line ProForm 1000 LT.

In terms of console design, especially entertainment options, the two treadmills are very different. Whereas the 700 LT provides a range of Quick Select buttons for the onboard workouts, the 1000 LT is much more focussed on entertainment options, with limited space for workout program controls.

That’s because the 1000 LT treadmill has a screen that doubles as a personal television, where you can connect an RCA video or CATV cable straight to the console. You can then scan through TV channels and save them to the console memory, allowing you to watch TV directly via the console screen.

In comparison, the console for the 700 LT is much more focussed on supporting a high quality workout, but still includes an iPod/MP3 compatible audio system. This is the same Intermix Acoustics 2.0 setup that we saw on ProForm’s ZT and ZLT series treadmills, and allows you to listen to your favorite workout music via two 2-inch speakers.

Although it doesn’t support television channels, the backlit LCD display with a workout matrix clearly shows your most important workout feedback. This includes time, distance, speed, heart rate, and number of calories burned. There’s also a multi-speed CoolAire™ workout fan for keeping you cool during your run.

Heart rate monitoring

If you want to keep track of your pulse during a workout, it’s important to find a treadmill with EKG touch sensors and that supports wireless chest straps.

Unfortunately this isn’t always an option for entry level and mid-range treadmills, but most will feature built-in touch sensors.

For the ProForm 700 ZLT you have EKG touch sensors built into the handles, but no support for telemetry heart rate monitors (wireless chest straps). But holding onto touch sensors the entire workout isn’t always practical, which is why if heart rate monitoring is important to you, we recommend the ProForm Pro 2000.

Although it offers a slightly different selection of workout programs, it remains one of ProForm’s bestselling home treadmills, and is compatible with the Dual Band (Bluetooth Smart® + ANT Plus) Wireless Chest Strap (included).

Workout programs and user profiles

Compared to the earlier 415 LT model, ProForm have significantly upgraded the console and workout programs for the 700 LT, and have dropped the iFit workout card option in favor of a proven 8-week weight loss program.

The quantity and variation of the onboard workouts has also increased, with 18 preset programs to choose from in 4 different categories; Speed, Incline, Intensity, and Calorie.

So what can you expect from the ProForm 700 LT workout programs, and will it be enough to support you through years of future fitness goals?

Workout program 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 700 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 700 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, which allows you to raise the running deck 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?