ProForm Endurance S7.5 Treadmill Review

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The ProForm Endurance S7.5 treadmill is actually a slight downgrade to the S7, with fewer workout program categories and a multi-screen LED system that makes it more difficult to view the program profile. So what does this mean for your exercise routine, and is there any situation where you should choose the S7.5 over the S7 treadmill?

For our review, we took an in-depth look at the design features, console functions, warranty, and assembly process. A quick reference guide is also available for the built-in workout programs.

In addition, we added some important comparisons between the ProForm S7.5 and other Endurance series treadmills. This includes the S9 and M8i, to help you find the highest quality treadmill for your fitness goals and budget.

Design and safety features

Based on the model number, you might expect the ProForm Endurance S7.5 to have more advanced design features than the S7. But we found this wasn’t the case, with most Endurance series treadmills providing the same 10% maximum incline setting, same 11.2 mph belt speed (S9 treadmill being the exception, with 12.4 mph), and same 20″W x 55″L running area.

Perhaps this isn’t surprising, as there’s usually very little variation in price between the entry level model (Endurance S7) and the top-of-the-line model (Endurance M8i). We feel that the price difference is justified based on the difference in workout variation and fact that the M8i is the only treadmill in the Endurance series to be iFit compatible. But what about the other design features?

In terms of cushioning, ProForm have again opted for ProShox™, which is their air-based impact absorption system that runs throughout the treadmill deck. This helps to reduce the impact of your foot striking the tread belt and limits the stress placed on your feet and joints. By absorbing the impact you’re also placing less stress on your muscles, which means you can enjoy longer workouts on a more regular basis due to a faster recovery time.

Taking a look at the motor, and the 2.5 CHP design is constructed from high-grade components, using an internal cooling system to reduce vibration as well as wear on parts. This creates a quieter indoor running environment that’s well-suited to a range of home gym locations, including apartments, and is fitted with an in-home efficiency booster to reduces the amount of electricity needed to power the tread belt.

As we mentioned earlier, the Endurance S7.5 is one of the models in the series that features a 10% maximum incline, and 11 mph maximum belt speed, even with the full 275 lb capacity. This is slightly lower than what you can expect from the ProForm Performance treadmills, but a slight upgrade over the treadmills in their ZLT collection, which typically have a 10% incline and 10 mph maximum belt speed.

One final design feature worth mentioning is the medium-sized 1.9″ precision-machined, balanced rollers that are used to convert motor power into the motion of the tread belt. These help to decrease tension and wear on the belt, which helps to prolong its life.

Safety features
The Endurance 7.5 treadmill has all the basic safety features you could hope for at this price point, with a short set of hand rails for balance assistance if required, and a safety key slot built into the console. One end of the key clips onto your clothing, and the other to the console. If you become too far from the console, such as in the event of a fall, the clip detaches and the tread belt quickly comes to a stop.

Unfortunately the Endurance series isn’t a collection that includes ProForm’s passcode protected console or offers a safety screen timeout for the console. These are only available on their Premier, Pro, and Boston Marathon treadmill series’.

Display console design

In most ProForm treadmill collections it’s fairly easy to compare the different models, especially when it comes to the console design. You’re often looking for an increase in onboard workouts, the addition of telemetry heart rate monitoring, or a change in iFit.

But with the Endurance collection this gets a little more difficult as ProForm switch the workout focus between treadmills, and are constantly redesigning the console layout.

For the Endurance S7.5 this means losing all of the workout categories that you had on the S7 and gaining a single ‘Performance Workouts’ button in its place. They’ve also added a selection of Quick Calorie Workout buttons, which in our opinion would have been the perfect addition to the onboard workout categories that were on the S7.

The screen has also switched from being a single 6” LCD to a multi-window LED display display. It still keeps you updated with important workout feedback, such as time, distance, speed, incline level, heart rate, and number of calories burned, but there’s less space for displaying a profile of your chosen workout program.

Quick controls are available for adjusting the incline and belt speed settings, as well as for raising or lowering the power of the multi-speed CoolAire™ workout fan.

The ProForm S7.5 is still considered an entry level treadmill in the Endurance collection, so entertainment options are slightly limited. But you still get the iPod and MP3 compatible console port, which connects your device to a built-in Intermix Acoustics 2.0 sound system. This allows you to listen to your favorite motivational workout music via the two 2-inch speakers.

Heart rate monitoring
The ProForm Endurance S7.5 supports the two main methods of heart rate monitoring; touch, and telemetry.

Dual-grip EKG™ touch sensors built into the handles are perfect for monitoring your heart rate for a short amount of time, but it can still take up to 15 seconds to generate a reading at the console.

Wireless heart rate monitoring is also available via a BlueTooth BLE chest monitor, which is our preferred option for monitoring heart rate during longer workouts. You also benefit from being able to maintain your natural running posture, which isn’t always possible when you’re holding onto the handles.

Workout programs and user profiles

Before buying a new treadmill it’s important to know what to expect from the workout programs, as some models support specific fitness goals much better than others.

Although the Endurance S7 was very much tailored towards improving your overall fitness level, the S7.5 seems to be much more focussed towards weight loss, and appears to be a combination of the Endurance S7 and their top-of-the-line M8i treadmills.

That’s one of the reasons we consider the ProForm S7.5 to offer the best workout variation of any treadmill in their Endurance series, as although it has a number of workouts designed for weight loss, you don’t lose the onboard workouts in the same way that you do with the M8i.

So how does the S7 compare to other Endurance series treadmills, and what can you expect from the calorie workouts, performance workouts, weight-loss plan, and manual program?

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 Endurance S7.5 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, 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 Endurance S7.5 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 is fitted with a powerful shock (EasyLift Assist) for reducing the effort needed to raise the 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 update the console firmware, calibrate the incline system, and troubleshoot basic issues.

What’s covered by the warranty?