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Editor’s Note: The ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the ProForm City L6 or the Horizon T101 as the best alternatives, or check out our Best Budget Treadmills roundup for more options.
If you’re new to working out, on a budget, and thinking about adding a treadmill to your home gym, we’ve got a deeply discounted piece of fitness equipment for you to consider. The ProForm Cadence LT Smart treadmill could be just the option for you. It comes from a well-known and established brand that makes some of the best treadmills, is iFIT Bluetooth-compatible, and is compact enough to go in your living room. However, despite its affordability and brand recognition, is it really a smart purchase?
In this ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill review, we’ll explore the good and the questionable regarding this now-discontinued machine. As with most things budget-friendly, there are some luxuries you’ll have to do without. This machine comes up short in a few areas, but will the pros outweigh the cons for you? Keep reading to find out!
We Know ProForm Treadmills
We don’t like to brag or toot our own horn like that, but sometimes you have to give credit where credit is due. When it comes to home gym equipment, especially ProForm treadmills, we’ve got it covered.
Our GGR experts, which include certified personal trainers, endurance athletes, exercise specialists, and more, have tried out several ProForm and sister-brand NordicTrack treadmills. We can tell you about their ellipticals, treadmills, and even their cross-trainers because we’ve personally tried them out.
From the budget-friendly options to the expensive ones, our testers have integrated various machines into their workout routine to see how they perform. Thanks to our experience, we can share with you who would benefit from certain machines the most and who should absolutely look elsewhere. That way, you don’t spend your hard-earned dough on fitness equipment that doesn’t meet your needs.
Looking for an Alternative to the ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill?
In case this treadmill doesn’t tickle your fancy, here are two amazing alternatives to consider.
Best Alternative to ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill
ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Foldable treadmill
- 0-8 MPH
- 125-lb product weight
- 250-lb user weight capacity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foldable design
- iFIT programming with trainer-controlled speed
- Tablet holder
- Free shipping
- Bluetooth-enabled
- 0-8 MPH speed
Cons
- No built in screen for iFIT programming
- 30-day return policy with $250 shipping + 10% restocking fee
- User weight capacity 250 lbs
- No incline or decline ability
Bottom Line
The ProForm City L6 folding treadmill is an affordable and compact treadmill to add to your home even if you don’t have a dedicated home gym.
The ProForm City L6 is a bare-bones treadmill that’s compact and iFIT-compatible. It’s a great machine for someone living in an apartment or for those with limited space since it folds completely in half. In addition, moving it should be pretty easy since it has two wheels in the front and is just 125 pounds.
With its 1.6 CHP motor and 45-inch long and 17.5-inch wide tread belt, the City L6 is undoubtedly a walkers treadmill. Although this machine doesn’t have an incline option, some people won’t see that as a deal breaker. Those looking for something seamless to assemble, easy to operate, and that allows them to walk indoors will appreciate what this treadmill brings to the table.
Another Alternative to ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill
Horizon Fitness T101
Product Highlights
- Foldable treadmill
- Best suited for walkers, joggers or cardio newbies
- Compact, sturdy and easy to use
- Console fan, Bluetooth speakers, device holder, and a rapid-charge USB port
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy assembly
- One touch keys to quickly shift speed and incline
- Integrated Bluetooth speakers
- Device holder
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Great for beginners
- Financing available
Cons
- 2.5 continuous horsepower motor will not support heavy running
- Smaller running surface is not ideal for tall runners
Bottom Line
The Horizon T101 Treadmill is a compact, durable and quiet no-frills folding treadmill ideal for walkers or joggers offered at an unbeatable price.
The Horizon T101 is another budget-friendly option that may appeal to those who aren’t pressed about app-based interactive programming. Instead, this machine prioritizes the workout experience, providing a 2.5 CHP motor and a 55-inch long and 20-inch wide walking belt.
Those specs will support a 10 MPH max speed and 0-10% incline range for trainees up to 300 pounds. Plus, with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, it’s kind of hard to pass this up. Walkers, joggers, and occasional runners looking to spend less than $1,000 should make this durable treadmill an option.
A Quick Look at the ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill
Initially, the ProForm Cadence LT Smart treadmill was sold at stores like Aldi and Walmart for a little under $400. However, now that it’s discontinued, you’d probably be able to find it from an individual seller for less than that. But even at such a reduced price point, is it truly worth it? It depends.
If you’re not tall and don’t plan on using this treadmill for serious running, this could be just the product you’re looking for. Compared to other treadmills at that price point, it’s a knockout. Seriously, it’s very rare to find a treadmill with any kind of technical capabilities at this price. Even this machine’s max user weight capacity is more significant than what you’d find on similar treadmills.
So, without further adieu, let’s get into the specifics in this ProForm Cadence LT Smart treadmill review.
Pros:
- Affordable
- iFIT-compatible
- QuickSpeed controls
- SpaceSaver design
- 275-lb user maximum weight
Cons:
- Short running deck
- Subpar warranty
- Difficult assembly process
ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill Specs
| Footprint | 64.5″ L x 29″ W x 54.5″ H |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 109 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 275 lbs |
| Motor | 2.25 CHP |
| Walking belt | 50″ L x 16” W |
| Display | 5″ high-contrast display |
| Incline | 2 incline levels |
| Speed | 0 – 10 MPH |
| Programs | 6 preprogrammed programs |
| Heart rate monitoring | Built-in thumb heart rate monitor |
| Warranty | 1 year on warranty; 90 days on parts |
Key Features Of The ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill
Honestly, the key feature here is the price, but there are a few other factors that make this treadmill appealing, too. For instance, it’s got a max speed of 10 MPH, which is undoubtedly a running speed. However, I wouldn’t suggest that you crank it up that high too often.
Although they advertise this as something you can run on, this is definitely a walker’s treadmill, even with its decent speed range. How do we know? Well, check out the motor. A 2.25 continuous horsepower motor wouldn’t be able to handle consistent running, and the one-year warranty that ProForm provides on the motor tells us that it’s probably not built to last. So I’d recommend you look elsewhere if you need a treadmill that can handle frequent jogging and running.
If you want to spice your workout up with some hill action, this treadmill does have two incline positions. But there’s a catch here. Unfortunately, the incline cannot be automatically adjusted, so you’ll have to get off your machine and manually change the incline level. As inconvenient as this might be, this feature is not entirely uncommon for treadmills at this price point.
What is uncommon, though, is having a budget-friendly treadmill with a 275-pound max user weight capacity. Similarly priced machines, like the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 or the GoPlus Electric Folding Treadmill, only permit 220 pounds. Therefore, it’s neat to see that ProForm made this treadmill a bit more inclusive of heavier individuals. However, please note that while it supports a heavier individual, it won’t be exceptionally comfortable for taller folks since the running surface is only 50 inches by 60 inches.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
Coming in at 64.5 inches long, 29 inches wide, and 54.5 inches tall, the ProForm Cadence LT Smart isn’t considered a large treadmill. In addition, this treadmill is only 109 pounds. Most treadmills fall between 60 and 250 pounds, so this one falls in the lightweight category.
Since it comes with the patented ProForm SpaceSaver Design, you can fold this treadmill to achieve even more room. It also has wheels on it to make transporting it to a different area easy. I recommend checking out the user’s manual to ensure you are folding and transporting it correctly.
As far as durability is concerned, you kind of get what you pay for. This machine only has a 90-day parts warranty, which is very telling if you ask me. Based on some customer reviews, it sounds like the treadmill would work for a few months, and then purchasers would begin having issues with the motor or control board. Others even complained of the belt slipping, burning smells, and the treadmill being loud.
Ergonomics
One thing the ProForm Cadence LT Smart treadmill has that you can find on even some of the more expensive machines is ProShox cushioning. Treadmill deck cushioning can make a world of difference for your body as it alleviates some of the impact typically placed on your joints while running.
When you have a treadmill, chances are, you don’t want to feel like you’re running outside on asphalt. Of course, if you’re training for a marathon, you might want to simulate that type of environment occasionally, but other times, you’ll want a soft place to land your feet. After all, doing cardio and burning calories shouldn’t also result in knee pain.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The ProForm Cadence LT Smart has an LCD window display that shows helpful stats like distance, speed, and elapsed time. You could even check your pulse using the built-in thumb heart rate monitor. This is a bit different, as you usually find them built into the handlebars, but being budget-friendly, I suppose they had to improvise. If you’d prefer a wearable device instead, the console is compatible with all Bluetooth Smart heart rate monitors, but those are sold separately.
You’ll also find six preprogrammed workout programs on the console: three calorie workouts and three interval workouts. Each program will auto-adjust the speed to fit the segment of the exercise program. If that’s not enough, you could use your credit card to purchase an iFIT membership (or use the 30-day iFIT promotion to try it free) to access thousands of studio classes presented by personal trainers. Although there’s no touchscreen on here, you can place your tablet on the integrated device shelf, use Bluetooth to connect it to the console, and watch various iFIT programs like that.
One other convenient feature on the ProForm Cadence LT treadmill is the QuickSpeed controls. You can use those to change your speed with the click of a button. It would’ve been nice to have an adjustable incline on here, too, but you’ll have to pay a little more to get that feature.
Final Verdict of Our ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill Review
So, would it be smart to purchase the ProForm Cadence LT Smart treadmill? It ultimately depends on what’s important to you. This treadmill lacks helpful conveniences like a built-in workout fan and water bottle holder, but it does feature iFIT and a high user weight capacity.
Overall, if you want something cheap that you can walk on, I’d say go for it. Considering the price, you can already expect that it’s not going to be the most durable machine, but it’ll help you get your steps in. Consider this, too – compared to similarly priced treadmills, this one stands out. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a super affordable treadmill with a bit of tech, this might be the best machine you’ll find in that category.
ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill Rating
ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill
See how this entry-level treadmill stacks up in our ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill review.
Product Brand: ProForm
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 400
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.1
ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill FAQs
Does the ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill fold?
Yes, it has a folding design. Just raise the metal frame to the vertical position and use the latch pin to secure it. Before you fold it, make sure you’re comfortable lifting 45 pounds.
Can You Run On The ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill?
Yes, you could run on this treadmill, but it might not be the most comfortable thing since the tread belt is only 50 inches long and 16 inches wide. In addition, the 2.25 self-cooling motor might not be able to handle smooth speed changes the way it’s marketed to, especially if your weight is close to the max user weight capacity.
Does the ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill Have Built-in Workouts?
There are only six preprogrammed workouts here, but that’s not surprising. Anyone buying this treadmill is likely looking to use their iFIT subscription. If you don’t plan on using iFIT personal training, I’d suggest buying something else, as most people seek ProForm treadmills, ellipticals, and more to access iFIT trainers.
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