ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Review (2024)

ProForm is well-known for making high-quality, budget-friendly cardio machines. One of the brand’s popular folding treadmills is the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill, which is currently no longer being produced. Whether you have found one used and want to know a little about it, or if you’re looking for an alternative, we’ve got you covered.

Treadmill Review Experts 

Our team of equipment experts has tested hundreds of products. We are made up of certified personal trainers, CrossFit L1 trainers, and endurance athletes. As somebody who has trained for a marathon on a treadmill, I know a thing or two about these machines and what makes them tick. Our testers have run on the best treadmills on the market, and we are here to give you our unbiased opinion.

Looking for an Alternative to the ProForm Performance 400?

If the Performance 400 caught your eye and you want something similar, we suggest the ProForm City L6. It’s the most budget-friendly treadmill from the brand that, like the Performance 400, also folds, has great workout programs available, and is good for beginners or advanced users. 

Best Alternative to ProForm Performance 400

ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill

The ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill is the currently most affordable treadmill offered by ProForm. The L6 does not come with a built-in screen, instead it has a device holder for your table or phone. Similar to the other ProForm models the L6 utilizes iFIT programming with trainer-controlled speed, but you will have to stream classes from your phone or tablet.The L6 has a tread belt size of 17.5 by 45 inches, which is on the smaller side, but this treadmill is built to be compact. The overall footprint of this treadmill is 29 inches wide by 70.25 inches long and 44.5 inches tall. The treadmill handlebars fold down so it can be stowed away. The 1.6 CHP motor can achieve speeds of 0-8 miles per hour.There are limited online reviews of the L6 treadmill. Most users had positive experiences, enjoying the quick and easy assembly and compact design. One user did have the treadmill arrive broken and had difficulty with customer service. At the time of publishing, there are no user reviews about using iFIT with the L6 treadmill.

CHECK PRICE

A Quick Look at the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill

This discontinued treadmill, part of the series that includes the ProForm Performance 400i, 600, 900, and 1450, is the entry-level treadmill. This means that you can expect it to pretty much just have the basics. 

The Performance 400 is best used for recreational joggers or as a walking treadmill. Originally priced at $799, it features a 2.5 CHP motor and a treadmill belt that measures at 55 inches long. Therefore, you can use it for running, but it isn’t a machine meant for serious runners. It does, however, have compatibility with iFIT programming as well as come with 18 built-in workouts. 

ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Specs

Key Features of the ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill 

There are a few things we like about the Performance 400, including what ProForm calls “QuickSpeed” speed and Quick Incline controls. Essentially, with just the touch of a button, you can adjust how fast you’re going or your incline. There are heart rate monitors on the handles, though we know that pulse grips aren’t always the most accurate. 

The Performance 400 has a built-in sound system that features two 2-inch speakers. The system is compatible with most iPODs, mp3 players and other devices. 

Footprint, Portability, and Durability

This treadmill has a relatively small footprint of only 72.8 inches long and 35.74 inches wide. Plus, using ProForm’s “SpaceSaver” design, you can store it fairly easily by lifting and locking the deck into place. We have used this system when we tested the Proform Pro 9000, which has the same folding technology. 

Unlike many other treadmills designed for home gyms, the Performance 400 does not have transport wheels, which means it could be difficult to move around your space. We haven’t been able to find a listed weight for the machine, but we can assume based on its specs that it’s around 200 pounds.

Durability-wise, this machine has a 300-pound user weight capacity. That’s about on par with what we would expect from a treadmill this size. The 2.5 CHP treadmill motor is great for those who run recreationally or want a walking treadmill. However, it isn’t designed to sustain heavy or frequent running. For those activities, we like to see a motor of 3.0 CHP or higher.

When the treadmill was still in production, you were able to get a lifetime frame warranty, 25-year motor warranty, and 1-year labor and parts warranty, which testifies to the durability of this product. ProForm is known for its production on durable machines that are built to last. 

Ergonomics

Most people like how this machine has ProShox Cushioning, which is meant to reduce the stress on your knees when running (and which we tested and liked on the ProForm Pro 9000). The four-shock absorber cushioning system takes on some of the impact so your joints don’t have to. 

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

The display on this machine isn’t the fancy touchscreen you might find on commercial treadmills. Instead, there are three LED display windows that display your workout metrics. 

The ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill comes with 18 pre-programed workout programs. While you run to one of these workouts, you can take advantage of the treadmill’s built-in speakers by just plugging in your device. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can also sync this machine with iFIT, which unlocks thousands of workouts at your fingertips. iFIT features trainer-led classes, on-demand workouts, and features like Google Maps where you can go for a virtual run literally anywhere in the world.

Some other key benefits of this machine include:

• QuickSpeed and Quick Incline controls
• Workout fan
• Heart rate monitors in handlebars
• Water bottle holder

It does not appear that the Performance 400 has a dedicated media shelf or tablet holder.

Final Verdict of Our ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Review

Overall, this discontinued treadmill could be a great option if you’re looking for something in this price range. It is a reliable cardio machine that allows you to do all the basics that you are looking for in a treadmill. 

ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill Rating

ProForm City L6

Our ProForm Performance 400 Treadmill review takes a look at this now-discontinued machine and offers alternatives.

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 599

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.4

ProForm Performance 400 FAQs

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1

Kate has nearly two decades of experience working in both the fitness and content industries. On the fitness side, she has worked in a number of settings: youth athletics, owned a CrossFit affiliate, personal training, weightlifting coach, CrossFit coach, and fitness floor consultant at a YMCA. Personally, Kate enjoys competing in weightlifting and stores her barbell in her bedroom.On the content side, Kate’s background is in newspaper journalism. She branched into public relations for the American Red Cross for about five years and then moving into content marketing.Today, her work at Garage Gym Reviews blends her excitement for fitness and love of writing. If she isn’t reviewing fitness equipment, you can find her working out or spending time with her two children.Certifications:NASM Certified Personal Trainer CrossFit Level 1 Trainer USA Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer

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