This Proform 525 treadmill review will discuss the pros and cons of this somewhat hybrid treadmill-elliptical machine. The Proform 525 is an economical treadmill providing some upper body toning similar to the elliptical machine with the running deck of a treadmill.

The Proform Crosswalk 525 treadmill is somewhat of a treadmill-elliptical hybrid.  The low-priced ($400-$700) 525 comes with dual action arms that allow you to get an upper body workout while using your treadmill.  Unfortunately, for the price, you lose a lot of good features with the addition of the dual action arms.  For example, the 525 has over 200 square inches less deck space than the comparable Proform 995 treadmill.  This loss of deck space makes the Crosswalk 525 unsuitable for running as the deck is only 50” (the deck on the 995 is 55”).  Additionally, the addition of those dual action arms also costs you quick-speed deck adjustment, superior cushioning, and two workout programs.  All that said, you can still get a good workout on using this treadmill.

The Proform 525 is a great machine for a beginner who is looking to do walking and perhaps some very light jogging.  Some of the best things about this machine is that it isn’t intimidating or hard on your wallet.  Other great features include speed and incline adjustment and decent enough deck cushioning to absorb the impact of your stride.  The 525 also stores information which is a handy feature as you can easily keep track of your progress and which workout you did the previous day.  The memory will store up to a seven day workout history for each user.

This machine has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour with its 2.5 THP motor.  For such a low priced treadmill, and as previously mentioned this model is best used by beginners, this should be plenty of power for your workout.  As with most things in life, however, you do get what you pay for and if you are looking for a machine that will take heavy workouts, the Proform 525 is not the machine for you.  In fact, if you consider yourself more serious about fitness, or are a seasoned runner, you would be wise to stay away from all of the lowest priced Proform models.

One of the biggest reasons for the suggestion above is that with lower priced exercise equipment, such as the Proform 525, you will only get a short warranty.  Most treadmills in this price-range are only covered for 90 days and Proform is the same.  While this is only a problem if your machine should break down, you should still consider the warranty when shopping for fitness equipment.

All of this considered, the Proform 525 is still a good value for the money.  It offers features that aren’t available on many similarly priced machines, such as the dual action arms.  A lot of machines in this price range don’t have features like joint cushioning, heart rate monitor, and preloaded workouts.  Unfortunately, the 525 is not iFit compatible which is the big, new thing in home fitness equipment.  IFit compatibility allows you to upload new workout programs to your machine so you can continuously challenge yourself and make sure you have plenty of exercise variety.  The Proform 525 only comes with pre-loaded workouts, which are nice to have, but don’t offer the capacity for variety and new challenges.

In sum, the Proform 525 is a somewhat gimmicky treadmill and, while it wouldn’t be our first choice, it is made by the reputable and reliable Proform and comes with decent features for the money.  You could do worse.

Recommended: No, unless you’re stuck on this price and buying a Proform.  Of if the dual action arms really appeal to you.

Related Article: Proform Epic 1200 Pro Elliptical Trainer >>