The Proform 785 treadmill offers a decent 2.25 continuous horse power motor, adjustable cushioning, backlit easy-to-read console, iFit card reader and compatible music port for your iPod, as well as a built in sound system.  You can get all of this with the 785 treadmill at a moderate price, usually $799 at most retailers.

The motor on the 785 is good for this price point and comes with a great 20 year warranty, which can give you added piece of mind as the motor can often be the most expensive part of a treadmill to fix.  This machine can reach speeds up to 10 miles an hour which is pretty standard.

Other features that add to your workout experience are the 0-10% incline control that can be changed at the touch of a button and a bright, backlit console.  The console on the Proform 785 is well laid out and easy to read.  From the console you can see your speed, incline, workout program, calories burned, miles per hour and distance traveled. All of your workout stats are easy to see on the 8 x 32 graphic display.

Another great feature of the Proform 785 is that it comes with 16 built-in workouts as well as iFit workout card compatibility.  The built in workouts automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, depending on your goal (aerobic or weight loss) or performance.  Additional iFit workouts can be purchased and inserted directly into the treadmill’s console, giving you 8 weeks of personal trainer programmed workouts.  You can purchase different workouts based on your own goals and preferences.  Just like with the preloaded workouts, your purchased workouts will automatically adjust the speed and incline.  One thing they have that the built-in workouts don’t is that you can hear the voice of the personal trainer through your speakers, guiding you through your workout.  You also have the option to make your workout more or less intense with just the touch of a button.

Your workouts on the Proform 785 will be even more enjoyable with the iPod compatible music port.  To use this feature, you simply plug in your iPod or other MP3 player and listen to your favorite music through the built in sound system.

As far as weaknesses go, the Proform 785 suffers from what one would expect with a treadmill at this price point: weak parts and a mediocre warranty on said parts.  The l20 year motor warranty makes up for some of this because at least you won’t have to worry about the motor should you make a purchase, but be aware that you may have parts to fix down the line, a tread belt to replace, etc.  This should be expected with any home fitness equipment purchase, however, but more so with lower priced models like the Proform 785.

Back on the plus side, the 785 comes with space saving design, which means you can fold it up to make storage much easier.  This is a wonderful feature if you have limited space in your home or even if you just don’t like your treadmill to take up space when it isn’t in use.  However, you pay a bit of price for this convenience as it makes the treadmill less stable overall and there is a noticeable shake while running.  If you’re just looking for a light walking/jogging machine, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.

Overall, the Proform 785 is an average treadmill for the price and you should count on getting a number of good years of use out of it.

Recommended: Yes, but not for those looking for a running treadmill.

Key Specs:

- 2.25 Mach Z™ HP Commercial Motor

- 0-10 mph Quickspeed™ Control

- 0-10% Quick Incline™

- 20" x 55" treadbelt

- ProStride™ Adjustable Cushioning

- 16 Personal Trainer Workouts

- Interplay™ Music Port

- iFit® Workout Card Technology

- Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor

- 325 lbs. max. user weight

- CoolAire™ Fans

- SpaceSaver Design

- 20 Year Warranty on Motor; 90 days labor

Related Article: Proform Crosswalk 425 >>