ProForm Power 995 Treadmill
The ProForm Power 995 (2012 model) is a strong, powerful and large treadmill that offers users the opportunity to get unique daily workout programs sent directly to the treadmill via ProForm’s iFit Live Technology. With a powerful 3 horsepower motor, maximum speed of 12 mph and the capacity for up to a 15% incline, the ProForm Power 995 is certainly a capable device. Twenty pre-set training programs allow for a varied training regime, while its enormous 20 x 60 inch belt can accommodate up to 325lbs and allows users to really stretch their legs, making it ideal for runners with a longer stride.
ProForm has some strong competition in this market, but it believes its iFit Live Technology gives it the edge over its competitors. Does the ProForm Power 995 treadmill really stand out in this highly competitive market?
Key Specs For The ProForm Power 995 Treadmill
- RRP: $977.35
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
- Top Speed: 12 mph
- Incline: 15%
- Number of Programs: 20
ProForm Power 995 Treadmill : The Pros
Large Belt: The ProForm Power 995 treadmill comes with an enormous 20 x 60 inch running belt, making it one of the largest in its class. The belt is supported by ProForm’s ProShox Elite 2 cushioning system. The belt claims to accommodate weights up to 325lbs, and any treadmill that provides for such weight needs to have a sturdy support system in place to prevent the experience from becoming jarring and jumpy. The Power 995 does just this.
Even at high speeds and during inclines, the running belt constantly feels smooth and comfortable. Its huge length means that users with longer strides are not restricted to low speeds – the 60 inch belt provides more than enough room for all users.
iFit Live Technology: The iFit Live Technology on the ProForm Power 995 is arguably both its greatest strength and its biggest downfall. From a positive side, iFit Live gives users a brand new workout training program every day. The training program is accompanied by voice coaching from none other than Jillian Michaels, and the concept means that you most certainly won’t find yourself feeling the mundane repetitiveness that can often accompany many treadmills with a limited amount of pre-set training programs.
Not only does the iFit Live technology give you a new daily workout, it also allows you to incorporate Google Maps into your own personal training program. By using Google Maps, users can plot their own courses anywhere in the world and the ProForm Power 995 will match the inclines and contours of the roads chosen. You can even race against other iFit Live members while watching your progress on a map, satellite or street view. This technology really does introduce an exciting new aspect to home treadmills that you can expect to see a lot more of in the future.
Design: The ProForm Power 995 treadmill is excellently designed. With such a large treadmill, you might expect it to be a clumsy, bulky machine, but the Power 995 is one the best ergonomic treadmills on the market. It folds up neatly for easy storage, the LCD display screen is large and clear, and the fan actually works. With a port for your iPod and simple to use controls, the ProForm Power 995 is one of the simplest treadmills to use right from the beginning.
ProForm Power 995 Treadmill (2012 Model): The Cons
iFit Live Technology: As mentioned above, the iFit Live technology is arguably one of the greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses of the ProForm Power 995 treadmill. To use iFit Live, you need to spend $100 on an iFit Live wireless adapter. You also need to pay an annual subscription to continue to use the service. For users who will use the iFit Live system to its full capabilities, this is not an expensive service. For the cost, you get an interactive treadmill that is sure to offer you greater rewards than a standard treadmill.
The issue lies in the fact that it is not clearly obvious that the iFit Live technology is not included in the sale price. It is an optional extra, and this should be far clearer than it is. Many customers have bought the Power 995 thinking they could use iFit Live only to find out once they have assembled the treadmill that they will need to pay for it.
Steep Inclines: The ProForm Power 995 has a powerful 3 horsepower motor, and yet at steep inclines the belt has a tendency to increase in speed. You may find yourself slowly jogging up a steep incline when you have set the treadmill at walking speed! You can rectify the issue somewhat by tightening the belt, but the problem is still noticeable. For a treadmill that costs around $1000, this should not be something you need to worry about.
Is the ProForm Power 995 Treadmill Worth Buying?
Yes and no. If you are buying the ProForm Power 995 treadmill, you should be buying it with the intention of also purchasing iFit Live. The iFit Live technology transforms what is an ordinary treadmill into an extraordinary treadmill. If you don’t plan on availing of iFit Live, there are equally good treadmills for lower prices available. If, however, you are willing to pay the extra money to use the iFit Live technology, you will find yourself with a treadmill that constantly offers new challenges and unique training programs. For that longevity, the ProForm Power 995 is hard to beat.
