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#1 Proform 505 CST Treadmill review

Chris L.
January 12, 2021

The Proform 505 CST treadmill is a reasonably-priced, entry-level treadmill. It comes with some nice features for its price point, including an EasyLift folding mechanism as well as 18 preset programs. It provides a great compromise between affordability and convenience.

Is the Proform 505 CST Treadmill best for you?

The Proform 505 CST treadmill is designed to keep you comfortable as you exercise. It features ProShox cushioning to lower the impact on joints. You can adjust the speed up to 10 miles per hour and incline up to 10 percent depending on your skill level with the cushioning protecting your knees and ankles with every step.

The integrated tablet holder is great for bringing your smart devices with you. And if you so choose, you can take advantage of the iFit program. You can set up the app directly from your tablet and take advantage of a massive library of workout programs and running trails.

Consider Proform 505 CST if...

  • You need to listen to music as you run. This treadmill comes with dual 2-inch speakers as well as an audio auxiliary port. You can plug in your device and listen to playlists and podcasts directly from the machine, allowing you to avoid needing to wear headphones as you exercise.?
  • You want an affordable product. The Proform 505 CST is one of the more reasonably-priced treadmills on the market. Plus, it comes from a noteworthy brand, so you know you're getting quality.?
  • You like saving space. The machine comes with a SpaceSaver design. EasyLift technology allows you to fold it up by yourself and store it away until you're ready to use it again.

Avoid Proform 505 CST if...

  • You want greater entertainment options. This treadmill doesn't feature a touchscreen. If you want to use the iFit settings, and your purchase comes with a free 30-day trial, then you're going to need to bring your own tablet along with you.?
  • You don't want to feel cramped. The running track on this treadmill measures 55 inches in length. Taller users may find this isn't enough space to comfortably run.?
  • You really want to push yourself. This treadmill goes up to 10 miles per hour. Other treadmills can go up to 12 mph. Anyone wanting to seriously sprint at home may want to look elsewhere.

Proform 505 CST pros & cons

Pros

  • 18 preset programs
  • ProShox cushioning
  • SpaceSaver design
  • Integrated tablet holder
  • 1.9-inch balanced rollers

Cons

  • Short running track
  • Minimal entertainment options

Construction and design

  • Motor: This treadmill comes with a 2.5CHP Mach Z Commercial Plus motor. While it's not the most powerful motor you can find in a treadmill, it lasts a long time and remains quiet.?
  • Running Surface: The running track on this machine measures 20" x 55".?
  • Touchscreen: It comes with a 5-inch backlit display showing off vital stats about your run.?
  • Speakers: The treadmill boasts dual speakers and an audio port, allowing you to play songs over the device directly.?
  • Built-in Programs: There are 18 preset workouts on this device. You can select from a variety of programs to train your body in new, interesting ways.

Key Proform 505 CST Specs

Reasons to buy Proform 505 CST?

  • You need to protect your joints. ProShox cushioning goes easier on your knees and ankles compared with running on concrete. Therefore, you recover faster and feel better when you hop onto your workout machine.?
  • You want your tablet with you. The integrated tablet holder makes it easy to watch TV or read ebooks directly from your device. The treadmill may not have a touchscreen, but you can bring your own if you want.?
  • You're on the heavy side. This treadmill can support individual weights up to 325 pounds. This is slightly more than what you find with most other contemporary treadmills, which tend to support up to 300 pounds.

Reasons to avoid Proform 505 CST?

  • You want an easy way to track your heart rate. This treadmill comes with heart rate sensors in the handlebars. However, many people who need to monitor this stat want a wireless receiver, which this machine lacks.?
  • You want greater peace of mind. The warranty on this treadmill only lasts 10 years for the frame. Other treadmills, like the NordicTrack C700, offer lifetime coverage on the frame and several decades for the motor.

What real Proform 505 CST reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Proform 505 CST receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.74 (across several hundred reviews). Proform 505 CST scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

  • "It's comparable (if not better) to most treadmills I've used at the gym."
  • "It came with 18 pre-program exercises, very easy to operate."
  • "Plenty of speed & incline options, feels sturdy too."
  • "This treadmill is very quiet and the belt runs very smoothly."
  • "It’s a great price for the features. I’m glad I was able to up my budget and go with this model. Very pleased."

What reviewers dislike

  • "There is nothing in the directions that tells you how to activate the machine."
  • "The Bluetooth only works with their paid app."
  • "I spent a long time putting it together."
  • "The one problem I noticed is that a few times when I've turned it on, it randomly starts going up in incline until it reaches the top, goes back down and then is ready to rock n roll."
  • "The built-in workouts are decent. Not customizable."

Our verdict

The Proform 505 CST is a solid entry-level treadmill. It may not come with all the bells and whistles some of the more advanced models possess. But it at least features built-in speakers and a good array of preset programs. It's a great choice for people who just need something reliable to run on without a lot of extras.

The shock absorption system helps prevent discomfort while the space-saving design gives you more options about where you can place it in your home. Proform treadmills are known for their quality, and this one is no exception.

Where to buy Proform 505 CST

The Proform 505 CST treadmill is available on Amazon for a great price. All your questions can be answered right there on the site, so you can be confident it's the right treadmill for your household. It also ships with Amazon's free, fast shipping!