The ProForm Smart Pro 5000 is a well built and decently priced running machine for home cardio workouts, and features in our guide to the best treadmills for home use. The SMART Pro 5000 has a 4.0 continuous-duty horsepower Mach Z Commercial Plus Motor. According to LifeSpan Fitness, a 3.0 CHP motor is more than sufficient for in-home requirements, so this machine’s motor is robust.
At 4.25 CHP, only the NordicTrack Commercial 2950’s motor is bigger. The SMART Pro 5000’s 22-inch by 60-inch tread belt is also upgraded.
The ProForm SMART Pro 5000 and the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 are similar in design and functionality. While the NordicTrack edges out this ProForm model with more programs, more user profiles and a lower MSRP, the SMART Pro 5000 is still very attractive.
The maximum user weight of the SMART Pro 5000 is 300lbs. The treadmill itself weighs 291lbs and measures 77.16 x 39.15 x 70 inches (length, width, height) once assembled. Like its more expensive cousin, the ProForm SMART Pro 9000, this machine folds to save space with an EasyLift shock.
The SMART Pro 5000 has 2.5-inch precision-machined rollers designed to decrease tension, reduce noise and improve grip. The deck’s cushioning is intended to reduce impact stress on your joints, and you can exercise at up to 12mph.
Unique to the ProForm and NordicTrack models we reviewed, this treadmill has a 15 percent incline and a 3 percent decline with motorized adjustability.
Most treadmills offer only incline, but adding decline makes your workouts more realistic, especially when you’re focused on hill and valley training or running virtual terrain.
To make your workouts more personalized and comfortable, this treadmill has a dual workout fan and 3-inch integrated speakers. Its sound system is iPod and MP3 player compatible, and there’s a tablet holder to secure your devices. There’s also an integrated accessory tray for your water bottle, smartphone and keys.
The SMART Pro 5000 is well-suited for users at any fitness level. It has 38 preprogrammed workout apps and comes with a one-year iFit Coach subscription that must be renewed annually. This service gives you access to an extensive media library of studio and destination-based workouts, along with fitness and nutrition coaching from personal trainers from around the world.
The machine’s 7-inch HD touchscreen helps you track stats like speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate and incline and decline levels. To help you monitor your heart rate, the treadmill has two EKG hand-grip pulse sensors and a wireless chest strap. If you want to share your results, you can tweet them right from the console.
The ProForm SMART Pro 5000 comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, a five-year parts warranty and a two-year labor warranty. As with NordicTrack, ProForm customer service is available by phone and live chat.
We reached out to both brands multiple times with treadmill questions, and we were far more impressed with the answers provided by NordicTrack. Also, while we didn’t experience this personally, some consumers report receiving the SMART Pro 5000 in a damaged condition or missing parts.
