The ProForm Power 690 Treadmill – A Standout Model

Get motivated with workouts on the ProForm Power 690 treadmill which features the iFit® Live training tool that debuted in 2009. You can add interactive fun and new challenges to your daily workout by downloading programs from the internet any time you wish.

The Machine

The ProForm Power 690 treadmill comes with a brand new high resolution backlit Grafixx™ screen displaying speed, time, distance, pulse, and calories burned, plus it shows animated graphics during the workout. Underneath the screen is a button for adjustable settings for the workout fan, and one-touch controls for the treadmill’s speed and incline.

The specs on the ProForm Power 690 include:

• 2.75 CHP Mach Z™ Motor
• 20" x 55" Tread Belt
• 0-12% Quick Incline™
• 1-12 mph QuickSpeed™
• 12 Workouts
• ProTech 3™ Adjustable Cushioning
• Dual-grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
• iFit® Live Capable*
• iPod® Compatible Music Port
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0
• CoolAire™ Workout Fan
• 300 lb. Weight Capacity
• SpaceSaver® Design
• Warranty – lifetime frame & motor, 1-year parts & labor

*Module and annual plan sold separately. Wireless network required.

The Buzz

UPDATE:  The ProForm Power 690 is no longer available.  To find a comparable treadmill check out the new full lineup from ProForm on the company site including the Power 795 and the Power 995i models.

Trainers give this model kudos for being a well-designed package. The ProForm Power 690 treadmill features a strong 2.75 CHP motor with an internal cooling system, hand-grip heart rate sensors built into the handlebars, superior deck cushioning that reduces impact on your joints by 15% (as compared to road running), and 12 pre-programmed workouts including 4 distance (1 mile, 5K, 10K, and half marathon), 4 performance, and 4 calorie workouts.

Early treadmill reviews on the ProForm Power 690 are generally positive. The warranty on the parts/labor is weak and you should buy an extended warranty just to be safe, but the performance gets positive remarks: the noise level, cushioning, deck room, power, console, fans, and all the rest, are pretty solid for a treadmill that sells for around $1,000.

What We Say

The MSRP $1,299 ProForm Power 690 is a standout model of the 2010 treadmill line-up from Proform. The iFit Live is a nice option but a lot of people won’t want to pay a couple hundred dollars a year to enroll in the online service. The 12 workout programs, plus the manual choice, are enough to get your butt in shape.

As for the guts inside the Power 690, the 2.75 chp motor is well matched to the 20" x 55" tread belt with power to spare. The console is attractive and well laid-out; it’s just a nice looking treadmill. Our only concern is the retail price.

While we wouldn’t recommend the ProForm Power 690 treadmill over the best-selling Sole and Smooth machines that dominate the $1,299 price mark, we would say that if you can get this treadmill for under $900, it’s a Good Buy.

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