Is The Boston Marathon 3.0 Treadmill Worth Your Money?
Proform had so much success with their Tour De France bike series that, a few years back they introduced the Boston Marathon Treadmill series – a specialized form of training treadmill popular with serious runners.
The 3.0 model is a newer version – an upgrade to the 2.0 model (which is no longer available) and currently the most affordable Boston Marathon treadmill.
It is actually a hybrid treadmill/incline trainer as it gives you inclines of up to 20% and declines of 6% as well. Plus you also get onboard marathon training and cadence coaching (something you don’t find on a standard treadmill).
But is it worth your money? Here’s an overview of some of the main benefits and drawbacks of the Boston Marathon Treadmill 3.0.
The Basics:
Price: $2999 + Free Shipping
Motor: 4.25 HP
Incline: 20% and 6% Decline
Belt: 20 x 62″
Footprint: 74″ L X 37″ W
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime Frame & Motor Warranty, 6-Year Parts & Electronics, and 3-Year Labor Warranty
Boston Marathon Treadmill Console
Boston Marathon Treadmill 3.0 Review – The Good:
Dual Color Console with iFit LIVE
The main console portion of this treadmill is taken up by a large full-color, touch screen console. This console connects to the Internet using the iFit LIVE program.
From there you can map out new trails to run using Googlemaps, track your workout stats over time, and download new workouts from Jillian Michaels where she coaches you through your workout.
The iFit module is included with this treadmill (you don’t need to pay extra as with some Proform units) so that will save you about $100. However be aware that you’ll need an iFit LIVE subscription (about $11 a month or $99 a year).
Onboard Marathon Training / HD Video Workouts
Using the large full-color web browser/console window, this treadmill has a couple of marathon training programs (HD video). You see the marathon on screen as if you’re actually in the race – which is pretty cool. There’s also a cadence coach which is basically a tone that helps you to set your pace and keep it on track all the way until you sprint to the finish line.
20% Incline and 6% Decline
You can really ramp up your workout intensity and challenge your body with the extra-high 20% incline. Plus the 6% decline ramps up the crosstraining portion of your workout. This is a really cool feature that integrates with the iFit LIVE and Googlemaps.
When you map out a trail to run, the treadmill communicates with Googlemaps and Googleterrain and will actually incline and decline to match the terrain, giving you a very realistic feel to the run.
4.25 HP Motor
This is one of Proform’s largest, most powerful motors, covered by a lifetime warranty. This is important to have, especially during long workouts that can be taxing to a treadmill if it doesn’t have the motor power to back it up.
Extra long 20 x 62 inch Belt
A longer belt gives you extra room to stretch out and run. This is also great for taller users who won’t have to worry that they are running right on the edge of the treadmill.
iPod Dock with Speakers
There’s a port on the console where you can plug in you iPod or other compatible mp3 devive and listen to your favorite tunes through the built-in speakers – which adds some variety to your workout.
Boston Marathon Treadmill 3.0 Review – The Drawbacks
This treadmill doesn’t have the hand-sensor heart rate monitor which is something you’d expect at this price point. Also, as stated above, be aware that the iFit LIVE yearly subscription is extra, and with this treadmill (unlike other Proform models) you really do need it in order to get full use of your treadmill.
Bottom Line?
I admit that I’ve held off on reviewing this treadmill for about a year now as I wanted to see how it would hold up given some time on the market. At this price point, you expect a lot from your treadmill – and you want a machine that delivers good value consistently over time, especially when compared to other machines on the market.
Unfortunately, I think this treadmill falls short in a few areas including console features and the need (instead of the option) for iFit LIVE. It’s a very specialized machine for a very specific audience.
If you’re a marathon runner you’ll probably love it. But if that’s not your focus, there are better (and cheaper) options out there – like the Nordictrack X9 . The X9 trainer (you can read a full review here) gives you many of the same features of this treadmill - like iFit, strong motor, decline and large belt – but it also gives you a higher incline (40%), integrated tablet holder and heart rate monitor (for $1000 less).
Where to Buy and Save
If you decide the Boston Marathon 3.0 treadmill is right for you, you can get it direct from the Manufacturer here. You can read the latest reviews and also get Free Shipping to your home which can save you about $150.
Click Here for More on the Proform Boston Marathon Treadmill
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