The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill is a value-for-money electronic treadmill that has been designed to meet the needs of everyone from the new exerciser to the running enthusiast.
Engineered to give you fast results and packed with advanced features not always seen in treadmills in its price range, this updated model of the original 505 CST has all of the attributes of its very popular predecessor, plus a few more.
Its cushioned deck absorbs impact, making exercising gentle, even for people with joint problems. Solidly built, the 505 CST will remain stable even during hard workouts.
Equipped with auto-incline and speed-control, other notable features of this highly-functional model include iFit Live compatibility, workouts with Google Maps and access to training with one of America’s toughest trainers, Jillian Michaels.
EasyLift Assist makes unfolding and folding the deck a cinch and enables you to free up space when the treadmill is not being used.
* A one-year subscription to iFit Live is included. To continue accessing the service, you will then need to pay.
This ProForm CST 505 Treadmill review outlines its specs, key features, pros, and cons. It also touches on buyer feedback to help you decide if it will be right for you.
Table of Contents
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Infomercial
Whom does it suit?
This model should suit users looking for an affordable treadmill with enough built-in programs to provide variety and address various fitness aspects.
It’s user weight limit is fairly generous. and short to average height users will be able to walk, jog, or run at full stride.
Very tall users may find the deck’s size slightly restrictive.
If you want to do sprints and interval training you will likely need a model with a higher top speed.
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Specs
Assembled dimensions – Assembled, the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill measures approximately 61″ (H) x 36 1/2″ (W) x 73 1/2″(L)
Folded dimensions – Folded, it measures approximately 60″ (H) x 36″ (H) x 36″ (L)
Running surface – The running surface for this model is 20″ (W) x 55″ (L)
Weight – The 505 CST weighs 203 lbs
User weight – The treadmill’s upper user weight limit is 325 pounds
Color – It is gray and black
ProForm 505 CST Overview
Drive –
The Proform 505 CST Treadmill has a hardy 2.25 CHP Mach Z Motor. Incorporating an axial fan for reducing noise while cooling internal components, this results in an enhanced workout environment and a longer motor life.
Construction and Finish –
A self-cooling drive system provides near silent operation.
Deck –
The treadmill’s 2-ply belt utilizes ProShox Lite 3 Cushioning which offers excellent joint protection and comfort.
Stability, Smoothness, and Noise level –
Buyers who have posted feedback have stated that ProForm 505 CST workouts are stable, smooth, and quiet.
Speed –
QuickSpeed control enables you to instantly change your speed from 1/2 MPH to 10 MPH and anything in between, at the press of a button. Alternatively, you can let iFit Trainer auto-adjust the deck during workouts.
Transitioning between speeds is fluid and in no way feels labored.
Incline –
Press the Quick Incline button to go from zero incline to level 10 (or any level in between), in one-degree increments. The process is smooth and instant. If preferred, you can let iFit Trainer automatically adjust the incline during your session.
LCD –
The 505 CST has an easy-to-read 6-inch backlit display monitor that shows your sessions’ workout metrics. Included are your Time, Distance, Speed, and Calories burned. You can also view your heart rate when using the integrated pulse sensors.
The screen has a large viewing angle, so tracking your stats will be easy, regardless of your height.
Programs –
The Proform CST 505 Treadmill has 18 built-in workout apps that offer a wide range of 
challenges. These include 5 distance programs, 5 timed programs, 5 calorie-goal workouts. There are also 3 manual programs.
Created by a certified personal trainer, the preset programs will enable you to reach your weight loss goals and training objectives faster.
The manual programs allow for personal customization.
The distance program options include a 3K run, a 5K run, a 10K run, a 10-mile run, and a half marathon.
Timed programs include a 20-minute Hill Climb, a 30-minute Tempo Hill Run, a 50-minute Speed Run.
There’s also a 60-minute Tempo Hill Run and a 60-minute Hill Run.
Calorie-goal workouts include 200 calories (20 minutes, 5 mph, 0% incline), 300 calories (30 minutes, 4 mph, 5% incline), 400 calories (40 minutes, 4.5 mph, 8% incline), 500 calories (40 minutes, 4.6 mph, 8% incline) and 600 calories (40 minutes, 6.7 mph, 2.5% incline).
iFit live technology –
iFit Live Technology (iFit Live Wireless Adapter required, sold separately) helps provide smarter workouts and even faster results.
Presenting advanced workouts by Google Maps, this feature enables you to customize your program and virtually train with Jillian Michaels. It also allows you to utilize auto incline, speed control, and map drawing, as well as choose your online course location.
Your training results can be stored on iFit.com, which will be accessible to you through your account there. This technology offers new and exciting training opportunities and it will let you virtually run anywhere in the world.
If you run marathons or half marathons you will find this feature not only enjoyable but beneficial, as it will enable you to download the actual course and train under its conditions.
Heart rate monitor –
A dual-grip EKG heart rate monitor built into the handlebars allows you to track your workouts, constantly displaying your heart rate on the screen. This feature enables you to stay in the best training zone for achieving your fitness and weight loss goals.
Accessories –
Equipped with MP3/iPod compatible ports deliver a variety of media and audio control at your fingertips.
The built-in Intermix Acoustics 2.0 Sound System and dual 2″ speaker enable you to listen to your favorite tunes as you get fit.
Two water bottle holders, a tray for holding a magazine or electronic device, and two storage cubbies further enhance the comfort of workouts.
Folding and Unfolding –
As with all ProForm treadmills, this model features an hydraulic lift system for effortless folding and unfolding of the deck.
To fold the deck, hold and lift the metal bar beneath the deck towards its lower end. When you hear a click, the deck will be fully folded and securely locked into place.
To unfold the deck, push the metal bar up to release the locking mechanism. Continue pushing for a few sections, then step back, allowing the deck to slowly lower.
Transport wheels –
Transport wheels in the base facilitate moving the machine if required.
Assembly –
Assembly time for the ProForm 505 ranges anywhere from around 1 1/2 to 3 hours. While some owners who left reviews stated that the job was easy, others said it was tricky.
The machine is quite large and heavy, so it’s a good idea to decide on a location for the treadmill before you start assembling it. Having a second person assist withe the assembly will make the process easier and faster.
Warranty –
The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill comes with a Lifetime Warranty on its frame, 25 years on its motor and 1 year on parts & labor.
ProForm 505 CST Pros
- Comfortable
ProShox Lite 3 Cushioning makes for more comfortable workouts and helps to protect your 
joints from stress. The cushioning also enables you to do longer sessions, with a faster recovery time.
- Program variety
This model offers more program options than some treadmills costing a lot more.
- Space-Saving design
The treadmill is relatively compact and its deck folds, enabling you to free up space when need be.
- Hydraulic lift technology
The deck folds and unfolds, with minimum efort required.
- User-friendly
A simple navigation system lets you select your workout quickly and easily, then get on with exercising without having to mess around with the controls.
The incline of the treadmill’s deck will automatically adjust to match your selected workout, keeping you on track to achieve your goals.
- Warranty
This model comes with a great warranty.
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Cons
- Speed limitation
With a top speed of 10 MPH, this will be more than sufficient for many potential users. However,very experienced runners wishing to do long, hard workouts may want a model with higher speed.
- Treadmill weight
While lighter than many high quality treadmills, the ProForm 505 CST isn’t light. For this reason, it’s a good idea to find a spot for it and assemble and leave it there.
- Assembly
Opinions vary as to the difficulty level of setting up the 505 CST. While most people have no problem with this, some people who left reviews said they found it very difficult and time-consuming. If you don’t want to attempt the job, you can pay extra to have it assembled for you.
Buyer Feedback for the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
The ProForm 505 CST Treadmill has a high buyer approval rating.
Many people have commented positively on the quality and sturdiness of the 505 CST. Its ability 
to fold is appreciated, as is its smooth performance and the comfort of its deck.
Some reviewers with “bad knees” said they regularly do extended workouts on the treadmill, without experiencing any discomfort.
Numerous reviewers have commented upon how quiet the treadmill is to use. A number have also left positive feedback regarding its durability.
Some taller buyers expressed satisfaction with this model’s running surface, which even some long-stride runners state is more than adequate.
A small number of purchasers received treadmills that were missing parts or had sustained damage in transit.
This is an unfortunate occurrence, but it does happen from time to time, no matter the brand or product.
Should you experience any such problem, contact customer service who will arrange to have a replacement sent to you.
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Summary
The 505 CST combines durable build quality with features and functions suitable for new through to more advanced level exercisers.
It doesn’t have the most powerful motor available and it is not equipped with as much speed or as many incline options as some of the more expensive treadmills. However, if you’re looking for a treadmill to walk on or jog on, the 505 CST from fitness leader ProForm, provides enough torque to give a very smooth motion, even when working at top speed using the steepest incline.
Quiet to use, you will be able to set it up in any available space in your home, knowing you will be able to work out whenever you want to, without disturbing anyone else in your household.
The running platform of the ProForm 505 CST Treadmill utilizes special cushioning that reduces joint impact. This means you won’t experience soreness or fatigue in your hips, legs or feet even after long workouts.
While it has a few negatives, these are minor. All in all, the ProForm 505 CST treadmill is a solid and affordable treadmill that will give most people the variety they need to diversify their workouts and improve their fitness.
As a treadmill that can cater to people of most fitness levels, the 505 CST is certainly worth putting on your shortlist. Though not the cheapest treadmill on the market, it is far from the most expensive and it has the durability to last for many years.
Please note that there is a newer version of this model which you can view on Amazon by clicking this link.
Not sure if this is the right treadmill for you? To read more treadmill reviews, click this link.
Click here to read a treadmill buying guide containing 14 tips on buying a treadmill.
