Last Updated on July 9, 2023
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EDITOR’S NOTE: To read our review of another Aldi treadmill, the ProForm Cadence LT Smart Treadmill, click here.
Aldi sells a variety of exercise equipment at the beginning of the year, both in January and into February. The grocer sells everything from kettle bells to stationary bikes, and while Aldi won’t be confused for a fitness store, you can add a decent collection of cardio and strength training tools to your workout space.
In our time as a website — going back to 2016 — the one thing we’ve never seen at Aldi is a treadmill. It wasn’t hard to figure out why. They’re big and they’re expensive, both of which are an obstacle for a grocery store that lives and breathes on low prices and limited inventory space.
Well, Aldi now has a treadmill.
What We Know:
The ProForm 205 CST Smart Treadmill (Product Code: 702765, Model Number: PFTL32920) is an Aldi Find, which means its only in stores for a limited time. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and it won’t be back anytime soon. ProForm is not an Aldi product label; it’s an established treadmill brand under Utah-based exercise equipment company Icon Health and Fitness. Icon’s other brands include Gold’s Gym and NordicTrack. Icon was formerly known as Weslo, and some stores still carry Weslo-branded equipment, including treadmills.
At the time of this post, this treadmill costs $249.99. If you’ve done any research into treadmills, you know that this is about as cheap as it gets. Very few treadmills sell for under $300, so if you’re in the market for a treadmill, you’re unlikely to find one less expensive than this one.
A few other vendors online sell the ProForm 205, but all of them are outside the United States. Inside the U.S, there do not appear to be any other retailers currently selling the 205. I found plenty of examples of other, more expensive ProForm models, including the 505, but I couldn’t find any active listings anywhere else for the 205. In addition, ProForm makes no mention of the 205 on its website.
Adding to the confusion, there appear to be some differences between the ProForm models on some websites and what Aldi sells. For example, this video of a ProForm 205 from a major UK fitness equipment retailer shows a glossy lineup of settings and a pulse-measuring handlebar, both of which are absent from the Aldi model. In other words, this appears to be a stripped-down version even of the ProForm 205 sold in other places. To be fair, though, those versions of the 205 retail for more than twice the cost of the Aldi version.
I reached out to ProForm to see if I could learn more about the Aldi model. At the time of publication, the company has not responded.
According to Aldi, the treadmill’s features include:
- Dimensions: 29.8″ W x 64.5″ D x 52.6″ H
- Foldable Design
- 16″ x 50″ tread belt
- 1.6″ precision machined rollers
- 1.75 CHP motor
- 0–10 mph speed
- Adjustable Incline: 0–6% manual incline
- Two manually adjustable incline positions
- LCD Display
- Rebound cushioning
- Integrated device shelf
- A 90 day warranty on parts and a 1 year warranty on the motor (you can find warranty information here)
One other note: the Aldi ProForm comes with a free 6-month iFit membership. iFit is Icon’s answer to Peloton’s digital classes, with “on-demand workouts, trainer-led classes, and auto-adjusting personalized speed.” iFit currently runs $15 a month for an individual membership and $33 a month for a family membership of up to 5 people, so 6 months of iFit is worth $75. Not a bad extra for what is already a pretty inexpensive treadmill. Keep in mind, though, that you would need another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to watch the iFit classes.
What We Don’t Know:
Because treadmills take a lot of punishment, durability is an issue. Even expensive treadmills can develop problems over time, but cheap ones are often more likely to because of the way they’re built. You don’t have to look far to read horror stories of budget treadmills breaking down after just a short period of use.
What does that mean for this treadmill? We don’t know. It certainly is a budget model, but it’s also from an established brand. We’re still learning more about warranties and other support, and we’ll update this post as we do.
Have experience with the ProForm 205? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks for the heads up on this Joshua.
I “thought” I was going to purchase one of the treadmills this morning. Although I arrived at 8:40, it wasn’t early enough.
There was 2 per store.
I suppose Aldi uses these great offers as a teaser and maybe even receive free media coverage about the lines in front of their stores hours (or if they really discount..days) before opening so shoppers can take advantage of their amazing savings – brilliant.
Brilliant? No. It’s called a ‘come-on’ and it is annoy to say the least, disappointing and should be illegal unless they also advertise the amount that will be shipped to each store.
As soon as I saw this in the weekly ad, I was simultaneously intrigued and skeptical. It sounds like a great product and set of features for the price, but I would anticipate it breaking down within months if not sooner. I don’t have high hopes the iFIT workouts are on par with something like Peloton either. Though I would love to have a treadmill in my apartment, being on the 3rd floor I would rather save and invest in something more well known and reliable. Until then, I need to get myself back into the fitness center at our complex. Exercise has been pretty non-existent for me since the beginning of the pandemic. I wish Peloton wasn’t so damn expensive 🙁
You can always try the Peloton app – I think it’s free for 2 months right now and $12/month after. I bought a non-Peloton spin bike and use it with the app with a cadence monitor. Now I’m looking for a treadmill to add!
Is the treadmill Bluetooth
Yes
Any idea what the user weight capacity is on this treadmill?
250 lbs
325
It’s 250. The manual has the weight limit listed in it.
How do u incline this treadmill
250lbs
250 #
250lb
The box says 275 lbs is the user capacity.
Outdoors is my favorite gym. However, on those freezing rain kind of days or cold/windy days I am not a big fan of walking outside. So, I thought it might be nice to have an alternative I could just get on and go. When I was considering getting a treadmill my den, on the second floor, was the only place I could make it work. I also knew I didn’t want a gigantic treadmill so I took my chances with this one.
I arrived to Aldi at 9 this morning. The store opens at 8. I could see two boxes inside the lobby area. A woman was standing by one of them and I was able to purchase the second one. The Aldi manager was right there, the info was all ready at the register and then the manager helped me load it into my car. The cashier told me there was warranty information on the receipt but there is not so I’ll have to check back with them.
The treadmill came in a box and was well packaged. My neighbor just happen to be outside and offered to help me lug it upstairs. Even stores upright.
Assembly was easy. All the screws come labeled by step and screw size. Three allen wrenches came with the screws and a screw driver was also needed for some of the steps. The arms that hold the console were shipped flat against the platform. Those raised up and were screwed in place. The console was then added. They recommend two people but I was able to do this by myself. Hand plates were then secured where the console connects to the arms.
A free 6month membership came with the treadmill. You have to enter your credit card. After 6 months it’s $15 a month. However, they were offering a 20% discount if I signed up today. I did not. You can by-pass iFit simply by holding down for 30 seconds and it then goes into manual mode.
Now for the important part…how it runs. Well, if you have it at the lowest setting .5 or 1 there is a delay in the belt moving around. As you speed it up to 2-3 that delay goes away (thankfully) otherwise I would’ve taken it right back. What incline? Yeah, didn’t research this part enough. There is not an up and down control feature which is what makes it so inexpensive. The incline is created at the end of the platform using adjustable feet. There is a 10% difference which I noticed. But you do need to step off to adjust which is a bummer. But this is not something I plan on using every day. If it were I would’ve chosen a more expensive model. I might even try and get my labradoodle to use it!
Beth do you think for the price it was a good deal?
That’s a good question. I’m going to say yes because I have seen under the desk treadmills that cost more and don’t have the 10% incline. If I had the money and the space I would’ve gotten a Horizon treadmill. I would have had to hire two people to get it up my stairs and it would have taken up more space.
The only thing that bothers me is the inconsistent rotation of the belt at the lowest speed. There is a delay. Once you get up to 2.5-3 that delay goes away.
I’m not going to use this every day. So, that is another reason I think the price was right, for me. It’s not something easy to get rid of because of it’s weight. So, it is a commitment no matter what brand or model you purchase.
How much does it weigh?
I’m not using it everyday either. Just wanted something for when there is bad weather. Might train the dog on it as well to run off some energy from time to time:)
Hey Beth thanks for the review! I cannot seem to bypass IFit. I don’t want to sign up for it right now. What button did you hold down?
Hi Cortney,
Once you attach the orange key and it turns on, push down on the iFit button and hold it for 20 seconds. You should hear a bip and it will adjust to manual mode. Also, page 14 of the manual discusses the reset button which is located where the power cord comes out of the platform. Make sure that is set to reset if you haven’t checked all ready. I missed that part and only discovered it today.
Sorry, 30 seconds is more like it and once you do that you shouldn’t have to press the iFit button again.
Thanks for the info. I just got one of 2. They weren’t even out on the floor yet. Do you happen to have an estimate as to how deep it is when it’s folded?
Thanks so much for your review Beth. I bought the same treadmill today. I too am an outside walker as well, but needed something on the cold, rainy, and dark days. You’ve given me a realistic expectation for when I assemble my treadmill. Thanks again for taking the time to share your review, it was really helpful.
Do you know if you can see the treadmill and app to display on a Bluetooth smart TV or will it only work on phone/ tablet?
I cannot get my treadmill to turn on after installing. There are little black and white cords on the right side sticking out and I’m wondering if that was suppose to go somewhere? I wish I could upload pics.
I just bought one today. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to use the console. The screws and holes were very difficult to align and one of them did not at all. Also,
If anyone can tell me how the incline works that would be great. It’s not in the manual anywhere.
I can’t figure out the incline either!!
According to Beth’s review the incline works by changing the feet. No auto options
It’s at the end of the belt underneath there are feet you can pull down it I’d not automatic it’s manual
Its a manual incline you have to lift the little feet at the end of the treadmil. There is no button for it.
Melissa,
There is brief mention of it in the manual. It’s towards the back where it discusses how to use the console.
There are two feet at the end of the platform where you step on. Lift up the platform as if to lock it into the upright position. You will see the two feet folded under. I believe you have to use one of the allen wrenches that came with to losen them up a little bit to get the feet to fold out. Then tighten back up. It’s now flat. So those feet are the 10% incline they are referring to.
Does anyone know how much the treadmill weighs and how long the warranty is for?
Thanks!
its kind of heavier than i thought it would be but i was able to slide to my truck and load myself. and slid down my basement steps! Def need two people
Yes, I just wanted to know how big and heavy this is. Will it fit in my car? It can be approximate wt and size. I have a hatchback.
I don’t think it will fit in a regular car; it just barely fit in my regular size SUV.
I have a Jeep Wrangler and it fit
you will need a truck
Do you happen to know how tall just the bottom part sticks up from the ground? I’m trying to figure out how much clearance we would have for our heads once we are standing on the treadmill. Thanks for the informative article!!
It weighs about 135lbs, and it is approximately 5’ long
I own a Jeep Wrangler Sport and there is no way the box would fit. I took my short bed Silverado and the tailgate just barely closed. The stock guys loaded it for me. My husband est. the weight to be 180 -200 lbs.
Thanks for the reviews! I am super excited about my ALDI find!!! I barely got 1 of the 2 @ my store 15 mins of opening. The other one was already loaded and gone.
Got it in my Rogue fine. Well Manager at store did it.
How high off the floor is this set? We would have to put it in our basement and need to know if we would be able to stand on it
im gonna guess about 8 inches
The promotion of the treadmill on the Aldi weekly is a hook to drive customers in to purchase other items. I live in Miami, Florida and have been to multiple stores in Dade and Broward County; each store manager has claimed to only receive 1 treadmill. 1 treadmill per store!!!
It is just a trick, a marketing strategy and I am truly disappointed that Aldi is into this game.
In Pennsylvania, most of the stores in my area received another shipment today. Two days after the ad, when quantities were very limited. What a great surprise today! 😉
Hi I was at the Coral Springs store today and they have two for sale.
They should of put it on the paper saying two in each store like that I didn’t waste my gas and time.
I agree, but yesterday I asked for my store manager, when I didn;t find it on the floor. She agreed to take down my cell # and call me when it/they came in. She called me this morning and I picked it up 30 minutes later. Great customer service. Not something Aldi is known for so I guess I’m lucky :).
I set mine up yesterday and it prompted me to set up a free account with the iFit app and then put with my Bluetooth. I just had to do it the one time – you Don’t have to put in credit card info (it says optional and I did not) once it paired that was all.
Ugh, “pair with my Bluetooth” not put!
I’m a dummy I missed that….will cancel my account after the 6 months free
I can’t get mine to actually start. It just says hello, did you do something to actually get it to start.
press and hold tje i fet button for 30sec and u will have free access
Thank you everyone for the comments, greatly helpful and appreciated!
There is no 0-10% incline unless you adjust the feet manually. There is also no number 9 on the speed buttons. Its difficult to get connected at first with the app. Im glad I never took mine out of the box. Going back to Aldi for a refund today.
So i purchased mine yesterday and i assembled it but i doesn’t turn on. Did anyone else have any issues powering it on or is mine just broken?? Unless there is a trick to turning it on.
The Power button is in front by the cord.
Power switch is on, power cord is connected, and red key is on as well. Still not powering on. I was wondering if I had to press and hold something cause I’m running out of ideas and it’s super heavy and inconvenient to return the item.
Press and hold the ifit button for 30 seconds to put it in manual mode
Make sure the wire is connected just under the console on the R side.
I arrived as soon as the store opened and was told they sold out the day before. The rep advised they put it out early. He did offer to call another store and see if they’d set one aside for me. He did so, and I went to the other store to pick up the treadmill. I have a Jeep Wrangler Sahara and it just barely fit with all the seats down and the front driver and passenger seats pushed uncomfortably forward. The box is HUGE and really HEAVY. My father and I were able to get it in the house and down to the basement with no trouble. It took me less than an hour to put it together. It was fairly easy and I found a YouTube video on how to activate it without putting my credit card in for the iFit subscription. The first evening the treadmill worked fine. It’s very strong and sturdy and although larger than I wanted, it’s folding capability helps save a little bit of space. Unfortunately the second day I went to use it, everything turned on but the motor. I looked at videos and tried all the manual’s troubleshooting suggestions and it still would not move. So, I called customer service and went through a few procedures and it still didn’t work. The customer service rep then told me that the wire must’ve burnt out and they will send me a replacement free. She said it’ll take about 2-3 weeks to come. (Sigh) … Fortunately, I received a tracking number from UPS that it should arrive next week. The rep also sent me a YouTube video on how to replace the faulty wire. I’m no electrical engineer but I’m going to try my best to follow the videos instructions. If this doesn’t work, I’ll just have to lug this super heavy treadmill back to Aldi for a refund. Stay tuned…
It is locked. Did you activate with iFit? If you look at the paperwork that came with it there is one that reads Final Assembly Step. Once you activate it, it will work. I am not using the iFit option. I held down on the iFit button for 30 seconds to bypass that and it works in manual mode. Plenty of free classes on youtube to watch if needed.
IFIT is a crime. I plan on complaining to Ohio AG. Proform has a nice treadmill but only half works w/o getting screwed by IFIT. Read several people had trouble canceling. They want your credit card info and who knows where it . IFIT is bad folks!!! Run
Not true. It does prompt you to register with iFit for a free trial but does NOT require credit card info. I signed up and can confirm. Also, previous posters have described the workaround so you don’t have to register with iFit at all.
Beth, they made me give them my CC info, I have a 6 month free trial…I have no interest in using the IFIT… do you know When i cancel the membership will it lock up again?
Beth,
I have a quick question. I read in my manual I need a power surge. How did you go about purchasing yours to plug in you treadmill?
What’s the weight limit for this treadmill?
Thanks everyone. Very helpful
Just picked mine up today! Do I need to purchase a rubber mat to go under the treadmill? Or will it be fine if I leave it on carpet?
I just purchased mine yesterday and bought the interlocking mats. I haven’t put it together yet.
Can it be rolled out of the way after use or does it have to stay in one place
Started setting up the treadmill last night. Got to the point of registering with Ifit to activate. Turns out Ifit sign up wouldn’t go through so I called their customer service number which Pro-Form had included in the box. Although it says it is open M-F until 10pm MT that is not the case. Calling at 5:15pm MT gives you a recording that you need to call back during work hours. Waited til Saturday morning to check an online video how to activate without going through Ifit. Treadmill works well, and is well worth the investment. There were 3 in the store the first day of the sale and 3 of us wiped them out 15 minutes after they opened. I went to a smaller Aldi in the next town the next day and they had 5 sitting on the floor.
What is the version number? I’m trying to register mine.
Everything seems to work except console won’t light up. No clear solution.
I’ll say this.. only used it a couple of times…for $249… mine works fine, I have a gym membership, just wanted something to walk on to do something extra in the evenings or if it snows. I don’t think I’d run on it.
My husband purchased this treadmill for me – I have to say, as a gym goer that regularly uses the treadmills, I am NOT disappointed – and I didn’t spend a small fortune. I have tablet and already have my own spin bike – so the Ifit membership was a nice bonus. I miss the ability to change incline, and the speed is NOT as responsive on this machine like it would be on a gym quality machine – but holy smokes for under 300$ – this treadmill is a good deal…
Hi Beth
I read your all comments n responses it’s commendable you are doing good job 👍🏻 I have one Question I bought treadmill from Aldi store and it was nice treadmill but unable to find out how to do manual incline , I tried very hard even I checked on video also but unable to do ,can you please guide me. Thanks in advance.
Easy..close up the treadmill like your putting it away -secure it w the pin…the “feet” at the back of the treadmill are moveable (plastic block like feet)..
dose the console have a light. hard to read without a light?
Hi, it does not have a light.
Does anyone have an issue with their machines squeaking? Everything is fine with regular walking, but when I run, it squeaks pretty loudly with each footfall. Wondering if there’s an adjustment that can make it squeak less?
I found a website that suggested the red shock absorbers could be moved further forward, but they’re screwed in place and I don’t see a way to move them.
Other than the squeak, this has been a great treadmill for us and at a great price.
I bought the Aldi treadmill not for every day use because I have a gym membership . I am 5′ tall and weigh under 100 lbs and am in better than average condition. It is not that long for someone wanting to do higher speeds, but it works. It is loud, has no bells and whistles, but for the money no complaints. I bought a top of the line ProForm for my son and daughter in law and they use the IFit. They say it is better than Peleton, but they have a large screen on their treadmill and auto incline and speed adjusts during class. You get what you pay for. I have my treadmill for almost a year and still going strong.
Thanks to everyone for taking your time to comment on the treadmill.. will be getting one this week due to your help.