The Proform 980 CS is the one for you if you are looking for a treadmill that will whip you into shape, get you ready for an upcoming race or just help you meet your fitness goals. The 980 CS is one of ProForm's sturdiest machines, made for people who take getting (and staying) in shape very seriously.

The 3.0 horsepower motor is surprisingly quiet, but still powerful enough to keep up with even the most seasoned runner. With a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, you do not have to worry about running too daintily. When you are done working out, the deck folds up for storage, freeing up some space in your workout room.

The Workout Intensity Meter is an interesting part of the treadmill's design: a glowing line tells you how intensely you are working out. If you start to slow down or if you are pushing too hard, the meter will let you know.

If you are worried about the impact running or jogging will have on your knees, ProForm's ProStride Adjustable Cushioning can make your workout more comfortable. The adjustable settings let you choose the running surface that is right for you, including lower-impact surfaces. This feature is particularly helpful when you are training for a race or a marathon: you can train on the appropriate type of surface, making race day just a little easier on your body.

Quick Speed and Quick Incline buttons are other helpful features of the 980 CS. It may seem like a small matter, but when you are in the middle of an intense workout, you do not want to push a button over and over to change your speed or incline. The Quick buttons let you push once to jump right to the speed or incline you need.

The 980 CS also comes with an iFit Workout Card slot. If you have never experienced the awesome motivational power of a fitness trainer, this feature might just become your favorite. You insert a pre-programmed workout card (sold separately) right into the console and listen as a trainer guides you through your selected workout. The card even adjusts the speed and incline of the treadmill during the workout so you can just concentrate on your performance.

You can always use the 24 pre-programmed weight loss, performance and competition workouts that come with the treadmill. As time goes on, the included iFit Fitness Journal technology will keep track of your progress (up to two users) and show you up to ten years of stored fitness data.

Other features like a built-in fan, dual-grip heart monitor and iPod-compatible music port make this an excellent addition to your home gym. The box it comes in is very heavy so you may need a helper to move it around, but assembly is easy enough and can be completed in 1-2 hours by one person. ProForm offers a one-year warranty on parts and labor and lifetime warranties for both the frame and the motor.

The 980 CS is more expensive than some other ProForm models, but it is built to last—even with daily use. Overall, it is up to you to decide if the sturdiness and outstanding features are worth the extra money. If you are interested in a machine that can guide you step-by-step through your fitness journey, the Proform 980 CS is it.