Hey, Matt.
I have a proform as well, and am experiencing the same problem. I tightened and loosened the walking belt and the belt continued to stop under my weight (under ideal tension you should be able to lift the belt 2-3 inches off the deck). I noticed that it was both the front roller and the belt that was stopping (meaning that the walking belt was not actually slipping), so I opened the cover and was not surprised to find shredded black rubber covering almost everything (eroded pieces of motor belt). I started the mill back up and tried to stop it with the cover off. Sure enough, the motor belt was worn out. Each time I stopped the walking belt with my weight, it would stop the entire system, while the motor head still turned inside the motor belt (squealing loudly).
I bought my treadmill at Sears and also purchased the protection plan, but the repair people in my area can only come out on weekdays (no good for a teacher) and they never have the parts they need, which means they have to come twice. I decided to have Sears send me the belt (free under my plan) and just replace it myself. Not surprisingly, they are on back order. So, I'll have to find another way to run until the middle of April when I get the stupid belt.
If you didn't get your treadmill from Sears, Proform has a website and there is a "parts and repair" phone number that you might try. Sears would have charged me $26 for the belt.
I hope this helps.
Mike A.
New Fairfield, CT
Mike A., March 2008