A Healthy Exercise Routine Doesn't Have to Take a lot of Time or Money
By Jennifer Warner

Think you don't have the time or money to exercise as much as you should? Think again.
A new nationwide survey shows at least one-fourth of successful exercisers have full-time jobs, young children at home, or both, and walking is the most popular form of physical activity.

The survey, conducted among more than 20,000 Consumer Reports readers, reveals the secrets of successful exercisers -- those people who most closely meet the national recommendations for physical activity by exercising at least a half-hour per day at least three days a week.

The results show that sticking to an exercise routine doesn't have to be boring or expensive, and it could be a lifesaver. For example:

• 58% of successful exercisers report doing three or more different activities per week.
• 30% of successful exercisers used a fitness facility or gym at least three times a week.
• More than half of those who worked out regularly used exercise to treat depression, a heart problem, back pain, or diabetes and said they and their doctors agreed that exercise helped a lot.

Experts say that to reap the most health benefits from exercise, you need to strive for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, preferably spread out over five days. If you do, the health benefits include a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, some types of cancer, and dementia.
However, if your goal is weight loss, you'll need to aim for 250 to 300 minutes a week.

Tips from Successful Exercisers
In the survey, which appears in the January issue of Consumer Reports, researchers polled 21,750 readers about their exercise habits.

Thirty-eight percent of the respondents were classified as "successful exercisers" and performed moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes at least three days a week (usually more). That group includes 12% the researchers classified as "hard-core" exercisers who exercised at least five days a week and had kept it up for at least five years.
The survey showed that 36% were "unsuccessful exercisers" who did a little exercise but not enough to reap the health benefits. Many people in this group said they wished they exercised more regularly. Fifteen percent of the respondents were considered sedentary.

Researchers found walking was by far the most popular form of physical activity among successful exercisers. In addition, two-thirds of hard-core exercisers walked at least three days a week.
When asked how they fit physical activity into their hectic schedules and stuck to their routines, successful exercisers offered this advice:
• Get out of your car. Many said they walked or bicycled regularly to work. Others arranged their lives so that they could do errands on foot regularly, such as living within walking distance of a grocery store.
• Find activities you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick to a routine if you enjoy it. More than half of successful exercisers said they usually or always got "a feeling of joy or exhilaration" from their physical activity.
• Find time to exercise. Successful exercisers recommend working out at the same time of the day, finding a convenient location to exercise, and planning ahead to schedule workouts.
• Use weights. Successful exercisers of all ages were 10 times more likely to use free weights to build muscle strength than those who didn't exercise regularly.

When starting an exercise program, researchers say it's important to start slowly, and then gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout. But the good news is that the survey results also show that once people get into the exercise habit, they naturally gravitate toward longer, more strenuous workouts.

Eat, Exercise, Relax, and Sleep Your Way to Better Sex
Better sex doesn't just involve technique. Keeping a fit mind and body can increase your enjoyment of bedroom antics.
By Dulce Zamora

Thought about leading a healthier lifestyle but haven't gotten around to doing it? Here's a possible incentive: Experts say people who are mentally and physically fit are more likely to have good sex lives. "If you feel good about yourself, you are in a better position to feel good about relationships, including your sex life," says Karen Zager, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in New York City.

"When one is not feeling well, and is exhausted, it can certainly have a negative impact on the quality of one's sex life," says Saralyn Mark, MD, a senior medical adviser at the Office on Women's Health.

This may all seem intuitive, yet many people find the road to a fitter mind and body to be bumpy, especially if it involves losing weight, starting an exercise program, reducing stress, or getting enough sleep.
One big reward, though, is to look and feel better -- arguably a plus for good romantic and sensual activities.

Eat Right
While there is no proven connection between a balanced diet and bedroom performance, a poor diet can cause health problems that can possibly interfere with sex.
Studies show animals that get too few calories tend to have weakened immune systems, says John Allred, PhD, professor emeritus of nutrition at Ohio State University. He says illness can be a big hurdle for pleasurable intercourse.
"If you have heart disease, then you might be taking medication that would inhibit sexual activity, or you might be afraid to have a heart attack," says Allred. "If you have the flu, a high fever, or just don't feel good ... any of these things would be a turn-off."
Mark Kantor, PhD, associate professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland, agrees, saying, "You will feel sexy if you look and feel good."

A way to do that is to eat an overall balanced diet and to exercise each day. The two go hand-in-hand, says Kantor, as demonstrated by today's obesity problem, in which people eat too much food and aren't active enough.

Move That Body
Being physically active can be a natural Viagra boost, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which recommends 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exertion a day.

"Men and women who exercise regularly are going to have increased levels of desire," says Cedric Bryant, PhD, ACE's chief exercise physiologist. "They're going to have enhanced confidence, enhanced ability to achieve orgasm, and greater sexual satisfaction."
If that isn't motivation enough to work out, consider this: Researchers have found that there is a correlation between waist size and a man's odds of having erectile dysfunction (ED). The larger the man's waist size, the greater his chance of having ED (because of a higher risk of underlying cardiovascular disease).

Need more positive reinforcement? Studies show that regular, moderate exercise can have a positive benefit on major sexual problems, such as ED in men and low libido in both men and women.
It only makes sense, say experts, since ED is often caused by poor blood flow to the penis, and exercise can improve the body's ability to pump and circulate blood throughout the body.

The same can be true for the ladies. In one University of Texas at Austin study, physically active women who watched an X-rated film had a 169% greater blood flow to the vagina compared with when they were inactive.
And there's more good news. Mark says exercise can promote the body's release of hormones important for sexual arousal, increase aerobic capacity and muscle strength, and boost self-body image -- all definite benefits for between-the-sheets play.

Sweet Dreams
For many of us, a good roll in the sack requires energy and the right mood -- elements that can be compromised when we are sleepy or tired.

While there is no direct relationship between slumber and better sex, a National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll, conducted in 2002, shows people's moods can be affected by the amount of shut-eye they get.

People who sleep less than six hours are more likely to report they are tired, stressed, sad, and angry than those who sleep more than eight hours. On the other hand, those with few sleep problems tend to report they are "full of energy," "relaxed," and "happy."
In his practice, Russell Rosenberg, PhD, director of the Northside Hospital Sleep Medicine Institute in Atlanta, says chronic sleep-loss patients report not only being too physically tired for sex, but also having decreased libido.

Unfortunately, lower sex drive, tiredness, and grouchiness are the least of worries with sleep deprivation. Research shows people who don't catch enough winks tend to:

• Get into more accidents. Inadequate sleep affects perception and motor skills.
• Find it harder to lose weight. Not enough shut-eye can affect the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates.
• Have an increased chance of a hormonal or metabolic disorder, which can indirectly put you at risk for medical problems such as type II diabetes and heart disease.

All of these consequences could undoubtedly put a damper on a person's sex life.
Rosenberg recommends trying to increase your total sleep time, even if it's just adding a half-hour or more per week. "Try it, and see how it affects your sex life," he says.

Relax
The brain may be the most important sex organ of all. It is perhaps in the mind where beliefs take hold and flourish about the effects of certain foods on sexual prowess, even as scientists deny any direct connection between diet and erotic fitness.
It is in the mind that people feel self-confident when they like the effects of exercise on their bodies. It is also where they feel happy and energized once they've gotten enough sleep.

Yet the inner workings of the brain can also keep a person from focusing on the delights of bedroom actions.
"In order to have a really healthy and pleasurable sex life, you have to be able to dismiss work; you have to be able to unwind and experience pleasure," says Zager. She says this means being able to temporarily forget about what your boss said, what was in the memo, what bills need to be paid, and what the children need.

Sex requires relaxation and time, adds Zager, noting that some couples may be too stressed and busy to enjoy or even have intercourse. She suggests setting priorities.

"Just how important is sex to you and your partner?" asks Zager. If it is vital to your relationship, she advises finding a way to work it into your schedule and working on making yourself less stressed or tired.

Some recommendations include eliminating some activities from your busy life, delegating jobs to someone else (by giving it to a partner, or hiring someone to do it), and doing an across-the-board cut in time spent on each activity.
To unwind, Zager suggests taking 5 to 30 minutes either to walk, meditate, take a hot bath, do yoga, or sit by yourself. This time can help charge personal batteries and can help make transitions between your work, family, and sex life.

To Your Bedroom Health
Living healthy may, indeed, have its benefits. If you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep enough, and take time to relax, there's a good chance your life between the sheets will improve.

Of course, there is no guarantee. But, as Zager says, it all forms a really good foundation.
"If you've got a good foundation of stress management, and setting your priorities, and taking good care of yourself, then on top of that, you can build relationships with other people and an enjoyable sex life," she says.

Author: Kathryn Oneill

Buying a home treadmill? Treadmills are still the most popular choice among exercise equipment buyers today. Why do many people invest in a home treadmill? Here are 7 major benefits of buying your own home treadmill:

1) Burn more calories:

Treadmills burn more calories per hour than any other exercise machine. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that a vigorous workout on a treadmill burns around 700 calories, compared to 627 for stair climbers and 498 for stationary bikes.

Another study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee showed that calories burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes averaged 705 - 865, more than a stair machine, rowing machine or stationary bike.

2) Workout whenever you want:

With your own treadmill, you have the freedom to workout at any time of the day that you want. No waiting in the lines at the health club, no speeding to the gym to get in before 'the rush', no walking outside at night in the dark.

3) Wear whatever you want:

With a home treadmill you can wear whatever you want to workout. No worrying if your shorts match your T-shirt. No worrying if your shirt is too ragged or if your sweat pants are too loud.

4) Workout for as long as you want:

I don't know about you but I hate, hate, hate it when someone kicks me off the treadmill at the gym because my 'time is up'. With a home treadmill you have the freedom to go as long (or as little) as you want.

5) Get the body you've always wanted:

It's a fact: when it's convenient you'll exercise more. Which means you have the power to get the kind of body you've always wanted. Tighten those buns, tone those abs, say 'good bye' to that spare tire and 'hello' to a tiny waist with your own treadmill.

6) No more boredom:

How many times have you gone to the gym and been bored out of your mind within 10 minutes of your workout? With a home treadmill you can set it up in front of your TV and watch your favorite shows or movies.

Before you know it you'll have gone farther than you even realized - and burned more calories too. That means a better body in less time.

7) A simple way to exercise for those of us who aren't gym bunnies:

If you're not a muscle bound, 0% body fat gym bunny, a home treadmill is a simple, easy way to lose weight and stay in shape. Many people, for one reason or another, feel embarrassed by going to the gym. Consequently, they don't enjoy their gym workout and don't get the most out of it. Home treadmills are easy to use and simple to work for anyone, regardless of fitness level.

These are just a few benefits of owning your own home treadmill. Chances are you have your own reasons for wanting one.

Just remember that the seeds you sow today will be the rewards you reap tomorrow. Good luck and have fun!

Consumer Reports magazine and TreadmillDoctor.com have the best elliptical trainer reviews. Consumer Reports tests and compares models based on ease of use, safety and value, using both trained fitness professionals and regular people to identify the best elliptical trainers. TreadmillDoctor.com sells replacement parts and supplies for fitness equipment, so editors are in a unique position to judge long-term reliability and value. Websites like Elliptical-Trainers-Review.com and Elliptical-Trainers.com do include some critical comments, but we didn't see any testing methodology discussed. Accordingly, we took the recommendations of these sites with a big grain of salt. Consumer Reports and TreadmillDoctor.com offer much more credible elliptical trainer reviews.

Consumer Reports notes that elliptical trainers in the lower price range often have problems right from the start; the bottom line, the magazine's editors say, is you get what you pay for. Models costing over $2,000 performed best in testing. One of the magazine's best buys cost $800, although the editors point out that this elliptical trainer lacks the sturdy health-club feel of the more expensive models.

You might recognize the Orbitrek Elliptical Glider (*est. $160) from TV infomercials. Consumers posting to Epinions say that the Orbitrek can tip at high speeds, causes painful, choppy movements and all too often breaks within a year. Further, some consumers say they had a hard time getting the manufacturer to honor the one-year warranty when the machine broke within that time frame. Owners posting comments to FitnessInfomercialReview.com echo those comments. Better choices include the entry-level Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A (*est. $400) or Image 8.5 (*est. $325).

Elliptical trainers are a mix between a stair stepper and a ski machine. You stand on pedals, which move on an elliptical track, usually via rollers. Some models have only stationary or preprogrammed incline options, while others allow the user to adjust the incline throughout the workout. Reviews say that elliptical trainers have caught up to treadmills in popularity because they provide a variety of aerobic workouts, while the ski-type leg movement limits the impact on joints.

Some elliptical trainers provide an upper body workout as well as lower body, and most offer multiple exercise options with varying levels of difficulty. Fitness reviews say that while elliptical trainers give you a good workout, they do tend to overestimate the number of calories you're burning, usually by 20 percent to 30 percent. Elliptical machines that ask you to enter your body weight can be more accurate. In general, reviews say that you'll burn 500 to 650 calories (depending on effort) after one hour of exercise on any cardio machine, whether it's a treadmill or an elliptical trainer.

Best Elliptical Trainers
If you've used an elliptical trainer at the gym, it was likely a higher-end commercial machine. Reviews say commercial machines are more expensive and feature-laden than most people need at home. However, Precor ranks highly in reviews for both its commercial and home elliptical trainers. The (*est. $2,700) is Precor's entry-level model, and the editors of Prevention magazine say it's one of the most durable on the market. The Precor elliptical trainer has four programs including an optional heart-rate monitor, 20 resistance levels, an incline that adjusts from 12 to 25 degrees, and a long, 19-inch stride. This makes it one of the largest home models, with a footprint of 75 x 30 inches. The Precor machine weighs 197 pounds. According to the manufacturer, Precor elliptical trainers don't have a weight limit, so they are appropriate for heavier individuals.

The Precor EFX 5.17i elliptical trainer has an accessory holder on the console for your water bottle or CD player. Precor comes standard with a child safety feature to prevent accidental startups, but you have to pay extra for the optional heart-rate monitor. The Precor EFX 5.17i elliptical trainer doesn't include an upper body workout, but step-up models do, including the (*est. $2,700) and the EFX 5.33 (*est. $3,800). However, these two models have a 20-degree fixed ramp, so if you like to adjust the incline while working out, you might opt for the EFX 5.17i instead. With Precor elliptical trainers, you must choose between an upper body workout and an adjustable incline.

We featured the Precor EFX 5.21 (*est. $3,700) in a previous version of this report, but chose to replace it with the EFX 5.17i, which is less expensive but has comparable features. For the extra money, the Precor EFX 5.21i gives you two extra workout programs, a slightly larger 13- to 30-degree incline, and an included heart-rate monitor. The only downside to Precor elliptical trainers (besides the high price) is the large size and weight (the very qualities that make them so stable), so make sure you have enough space.

Another higher-end option is the Life Fitness X3 elliptical trainer (*est. $3,000). This elliptical trainer has movable handlebars for an upper body workout and an interactive heart-rate monitor to help keep you in your target heart-rate zone. The Life Fitness elliptical trainer has 12 workouts, including a "My Workouts" section that stores weight, incline levels and progress for up to four workouts or people. However, experts at TreadmillDoctor.com say this model is overpriced for what you get, and in this price range, Precor is better.

If you're looking for a lot of features on a limited budget, reviewers like the Smooth CE 3.2 (est $1700). Experts say it's durable for the price and offers a full complement of features for the money. It has nine customizable programs, a 300-pound weight capacity, and comes with a wireless heart-rate monitor. Movable handlebars give your upper body a workout, but reviews especially like the pivoting foot pedals, which decrease ankle strain. One drawback: The stride length on the Smooth CE 3.2 is 16 inches, which may be too short for taller people. However, Smooth's step-up model, the CE 7.4 (est $2,500) has a 19-inch stride, equivalent to the Precor elliptical trainers above.

Smooth's elliptical trainers use a flywheel instead of rollers on a ramp for the leg movement, and thus, the user can’t adjust the incline. The machine's speed and resistance are based on the workout program, but these can be customized as you work out. This is an improvement over Smooth's former CE models, which didn't allow setting changes. The high-end Precor EFX 5.17 elliptical trainer (*est. $2,700), on the other hand, has an adjustable incline to vary your workout. (Reviews say a variable incline can help isolate different muscle groups.) Smooth elliptical trainers have a lifetime warranty on parts and a one-year labor warranty.

According to reviews at TreadmillDoctor.com, Spirit elliptical trainers are a great value right now; editors think that Spirit is actually underpricing its elliptical trainers. This manufacturer gets good reviews for its treadmills, but we didn't see as many reviews for its elliptical trainers. Both the Spirit XE 350 (*est. $1,450) and the Spirit XE 550 (*est. $1,750) have a long 20-inch stride and upper body handles. Articulated foot pedals reduce ankle stress. Twenty resistance levels and ten workout programs help vary your workout. Neither of these machines has an adjustable incline (a feature you're unlikely to see at this price level). Both models have heart-rate control, a fan and an accessory holder. Both machines include a lifetime warranty on the frame and brake system, plus five years on other parts. A two-year labor warranty is included, which is more generous than Smooth.

The Spirit XE 350 has a 350-pound user weight limit; the XE 550 has a 400-pound weight limit. Added features on the higher-end XE 550 include molded handgrips, a cushioned foot pad and a heart-rate "autopilot" feature, which varies the resistance automatically to keep you in your target heart-rate zone. The entry-level Spirit XE 150 (*est. $1,250) costs less, but doesn't have many heart-rate features, has a smaller display, a 300-pound weight limit and no adjustable foot pedals.

We highlighted the Vision Fitness 6200HRT elliptical trainer (*est. $1,500) in a previous version of this report. The manufacturer upgraded this model to the X6200HRT (*est. $2,000), which also gets some high scores in reviews. Like the Life Fitness elliptical trainer and Spirit XE 550 above, the Vision Fitness X6200HRT will automatically change resistance to maintain your target heart rate (sensors are located in the handgrips). The movable handles work your upper body, plus this model can fold up for storage.

Budget Elliptical Trainers
Fitness reviews say that, in general, the best elliptical trainers cost at least $1,000. If $1,000 is beyond your budget for an elliptical trainer, you still have some options, but experts say you shouldn't expect a low-end machine to offer the same flexibility and durability as more expensive elliptical trainers. That's most evident in the manufacturer warranty. On the higher-quality elliptical machines above, one-year warranties are standard, but less expensive models often only back their machines with a 90-day warranty.

Reviews like the Schwinn 418 (est $800) , which wins a couple of best-buy ratings. The Schwinn 418 has a flywheel design, like the Smooth elliptical trainers above, and the handlebars move, providing an upper body workout. Heart-rate sensors are located on the handgrips. There are 12 programs, a weight capacity of 275 pounds, and an 18-inch stride, which should be comfortable for most users. Schwinn offers a 15-year frame warranty, shorter than the lifetime frame warranties offered by Precor and Smooth, but reviews say the quality and durability of the Schwinn 418 are excellent for this price range. Compared to the higher-end Spirit XE 350, the Schwinn has eight resistance levels compared to 20 for the Spirit. The Spirit has a higher weight limit and a two-year labor warranty. Schwinn only gives you a six-month labor warranty.

However, we're read some recent complaints about manufacturing flaws with the Schwinn 418. Several owners posting comments to Amazon.com report that the Schwinn elliptical trainer broke in the same place -- that the welds holding the mast to the frame are too weak. Although the price is low, the six-month labor warranty and reports of the exact same durability problem gives us pause. Though it costs more, the Spirit XE 350 comes with a two-year labor warranty.

In this price range, TreadmillDoctor.com likes the NordicTrack Elite 1300, Epic 1000 and ProForm 21.0 (est $850) . All three of these elliptical machines are made by the same manufacturer, Icon Health and Fitness. We found the ProForm to be a bit easier to find in stores. This model has an 18-inch stride, gel handgrips on the handles and 12 programs. Its big innovation is that it includes a few video games you can play on the small console screen. You control the games with the handgrips. Reviews say this feature is pretty gimmicky, but the elliptical trainer as a whole is a good value. Unfortunately, the ProForm warranty is one of the worst in the industry -- only 90 days on parts and labor. The weight limit is 250 pounds.

The Fitness Quest Eclipse 1100 HR/A elliptical trainer (*est. $400) has an unusual one-year limited warranty on parts and labor. Blake Bissaillion from BuildingMuscle101.com recommends the Fitness Quest Eclipse, saying that its steel frame is sturdy and won't wobble even at higher speeds and that it can support up to 275 pounds. Bissaillion says the Fitness Quest elliptical trainer is lightweight and compact enough to be wheeled from room to room. The Fitness Quest 1100 HR/A has a 275-pound weight limit, ten preset programs and two heart-rate-controlled programs -- a large number for this budget price range. The heart-rate sensors are in the handgrips, which move to provide an upper body workout. This model uses a flywheel design like the Smooth and Schwinn elliptical trainers above, but the stride length is only 15 inches, which may be too short for tall individuals (as opposed to the Spirit XE ellipticals above, which have a 20-inch stride). We found some good owner comments for this model.

Other reviewers like the ProForm 900 (est $600) . Like the Fitness Quest above, the ProForm 900 has handlebars for an upper body workout and an included heart-rate monitor, located on the handgrips. This ProForm elliptical trainer has six exercise programs, but at additional cost, you can download more programs from the Internet. It also has a fan in the console to keep you cool. Although these extra features sound nice, reviews say such things are often gimmicky, especially when the machine itself isn’t built to last. Reviews warn that the ProForm elliptical trainer does not have the stability of higher-priced elliptical trainers, plus ProForm's standard warranty is very short -- only 90 days.

At TreadmillDoctor.com, editors highlight the Image 8.5 (*est. $400). This model is also made by Icon Health and Fitness, and it shares the same short 90-day warranty. This flywheel model has a 17.5-inch stride, movable handles for an upper body workout, and a handgrip heart-rate monitor.

Important Features: Elliptical trainers
Reviews say to look for the following when purchasing an elliptical trainer:
• Make sure that the elliptical trainer is stable and that its motion is fluid and quiet. An elliptical trainer should never feel wobbly or jerky; some cheap machines have been reported to "walk" across the floor during use.
• The pedals should be comfortable, with a non-slip design. They should also provide a natural stance, meaning they aren't too wide or too narrow.
• Check the comfort of the handlebars. Handlebars should be ergonomic for correct posture and comfortably placed so you don't bump into them. Movable handles should move back and forth smoothly.
• Look for a machine with both programmed and manual courses, as well as dual-direction movement (forward and backward) to accommodate your changing workout needs.
• Most elliptical trainers offer varied resistance; make sure this is easy to adjust (either electronically or manually). Most experts prefer machines with an elevated incline, while others say increasing resistance and speed is just as effective.
• Make sure the display is easy to read and provides the information you're looking for. Most displays show speed, time and distance, but you may also want to see calories exerted per hour, degree of incline or heart rate.
• If you're buying an elliptical trainer for a tight space, consider the footprint.
• Experts say you should try out exercise equipment in the store before buying to make sure it fits your needs and budget.

Colder weather is approaching rapidly for those of who live in the northern regions of the United States. This is a good time to start thinking about alternatives to outdoor exercise. Perhaps it is time to invest in a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or exercise bike. I have not forgotten than many folks in all parts of the country simple prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own home.

To assist in your decision the blog will carry a series of articles on exercise equipment. The first of the series will provide a review of treadmills. The following is a synthesis of reviews by Consumer Search from reviews by Consumer Reports, Runners World, Prevention magazine and TreadmillDoctor.com.

There's a wide range of prices and quality among treadmills, with cheap models available in discount stores for as little as $300. But there's a world of difference between these cheap treadmills and the $1,000-and-up models recommended most often in professional reviews. The difference is aptly represented by the manufacturer's warranty. Treadmills costing less than $1,000, including the Epic 450MX and Image 19.0 (*est. $600) often come with just a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

Spending more gets you much better warranty coverage. The Sole F80 (est $1500) has a service warranty that covers the deck, frame and motor for a lifetime, other parts for five years and labor for two years. Spending more for a treadmill like this will get you better insurance against breakdowns. This is important when you're considering fitness equipment that weighs 200 pounds or more, where a technician will need to come to your home for repairs.

Cheaper treadmills costing less than $1,000 not only carry shorter warranties, but most also don't perform as well in tests. While they may be lighter in weight, inexpensive treadmills can also be less stable, offer fewer features and have smaller and narrower belts. The Weslo Cadence G-25 (*est. $300), for example, is an ultra-compact treadmill. Its belt is just 43" x 13", compared to the 55" x 20" (or longer) belts found on other models. This means the outsides of your feet can never be more than 13 inches apart or you'll step on the side rails, and the 43-inch length will barely accommodate a walking stride. TreadmillDoctor.com editors say that treadmills in this price range have "cheap, cheap parts." They say the following about the Weslo G-25: "If you can keep this working for more than a workout or two at the 6 MPH top speed, contact us because we'll try to get your machine in the Smithsonian." While reviews say the Image 19.0 (*est. $600), another compact treadmill, should only be used for walking, at least it has a wider 19-inch belt. The Epic 450MX has a 20-inch belt. Even so, the warranty for both of these is only for 90 days, and there's a 300-pound weight limit on these machines, so they are inappropriate for heavier walkers.

Reviews say that with treadmills, you generally get what you pay for. Fitness experts recommend that serious runners start shopping for treadmills at the $2,000 mark, although less expensive treadmills are fine for walking. Editors at Runner's World agree; the best treadmills for running are priced over $2,000. For our report, we paid close attention to what reviews are recommending in the range of $1,000 to $2,000. That money should get you a good warranty with at least a full year of in-home labor coverage, plus better construction and more features than you'll find on cheap treadmills. Reviews suggest that frequent runners or households with more than one runner should consider spending even more.

Best treadmills, $1,000 to $2,000
In years past, we've seen good reviews for Smooth treadmills. Although we did not see as many reviews for them this year, we didn't find any evidence that their treadmills are not still good choices. This company's treadmills are sold mainly online, so one drawback is that you can't try them out in person. TreadmillDoctor.com says that since this company has grown so large so quickly, customer service has suffered. We did read a small number of complaints about unresponsive service at Epinions, but overall, owners seem happy with their treadmills.

The Smooth 5.25 (est $1000) is a standout in its price range. The display panel is highly readable, and it folds up to save space. The Smooth treadmill has six programs and a heart-rate monitor on the handgrip. At 52" x 20", the Smooth's belt is shorter than those on more expensive models, and it has a comparatively low 275-pound capacity. However, this treadmill is backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and five years on all other parts, with one-year in-home labor coverage. Reviews say this is a good-quality treadmill mainly for walking. Heavier individuals will need a treadmill with a higher weight limit, and taller people may need a longer belt.

The upgraded Smooth 6.25 (est $1600 is a better choice for occasional runners. This treadmill is a step up from the Smooth 5.25 (above) and has both a longer 54" x 20" belt and slightly more power, with a 2.75-hp motor. Like the Smooth 5.25, it folds for storage and has a handgrip heart-rate monitor (with optional chest strap), but it also has two more preset programs, for a total of eight. The relatively low weight capacity of 275 pounds makes this treadmill more appropriate for lighter runners.

TreadmillDoctor.com says the Sole F80 (est $1500) is "The best treadmill under $1,500" although we had a hard time finding it in stores for that price. The Sole F80 has a 55" x 20" belt, a bit longer than both Smooth treadmills above, and a higher 335-pound weight capacity. The Sole treadmill also folds for storage, and it has the useful feature of speed and incline controls on the side rails. It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, deck and motor, along with five years on other parts and an impressive two years on labor. It has six preset programs, a 2.5-hp motor and handgrip heart-rate monitor, with included chest strap. If you've stayed in a Hilton hotel recently, you might have used a Sole treadmill; Hilton now has in-room Sole treadmills in many of its hotels. This Sole treadmill has the best warranty in its price range.

We found some good reviews for Vision Fitness treadmills, but this manufacturer has been subject to a recent recall for some of its console panels, which could speed up unexpectedly. The Vision Fitness T9200 Simple (*est. $1,400) doesn't have a heart-rate monitor or any preset programs to help vary your workout. Vision Fitness does offer a lifetime warranty on the frame (with one-year labor), and the treadmill has a 325-pound weight limit. TreadmillDoctor.com says the T9200 is a good "starter" treadmill. One reviewer also recommends the step-up Vision Fitness T9500 Deluxe (*est. $2,000), which has an orthopedic belt to cushion your run.

The Bodyguard T240 (*est. $1,900) is cited as the best treadmill in the $1,500 to $2,000 range by TreadmillDoctor.com, though we did not see this brand tested elsewhere. The Bodyguard T240 has a 57" x 20" belt, a 350-pound weight limit and six programs, with an optional chest-strap heart-rate monitor. This treadmill's greatest strength, according to reviews, is its quality construction, which is backed by a superb warranty for this price range -- lifetime on the motor, ten years on parts and three years labor. This company also makes Polar heart-rate monitors.

We found a good review for the Keys Ironman 320t (est $1000) . TreadmillDoctor.com says the list price of $1,500 isn't very competitive, but we found this model pretty substantially discounted in stores. The folding Ironman treadmill has a 2.5-hp motor, an included chest-strap heart-rate monitor, handgrip pulse sensors and a 350-pound weight limit. The belt measures 56" x 20." The frame carries a lifetime warranty along with ten years on the motor, two years on other parts and a one-year labor warranty.

The Bowflex 7 series(est $1500) is made by Nautilus. Here again, TreadmillDoctor.com says this treadmill isn't much of a deal at its $2,000 list price, but we found it in several stores for about $500 less, making it a lot more appealing. We also found a couple dozen good reviews for this model at Amazon.com. The Bowflex has a large 60" x 20" belt. This folding treadmill has handgrip pulse sensors plus a heart-rate monitor, along with a 3-hp motor (good for this price range) and 300-pound user weight capacity. The frame has a 15-year warranty, along with ten years on the motor, two years on other parts and one year labor. If you can find it on sale, the Bowflex treadmill competes with the Sole F80. The Sole has a longer warranty period and slightly higher 335-pound weight limit, along with a 15 percent incline. The Bowflex has a larger 3-hp motor (2.5-hp on the Sole) and 5-inch longer belt, but a shorter warranty and 12 percent incline adjustment.

Budget Treadmills for Walking
The Image 19.0R, along with other inexpensive treadmills, has only a 90 day parts and labor warranty, the shortest in the industry. Even so, reviews say the Image treadmill is fine if your fitness plans only include walking. This treadmill has a wider 19 inch belt and a stronger motor (2.8 horsepower) than some other budget models. Even so, regular runners and walkers will need a more durable treadmill. It folds up for storage and comes with a handgrip heart-rate sensor. The Image treadmill has a user weight limit of 300 pounds.

Best Mid-Range Folding Treadmill
According to treadmill reviews, the Sole F80 is the best in this price range, with a strong warranty (20 years on the motor, five years on parts and two years labor), as well as options that are comparable to more expensive treadmills. The Sole has a 335-pound weight capacity, and its 55" x 20" running surface is longer than other treadmills in its price class. It has six programs, plus speed and incline controls on the armrests, and both handgrip and chest-strap pulse sensors. The Sole treadmill folds up for storage. The Sole F80 is best for walkers who want to try the occasional run, but it won't take the same pounding as a more expensive treadmill.

Best Treadmill for Running
The Life Fitness is a favorite of professional runners for its shock-absorbing deck and customizable controls. This treadmill can also save user data and favorite workouts for several family members. Its 58" x 20" running surface is long enough and wide enough for most runners and its 3.0-hp motor is smooth and quiet. An included heart-rate monitor works in conjunction with special programs to keep you in your heart-rate zone. It has a high 400-pound user weight limit, and is backed by a lifetime frame warranty with ten years on the motor, five years on other parts and one year labor.
Runner's treadmill with negative incline.

Reviews say the PaceMaster Platimum Pro VR is unique in that it has a negative incline (down to a -3.0 grade) -- helpful for runners who want to strengthen the fronts of their legs by simulating downhill running. Some testers say this treadmill is helpful in preparing for hilly races like the Boston Marathon. The PaceMaster's Constant Effort Compensation mode adjusts speed to keep your exertion level constant. It has a 3.0-hp motor, a long 60" x 20" belt and a 400-pound weight limit. The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR is one of the few treadmills still made in the U.S.