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Blog about Fitness, Exercise and Exercise Equipment
The following treadmill reviews are synthesized from ConsumerSearch who look at numerous reviews and make their ananysis of the top treadmills in various categories.
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.
Budget treadmill 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" belt and a stronger motor (2.8 horsepower with a ten-year motor warranty) than some other budget models. Even so, regular walkers and runners 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. (compare prices)
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.
Best treadmill for pros.
Reviews say that this sturdy, well-built Landice treadmill feels like one of the commercial treadmills you'd find in a health club. The Landice can take a real pounding from serious runners. Like the PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR, a 400-pound weight capacity ensures that pretty much anyone can use it. Reviews also give the Landice L7 high marks for ergonomics and build quality, backed by a lifetime warranty on all parts. If you're looking for a quiet treadmill, reviews say the 3.0-hp motor is smooth and discreet. This treadmill has a larger footprint for stability, so you'll need plenty of floor space for the L7. (compare prices)
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![]() New Balance Treadmill NB1500 US $700.00 |
![]() Precor Commercial C966i Treadmill 966i US $1,899.00
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![]() Life Fitness T5i Treadmill lifefitness t5 w HR US $1,299.00
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![]() WESLO CADENCE 340 CS TREADMILL PICKUP PHILLY AREA US $149.99
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![]() Treadmill Exerciser US $125.00
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![]() Reebok Exercise Treadmill w Incline 8000Es 319 US $195.00
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![]() Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill US $159.99
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![]() True Treadmill US $750.00
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| http://www.phpbay.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=1715 |
I wanted to call to your attention the great sales now going on for Smooth Treadmills.
If you have read my earlier blogs on “Treadmill Review,” you may recall:
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.
The top of the line Smooth 9.25X is on sale for about HALF PRICE. This unit will replace your gym membership. It lists for $4897 and is on sale for $2499. A 49% savings.
There are other models of treadmills on sale as well
Their Elliptical trainers are also on sale.
Click on any of the links and go to the Smooth icon on the left under ‘sponsored links.’
Smooth Fitness has always been a strong contender at the $999 price range. The Smooth 5.45 treadmill is no exception. I rate it a "Best Buy" for being one of the most solid and durable machines at this price.
The 5.45 replaces the popular Smooth 5.25. Both have the same frame, motor and console, however, the Smooth 5.45 has a longer deck, offers better shock absorption and is more stable.
The reason why the $999 Smooth treadmills have been such a good value is not only due to the features, but also because of their reliability and durability. They are very low maintenance machines, which is an important consideration when shopping for a treadmill.
Current Incentives
• 2-Year Labor Warranty - If there is a problem with your Smooth 5.45 treadmill for the first two years, it is not your problem. The industry standard is typically 1-year coverage for labor. A $100 value.
• Save $100 on White Glove delivery with coupon code “Smoothassembly”. Treadmill is placed in the room of your choice and assembled. Normally $199, with coupon it is $99.
Most treadmills selling for around $1,000 are what I consider budget machines. Consequently, you have to be very selective in finding brands that have good service records.
Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Features...
20" x 55" Treadbelt - The Smooth 5.45 has a longer treadbelt than the 5.25. The 55" length of the belt is ideal for average height walkers and joggers.
2.5 HP Continuous Duty Motor - Smooth equips their treadmills with very reliable motors, and that is why they are backed with lifetime warranties. You can expect this motor to run smooth and reasonably quiet, even at higher speeds.
210 Lbs. Unit Weight - The Smooth 5.45 may be one of the heaviest treadmills at this price. The extra weight means you are getting a machine that is stable and feels solid. You'll find that some brands won't even list their unit weights, simple because they are lightweights that shift when jogging or with heavy users.
However, you don't want to have to move this treadmill. Since the standard free shipping is to the curb, opt for the inside delivery option. It is not that much more money.
Swing Arm Shock Absorption System - This patented shock absorption system reduces the impact to your ankles, knees, hips and back. It is built with two pivots in the front that absorbed the impact of your stride, while giving you a solid lift off towards the back of the deck. I've jogged on this deck, and it is definitely an improvement over the typical elastomers decks, which initially absorb the shock, but then bounce a portion of the impact.
LCD Console - Although the guts of the 5.45 treadmill are impressive, the LCD display is very basic, and changing the incline and speed requires scrolling up and down. On the other hand, it is very simple to use. You get six exercise programs and nine storable user profiles.
Warranty - As mentioned, the Smooth 5.45 treadmill comes with a lifetime motor warranty. You also get a 3-years parts and 1-year labor warranty. The 3-years parts coverage is above average.
Our Review - Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill
With every new version of their entry treadmill, Smooth keeps on giving you a better value. With the Smooth 5.45, they took a proven design and beefed it up.
What makes this a value proposition, is the fact that the 5.45 is one of the most solid and durable machines for $1,000. This is not one of those throw away treadmills you get from the giant retailers.
Note: This treadmill is recommend for walkers and light joggers. Runners will want to upgrade.
Customer Reviews (This is on the Smooth 5.25, which is replaced by the 5.45.)
Solid, reliable, comfortable - I have owned and used the Smooth Fitness 5.25 Treadmill for about six months. I've had lower-cost treadmills, and you do get what you pay for. (Though I don't see that spending $3000 gains all that much.) This one is definitely worth the price. It's comfortable and stable, and a pleasure to use. My significant other and I put around 30 miles per week on it, so we're not heavy users like runners in training. We both use the power incline and vary the speed a lot.
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I was hesitant to order a treadmill on line. The lack of variety in the local shopping lead me to research the treadmills on line and I did order this unit online. I'm glad I took the chance. This is a great treadmill. I have done some jogging, mostly walking. It compares with some of the treadmills at my local gym. I walk about 10 miles a week on it. So far so good. I paid the extra delivery charge and the box was put in the room I requested. It is a large, heavy box and the extra $49.00 was well worth it. my husband put it together in less than an hour. - Judy
The Sole F80 Treadmill gets solid reviews for offering quality components at a moderate price. We awarded it a "Best Buy" in the $1,000-$2,000 price category.
For the money you get heart rate control, large 2 ¾" rollers, a good size 20" x 55" belt, powerful 3.0 HP motor, lifetime motor and 2 year labor. You'll find few treadmills in this price range that offer more then one year of home service and repairs.
The 2¾" rollers are the largest you will find in this price range. In general the larger the rollers the better, since they have to revolve less often. They guarantee long life of not only the rollers, but also the bearings and the belt.
I was impressed with the Cushion Flex running surface, which in a study was shown to reduce impact by 365%. Helps to reduce the possibility of injuries and strains. Also the incline goes to a full 15% for those that like intense hill training.
Note: For 2008 the F80 was upgraded with a 3.0 continuous duty HP motor. This motor has sufficient torque to run smoothly and quietly at high speeds and steep inclines. It is covered with a lifetime warranty. In addition, the F80 now has built-in speakers, which allows you to connect your MP3 and iPod players.
Sole's folding frame design originated from the demand of hotels for a treadmill as mobile as a room service cart, yet still stable and powerful. So whether it's a hotel room or your family room, you have the best of both worlds.
The Sole F80 treadmill has six preset programs, two customizable workout programs and two heart rate programs. This will provide challenges for both the novice and the elite athlete.
Additional features on the F80 include cooling fans (We like cooling fans), and speed and incline controls on the arm rests. Having the controls on the arm rests makes for simple adjustments in contrast to awkwardly having to reach over to the console. This is especially true if you are running.
The console is one of the better designs we've seen. It is visually appealing and the layout is very practical. You get speed, incline, time, distance, calories burned, pulse and pace displayed in separate windows. There is no need to scroll for information. There is also a an addition window that displays a 1/4 mile track, or and a Peak and Valley graph.
Our Sole F80 Review
There are a number of factors that resulted in the Sole F80 treadmill receiving our "Best Buy" award:
• For a folding treadmill it is very stable. At 250 lbs, you get a very solid feel.
• The best warranty at this price range, including lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year service warranty.
• An impressive track record with hotel chains. If it holds up in a commercial environment, think what it will do in your home.
• Excellent components and features, including the 2¾" rollers, 3.0 HP motor, 20"x 55" belt, and wireless heart rate control.
The combination of price, quality and features makes this an excellent buy.
It should be noted since reviewing both Sole Treadmills and Ellipticals, we have received only one email from a customer asking where to get a minor mechanical problem fixed. More impressive is that fact we have never had a complaint regarding customer service, except for units bought through Dick's, which does their own service. It appears Sole does an excellent job standing behind their products.
One last note, I was at a fitness equipment store that did not carry Sole, but stocked brands like Vision and Life Fitness. In talking to the store manager, he said if he had a choice of a treadmill at $1,500 he would go with the Sole F80.
This F80 will adequately accommodate both walkers and joggers. Serious runners should consider the Sole F85.
ConsumerSearch.com
Based on a variety of reliable sources, ConsumerSearch.com rated the F80 "Best mid-range folding treadmill." They mention it has comparable features found in more expensive models.
Customer Reviews
I purchased a Sole F80 for our home at the beginning of the year. I am an avid runner (25 miles per week) and my wife likes to run and walk daily. In addition, we have two 14 year old children who are also active in sports. We are very pleased with all aspects of our treadmill purchase. We looked closely at the inexpensive treadmills at Sears and decided on the Sole F80 because of the high reviews.
It is used daily in our home and currently lives in the corner of our family room. It is easy for my wife to move the F80 in to position and lower the deck and after use, put the F80 back. At 190 lbs, I was concerned with the construction of the F80 and found it to be very well made and very stable during use even with my weight and speeds. I currently am training at 8 - 8.5 mph.
Recomendation - Highly recommended and excellent value!
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"My wife and I have used our new sole teadmill for a few months now, and can say it has met every need that we have. This treadmill is very sturdy and super quiet. It has a pretty good speaker system on it too. It should last for many years. Much safer than running up and down a busy highway. Well built product/worth every penny."
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"I bought this treadmill online without even trying it in stores. This had me a little worried because I wanted a nice and stable treadmill since I like to run. Well, I was NOT disappointed in this treadmill. It is by far better than any treadmill I have used anywhere (including gyms)... Over all, this is a WONDERFUL machine, if you dont buy it its your loss."
Sole F80 Manufacturer Treadmill Specs:
• Motor: 3.0 HP Continuous Duty Motor. Adequate for walking and running.
• Speed: 0.5 to 11 mph
• Incline: 15% maximum, rack and pinion gear design
• Machine Weight: 250 lbs. (Extra weight contributes to stability.)
• Deck Size: 33 X 75 - Custom Flex Whisper Deck. Sufficiently absorbs impact.
• User Weight: 300 lbs.
• Running Surface: 20 X 55
• Belt: Double Woven 2 Ply
• Rollers: 2 3/4 inches (Large roller extends life of motor, rollers, belt and bearings.)
• Folding: Yes, with the Easy Assist folding feature
• Heart Rate Control: Yes, with wireless chest strap included
• Hand Pulse Grips: Yes, and arm rest speed/incline controls
• Display Color: One Color - Red
• Standard Programs: Six
• User Defined Programs: Two
• Heart Rate Programs: Two
• Cooling Fans: Yes
• Shipping: Free in the continental US
Warranty: Treadmill Motor, Lifetime - Deck, Lifetime - Frame, Lifetime - Electronics / Belt / Rollers, 5 years - Labor, 2 years
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!





US $1,899.00





