Treadmill ratings: Feature Article

With all the fitness equipment on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to find one that really works for your needs. Treadmills have been on the market for years quite simply because they work. The only way to get in shape and look good is to work at it. A treadmill can do practically anything you need. Depending upon your budget and fitness needs, you can purchase a treadmill that will do anything you demand such as long distance running, hills, intervals, and tempo.
One of the benefits to owning a treadmill is you can do it in the comfort of your own home. A treadmill can be used when you are watching television, watching the kids, and even playing video games. Purchasing a treadmill isn't as hard as one might think. Below is a guide to purchasing the right treadmill and to find the best treadmill ratings on the market today. Normal use of a treadmill is considered using it up to 30 minutes per day, every day of the week. If you plan to use your treadmill more than this, you need to move up to a higher grade treadmill. For every 30 minutes extra you plan to use the treadmill, you need to step up to a higher grade.
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The weight of the user is another thing you need to consider. For every 50 pounds of weight over 200 pounds, you need to go up one level in treadmill quality. If you weigh around 200 or 250 pounds expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a treadmill. Many treadmills have problems with a user who is over 200 pounds who runs on a daily basis, so be sure to budget a little more money.
Helpful Resources: Sole63 Treadmill This web site provides a great rating of the Sole F63 treadmill. It discusses the price of the treadmill, its features, and how you can purchase one. It also talks about the benefits of the warranty on the treadmill. Features of the F80 ProForm 4.5 Trainer Treadmill Features of the Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Sole F85 Treadmill Best Selling Treadmill Weslo Cadence 50SE Smooth 9.45 ST Treadmill |
The price ranges generally break down to budget ($500 to $1,500), mid-range ($1,500 to $3,000) and quality ($, 3000 and up). The drive system is the motor control, belt, and deck of a treadmill. The drive system is the single most important aspect of a treadmill. If your drive system is poorly engineered, it will break down quickly.
When you are looking at the drive system you need to consider the following:
- Power. The transfer of power from running to walking should feel smooth and consistent.
- Horsepower. Look at the figure "continuous duty rating" and shop for a treadmill with the rating 1.5 to 2.5 HP continuous duty. Anything less than this means your treadmill is underpowered and will probably break down in a few months.
- The walking belt. Avoid purchasing a belt that is thick or oversized. An average belt should be 18 inches of wide and 52 inches long. The more belt surface you have, the harder the motor has to work.
- >Noise. It is expected for your treadmill to make noise, but it should be too loud. If you notice your treadmill is overly noisy, you could have a poorly manufactured treadmill.
- Warranty. Your treadmill should come with a standard warranty. A typical warranty is lifetime on the frame, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Cheap treadmills usually have shorter warranties, usually 90 days or less.
Popular Treadmills
Now that you know what to look for in a treadmill, you need to know where to start. Here are the most popular treadmills on the market:
- Nordic Track - This is the number one selling brand of treadmills on the market. They come with excellent warranties, good cushioning and design. It is hard to find any poor reviews of a Nordic Track.
- Reebok - This is a fairly new brand of treadmills to hit the market. Reebok treadmills are manufactured by ICON, the same manufacturer of Nordic Track treadmills. These treadmills are also recommended for quality and price.
- Fitline - These are a lower end treadmill by True. Most people say they are decent, but not for the price you pay. Relatively expensive for the quality.
Purchasing a treadmill from the internet is a great way to save yourself time and money. Most treadmills in fitness stores are overpriced and underpowered. You can purchase a great Nordic Track from wholesalers for half the cost of a fitness store.
The Top 10 Treadmills
Here is a list of the top 10 treadmills on the market, according to Treadmilladvisor.com
- Sole F63 Treadmill
- Sole F80 Treadmill
- ProForm 4.5 Trainer Treadmill
- ProForm CrossTrainer 5.5
- Smooth 5.45 Treadmill
- Sole F85 Treadmill
- Smooth 9.35 HR Treadmill
- Smooth 4.25 Treadmill
- Weslo Cadence 50SE Treadmill
- Smooth 9.45 ST Treadmill
Let's look at each treadmill individually to help you make a better buying decision.
Sole F63 Treadmill - This entry model treadmill retails for about $1,000. Sole treadmills are durable and require low maintenance. The Sole F63 Treadmill includes a 2.5 continuous duty horsepower motor with a lifetime warranty. Is has a maximum weight capacity of 245 pounds.
Sole F80 Treadmill - This is the cheapest entry level treadmill of the folding treadmills manufactured by Sole. The Sole F80 treadmill costs about $1,500 and includes a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor. It can go from speeds of 0.5 to 11 miles per hour. The maximum weight capacity it 300 pounds and it has a 15% adjustable incline. The warranty on this treadmill includes lifetime on the deck and 5 years on the parts. It also has a heart rate monitor and cooling fans. One of the nicest features is that it has a cushion flex whisper deck and it folds for easy storage.
ProForm 4.5 Trainer Treadmill - The ProForm 4.5 Trainer Treadmill comes with several options including an iPod docking station and speakers. It includes 8 personal training workouts and a 2.75 horsepower motor. You can monitor how many calories you have burned with the Grafixx display screen and it also tells you your weight. It creates a workout for you based on your weight. It will tell you exactly how many calories you need to burn in order to lose weight. It also includes a heart rate monitor to help you stay with your fitness goals. The ProForm 4.5 Trainer Treadmill includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor and a one year warranty on parts and labor.
ProForm CrossTrainer 5.5 - For $900 you can purchase the ProForm Cross Trainer 5.5 treadmill. This treadmill includes an impressive 12 year motor warranty with a 1 year warranty on labor. It includes an iFit challenge training center that assigns you a monthly exercise program with 3 healthy eating guides. It includes a heart rate monitor and fan built right into the console.
Smooth 5.45 Treadmill - The Smooth 5.45 Treadmill includes speeds from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour. It has a 15% adjustable incline with a 2.5 continuous horsepower motor. It includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and 3 years for parts.
Sole F85 Treadmill - This is one of the best treadmills on the market for $2,000.00. The Sole F85 is a folding treadmill that includes a 3.5 continuous horsepower motor. It allows for users up to 400 pounds. Another great feature of this treadmill is its heart-rate monitor that attaches to your chest. It includes a 30 year warranty on the motor, lifetime on the frame and 5 years on parts.
Smooth 9.35 HR Treadmill - The Smooth 9.35 HR treadmill allows for a user up to 400 pounds. It includes a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor with 15 inclining levels. It has a wireless heart rate monitor and runs about $2,000. It has a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, 5 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
Smooth 4.25 Treadmill - For $799, you can purchase the Smooth 4.25 treadmill. This ultra-quiet treadmill is perfect for the individual who has limited space. It is designed for walking, but can reach speeds up to 8 miles per hour. It is designed to be stored under a bed or in a closet. It includes a 10 year warranty on the frame, but only a 30 day money back guarantee on everything else.
Weslo Cadence 50SE Treadmill - This $500 treadmill provides the user with a 1.3 continuous horsepower motor and provides speeds from 0 to 10 miles per hour. It provides the user with a number of different workout programs and a personal trainer program. It also has an impact cushioning system that helps to relieve the additional pressure on your joints. It also has a fan built right into the console to keep you from getting too hot during your workout. The Weslo Cadence 50SE Treadmill allows for users up to 275 pounds and has a 3 year warranty on the motor.
Smooth 9.45 ST Treadmill - This is one of the more expensive treadmills on the market, currently selling for $2,500. The Smooth 9.45 ST Treadmill has a lifetime warranty on the parts, motor, and frame. It boasts a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor and allows for a user up to 400 pounds. A cool feature of the Smooth 9.45 ST Treadmill is the ability to control the speed of the treadmill with a wave of your hand. You can wave your hand right and motion sensors will speed up the treadmill, if you wave to the left, it will slow down the treadmill.
