There is a definite advantage to owning a treadmill rather than paying a gym membership for access to one. Now is the perfect time to purchase a treadmill since there are several very good models available at a variety of prices.
Based on treadmill reviews, one of the best values available right now is the NordicTrack Commercial 1500. Sturdier than previous models, it contains several features to keep workouts fresh and NordicTrack recently dropped the price by a considerable amount.
The 1500 comes with a 3 horsepower motor that offers speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. It inclines up to 12 percent and has an impressive 60-inch by 20-inch belt, which is currently the longest belt made by NordicTrack. This belt works especially well for taller users and allows runners to pick up the pace without feeling like they are falling off the machine. The treadmills cushioning system reduces strains on joints by 33 percent. The sturdy deck will support up to 350 pounds, but the frame folds up for easier storage.
The unit has 34 built-in workouts with the capacity for a virtually limitless supply of additional programs by using the iFit module. Users with wireless Internet in their house can access Googlemaps and Google terrain with iFit, allowing them to walk or run various virtual trails from around the world. The iFit features Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser to coach users through a workout. The module allows owners to race against Facebook friends, track activity and nutrition online and download additional workout videos.
An iPod or other MP3 player can be plugged in, allowing users to listen to their favorite music while working out. This unit has a suggested price of about $2,100, but can be found for $1,200.
Another NordicTrack model also offers good value for less money. The A2350 Pro is ideal for walkers or light joggers. It has a slightly smaller motor at 2.5 horse power though it still reaches a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It also retains the 60-inch belt.
The A2350 Pro features 10 performance workouts and 6 weight loss workouts, which allow the user to lose weight or stay fit. Its display presents feedback to keep the walker informed as to progress, incline level, speed, elapsed time and distance, pace, approximate number of calories burned and heart rate.
The treadmill also comes with an optional iFit module, which works the same as the one mentioned above for the NordicTrack Commercial 1500. The stereo is also compatible with iPods. The users heart rate is monitored through sensors in the hand grips. Transitioning between speed and incline can be done with the touch of a button. It sells for around $650.
One of the more inexpensive treadmills that offer pretty good value is the ProForm 590T, which has a price tag of $600. While this machine does not use the iFit module, it does feature iFit Card technology. These cards are purchased separately and can be loaded into the treadmill. Each card contains a series of progressive workouts focusing on different fit goals, such as weight loss, performance and body sculpting. The cards control the speed and the incline of the machine and provide audio coaching, including Jillian Michaels.
The ProForm 590T has a 2.25 horsepower motor and its belt is slightly smaller than those listed above at 55 inches. An additional feature is the 12 Quick Calorie Burn exercises, in which the user enters in the amount of calories to be burned and the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline accordingly. This is a lower-end model, and several treadmill reviews suggest it only be used by walkers or light joggers.
Another treadmill with great value for the money is the Smooth Fitness 9.35 HR series. It is the best selling line for the company and comes with the Smooth Hydra Suspension adjustable shock absorption system, which reduces impact on the joints, leading to less fatigue. The 3 horsepower motor has a lifetime warranty and the parts and electronic are covered for a full five years. It also features Motion Control, which allows users to increase or decrease speeds with the simple wave of a hand.
Unlike the NordicTrack A2350 and the ProForm 590T, the Smooth 9.35 HR is a machine for runners. It feels solid and stable no matter how hard the owner runs on it. The only knock is it weighs more than some of the other treadmills listed. It retails for around $1,900.
While theres no easy way to great fitness, many of todays treadmills are capable of dishing out anything their owners training requires, from hills, to tempo or long distances downloading new workouts from the Internet so they never get monotonous. Whatever the need, theres a value-based treadmill that will meet it.
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George went to University to get an English literature degree and when he got out, he went into personal training. He now tests exercise equipment for a living and couldn't be happier about it. He utilizes his command of the English language to write treadmill reviews and might actually know what he is talking about because of his history with exercise.