While other types of home exercise fitness equipment and their infomercial gimmicks gather dust, home exercise treadmills continue to gain more popularity and get the results people want. Treadmills are used in the home mainly to save time and avoid the expense of going to a health club. Today’s treadmills with the best ratings can do anything that your training demands: hills, intervals, tempo, and long distance for example.

Cheaper treadmills will often give you the peak duty motor power rating, which is always higher than the continuous duty rating. You want to know what the continuous duty rating is when you’re comparing units. Some treadmills fold up for easily for storage which makes them an ideal choice for people with limited space like in a small apartment, small house or condo. A bit of trivia - the word treadmill originally designated a type of mill, which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to grind grain.

Re: heart monitors: note that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, increasing the intensity of your workout. The more expensive treadmills offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.

Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos and gimmicks may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. But a heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone, which may be an important feature for you. And the deck is the belt area on which the actual running, jogging and walking take place.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home exercise treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you stumble, trip or fall. And one of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.

If there’s a treadmill you’ve enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check with the manufacturer to see if there’s a home version available in your price range. You might want to bring your water bottle and towel along to the treadmill store and try out the treadmills. Service after the sale is another important issue to think about

Find out if they’ll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if you encounter a problem. One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer’s warranty. The longer the warranty is the better, of course. It’s definitely possible to find a good model that’s not very popular, but is still a good buy today. And it’s best to buy a treadmill that has at least a one-year warranty.

Check out the level of noise that an exercise treadmill makes during operation. This is something that many buyers will overlook. Research extensively; treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it’s not right for you, you don’t want to find out after you’ve set up the treadmill at home. And you’ll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that’s strong enough to support the heaviest runner using it.

Now any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be passed up. The more incline variation that is offered in a treadmill model, the more expensive the unit will be.

Before buying, you want to make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise in comfort and that the belt works smoothly without slipping or sticking. Buying home fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years.

The better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward optimum physical fitness. Now if you have severe problems with your legs, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you. Another tip: the lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would be otherwise on an equal elevation grade outdoors, a factor that is seldom considered.

By following the above best treadmill tips you’re sure to find the best treadmill for you. A treadmill is a good investment for just about anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit. Read the various treadmill ratings, rankings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which of the models and brands is best for you.



Thanks to Helen Hecker for contributing this article to our Treadmill blog:

Compare Elliptical Trainers

While running is an excellent cardio workout, it isn’t always the most convenient way to exercise. Inclement weather, busy schedules, and joint-problems are just a few inconveniences that can interrupt a jogging schedule.

Working out a home is a great alternative, but it can be terribly disheartening to have to piece together a number of routines (or drag out several pieces of equipment) to get a total-body workout.

A few years ago, the hottest equipment to take the place of jogging were the treadmill and stairmaster. –But those particular pieces of equipment are bulky and usually require dedicated floor space. Treadmills in particular still do not ease the impact that running can have on our knee and ankle joints.

A wonderful alternative that is sweeping through the fitness world is the elliptical trainer. It mimics the jogging motion without requiring you to remove your foot from the pedals. Not only are the movements extremely fluid, but you almost get a sense that you’re gliding, rather than taking steps.

The beauty of an elliptical trainer workout is that it only takes 15 – 20 minutes to get a great workout that includes your shoulders, back, hips, buttocks, thighs, and calves. It’s so easy to squeeze in a quick workout while the kids nap or while we watch our favorite shows.

If you’re looking to buy your own elliptical trainer, you should know that while you can find some great deals online, it’s always best to try the equipment before you buy it. Some models may suit better than others. Just pop by your local fitness equipment store and ask for a demonstration/trial.



Thanks to Elliptical Trainer Guide for contributing this article to our Treadmill blog:

Nordic Track Elliptical Cross Trainer

Thinking about a home gym? It may be one of the few life luxuries that’s actually good for you - an investment in your well-being, and in your quality of life, too.

With a home gym certain things begin to fall into place, beginning with your schedule, because now you can work out whenever you want. For example?

Have a 4 a.m. plane to catch and won’t be able to fit in another workout for a week? Don’t sweat it. Just walk a few rooms over and you’ve got it covered.

Have only fifteen minutes to work out and not a single second to spare? Your home gym is there at the ready - with no one else EVER (besides possibly your spouse or kids) ahead of you on your favorite fitness machine.

So with a home gym there’s terrific convenience, while you’re also creating exercise on your own time and on your own terms. What else?

You eliminate having to drive back and forth to the health club, saving time, effort, and aggravation.

You’ll never be intimidated by a gym full of strangers.

And the fact is- the remarkable convenience of a home gym may make you just that much more motivated. Which, as we all know, is the absolute key to an effective workout program.

A home gym isn’t just pure convenience, either. It’s an investment. When you buy a piece of fitness equipment for your home gym- quality equipment- it may contribute to your fitness and well-being for years. Possibly for decades.

What about the two of the biggest concerns about home gyms and home gym equipment? Say, cost and space?

Let’s just say that home gym equipment doesn’t need to be expensive or space-hogging. Simple, low-cost, compact home gym equipment is widely available and can be a great way to start any home gym. If space is a major issue, a balance ball can be a great way to start. Balance balls are small, portable and can be used for numerous exercises, including stretching, abdominal workouts, balance-building and all-body toning. Prices for basic balance balls begin at $20-$30 and usually include a pump and instruction manual or DVD.

Other starter-type home gym equipment? Look at step benches, which can be used in many types of home workout plans, a simple but solidly built barbell set, or possibly a compact treadmill (though compact treadmills are unlikely to be as full-featured or as easy to use as their larger, beefier treadmill counterparts). For extreme space demands, consider rubber exercise bands, or an ultra portable fold-up treadmill.

Will simple, inexpensive exercise equipment be enough to give you a rock-solid workout? The answer is an unequivocal- maybe. For the experienced exerciser or athlete, the most basic home gym equipment may not provide the challenge that fuller-featured, more robust home gym equipment can, but it can be a nice way to start, especially if space, commitment or budget are limiting factors.

But if a gym in your own home really is one of life’s healthiest luxuries, even a little home gym equipment will be a luxury worth having.



Thanks to Andrew Martin for contributing this article to our Treadmill blog:

Elliptical Cardio Cross Trainer

Vision elliptical trainers are considered mid to higher end fitness equipment. We recommend that you consider only elliptical trainers that exceed $1000.00 in price to assure quality and durability. Vision elliptical trainers meet this criteria. The Vision X6000 series models are considered to be very good quality elliptical trainer. In general Vision elliptical trainers are known for their quiet smooth and natural stride pattern. Vision elliptical trainers have the ability to fold up thereby presenting a smaller footprint.

We decided to find out if the Vision X6100 was worth its $1499.00 MSRP price. We found two vision X6100 to test at a local private fitness center. Our crew of 4 testers went to work on them with back to back 30 minute intensive workouts. Our crew favors rear fly wheel elliptical trainers over the front flywheel models. However the X6100 met their approval with smooth resistance that Vision ECB-Plus magnetic system control provides. It was easily adjustable using simple controls on the console. Two of the testers felt the machine could have been more stable. The Vision fitness X6100s’long stride length of 19 ¾ inches was really appreciated by our two taller testers. We also interviewed fitness center members who used the X6100 on a regular basis. One complaint we heard from these users was the lack of exercise programs on the elliptical trainer. According to Vision the X6100 elliptical trainer comes standard with only 6 programs.

We also talked to the fitness center manager to see what if any problems that were evident on the Vision X6100. He indicated that there was more maintenance on the Vision elliptical trainers then the PreCor elliptical trainers that the fitness center also used. He stated the fitness center had been using the X6100 and X6200HRT for about 4 months so he was unable to give us any indication of long term durability. The fitness center gave the Vision X6100 a qualified good rating. He also noted that the X6200HRT was more popular than the X6100 elliptical trainers.

Since the Vision X6200HRT elliptical trainer was also available to us we decided to check it out as well. According to Vision Fitness the major difference between the X6100 and the X6200HRT is the wireless telemetric heart rate monitoring. According to the fitness members we talked to they found this feature along with its four programs to be an important feature. Our testers found that unlike the Vision X6100 elliptical trainer the X6200HRT was more stable and had more programming options. The LED display on the console was also above average. All the testers like the articulating foot pads as it really made the long 19 ¾ stride very comfortable. One of our testers conducted a 2 ¼ hour workout on the X6200HRT elliptical trainer and said it was one of the most comfortable she had ever used. The strap that held the telemetric heart monitor did not stay on our largest tester who has a 54 inch chest.

At about $2000 the X6200HRT elliptical trainer is expensive for in home use, However if you have the money it is a pretty good elliptical machine. According the fitness center staff the X6200HRT elliptical trainer is a heavy piece of equipment. At approximately 200 lbs you may have to use care and good judgement when siting either of these elliptical trainers. Just like the X6100 elliptical trainer the X6200HRT folds up into a 42 inch footprint. The fitness center staff had only moderate problems in the assembly of both the X6100 and the X6200HRT. It should be noted that the Vision X series of elliptical trainers are designed for in home or corporate use. Corporate use is defined by using the elliptical trainer for 3 hours or less each day.

The Vision Fitness warranty For both the X6100 and the X6200HRT is pretty good with lifetime on the frame and magnetic braking system with 3 years on the parts including electronics. The cost of labor is only covered for a year. It is our suggestion that whenever you purchase any fitness equipment that you look at purchasing an extended warranty.

As a result of our testing we give both the X6100 and X6200HRT elliptical trainers a good rating for in home use.



Thanks to Jim Kesel for contributing this article to our Treadmill blog:

Nordic Track C2270 Treadmill

If you plan to invest in a serious piece of indoor, exercise fitness equipment, like a treadmill, then consider buying online. There are many competing models of treadmills, from inexpensive to expensive, to choose from online. The great attraction of a home treadmill is being able to exercise whenever you want right in your own home.

Cheaper treadmills will often give you the peak duty motor power rating, which is always higher than the continuous duty rating: learn what the continuous duty rating is when comparing units. A treadmill usually consists of a wide belt that’s stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers. A well-constructed, quality treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family will enjoy.

A preprogrammed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by either a cord or wire. Some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. The more expensive, quality treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.

Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame. It is gripped by your hands, but this can only be done if you’re walking not running.

A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep the heart rate within the most optimum zone for the user. The newest models of treadmills come with many extra bells and whistles that you may not need.

Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill, if you slip, will contribute to the security and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but may not essential for you to get an ideal workout.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money or a lot more money. Be aware the better quality treadmills can cost as much as $5000 and have a lot of features that you don’t need. When your equipment is up and running, make sure to get the right lubricants and cleaners so it’s cared for properly and therefore last longer.

The first thing you want to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is what you need it to do for you. Do your research online and offline. Make sure to read reviews and ratings of all the brands of treadmills available today. Treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it’s not right for you, you don’t want to find out after you’ve got the treadmill set up at home. Buying fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years. Make sure to compare prices at different online retailers with the prices you would have to pay offline.

Note that any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be avoided. You may want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. Make sure to add the cost of shipping into your total when comparing costs of a treadmill online. Quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more than the lighter weight treadmills. Some manufacturers even offer free shipping regardless pf the weight so look for these for the brand and model that you’ve decided on.

One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer’s warranty; the longer it is the better. It’s best to buy a treadmill that has at the very least a one-year warranty.

Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you’re looking for a discounted or cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for. When buying a treadmill online you will generally be saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores.

The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout. You’ll be more likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide the all important - motivation.

As you slowly increase your fitness level, a quality treadmill will continue to help with your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. If you have any problems with your legs, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you.

Buying a treadmill is an excellent investment for getting into shape, understanding of course, that you actually do use it. Purchasing a treadmill online can be overwhelming but with help from online treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews you should be able to make an informed decision. A treadmill is a very good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit. And buying online can save you a lot of money in the end.



Thanks to Helen Hecker for contributing this article to our Treadmill blog:

Refurbished Treadmills