Buying advice Treadmills
The most popular workout machine in the U.S. is now available with more bells and whistles than ever before
More Americans regularly work out on a treadmill than on any other type of exercise machine. The total was 11.6 million in 2003, the latest year for which figures were available, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Our readers, too, favor treadmills over other equipment, according to our latest Annual Questionnaire.
The effort to make exercise interesting and as pain-free as possible has led to an array of features. One useful device found on most tested treadmills was electronic programming that automatically increases or decreases the workout's intensity, the way running up and down real hills does outdoors. You can also make the adjustments manually. On the gimmicky side, a growing number of treadmills load the console with gadgets such as fans, a CD player, a cubbyhole for a TV remote, and backlighting on the display that for some may evoke a digital watch.
The disappointing news from our most recent tests is that a number of machines had problems such as mechanical failures that seriously affected performance. We've found in recent treadmill tests that you have to spend well over $2,000 to get a machine designed for serious runners, though lower-priced models are OK for walkers.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Icon Fitness offers a range of lower- and midpriced treadmills sold under the Image, Nordic Track, Proform, Reebok, and Weslo brands. You'll find those brands in Sears, The Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, and other national sporting-goods chains. Moderately priced brands, such as Horizon Fitness, Schwinn, Trimline, and Vision Fitness, as well as pricier brands, such as Landice, Life Fitness, Nautilus, Precor, and True are sold in specialty sporting-goods stores. You can also buy many treadmills online.
Treadmills fall into three basic price categories:
Basic treadmills are fine for strictly walking and typically include a 10-mph top speed; a 10 percent maximum incline; a display for speed, distance, time, and calories; a shelf and water-bottle holders; and a folding deck.
Price range: $300 to $700.
Midrange treadmills have superior construction to basic models, making them better suited for walking and occasional running. They include the same features as basic treadmills, plus a heart-rate monitor and exercise programs.
Price range: $800 to $1,800.
High-end treadmills are best for frequent running and typically have the same features as midrange machines, plus a sturdier deck and frame, and a more powerful motor for frequent long, fast running. Most lack a folding deck, however.
Price range: $2,000 to $3,500.
HOW TO CHOOSE
First decide whether you want to devote the money and space to a big exercise machine. A living-room workout is the height of convenience, but of course, you can get fit exercising outdoors or at a gym. If you decide to buy a treadmill, consider these tips:
Try it out first. Every model is a little different, so you shouldn't buy one before using it in the store.
Decide which features you'll use. Some, such as exercise programs, can make a workout more varied and less boring, which may get you on the machine more often. But don't pay for frills you don't care about.
Consider your space. Nonfolding treadmills take up as much floor space as a couch. If your workout room does double duty, a folding treadmill can save you about 6 square feet.
Consider your workout intensity. If you'll usually walk rather than run, any of the tested models will suffice. Decide based on your budget and the features you want. If you run, construction quality is paramount.
The most popular workout machine in the U.S. is now available with more bells and whistles than ever before
More Americans regularly work out on a treadmill than on any other type of exercise machine. The total was 11.6 million in 2003, the latest year for which figures were available, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Our readers, too, favor treadmills over other equipment, according to our latest Annual Questionnaire.
The effort to make exercise interesting and as pain-free as possible has led to an array of features. One useful device found on most tested treadmills was electronic programming that automatically increases or decreases the workout's intensity, the way running up and down real hills does outdoors. You can also make the adjustments manually. On the gimmicky side, a growing number of treadmills load the console with gadgets such as fans, a CD player, a cubbyhole for a TV remote, and backlighting on the display that for some may evoke a digital watch.
The disappointing news from our most recent tests is that a number of machines had problems such as mechanical failures that seriously affected performance. We've found in recent treadmill tests that you have to spend well over $2,000 to get a machine designed for serious runners, though lower-priced models are OK for walkers.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Icon Fitness offers a range of lower- and midpriced treadmills sold under the Image, Nordic Track, Proform, Reebok, and Weslo brands. You'll find those brands in Sears, The Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, and other national sporting-goods chains. Moderately priced brands, such as Horizon Fitness, Schwinn, Trimline, and Vision Fitness, as well as pricier brands, such as Landice, Life Fitness, Nautilus, Precor, and True are sold in specialty sporting-goods stores. You can also buy many treadmills online.
Treadmills fall into three basic price categories:
Basic treadmills are fine for strictly walking and typically include a 10-mph top speed; a 10 percent maximum incline; a display for speed, distance, time, and calories; a shelf and water-bottle holders; and a folding deck.
Price range: $300 to $700.
Midrange treadmills have superior construction to basic models, making them better suited for walking and occasional running. They include the same features as basic treadmills, plus a heart-rate monitor and exercise programs.
Price range: $800 to $1,800.
High-end treadmills are best for frequent running and typically have the same features as midrange machines, plus a sturdier deck and frame, and a more powerful motor for frequent long, fast running. Most lack a folding deck, however.
Price range: $2,000 to $3,500.
HOW TO CHOOSE
First decide whether you want to devote the money and space to a big exercise machine. A living-room workout is the height of convenience, but of course, you can get fit exercising outdoors or at a gym. If you decide to buy a treadmill, consider these tips:
Try it out first. Every model is a little different, so you shouldn't buy one before using it in the store.
Decide which features you'll use. Some, such as exercise programs, can make a workout more varied and less boring, which may get you on the machine more often. But don't pay for frills you don't care about.
Consider your space. Nonfolding treadmills take up as much floor space as a couch. If your workout room does double duty, a folding treadmill can save you about 6 square feet.
Consider your workout intensity. If you'll usually walk rather than run, any of the tested models will suffice. Decide based on your budget and the features you want. If you run, construction quality is paramount.
