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When you shop for a treadmill or elliptical exerciser, focus on exactly why you're buying it: to stay active or to lose weight. That way, you can avoid paying for unnecessary features that might sound great but won't help you meet your fitness goals—and might increase the price.
Our tests of dozens of treadmills and ellipticals found that you can get top-notch machines for as much as $4,000. But it's also possible to get high-performing models for a fraction of that price.
"You don't need all of that to train correctly," Jessica Matthews, M.S., an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, says of the optional features.
For example, all of the treadmills and ellipticals we evaluated let you adjust the intensity level of your workouts, which can help you lose weight faster since you'll burn more calories when working harder. You can also do interval training, a type of cardiovascular workout in which you alternate intense exercise with slower-paced work. That can make your training more efficient because your overall intensity will be greater than normal, so you can cut the length of your workout by about 20 percent while maintaining or even increasing the benefits, according to research.
The phrase "proper training" isn't marketing gold, but it's a reminder to focus on what's important. Internet connectivity, LCD displays, video simulators, iPod docks, and other features are appealing and can lead you to exercise more, but they should be user-friendly and geared to your goals. If not, what's the benefit?
We evaluated treadmills on their ease of use, ergonomics, construction, exercise range, and safety, and found 16 models to recommend, including four CR Best Buys. For the fourth year, the top-rated device is also the priciest: the well-built Precor 9.31, $4,000. But that doesn't mean that people on tighter budgets can't find solid choices. We also recommend the LifeSpan TR4000i, $1,700, which cost a lot less. It's a folding model that can be stored in an upright position, although few owners actually fold their treadmills up after each use.
Web traps. The ability to connect to the Internet is an add-on or even a standard feature on some models. But the technology can be hard to use even when you're not exercising. The folding NordicTrack Commercial 1750, $1,500, a CR Best Buy, has an LCD screen and iFit Live software, providing a virtual trainer, Internet browsing, and other interactive functions. But trying to view and navigate sites while exercising can compromise your posture, causing you to slump or lean your body weight on the rails for a prolonged period, which could decrease the effectiveness of the exercise. Make sure to buy a treadmill or elliptical that allows you to mimic your outdoor walking or running movements and posture. That's why you should try out models in a store or gym before buying. People who follow that advice are more satisfied and more likely to use their machine consistently than those who buy without trying it first.
Tracking gains. Determining your current fitness level and charting your progress can help you stick to a workout schedule. Although it didn't earn Recommended status, the solid-scoring nonfolding AFG 7.1 AT, $2,000, has Nike+ iPod integration, which automatically saves all of your workout data to an iPod so that you can upload and track your progress at nikerunning.com. Treadmills such as the folding LifeFitness F3 Track, $3,000, and the F1 Smart, $2,500, have a USB drive to transfer data to your computer. Those LifeFitness models also offer an energy-saving function that the manufacturer claims will minimize electricity use when they're turned on and idle, although we didn't test that feature.
New features. Set up the AFG 7.1 AT in front of a television and its Passport Media Player can wirelessly display video footage from a runner's perspective on a TV, changing the treadmill's incline to accommodate the video's terrain. Workout stats are displayed on the TV, too, so you don't have to look down at the console. Two trails are included, one in the American Southwest and another in northern Italy, and you can buy more.
The folding ProForm Pro 2000, $1,300, can achieve a decline of up to 3 percent, according to the manufacturer, to simulate downhill walking or running.
For walkers. Consider a budget folding model, such as the ProForm Performance 600, $800. It has a shorter deck, which can work for walking but might not accommodate a runner's longer stride.
Handgrips that move and resistance that's adjustable allow you to turn your cardiovascular training into a full-body workout while mimicking the motion of running without the impact. Our tests led us to recommend 12 models, including three CR Best Buys.
Top models. The Diamondback 1260Ef, $2,200, and Octane Fitness Q37ci, $3,100, were the highest rated. Following closely are two LifeFitness and two AFG models. The AFG 18.1 AXT, $1,700, has an iPod dock, but the compatible controls and iPod-style control wheel were confusing and awkward to use. The AFG 3.1AE, $1,000, performed well and is cheaper. It lacks an iPod dock but has a control wheel.
Space savers. The Kettler Unix P, $1,300, and Kettler Rivo P, $700, are nicely engineered. They're around 4½ feet long, which is shorter than the typical 6-foot length, making them suitable for those with limited space. The path of the Kettler pedals is shorter and might not appeal to all users, and the foot pedals are set farther apart than on other machines, which could also be a problem. Those elements vary by machine, so make sure you're not forced into an uncomfortable position. The moving handgrips shouldn't push your hands behind your body or pull you forward; they should allow you to stand tall with your weight centered.
Quality control. The NordicTrack E15.0, $1,500, was our lowest-scoring model. It has impressive electronics: a built-in touch-screen tablet functions as a high-resolution display and control panel. But its Android-powered iFit Live software is disappointing. Browsing the Web through the tablet is difficult while exercising and can compromise your position. Simulated video workouts fail to incorporate changes in the animation when you adjust your pedaling speed. And the machine's resistance or incline doesn't change with the terrain shown in the video. But functional issues pale when compared with quality issues. Our first sample made a loud, scraping sound when we used it; we deemed it defective. A second sample arrived with a nonworking console.
New category. We divided our Ratings for ellipticals into two groups: those with heart-rate monitoring programs and, for the first time, those without them. (You can buy heart-rate monitors separately.) Standouts in this new category include the Octane Fitness Q35c, $2,000, and Q37c, $2,600, as well as the Landice E7 Pro Sport, $3,600, the most expensive elliptical tested. It's large and heavy (500 pounds), but if you want a luxury machine, this is the one for you.
A new type of fitness equipment lets you "run" outside without having to pound the pavement. The rider pedals while standing up, propelling it with the same elliptical motion used with the indoor exercisers. To see the machines in action, watch our video of some of staff members trying the devices out.
We tested two three-speed elliptical cycles: the ElliptiGo 3C ($1,800; elliptigo.com) and the StreetStrider Sprinter 3r ($1,600; streetstrider.com). The StreetStrider comes in a one-speed version, too. Both also come in an eight-speed version, and the ElliptiGo also offers 11 speeds. All can be adapted for use as stationary trainers. But there are key differences between the brands.
The two-wheeled ElliptiGo 3C was the preferred choice of our 14 panelists, accommodating people of various sizes and rated easier to ride, turn, and climb. It has a tall bike-like handlebar for steering and shifting, meaning the cycle doesn't offer an upper-body workout.
The StreetStrider Sprinter 3r travels on three wheels and offers a slightly smoother ride. Its two handgrips move back and forth with the motion of the pedals, similar to a traditional elliptical exerciser. As a result, the cycle must be steered by leaning your body, as if you were slalom skiing. That proved to be challenging for some testers. Also, taller riders occasionally hit their knees on the moving handlebars.
Bottom line. If you want the versatility offered by exercise programs and personalized feedback, stick with a traditional indoor stationary elliptical. For outdoor enthusiasts, these elliptical cycles seem to offer a more intense workout than cycling. But overall, almost all of our panelists preferred a conventional bicycle, which is significantly lighter and easier to store than either of the tested models.
The ElliptiGo and StreetStrider can be a fun addition to your fitness or recreation plans, but make sure you use them on paved trails away from cars, at least until you master the techniques. And always wear a bike helmet.
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