Treadmill Review Blog

I use to manually control the speed and incline of my treadmill.  I guess it was a control thing.  I work for myself and I don’t like people telling me what to do.  Except of course my wife (In case you are reading this Dear!).  Therefore, I had issues with the programs on my treadmill.  I didn’t want a machine telling me when to run faster or at a steeper incline.  I preferred to set my own pace in life.

The problem was, I was getting into a rut.  I ran at around the same speed and the same incline, with minor variations.  It was very boring, and I wasn’t burning anymore calories, nor was I getting any toner.  (more…)

One of the problems with the fitness equipment industry is a lack of innovation.  There really isn’t much going on.  The exception is a new product from Smooth Fitness, called the Smooth Agile DMT. 

Although similar in many ways to an elliptical trainer, it has several unique features that make it more of a hybrid.  In fact, when I talked to Smooth about their new product, they did not call it an elliptical, but rather a “Dynamic Motion Trainer.” (more…)

A popular search term on the Internet is “Treadmills vs Ellipticals.”  For people interested in losing weight and/or getting in shape, they are trying to determine which machine is best for achieving their fitness goals. 

Treadmills are still the #1 selling fitness equipment, although elliptical trainers are starting to catch up.  What makes treadmills popular is they accommodate two of the most popular forms of exercise - walking and running.   Also it doesn’t take much coordination to walk or run.  You get on the treadmill, set the speed and incline, and you put one foot in front of the other.  (more…)

We live in some very stressful times.  War, energy prices, housing crisis, rising food rates all adds up to people stressing out about the future.  And we all know that being stressed out is not healthy, physically or mentally.  It can not only affect our physical well-being, but can have negative affects on our home life and work environment. (more…)

2007 was the year of the TV treadmill.  The prices ranged from $1,110 - $3,500.  Why would you want a television on a treadmill?  Because, for the most part, running in place is very boring.  No matter how fast you run, you are always in the same place with the same view.  Plus I find it tedious to have the seconds ticking off in front of you.  It feels like you are in some type of time warp, where time slows down.  (more…)

Smooth just released an upgrade from their popular Smooth 6.25 treadmill - the Smooth 6.45.  The 6.25 has proven to be a very reliable and durable treadmill.  Building on this winner, they utilized the same frame and electronics and added the following…

• 60″ Treadbelt
• 3.0 HP Continuous Duty Motor
• Swing Arm Shock Absorption System
• Sound System with Audio Input Jack

These features improve the quality of the 6.45 as a jogging/running machine in comparison to the 6.25.

As mentioned, one of the most attractive features of the Smooth 6.26 has been the reliability.  The treadmill has an excellent service record.  If the Smooth 6.45 is basically the same machine, with several upgrades, hopefully it will also prove to be a low-maintenance treadmill. 

The current price of the 6.45, as of 5/19/08, was $1,799.  I suspect that price will occasionally drop, when they have it on sale.  Click here to read my detailed review of the Smooth 6.45 treadmill.   

Smooth just released the Smooth 5.45 treadmill.  This replaces their popular Smooth 5.25 treadmill.  I gave the 5.25 a “Best Buy” rating not only for the quality, but also the service record.  It was a low-maintenance machine at a reasonable price.

When I found out the Smooth 5.45 was replacing the 5.25, I was reluctant to extend this top rating, since it is a relatively new machine.  And often new treadmills have bugs that need to be worked out.  I talked to Keith Menear, the Director of Customer Experience (I luv that title.), and he told me the 5.45 is built on the same frame and uses the same electronics.  In fact, the console is exactly the same. So that would suggest this new treadmill should have comparable service record. 

The difference between the two treadmills is the smooth 5.45 comes with a longer deck, has improved shock absorption and is more stable.  It weighs a hefty 210 lbs.  What makes the 5.45 even more attractive is it sells for the same price as the 5.25 - $999, with shipping.  So you are getting more for your money. 

The $999 price range is very competitive, however you have to be cautious on the brand and model you buy.  Being at the high-end of the budget category, you have some models that are lightweight machines built with mediocre components. 

If you are looking for a moderately price treadmill that can handle walking and light jogging, the Smooth 5.45 is worth considering. 

Fred

Below is a question for a reader, and my response on what I consider a Walking, Jogging or Running Treadmill.  It is important that you define your fitness goals and buy the proper treadmill.  Too often people buy budget treadmills that are not adequate for their goals. 

Thanks.

-Stratis

1. How many hours will you use the treadmill a week, which also factors in how many users? Of course, the more you use a treadmill the more wear and tear on all the parts.
2. How much does the user weigh?  If the user(s) are exceptionally over weight, once again that is a strain on the components.  For heavy individuals you will also want a relatively thick deck.
3. Will you use it for walking, jogging or running? Jogging and running means the treadmill will be running at higher speeds, and there will be much more impact to the deck.

Here is how I would classify treadmills.  I tend towards the conservative side. 

Walking Treadmill - Usage about 3-5 hours per week.  Models under $1,000.

Jogging Treadmill - Usage 5-7 hours per week.  Models in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.

Running Treadmill - Usage 7+ house per week.  Models going for over $1,500.

I hope that helps, and please send a review once you have made your decision.

Fred

I recently made a trek to the big city to check out the Life Fitness treadmills.  In particular, I tried out the Life Fitness T5-0, which is their mid-range home treadmill.  A very impressive machine that ran extremely smooth, and was very quiet. 

I spoke to Brandyn Strother, at US Fitness, and out of the various brands on the floor he had the most positive reviews of this particular model.  He mentioned that the Life Fitness T5-0 was a low maintenance machine, and that the company customer service was one of the best.

However, we both agreed that the design of the console was abit annoying.  You can find out why and learn more a my Life Fitness T5-0 Review. 

Here is a question for a new treadmill buyer…

Hello,I have read carefully through your treadmill reviews and have noted the recommendations and rankings.  I am in Canada, so the pricing is quite different, especially with the January sales on.  As a result, it is a bit tough to directly apply rankings which are presumably based on regular

I am looking for a solid, very dependable machine.  I will use it for walking and my girlfriend for jogging and it is possibly that I might return to jogging after a 25 year absence but am unlikely ever to get very serious about running.  I know that there are cheaper machines appropriate for walking but I want good quality and weighing 210lbs at present, something that will handle my weight and 6’0” height easily. Fold-ability would be nice also but not at the expense of quality.Which would do you recommend most highly?

Thanks, Karl (more…)