If you are thinking of getting a treadmill as a Christmas present you may want to offer soon.  Manufacturers usually have cut-off dates a couple of weeks before the holiday.  To find out what the dates are for the major manufacturers go to the Treadmill Ratings and Reviews site.

I found and interesting site that has endless articles on training on a treadmill.   http://www.mytreadmilltrainer.com/blog/.  They’ve got a decent library that covers training for all types of races – 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon.   In addition, to recommendations on techniques, shoes, nutrition, etc.

For those who prefer an audio-visual presentation to the written word, I just completed a video of my 2011 picks for “Best Buy” treadmill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rpDIOfHTuQ

I made a trip to Salt Lake City and made a courtesy call to the Sole Fitness headquarters.  There were no real changes to the 2010 models.  For 2011 they’re offering bigger belts on most of their models.  For example, they’ve increased the size of the Sole F80 belt to 20″ x 60″.  Both the Sole S77 and the Sole F85 now have 22″ wide belts. 

They switched all of the displays on their treadmills from LEDs to LCDs.  They found their customers preferred the LCD displays.

As usual for this company, their emphasis is on quality and durability and not technology.  You’ll find their higher end models have stiffer shock absorption, which is the preference of serious runners.   

The other interesting new is that Sole is now also available at Sears.  For years Sole was exclusively sold offline at Dick’s Sporting.  The company appears to be growing in a tough economy.  Evidence they are doing something right.

Hi Fred –

My wife and I are contemplating buying an elliptical for use in our home. There are so many brands and models out there it’s hard to know what’s best for us. I am 5’9” 180 lbs and my wife is 5’4” 125. Do have any advice on what elliptical we should consider in the $1,200 – $1,300 range and under. Either front, center on rear drive models. My wife prefers the look of the front and center drive versions but it is not a necessity. I would say that we would each use it about 5 times per week on average. I enjoy a more strenuous work out as well if that matters.

Any advice or guidance you could provide would be appreciated!

Hi Kyle,

Probably the best value, and best built machine in that price range is the Sole E35. It comes with a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. The feedback has generally be very positive. Here is my review. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/sole-e35.htm

Regards,

Fred

Thanks Fred –

I have read your review on the E35 as well as other reviews and it seems as though as you stated that the reviews are very favorable. My only concern with that machine is the size at 81”’s it takes up a lot of space. I’m still leaning towards that machine but do you have a front or center drive option with less of a footprint that you like that I might consider? Also, do you have a recommendation for a machine under $1,000 as well?

Thanks for your help,

Kyle

Kyle,

NordicTrack and ProForm have a center drive machine. The basic design and components. are the same The difference is the features. They range from $699-$899. They are decent machines, but by no means as heavy duty as the Sole E35. Also, their warranty is 1-year parts and labor. You may be able to find a version at your local Sears.

Here are the links.

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/proform-crosswalk-850.html

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

Fred

Thanks Fred.

Are there concerns regarding the durability of the ACT? If we extended the ACT warranty by a year at approximately $100 that would make the E35 about $300 more than the ACT but it appears the quality you get with the E35 is probably worth it.

Kyle

Kyle,

If I were to choose, I would pay the extra $300. I would put the NordicTrack ACT in the budget elliptical category. For the money it is not a bad machine, but not nearly as durable as the Sole E35.

There is a cheaper version of the Sole E35, which is the Sole E25 at $999. Structurely, they are the same machines, but on my review you can get a list of the differences. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

 i am interested in buying the incline trainer however i have 1 question…can you run on this machine? obviously its not advised with the incline up but if the incline is laying flat is the motor quick enough for a light jog to a slow run? i have been told by a few people that its not fast enough to run on and its just a machine to walk on…i hope i can run on it…please let me knwo when you get the chance! thanks – amanda

Hi Amanda

Response

Yes, you can run on the Incline Trainer.  It goes up to 10 mph.  There is one issue.  You have a 54″ long treadbelt.  That is aan dequate length for an average height individual to run on.  However, the way the Incline Trainer is designed, when you lower the treadbelt a portion of it is positioned in front of the console.  You are going to lose several or more inches of running area when you have the belt at a level position.  Take a look at the photos on the left and you will see what I mean.

This post is off topic.  It actually has nothing to do with treadmills.  It has to do with the poverty in not just the US, but throughout the work.  So many people are stuck in on the provery treadmill, and with the current state of the economy, more are on this treadmill with the incline continually being cranked up.  They are never getting a break.

Well recently a friend of mine sent me a link to a cool organization.  It is www.kiva.org/. Read more …

Treadmills companies have been getting more and more generous on their warranty coverage. There are two reasons.

This can be attributed a aggressive competition and improved quality of treadmill components.

For the last several years Sole Treadmills offered 2 years labor coverage on all but their entry treadmill and elliptical trainer. Recently Smooth Fitness has matched that coverage on each of the machines, including their entry models. In addition you get a lifetime warranty on the motor and 5-years on parts for most of their models.

I was told they are experimenting with this offer, and it may become permanent.

What this means for you is if your machine breaks down within the first two years, it is not your problem. They send someone out to fix and replace broken parts, which can be a huge savings.

It also says something about the confidence of Smooth in their products. They would not make this offer if their machines didn’t hold up well.

In addition to the warranty extension, they also have been offering various discounts and a $100 savings on “White Glove” delivery on certain treadmills and elliptical trainers.

The state of the economy is forcing fitness equipment companies to get very aggressive with their promotions in order to stay alive. If you can afford it, there are some excellent deals out there.