Gold's Gym Treadmill are becoming very popular since they are sold at Wal-Mart. I previously did not have any review on their models and was not familar with them. After some initial research it was obvious that this was another Icon Fitness Brand. Their other brands include NordicTrack, ProForm, Weslo, Image, Reebok, Epic, and the list goes on. And what you find is that many of the models from the different brands are very similar. In fact, they are all constructed at the Icon plant in Logan, UT.
Gold's Gym is an exclusive brand for Wal-Mart. However, their treadmills are very similar, if not exactly the same, as ProForm and Weslo models. So should you buy a Gold's Gym treadmill or the comparable model from another Icon Fitness brand.
I was trying to get in touch with Keys Fitness, which builds Ironman Treadmills, and no one was returning my calls. I was planning to go to Dallas and wanted to stop by their corporate headquarters.
After returning from Dallas I got a call from a former employee who now works for Star Trac. He said Keys Fitness was having financial difficulties and couldn't survive the credit crunch.
The Ironman Treadmill brand name was purchased by Star Trac, who is known for commercial grade fitness equipment. They will probably use the popular Ironman brand name to get a foothold in the profitable $1,000-$2,000 price range for treadmills. Keys Fitness generally made decent equipment. It will be interesting to see how Star Trac handles the transition, and how their Ironman models will compare to the past versions.
There is always room for a fitness manufacturer who can build quality treadmills and a value price.
Good Luck STar Trac!
In a recent issue of SGB there was an article, "The Web's Direct Effect on Consumers."
It dealt with the impact on the internet in buying decisions regarding fitness equipment, and also appareal and footwear. Approximately 45% of those surveyed said they bought fitness related products over the Internet. That was a 7% increase in one year. A remarkable 78% said they used the Internet to research products before they bought them.
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.Â
Hi. I am in the market for a treadmill - and your reviews have been a great assistance in my selection process. Thanks for the great site!!!One question I have - many of the reviews are rated for walkers, joggers, and/or runners. How would you classify the difference between these three types of users? For example, walking 3 mi/hr or less, jogging 6 mi/hr or less, runners more than 6 mi/hr?
Thanks.
-Stratis
Hi Stratis,Thanks for the compliment, let me see if I can answer your question.There are three factors to take into consideration when buying a treadmill.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.Â
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
ProForm treadmills are built by Icon Fitness, which is the same company that manufactures NordicTrack, Epic, Reebok, Weslo and several other brands. Icon is the biggest manufacturer of fitness equipment in the world. The runner up is not even close in volume.
I was out to the Icon corporate headquarters not long ago. In the past I was critical of most of Icon's products. They had problems with the quality control. In addition, their customer service was lacking. However, this company has done a complete turnaround, and in general offers the best value for budget treadmills. In addition, the mid-range treadmills are strong contenders.Â
If there is a new hot trend in treadmills, it is models equipped with TVs. This concept makes sense. Walking or running in place can be very boring. As hard as you try, you never get anywhere, and the scenery never changes. That is why you find rows of televisions in front of the treadmills at health clubs.
During January treadmill manufacturers are scrambling to keep up with the onslaught of services issues and requests for repairs. And many drop the ball because they do not have adequate resources, and experienced staff to handle all of issues.Â
I just got an email from an owner of a Proform treadmill. There are some serious problems, and the treadmill is past the one year warranty coverage. They are asking what they should do, since they paid $1,000 for it.Â
There are two alternatives. They can pay to get it fixed, which may be very expensive, and current issue could be the beginning of a series of problems. Or they could buy a new treadmill that is built to last.Â
One of the most common complaints people have when they buy a treadmill online is with the delivery. All treadmill dealers that sell online, contract the delivery and fulfillment to third party companies. Here is what you need to we aware of:
It's that time of year again when people are considering the perfect gift for Christmas. Having been the fitness equipment industry for a number of years, I am surprised how many people buy treadmills as a Christmas present. They may spend up to a few thousand dollars.
What makes giving a treadmill for the holidays is you are giving the gift of health. Some of the benefits are a slimmer and sexier significant other. Oh yeah, if you ask nicely, you may get to use the treadmill yourself.Â