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.

Here are the reasons people bought online and the percentages:

Price - 80%
Convenience - 52%
Selection -39%

The Internet is becoming the virtual retailer of choice, and you can expect the numbers to grow in an economy where driving is so expensive, and price is such a major issue.

This does not mean the end of brick and mortar retailers. It just means they need to adjust their model to accommodate those going online to search. They need to connect with local customers online, and also offer the convenience of purchasing online. However, there will alway be a need to satisfy the customer that wants to test drive and try on the product, and also wants immediate satisfication.

Regards,
Fred Waters

However, to get the maximum benefits from a treadmill you need to kick up your exercise.  Unfortunately, most people are not applying enough time or effort, and consequently they are not getting the results the hoped for.

A new survey just released shows that in most cases Americans are not putting in enought time pounding the treadbelt.  On average they may be coming up 2 hours short per week.  After you burn off that excess weight you are probably going to have to work harder to keep it off. 

Common recommendations were to exercise an average of 30 minutes five times a week.  In addition, to maintaining a healthy diet.  Now the experts are suggesting 55 minutes 5 times per week. 

The 30 minute routine will probably burn off some excess calories, but to burn some serious fat and get your body in shape you need around an hour per exercise routine. 

According to a study by the University of Pittsburgh obese woman will need to exercise approximately an hour for five times a week for a year to lose 10% of their weight and keep it off.  The level of exercise was not strenous on the treadmill, but consisted of walking. 

However, if you are not currently in an exercise program consult you doctor as to the level you should start with, and gradually progress. 

To learn more about treadmill, go to the Treadmill Reviews and Ratings site.

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. 

So I started using some of the programmed workouts that were installed on my treadmill.  I found I was kicking up my exercise.  It was becoming more challenging.  And if there is an indication I am getting a better workout, it was the fact that I was sweating bullets. 

Now I have a new routine, evertime I exercise I use a different program.  They include the cardio, weightloss, strength, interval and hill climbing programs.  I find the weightloss is the one that kicks my butt, however, the interval program is a proven method to get more results in less time.  You go from intervals of fast/steep to slow/level paces. 

The fact is, running or walking in place is about as exciting as listening to George Bush speak.  But when you add new challenges it is more like listening to Obama.  And if you feel challenged and motivated you are probably going to burn more calories and get toned.

It is also important to constantly set new benchmarks.  Don’t fall into a rut.  If you are completing a program at the current level with moderate ease, kick it up a notch or two.  To achieve your fitness goals you need to do more than go through the motions.

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.”

The Smooth Agile DMT expands upon the limited elliptical motion of a cross trainer by offering twelve distinct motions.  This variety allows you to exercise more muscle groups, and tone more of your body. 

Elliptical trainers are often touted as providing a total body workout.  That is a false assumption.  Although you do work out both the upper and lower body, you are exercising very limited parts of each. 

The variety of motion found on the Smooth Agile DMT allows you to concentrate of different muscles, consequently you are able to tone parts of your body you may have unintentionally ignored in the pass. 

By mixing up both the forward and reverse motion of the Agile, you can build and tone your quadriceps, glutes, calves, hamstrings, arms, shoulders, chest and back. 

Another benefits of the Smooth Agile DMT is the fact you get a more intense workout in less time.  So often I noticed how people in the gym are just going through the motions on an elliptical trainer.  They are barely breaking a sweat.  The Dymanic Motion Training of the Agile get your cardio going and burns calories more efficiently. 

Furthermore, the DMT design further reduces the strain and stress to your joints.  Elliptical trainer definitely have less impact than a treadmill, however, the continual repetitive motion does strain your knees and ankles.  With the Smooth Agile you get a more intensive workout without increasing the impact by changing up the motion.

Here is the downside of the Smooth Agile DMT - it is not cheap.  Price varies from $3,500 - $4,000.  However, you are getting a commercial grade machine that weighs 390 lbs.  This is not the kind of fitness toys you find at sporting goods stores. 

For those that can afford a machine that will give a thorough physical workout in a minimal amount of time, the Smooth Agile DMT is worth considering.   You can check out my complete review at my Elliptical Trainer Review site. 

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. 

The new kid on the block is the elliptical trainer, and it is gaining popularity.  What makes it appealing is it is a low-impact machine that works out both the lower and upper body.  The elliptical motion guarantees your feet never leave the pedals.  In the process there is never any impact from striking a surface.  This low-impact exercising is particularly attractive to an aging baby boomer generation like myself.  Go here to learn more about elliptical trainers.

Elliptical trainers also exercise your upper body, with the movement of upper handlebars.  This combination of upper and lower body exercise tends to give you a more efficient workout.  In fact, experts claim you burn more calories with what appears to be less exertion.

The downside of an elliptical is it requires a degree of coordination.  Getting both your legs and arms working in harmony.  Furthermore, with an elliptical, even at the lowest level of resistance you are going to exert yourself more than at a slow walk on a treadmill. 

Another problem with an elliptical is you need to be selective on the design of the machine.   The strides vary, as do the distance between the pedals.  For short people, they want a small stride.  Woman generally are more comfortable with a model that has the pedals closer together. 

Regardless, the low-impact, dual action design of an elliptical trainers is getting a considerable number of converts. 

Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainer - Which is best for you?

The answer is, whichever machine is most likely going to get you to achieve your fitness goals.  If you buy an elliptical and it sits around gathering dust or being a substitute for a clothes hanger, it obviously is not very effective. 

If you are considering buying fitness equipment go to your local “Y” and spend some time trying each out at the fitness equipment stores.  Determine which machine you will want to use.  Both can give you some excellent results if you use them on a regular basis. 

We’ll I can’t end the war, lower gas prices, stop home foreclosures and reduce the price of food staples, but I can make a suggestion on handling stress.  That is through exercise.

Exercise is the great stress reliever.  You don’t need a prescription that may lead to blood clots of affect your sexually prowess.  It fact, it may improve your prowess. 

Exercise reduces stress, it is a medical fact.  In fact, when you push your exercise it can lead to a mild state of euphoria. 

If you are under stress, you need to make time to exercise.   I normally promote exercising using treadmills, but any type of exercise is good.  It can be walking, yard work, bike riding or taking a hike.  I particularly like hiking.  You get out into nature while getting the heart pumping.  An excellent combination to negate the pressures of modern society.

I exercise almost daily, and when I don’t I feel antsy.  Starting the morning either running with the dog, or exercising on my fitness equipment gives me a healthier perspective on life and makes all the nonsense in the work seem just that - nonsense. 

Give yourself and your body a break and get out and exercise.  Of course, if you haven’t in awhile, check with your doctor on what is the best exercise routines to start with.

Regards,

Fred

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That is why people quite often have a distraction when they run on a treadmill, like reading, listening to music or watching TVs.

Icon Fitness has dominated the TV treadmill market with their ProForm, NordicTrack and Epic brands. However, the flat screen TVs are usually 7″-8″.  You strain to watch them. In fact, Landice is selling an 8″ TV option with their treadmills for a whopping $850.  Ouch!

Smooth came out with their Smooth Fitness 9.45TV treadmill.  Without the TV, you would find this model to be a solid running machine with a 3.0 Hp motor, 60″ long treadbelt, and advanced shock absorption.  They added a new twist to the TV.  It is 15″, giving you a much bigger screen.  In addition, it is external to the console.  With the Icon products, if the TV goes out you have to replace the entire console, which can be very expensive.

If you are looking for a running treadmill and want to be entertained, the Smooth 9.45TV is worth considering.   

• 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.   

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

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