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
U.S. pricing. I have found some seemingly very good deals here and wonder which of them you think best, so I have converted the pricing to what it would cost in U.S. dollars.
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Treadmill
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Treadmill
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Regular
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Today’s Price
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Savings
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Savings
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Source
|
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Make
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Model
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US Price
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in Canada
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$
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%
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|
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Nordic Track
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Apex 6500
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$ 1,899
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$ 1,687
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$ 212
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11%
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Sears.ca
|
|
PaceMaster
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Gold Elite
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$ 2,199
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$ 1,776
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$ 423
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19%
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Fitness Depot
|
|
Sole
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F80
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$ 1,499
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$ 1,588
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$ (89)
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-6%
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Fitness Superstore
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|
Bodyguard
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T240
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$ 1,999
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$ 1,783
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$ 216
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11%
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Treadmill Factory
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|
Life Fitness
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T3.0
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$ 2,199
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$ 1,667
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$ 532
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24%
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Fitness Source (flyer price)
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|
PaceMaster
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Bronze
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$ 1,699
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$ 1,428
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$ 271
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16%
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Fitness Depot
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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 (Continued)
This was a recent question from a visitor to the site …
Been reading your site so much I am getting a headache :) Great information, but I am driving myself crazy going back and forth over several models. I am not sure if you answer advice questions so if you don’t, I understand that reply. I am a first time treadmill purchaser so I want to stay under $1000 in case it ends up collecting dust like many do. It would only be used for walking and jogging by 2 individuals both 5′11″ (210lbs being heaviest) 3-4 times a week. I am not as concerned with ipod capable or someone having 24 workouts over 15. I just want a good reliable machine. I know the smooth 5.25 is very highly recommended, but a couple others I was looking at had larger motors or pads, which may be important for multiple users. Any advice would be appreciated. Here are the 3 I have narrowed:
Smooth 5.25
ProForm 11.5
Proform iLog 750
Thanks!
(Continued)
My site review of the Sole F85 treadmill is very favorable for several reasons…
- It comes with some impressive features like a 3.5 continuous duty HP motor, 60″ long running surface and 2.75″ rollers.
- It has a good service record. From the feedback I have received, it holds up well for both joggers and runners.
- It has an impressive warranty. In addition to lifetime coverage on the motor, and five years on the parts, you get a two year service warranty. (Continued)
Monday, February 18, 2008
ProForm, which is owned by Icon Fitness, changes prices regularly. Occasionally you can get some real bargains. This also applies to their other popular brands, like Nordictrack, Reebok and Epic.
I monitor treadmill prices regularly for a number of brands, and will alert readers of this blog when I feel a special deal warrants it.
Checking out the ProForm treadmill site, I noticed they are offering the ProForm 11.5 Competitor treadmill for $999, with shipping (As of 2/18/08). What makes this treadmill appealing is the 3.0 continuous duty motor and the 60″ long treadbelt. Usually you will find a treadmill with those options costing in excess of $1,500.
The 3.0 hp motor is powerful enough for sustained usuage and will not strain at higher speeds or steep inclines. The 60″ deck is suited for taller individuals and interval training. You won’t feel like you are falling off the end.
What I am not crazy about on this model is the console. The display is rather basic, but what do you expect for $999.
I would recommend this treadmill for walking and jogging. If you are a serious runner you will want to upgrade. Go to the ProForm 11.5 Competitor Treadmill Review for more details.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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. (Continued)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
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. (Continued)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
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. (Continued)
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.
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. (Continued)
The problem many people have when working out on a treadmill is they get into a rut. And once you are in a rut you plateau. You may have noticed initially when you got your treadmill you were seeing results. You started losing weight and toning up.
Now that you have had your treadmill for awhile, the benefits are decreasing. That answer is you have to crank it up. Move beyond the plateau to new heights. And one of the best ways to achieve new levels of fitness is by cranking up the incline. (Continued)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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: (Continued)
