Posts Tagged ‘Best’

How To Shop For Treadmills – Save Your Money

Posted on December 19th, 2009 by admin  |  No Comments »

When you have a home treadmill you can still manage to have a very effective workout regardless of how the weather is doing outside. The home treadmill was one of the first pieces of home fitness equipment appealing to walkers, joggers, runners and a wide range of people. And shopping can be overwhelming for a lot of buyers.
A bit of trivia: The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading the steps of a wheel to grind grain.
On to some facts: And treadmills can have a either an AC or a DC powered motor. Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors that are built into the frame. A heart rate monitor, which is good to have, enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. You grip it with your hands, but it can only be done if you’re walking not running. Most units come with an electronic console that displays the workout feedback like speed, distance traveled, the time you’ve spent working out, and calories you’ve burned.
Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip right onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place. Most of the models today do have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout.
The display panels should be easy to read and easy enough to operate. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors do tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.
Before buying a treadmill, make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise comfortably and the belt should work smoothly without slipping or sticking. Buying fitness equipment online has grown at a fast pace over the past few years. Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers.
You may want to spend less money if you’re not really sure if you’ll continue using it or not. You’ll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that’s strong enough to support the heaviest runner in your household or anyone else who’ll be using it. Commercial club units are reliable and well constructed so do look into a home version if you like how it operates.
Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to know how sturdy it is. If possible try out the model you want. You’ll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower though. If you’re planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you’re not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine. Most manufacturers of the commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce great home versions.
One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer’s warranty. You want a long one if possible, the longer the better. And any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be completely avoided.
Walking, whether on a treadmill or outside, is one of the best approaches you can take toward physical fitness. More people every day are choosing a healthier lifestyle. The majority of beginning exercisers start out by walking or jogging in their neighborhood. To get even more workouts, think about making your treadmill into a walking and working office by adding a mini-platform to the side rails. And be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether it’s on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints.
Make sure to take your time and choose a home treadmill that fits into your fitness goals. Do plenty of research online. Home treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it’s not right for you, you don’t want to find out after you’ve set it up at home.
Take time to do your research, the same way you would any other major purchase and you’ll find buying a treadmill won’t be difficult. Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online and offline so you will have an idea which models and prices are best for you.

Discount Treadmill: 3 Ways To Save On You Home Treadmill

Posted on December 15th, 2009 by admin  |  No Comments »

Most people looking to buy a treadmill are interested in getting a discount.  We all want to save money and get a higher quality product right?

So where can you go to find huge discounts on brand name treadmills?  There are several legitimate ways to get a discount treadmill which I’ll outline in this article.

Please note however that I’m not saying: ‘buy a cheap treadmill’.  With treadmills, you definitely don’t want to skimp on quality. 

A cheap, unstable treadmill with improper cushioning and low quality parts will not only cost you in repairs but in health. You can ruin your joints and cause long term health damage.

So I’m not saying ‘Go cheap’ with your treadmill.  What I am saying is that there ARE several ways to get a high quality treadmill for a discount price. Here they are:

#1) Buy From An Online Fitness Store

There are several online fitness stores that sell a large variety of brand name treadmills directly to you.  Because they are not paying the overhead costs of a store, these savings get passed on to you and you can often save hundreds of dollars on a brand name treadmill.

Plus, most of these stores will give you free shipping (which can save you up to $150).  And you can even save on sales tax in some areas.

One note of caution: Not all fitness stores are alike.  Make sure you buy from an online store that offers proven experience shipping treadmills, secure online ordering and a solid money-back guarantee (a 30 – 60 day money back guarantee is standard with treadmills).

#2) Buy Directly From The Treadmill Manufacturer

Some treadmill manufacturers will sell their treadmills directly to the consumer.  By skipping the middleman (the store) you also save on the mark up price that the store has to add to make a profit.

This can, again, save you hundreds of dollars and get you a brand name treadmill for a discount price.  Like online stores, when you buy directly online from the treadmill manufacturer, you also can usually get free shipping and even save on sales tax.

Again, remember to buy from a manufacturer that offers secure ordering and a 30 – 60 day money back guarantee.

#3) Buy A Used Treadmill

While I don’t really recommend this, some people save money by purchasing a used treadmill.

The main drawback to this option is that there is no warranty to protect your investment.  If your treadmill breaks down you’re either out the money to fix it or out the money you spent to buy it (if you choose not to repair the treadmill).

If you do decide to go this route, make sure you know the make and model of the treadmill and that you’ve checked the store price of the treadmill. This will give you more bargaining power and ensure you don’t overpay for the treadmill.

So those are several ways to get a legitimate discount on your treadmill.  For a list of treadmill manufacturers visit:

http://www.treadmillreview.net/TreadmillStores.html

Enjoy and have fun!

Where To Buy A Treadmill

Posted on December 14th, 2009 by admin  |  No Comments »

Buying a treadmill? Chances are you’ll want to comparison shop to find the best deal for you. Looking at all of the options available can often save you hundreds of dollars.

But where can you look?

There are in general 3 places you can buy your tread mill. This article will outline what you should know about each. You’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages – to help you find the best treadmill buy.

#1 Department Stores

Department stores like Walmart, Sears, and Target sell a variety of name brand treadmills in their sports and fitness departments.

What you should know: Although these stores may appear to offer several different brand names they are almost always produced by one manufacturer – Icon Health and Fitness.

Icon is one of the largest treadmill manufacturers on the market today and produces such brands as Proform, Weslo, Epic, Image, Nordic Track, Free Spirit and Reebok.

These treadmills have lots of neat gadgets like CD players, TV’s, iFit compatibility and more. However, they are not necessarily known for high quality cushioning, stability or durability.

They also typically offer short warranties. For many of the cheaper treadmills, 90 days on parts and labor is all you get. If you want a longer warranty you’ll have to pay extra for it.

Salespeople at these department stores are often not very knowledgeable about treadmills, fitness or how to choose the right treadmill based on your personal needs. So if you need to buy from a department store make sure you do your homework before you go.

Also, at a department store, you’ll usually have to pay extra for shipping and delivery of your treadmill (around $150 – $200) so that’s also an extra cost to consider.

#2 Specialty Sports and Fitness Stores

These are stores like Fitness Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sport Chalet etc.

What you should know: These stores typically offer you higher end treadmill brands like Precor, Landice, Trimline, Star Trac, Keys and more.

You technically get a larger selection at these stores because the treadmill brands are made by more than 1 giant treadmill manufacturing company.

Sales people are typically more knowledgeable at these stores and can tell you more about the treadmill models, what you need, etc. However be careful as these salespeople are often on commission and may try to pressure you into buying a higher priced machine than you actually need.

You’ll also typically have to pay for shipping and delivery of your treadmill when you buy at one of these stores (which could cost you $150-200 depending on the size of your treadmill). However if you hit these stores on a sale, you may be able to get a discount or free shipping.

#3 Online – Direct From the Manufacturer

Buying a treadmill online is an option that is growing in popularity with buyers. There are both online fitness stores and online treadmill manufacturers.

What you should know: Online manufacturers sell direct to the consumer, in effect skipping the middleman of the store. Consequently customers can save up to $800 on a brand name treadmill.

Buying online is also easy and convenient since you can research treadmill brands and prices from the comfort of your living room. You have a much larger selection of treadmill brands than either option above and can thus make a better buying decision.

Another bonus is that online distributors typically offer free shipping which can also save you a couple hundred dollars. There are no pushy salespeople to deal with so you can take your time to decide without any pressure.

The downside of buying a treadmill online is that you don’t get to walk on the treadmill first. Many people get around this by trying them out at stores first and then buying the treadmill online (if possible).

Or you could do the research and invest in a high end treadmill brand with high ratings from experts and users. (Several treadmill websites will list any expert awards or user reviews for you to read.)

So those are 3 main places to buy your treadmill. Regardless of where you buy your tread mill, remember to take your time, have fun and consider your own personal workout needs before buying.

Saving Money On Treadmills – Get the Facts

Posted on December 9th, 2009 by admin  |  No Comments »

If you’re set to invest in a serious piece of indoor exercise fitness equipment, like a treadmill, then help is here. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children. One of the most popular, if not the most popular, pieces of home exercise equipment today is the treadmill.
With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight. Check out the amount of horsepower (HP): HP determines how fast and hard the motor will work – the lower the number of the HP, the less the motor will be able to handle. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to grind grain.
The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place. A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. The more expensive treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.
Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation.
A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest.
Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. When your equipment is up and running, get the right lubricants and cleaners to take good care of it. You’ll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower.
Be aware the better quality treadmills can cost as much as $5000 and have a lot of bells and whistles you don’t need. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn’t operate noisily, start it up, step on it and test it out before you buy, if possible. It’s important to set a strict budget and then stick to it.
Your club commercial machine may be may be a good choice in a home version; you’re already familiar with its features and probably are comfortable using it. If you’re planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you’re not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine. Warranties can last for ninety days or a lifetime, read the fine print.
The taller a person is the longer their stride so you’ll need to choose a treadmill with a longer and wider belt. You’ll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that’s strong enough to support the heaviest runner who’ll be using it.
The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is what you need it to do for you. Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping.
As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. To get even more workouts, think about making your treadmill into a walking, working office by adding a mini-platform to the side rails.
Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.
And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill. Take time to do your research, the same way you would any major purchase and buying a treadmill won’t be difficult. So now you know just what to look for when buying a treadmill.

Save Money With Hot Treadmill Buying Tips

Posted on December 8th, 2009 by admin  |  No Comments »

One of the most popular, if not the most popular, pieces of home exercise equipment today is the treadmill. Treadmills are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercise – walking, jogging and running. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.
Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment, small house or condo. Always choose a belt width that’s at least of 16 ” ands long enough to accommodate your stride. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy.
Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. People, who don’t have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage.
Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you’re walking not running.
A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill.
One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place.
When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. Warranties can last for ninety days or a lifetime, read the fine print. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.
One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer’s warranty; the longer the better. You’ll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping.
The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Your club commercial machine may be may be a good choice in a home version; you’re already familiar with its features and probably are comfortable using it. The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is what you need it to do for you.
Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you’re looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for. Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money. It’s definitely possible to find a good model that’s not very popular, but is still a good buy.
More and more people every day are choosing to get healthier; the majority of beginning exercisers start out by just walking or jogging. To get even more workouts, think about making your treadmill into a walking, working office by adding a mini-platform to the side rails.
Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises.
Besides spending your money on a treadmill make sure you spend time on it! Spend some time shopping around; work out exactly what you need, and then shop online and offline for the best price. Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which models are best for you.