GetSlimZone.com

by Uchenna Ani-Okoye

Home treadmills art a tough sea too navigate for most buyers – there art so numerous different brands and they all seem alike too outsiders. Luckily, over the past 20 or the years, I’ve had to repair merely about all treadmill ever produced. In other words, my pain wilt be your salvation!

My 1st piece of advice is: avoid anything and everything from Icon Health and Fitness. They’re the manufacturer of the units you’ll find at places like Sears – nothing against Sears, but the treadmills they sell tend to be on the lower final of the quality scale. Their treadmills seem to have specs that are too good to be true for their cost and, truth be told, they art. The old saying “you get what you pay for” comes in too act with them.

Tiny motors with high RPMs to give those a perceived higher horsepower (most of their motors should really be rated at under 1.5 HP regardless of what they tell you – a motor the size of a soda canst should not be powering a full sized treadmill!), lots of plastic pieces, small rollers, and generally unstable machines art par for the routine for the Icon brands like Proform, Weslo, Healthrider and image. Just stay away from them! There are improved treadmills even at the more affordable prices that Icon tempts the unlearned consumer with.

On with translating the arcane lore that is treadmill purchasing for the lay person.

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With the economy in the skids, you’ll find more and better deals on treadmills and other exercise equipment on ebay. If it is a big item like a Nordictrack treadmill, it’s best to bid on one offered by a local seller so you can pick it up and save on shipping charges. Otherwise, bid on machines that have discounted shipping. You will save a lot of money going through eBay – just make sure it is a reputable seller and there’s a valid warranty to back up your purchase.

We are suckers for commercial machine makers going into the home market. The Precor 9.23 low-impact treadmill is just $2499 – yes, a PRECOR. Our favorite commercial and health club machine maker now makes a home treadmill that’s affordable and will last for years, even if you are a casual walker or running 100 miles a week training for a marathon.

Feast on these specs:

Multi-zone deck suspension system absorbs shock and minimizes impact

Phenolic laminated deck bonded to 3/4 medium density fiberboard. Deck can be flipped to double life

Dry silicone belt lubrication system requires no maintenance

Precision machined steel drive and take up rollers keep belt running smoothly to reduce noise and wear

The running belt is 20 wide, multi-ply, polyester satin weave with a PVC non slip surface

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It’s “true”, True treadmills actually make models that sell for under $3000. I know. I’m. Shocked Too. But True, which usually wins “Best Buy’ awards for their high-end models of $4000+, now offers a couple of good ones that the rest of us can afford. No one does a better job with orthopedic belts and the PS300 has a 60” running surface – perfect for runners and tall users.

If you are weighing a Life Fitness machine (which has gone up in price this year!) to a True, it’s recommended by most treadmill experts to go with the True treadmill. It’s a solid treadmill, that is very stable to run on. The belt and motor run very quiet and smooth.

It is manufactured with commercial-grade materials and the finest components for extreme durability. Coupled with a great warranty and service plan, you know that your treadmill will stand up to years of heavy use.

The PS300 is equipped with a digital contact heart rate monitoring system and a Polar® wireless system to assist you in maintaining your optimal heart rate to maximize your workouts.
TRUE HRC Cruise Control™ allows you to “lock in” on your targeted heart rate. Once your target is entered, one touch TRUE HRC Cruise Control will adjust speed and incline automatically throughout the duration of your workout to maintain your target heart rate (operates just like the Cruise Control in your car).

Warranty – Frame Lifetime, Motor 30 Years, Parts 5 Years, Labor 1 Year.

Get more specs and reviews on the True PS300 treadmill.

Users Prefer Quiet, Stable Machines

When you spend time reading the best treadmill reviews, you’ll find that most people rate the machines for a variety of features including stability, cushioning, speed, electronic readout, accuracy in distance, and even noise. If a review includes a rating on the decibel level, check to see that the treadmill you’re considering purchasing has a DC motor that has a 1.5 to 2.5 hp rating. Try out the treadmill and see if it gives you a smooth, stable ride.

Read treadmill ratings

The treadmill ratings will often include a few notes on the “cushioning feel” of the running deck since impact and comfort are key requirements of a heavy workout. The review should also make mention that the machine feels stable and not wobbly, since the smoothness of the ride is one of the more important attractions in a top rated treadmill.

The best reviews tend to focus on higher-end models that are advertised as being for home use (not rated for club use) and are priced from $1,400 to $4,500. This is the range of better machines that can withstand the rigors of a daily workout from a dedicated runner who will put in an hour or more. The best treadmills on the market have an amazing range of features that allow the user to duplicate almost anything they’ll find on a track or road, including steep inclines. Furthermore, you can run at any time of the day or night, with no concern for traffic or other hazards. This convenience is often sited as a primary attraction for treadmill buyers that they often include when they rate models in their review.

Make a point to read reviews of the best selling models. A review will tend to stress the popularity of a better rated treadmill since they are the staple of the home gym which often includes a wide range of equipment such as free weights, mats, and even other machines.

While you will find cheaper models that have the same features as better treadmills, the important difference is that these machines will not hold up over time. Whatever you primary criteria, you should keep long-term durability and quietness in mind when reading through reviews to find the best treadmill for your home gym.