If you're in the market to buy a treadmill, your timing couldn't be
better. Treadmills are giving you more value for your money every year.
In fact according to a recent Runner's World article:
"Today's treadmills are better than ever. In particular, most brands
have improved their stability and controls. Meanwhile, they
continue to offer a dazzling variety of features."
If you're buying a treadmill no doubt you want to get the best
price. Having been researching and reviewing treadmills for over 3
years, I've seen some killer treadmill deals and some completely
overblown, overpriced treadmills.
I've also seen the same treadmill offered at vastly different prices -
sometimes the difference is as much as $800! And people are still
buying the overpriced treadmills!
There are ways to getting the best price on a high quality home
treadmill that many people don't know about. So to help you save
some money, here are 3 key tips to getting the best price on your
treadmill:
#1 Buy Online
If you want to save money, buy online. This is the case with most
items from computers to DVD's to electronics and especially
treadmills. Because when you buy online, the treadmill dealer
doesn't have to pay to rent a storefront, pay salespeople, pay
hydro, heat, etc.
They can ship directly from their warehouse. This saves them a lot
of money and in turn these savings are passed on to you in the
form of lower prices.
Obviously you don't want to just buy from anyone online. Make
sure the online treadmill dealer offers secure ordering, prevalent
contact information (phone numbers, email, online help, address),
at least a 30 day money back guarantee and of course - high
quality treadmills. It also helps if they offer customer and/or expert
testimonials.
#2 Buy Direct From the Treadmill Brand Manufacturer
Buying direct from the treadmill manufacturer means you skip the
middleman (i.e. the store), which always has to mark up an item to
make their profit (and pay their employees, rent, etc.) There are
several treadmill manufacturers that sell online direct to the
consumer at wholesale prices and it's a great way to get a brand
name treadmill for a discount price.
Also, if you watch closely, many manufacturers will drop their prices
even more when they are phasing out a certain treadmill. I've seen
a $1500 treadmill go for $899 when the manufacturer was trying to
close the model out.
Again, make sure these treadmill dealers offer secure ordering,
prevalent contact information, at least a 30 day money back
guarantee and high quality treadmills.
#3 Save on Shipping and Sales Tax
Whether it's an online store or an online treadmill manufacturer,
many online dealers offer you free shipping. Some offer free
shipping all the time whereas others offer it at certain times of the
month.
Shipping your treadmill can cost you as much as $200 - so why pay
for it if you can get it free? I've yet to see an actual store offer free
shipping on treadmills - it's always an add on at the cash register.
Another area where you can save money is on sales tax. Many
online dealers won't charge you sales tax (depending on the state)
which can also save you a considerable amount on your treadmill.
Buying A Discount Treadmill
Have you ever noticed how many treadmills are being sold at a
discount prices? Of course, that is part of commercialism. For
example, when was the last time you paid list price for a car or
jewelry?
What motivated me to write this article is the fact that “Discount
Treadmill” is a very popular search term. People are looking to get
the best deal possible when they purchase a treadmill. That makes
sense, since even a moderate priced treadmill can run from $1,000- $2,000.
So how do you tell when a treadmill is being sold at a discount?
First, by comparative shopping. You find a particular model that
satisfies your needs and you shop around. Depending on the quality
of the treadmill, you compare prices at the various mass retailers,
large sporting goods stores, specialty fitness stores and online.
In addition, you look for special offers like free shipping, added
accessories and extended warranties. Regarding shipping, some
businesses may drop off a treadmill on your curve, while others will
bring it into your house, set it up and remove the packaging.
Considering the weight of some models, that can add considerablevalue.
Discounts from Buying Online
More and more people are going online to purchase a treadmill. Are
they really saving money? Yes and no. Yes, you can save money
from not having to pay sales tax if you purchase from a business
that is not located in your state. You can also find discounts online
that are better deals than you would find in retail stores. Also,
several manufacturers sell direct on the Internet, thus cutting out
the middleman.
In contrast the large sporting goods stores generally sell for the
same price online as they do in their store. Furthermore, many
treadmill manufacturers set a minimum price that any and all
dealers cannot go under, regardless whether they sell online and off.
Discount Prices vs MSRP
Regarding the manufacturers suggested retail price, that is a
number that has nothing to do with reality. It is deliberately inflated
in an attempt to make the real selling price less intimidating. Both
manufacturers and retailers play serious games with their prices.
For example, one online retailer that sells private labeled treadmills
lists the MSRP at double the real selling price. They attempt to
suggest you are saving as much as 50%. But in realty their private
label treadmill is sold for the same price as the manufacturer’s
models. Another popular treadmill sold online promotes discounts at 15%-40% off.
With all this slight of hand with prices how do you determine the real value?
First, you decide how you are going to use the treadmill, and
determine what features would satisfy your fitness goals. For
example, if you plan to use the treadmill for walking and want the
machine to last for more than 90 days, you want certain minimal
features. If you plan to use it for running, than you need upgraded
features. Here are some of the features you want to compare:
Motor size
Deck size
Roller size
Electronics
Console
Programs
In addition, you want to compare the warranties.
The warranty says a lot about the overall quality of the machine and the components.
You also want to research the reputation of the manufacturer.
You want to buy from a company that is synonymous with quality.
You also want to do business with a company that stands behind their treadmills.
When buying a treadmill do not get caught up in marketing hype of
discount prices. Instead look for the best value in your price range.
Smooth Treadmills
A Smooth treadmill offers a great workout for the serious runner
and the novice alike. With a sturdy frame and a range of great
exercising features, a Smooth treadmill has everything you need to
reach your fitness goals, whether these are getting you up to
marathon running speed, or just getting in shape for the summer.
The price tag of Smooth treadmills, in the mid to high range, can
make purchasing one of these running machines a little prohibitive,
but any Smooth treadmill review you can find will almost certainly
tell you that a Smooth treadmill is well worth the investment.
With a robust frame and fitness features that include pre-programmed
workouts, easy to use speed and incline adjusters, any Smooth
treadmill review will tell you that the Smooth brand of running
machines are suitable for both treadmill novice and expert alike.
Whilst a Smooth treadmill is not the cheapest treadmill available
and might cause a beginning runner to question the sense of
purchasing a Smooth machine, they are extremely good value for
money, especially the interactive features available with many of
the Smooth varieties of treadmill which are the ideal way to push a
novice forward with their fitness goals. With fitness programs that
can be personalized to a particular user, heart rate monitor and
even a tool to measure your BMI, a Smooth treadmill is ideally
equipped to help the new runner track their progress, something
that a qualified fitness trainer will tell you is crucial in keeping
motivation at optimal levels, ensuring that you reach your goals in
a truly effective way.
While Smooth treadmills might not be one of the most inexpensive
treadmills around, they offer much more for the price than other
makes and models. Consistently rated at one of the best models in
its price range, a Smooth treadmill also comes with a ten-year
warranty. And the reviews will confirm that the customer service
available at Smooth is second to none.
So if you are looking for the full fitness package, a Smooth
treadmill can’t be beaten. You might pay a little more than you
would for a more basic machine, but the combination of great
features in the truly durable frame of a Smooth treadmill will help
you exceed your fitness goals.
A Smooth treadmill is a purchase for a lifetime, because that’s how
long it will last. Or at least as long as you are happy to use it until
you want to buy one with more features. A Smooth treadmill is
excellent value.
ProForm Treadmills
ProForm is the largest seller of treadmills in the world. They focus
on budget models and sell through mass merchants, large sporting
good chains and the home shopping networks. ProForm is owned
by Icon Fitness. In addition to selling ProForm fitness equipment,
they also sell Weslo, Nordic Track, Reebok, Image and HealthRider.
ProForm along with the other Icon brands dominate the sub $1,000
market.
We know that ProForm offers an attractive price, with treadmills
selling as low as $400. The question is, are they a good value?
From strictly a price perspective they are an excellent value.
Why are ProForm treadmills so popular?
When you compare the price and features, ProForm treadmills
appear to be an exceptional deal. Most have numerous bells and
whistle, including built-in televisions.
And from an outward appearance they appear to be a substantial machine, but it is what
is under the hood that is most important.
The majority of ProForm treadmills come with a 90 day parts and
labor warranty. Now what does that say about their products? I find
treadmill warranties very revealing. It would seem apparent that
treadmill companies using inexpensive components would offer
short-term warranties. In contrast, those manufacturers that build
durable treadmills can afford to offer extended warranties, like 2-5
years on the parts and 1 year labor. Although it should be
mentioned that ProForm is now offering a 12-15 year motor
warranty on select models.
Recently I was at a fitness specialty store in Wilmington, NC, and
was talking to the person in charge of servicing. Although this
particular retailer did not sell ProForm, they often service them.
He mentioned they were considering discontinuing service on the
ProForm treadmills. The problem was once they fixed one problem
often the owners would soon came back with the same problem or
another service issue.
It should be noted that there are literally tens of thousands of
ProForm treadmills sold every year, and the majority of owners are
satisfied with their purchase (See www.epinions.com for customer
reviews). Furthermore, Consumer Reports rated one of the ProForm
treadmills as “Very Good” for quality. But it is a numbers game, and
whereby other brands may have a minute percentage of mechanical
problems, you can expect that percentage to be higher for budget
treadmills. When you sell treadmills at budget prices you have to
use budget components, and on average those treadmills are more
likely to breakdown.
I recommend ProForm treadmills for primarily walking and
moderate use. Their high-end models can probably handle light
jogging. But if you plan to use the treadmill on a frequent basis, or
have multiple users, you may want to consider other brands in the
$1,500+ price range.
For those that have a limited budget ProForm may be the best bet.
ProForm Treadmills Accessories
Well-known for the technological innovation they employ in
constructing their fitness equipment, Proform treadmills carry their
innovative streak into the range of treadmill accessories they offer
to the treadmill consumer. Regardless of whether you are a
seasoned professional runner, or just looking to get in shape,
sometimes running alone is not enough to take you where you want
to go, but with their range of treadmill accessories, Proform
treadmills offer the consumer a more complete exercising package
to help you achieve all your fitness goals.
It is easy to become overwhelmed at the range of treadmill
accessories available today, but Proform treadmills offer a range
that is both comprehensive and straightforward. From the simple
maintenance accessory kit that includes such tools as treadmill belt
cleaner and lubricator that can help prolong the life of your Proform
treadmill, while helping to maintain its optimum performance, to
the treadmill accessories that will help you make the most of your
fitness endeavors, Proform offer a mix of accessories that really hits
the mark.
One of the most popular of the treadmill accessories that Proform
treadmills offer is their interactive fitness program, called iFit.
Specially developed by fitness experts, this technology brings a
Proform personal trainer right into your home, helping you make
the most of your Proform treadmill fitness sessions. With scientific
research to support the fact that many people who exercise with
this kind of guidance perform better than those who exercise alone,
it is easy to see why this is one of Proform’s most popular treadmill
accessories.
Cardio exercise should only be one aspect of your fitness regimen,
and Proform treadmills show that they have thought of this too, by
offering strength training equipment as part of their treadmill
accessories. The Proform exercise ball is the ideal way to work on
those all-important core muscles, the stomach and back muscles
that support your entire body. A strong core is essential to
achieving total body fitness and the Proform exercise ball,
combined with the Proform sculpting bands which help you build
the muscle in your arms and legs, is the ideal way to round out the
workout afforded by Proform treadmills.
Proform treadmills are famed for their innovation and it’s easy to
see that the company have translated this into the treadmill
accessories they offer to consumers. If you are looking for a
complete workout then enhance your cardio fitness program
afforded by your Proform treadmill with some important
accessories.
Landice Treadmills
Landice has an excellent reputation for building quality treadmills.
These are not your mass merchant specials with 90 day parts and
labor warranties. In fact, Landice offers a lifetime warranty on their
treadmills, which says something about their durability.
Landice has been selling treadmills for a number of years. Their
focus is to build sturdy treadmills with the best components
available. The result is machines that are built to last and are
capable of taking a beating. Of course, that comes at a price.
Their least expensive treadmill starts at $3,100, and their commercial
grade models top off at $5,000. Let’s just say, you don’t want these
treadmills to end up as clothes racks.
So what do you get for your money?
As mentioned, Landice utilizes the best components available for
treadmills. For example, they equip their machines with 3.0 hp
continuous duty Baldor motors. These motors are monsters in
comparison to most treadmill motors. There are a number of
companies that claim their treadmills have 3.0 hp motors, but if
you were to compare them to the Baldor motor there would be a
noticeable difference in the size. This powerful motor assures that
the treadmill will run at even the highest speeds without straining.
Landice uses a 4-ply treadbelt, the majority of competitors use 2-
ply. Although costing significantly more, this 4-ply belt provides
twice the strength of a 2-ply belt. It also adds additional cushioning
to reduce impact.
Another quality component that Landice installs are 2.5” rollers.
These are the same rollers used in the best commercial treadmills.
The larger the roller diameter the less tension required on the
treadbelt, since the roller has more surface area to grab the belt.
Decreased tension means decreased friction and longer life on
belts, motor, bearings and the rollers themselves.
As you can see these treadmills are built to institutional standards,
in fact Landice has over 20,000 treadmills placed in health clubs
around the world. And unlike every other fitness manufacturer that
builds treadmills, Landice only produces treadmills. They are not
also building, elliptical trainers, strength machines and stationary
bicycles. Their focus is solely treadmills.
Who should buy a Landice treadmill?
Individuals who are going to abuse a treadmill. We’re talking
serious runners, including competitors and marathon runners.
These treadmills are ideal for people who push their equipment to
the limit.
Landice Receives “Best Buy” Recommendations
In the past Landice has received a top pick from one of the most
popular consumer rating magazine. Landice has also received a
number of “Best Buy” ratings. Treadmill Doctor states, "An
incredibly solid treadmill. Some cheaper treadmills may be better
for some people but if you're serious, this is a serious machine."
Men’s Fitness Magazine had these comments on the Landice L7
Executive Trainer: “If you want the best - and can afford it - the L7
is the bad boy.”
If you want a treadmill that can withstand strenuous use, then you
should consider Landice. They are built to last.
Trotter Treadmills
Let’s just say the first thing first about a Trotter treadmill – there is
little doubt that on your treadmill comparison travels, you will find a
cheaper exercise machine. With the pervasiveness of money in
today’s society, or rather the ubiquity of our wanting to hold on to
as much of it as we can, it is easy to see why other machines might
beat a Trotter treadmill in the consumer’s treadmill comparison. But
while some people might make the selection from their treadmill
comparison of the machine that comes with the lowest price tag,
discerning consumers hold on to their money and invest it in
something that might be a little more expensive, but is definitely
worth it. These canny consumers know that with a Trotter treadmill,
you get more than what you pay for.
There are a number of schools of thought that inform any treadmill
comparison: one runs along the lines that fitness equipment is
expensive, so let’s limit our costs by purchasing the cheapest
treadmill we can find. This line of thought, of course, is extremely
limiting and would knock a Trotter treadmill right out the window,
along with the many great features a Trotter treadmill has to offer.
The canny consumer, however, appreciates that while a treadmill
comparison can throw up some cheap treadmill alternatives, you
really do get what you pay for, and if you’re going to invest, you
may as well invest in the best. Many consumer reviews would argue
that the best is a Trotter treadmill.
A Trotter treadmill is large and extremely well built, with
professional runners rating the Trotter line as one of the most
durable on the market. Its sturdy build means that it will require a
dedicated spot in your home for its use, but a Trotter treadmill is
worth every inch. With a professional grade running board that
provides you with the most ergonomic exercising stance and high
quality cushioning, with a Trotter treadmill you will hardly notice
your exercise time fly by. This comfort is combined in a Trotter
treadmill with a great range of programs and user interface,
allowing you customize your workout to your own specific needs.
Any treadmill comparison will tell you that a Trotter treadmill should
be high on your list, and it is usually the price tag alone that
frightens people off. But the treadmill comparison of the canny
consumer will illustrate how price shouldn’t necessarily be at the
top of your treadmill list: invest in the best, invest in a Trotter
treadmill.
Horizon Treadmills
The Horizon treadmill company are probably best known for
producing a good treadmill package that is easily affordable by
even those would-be exercisers on a tight budget. With a range of
features that you might expect to see on higher priced fitness
equipment, a Horizon treadmill offers you a great treadmill workout
without breaking the bank to achieve it.
The Horizon treadmill is available in a range of models, with price
tags that range from well under a thousand dollars right up to the
two thousand dollar mark. Consumers who have enjoyed the
budget end of the Horizon treadmill range might think about
investing in a higher spec model, to try to match their treadmill
workout to their ever improving fitness levels, but reviewers would
advise against such a switch – the Horizon treadmill is a favorite in
the budget category, but treadmill ratings suggest that if you are
looking to spend a little more to achieve the treadmill workout you
want then another choice might be more appropriate. Though the
features offered on the lower price Horizon treadmill type are
second to none for a budget treadmill, the experts say that the
improvements you might expect to find on a more expensive
Horizon treadmill simply aren’t up to scratch.
So what do you get with a Horizon treadmill? A range of features,
including an easy fold system, shock absorption technology and a
fan to help keep you cool while you avail of one of the preprogrammed
or customizable treadmill workouts the Horizon line
have to offer. But as reviewers are quick to point out, it is not the
features included in the Horizon treadmill that are under scrutiny –
these are almost uniformly agreed to offer a great treadmill
workout to anyone who purchases a Horizon. Rather it is the
possibility of what might be sacrificed in the Horizon treadmill to
offer these features at a budget price, namely the quality of the
Horizon parts and the long-term durability of the treadmill as a
whole.
The upside to this criticism of the reliability of the treadmill workout
offered by a Horizon machine is that consumer reviews rate the
customer service offered by the Horizon team as exemplary.
Speedy and courteous, it seems that dealing with any flaw in the
Horizon treadmill is not as fraction as painful as consumers
frequently report their dealings with other treadmill manufacturers.
So if you are looking for a budget treadmill workout with all the
trimmings, then a Horizon treadmill might just be the way for you
to go. But if you want to upgrade down the line, choose another
treadmill brand.
Quinton Treadmills
A Quinton treadmill is one of those rare items in the densely
populated consumer world – a product that is actually so good that
there is little to no hype surrounding it. For those of us wearied by
the in-your-face ‘Buy Treadmill!’ advertising that attacks us almost
every time we switch on our TVs, a Quinton treadmill could be just
the breath of fresh air we are looking for.
The pervasive drive towards fitness that dominates our culture
today can lead us toward making impulse purchases just so that we
can have what we want when we want it – right now! Looking good
is an important part of our lives, and a treadmill can help us
achieve that goal. But if you are affected by today’s invasive
advertising and dreaming something along the lines of ‘Must buy
treadmill! Must buy treadmill!’ then you probably won’t have taken
the time to read about the many benefits a Quinton treadmill can
offer, and that would be a real shame. A Quinton treadmill really is
the quiet treadmill champion, and one you can’t afford not to buy.
If you have succumbed to those ‘Buy Treadmill’ voices, then you
can’t afford not to do your research – your fitness depends on you
making the right treadmill choice. And while a Quinton treadmill
won’t be splashed all over the TV or Internet like so many other
brands, a Quinton treadmill is well worth a second look. Consumer
reports rate the Quinton treadmill as one of the best available. If
you really care about your fitness, then you need to add a Quinton
treadmill to your ‘Buy Treadmill’ list!
Though a Quinton treadmill resides in the higher treadmill price
bracket, consumer reports consistently cite these treadmills as
being well worth the investment. Found in many gyms, a Quinton
treadmill has earned its place in a professional fitness environment,
with its ease of use for even the beginning runner or walker, its
reliability and the great workout it affords. Professional runners
often cite a Quinton treadmill as an important tool in achieving their
success, but that shouldn’t deter the novice exerciser – what this
really means to you is that as you progress through your personal
fitness goals, your Quinton treadmill will be there to cheer you on!
PRODUCT REVIEWS :
Following are some expert treadmill product reviews with links to
the store where the particular products are available.
Click the image or the name of the product!
Proform 505 CST Treadmill
Cardio is always going to be a part of any regular workout routine
and the Proform 505 CST Treadmill can make that part of your
physical activities all the more enjoyable. The basic design and the
features included all work towards one goal – optimal cardio
Following are some expert treadmill product reviews with links to
the store where the particular products are available.
Click the image or the name of the product!
Proform 505 CST Treadmill
Cardio is always going to be a part of any regular workout routine
and the Proform 505 CST Treadmill can make that part of your
physical activities all the more enjoyable. The basic design and the
features included all work towards one goal – optimal cardio that
gives you the best results and the experience of being on the road
while in the comforts of your home. It does this through three main
aspects:
- Freedom to adjust the machine according to your needs and
wants
- Features designed for comfort and safety
- Auxiliary features to make the exercise more enjoyable
Main Features:
So what do you get with the Proform 505 CST Treadmill? At
first glance it looks like any regular treadmill but almost
immediately after stepping onto it you’ll realize the major
differences that include:
Space Saver Design – this treadmill easily folds vertically,
allowing you to store it anywhere you want.
ProShox Lite 3 Cushioning – a lot of people suffer from knee
injuries when running and jogging and this is because of the
shock the knee joints have to work with. This feature is added
not only for comfort but also to protect your joints from shock
impact and pressure.
Compatibility with iFit Live – so long as you’re connected
wirelessly you can use the Proform 505 CST Treadmill to
download maps, workout programs, and monitor your
progress through the iFit network. This works great with the
already included 15 workout apps.
Dual-Grip EKG Heart Monitor – these handlebars not only
function for support but they also monitor your heart rate,
ensuring that you are in the right training course that will
optimize results and keep you safe.
Quick Incline – with a single touch of a button you can control
the inclination to go from 0-10%.
Built-In Sound System – plug in your iPod or MP3 player and
lose yourself to the music.and Cons
Pros:
- Has a lot of options when it comes to workout apps and
training courses
- Easy to store
- Intuitive controls
- Designed for safety with its heart rate monitor and cushioning
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a fan
- Might take a while for someone to assemble due to the
numerous assembly parts
When it comes to treadmills, the Proform 505 CST Treadmill is king
of the hill, especially for treadmills within the $400-$700 price
range. You wouldn’t expect much from an affordable device but the
Proform 505 CST beats all expectations. This is one treadmill definitely worth investing in.
PROFORM 505 CST
