Treadmills are popular because runners and walkers can control their pace, vary the degree of difficulty and even check their vital statistics, such as their heart rate and calories burned. Many gyms station their treadmills in front of TVs, making exercise time go by faster. Treadmill design, technology, durability and stability also makes them a popular piece of fitness gear in home gyms.
Sole F 80
In 2010, the Consumer Search website selected the Sole F 80 as the best overall pick. The Sole F 80 allows users weighing up to 350 lbs. to select from six standardized programs, two heart rate programs and two created by the user. A 3-hp, continuous DC motor drives the F 80 treadmill to speeds ranging from 0.5 to 11 mph. The user can increase the incline by up to 15 percent. The deck is 33 inches wide and 80 inches long, with a cushioned flex shock absorbing a 20-inch-wide running surface. A digital display shows the user his speed, time, distance, calories burned, heart rate, pace and incline percent. The Sole F 80 folds for easier storage, and weighs 280 lbs. The retail price, as of late 2010, is estimated to be $1,500.
Lifespan TR 200
The Lifespan TR 200 is designed only for walking, with a maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs. The 1.5-hp continuous duty motor allows for speeds of 0.5 to 8 mph. The machine has a folding design with a walking surface measuring 17 by 48 inches. There are six programs and 10 incline settings to increase resistance and difficulty level. The TR 200 offers calories burned, time, distance, pulse, speed, incline level and exercise time monitoring. The compact unit comes completely assembled, weighs 130 lbs and has an estimated retail price of $650 as of December 2010.
Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer
The Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs. There are 10 programs and a continuous duty 4-hp motor capable of speeds ranging from 0.5 to 11 mph. The user can raise the 20-by-58 inch running surface to 15 degrees of incline. The displays shows exercise time, distance, heart rate, calories burned, and running or walking pace. The Landice L7 does not fold for storage, and weighs 290 lbs. The estimated retail price, as of December 2010, is $3,500.
Advanced Fitness Group 13.0 AT
The Advanced Fitness Group 13.0 AT is a "Consumer Reports" Best Buy. The unit has a user weight capacity of up to 350 lbs., with a 2.5-hp continuous motor allowing speeds of 0.5 to 12 mph. The AFG 13.0 comes with 10 programs, including AFG's own Profile performance tracking. The AFG also comes equipped with a Polar wireless heart rate monitoring system. The 13.0 treadmill is a non-folding design, and has an estimated retail price of $2,000.
References
- Consumer Search: Fitness And Sport: Treadmills: Sole F80 Specifications
- Consumer Search: Fitness And Sports: Treadmills: Lifespan TR 200: Specifications
- Treadmill Doctor: Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer Treadmill Review
- "Consumer Reports": Press Room: Latest Tests Of Treadmills And Ellipticals Yield 14 Top Machines: Top Treadmills
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