Top Rated Treadmills & Ellipticals

Top Rated Treadmills & Ellipticals
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Treadmills and ellipticals can be found in fitness clubs, training facilities and home gyms around the world. The popularity of these pieces of fitness equipment is linked to its low-impact cardiovascular workout that can improve fitness. Each treadmill and elliptical contains specific features based on the brand and model. The top-rated treadmills and ellipticals combine additional features with durable construction and an extended warranty program.

Controls

Every treadmill and elliptical features controls for speed, incline and resistance, but the top-rated treadmills and ellipticals feature easy, one-touch adjustments on the handles and control console. The NordicTrack 1750, for example, has a one-touch adjustment feature that allows you to safely and easily change the workout intensity, speed and incline. Other controls are also located on the LED display console, which displays important workout data such as speed, time, calories, resistance, incline and pace. Additional controls in the top=rated ellipticals and treadmills include gadgets such as a television, MP3 dock or speaker components.

Features

Speed and incline/resistance adjustments are standard on most treadmills and ellipticals, along with basic built-in programs. According to Elliptical Trainer Review, the Sole E95 elliptical machine ranks as the best overall and features a 40-degree power incline. Top rated treadmills such as the NordicTrack 1750 have a speed range from 0 to 12 mph with 30 built-in workouts. The built-in programs can be chosen based on your fitness level and fitness goals. For example, you can choose a group of cardio/fat burn programs to reduce body fat, and the program will automatically adjust the speed and intensity to maximize the benefits of the workout.

Materials

Along with extra features, top-rated treadmills and ellipticals are constructed of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand years of use. Beneath the frame, the treadmills and ellipticals have a high-powered motor that drives the belt or pedals during the workout. Consumer Reports notes that a top-rated treadmill such as the Precor 9.31 may cost more than $3,000, but it will also feature more horsepower, better construction, quality hardware, bigger frame and an extended warranty.

Considerations

Top-rated treadmills and ellipticals include various warranty plans for parts, labor, motor and frame. These warranty plans allow you to repair or replace the equipment by answering a few basic questions with customer service. NordicTrack commercial treadmills, for example, feature a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame along with a five-year warranty for parts and a two-year warranty for labor. Similarly, the Sole E95 elliptical comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, five-year warranty on parts and electronics and a two-year warranty on service, while other ellipticals only have a one-year warranty on service.

References

Article reviewed by Jeannette Belliveau Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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