Archive for the ‘Treadmills’ Category

Epic 425 MX

Monday, June 8th, 2009

epic-425-mxIf you are like many others who like the concept of high quality equipment and when it comes to choosing the right treadmills for your needs look no further than the Epic 425 MX. Featuring a commercial grade motor as well as one touch controls, this excellent treadmill makes a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain their current fitness levels or even reach particular fitness goals.

You don’t have to worry about putting way too much stress on your lower body when using the Epic 425 MX because with this treadmill you will get a cushioning support which is located across the entire length of the platform belt. Design with people up to 350 pounds in mind, this great Epic treadmills will give anyone an excellent workout each and every single time. To help things along though, you’ll find that there is a 12 year warranty included on the motor itself.

Of course let’s face it, making use of treadmills requires a lot of space the luckily this model features a space saving feature that is easy to foldaway and store without having to bend over as it is fully automatic. The Epic 425 MX also comes complete with a heart rate monitor that allows you to monitor your pulse throughout workout to ensure that you are getting the most effective workout possible.

epic-425-mx-consoleWith regards to the display on this fitness equipment you’ll find that they have gone out of their way to ensure that you’re able to get clearest view imaginable of the display. They have designed in such a way that allows you up to 180° of viewing angle so that no matter what your height is you will be able to read it with ease. Furthermore, it also comes complete with a 10 x 20 workout matrix that allows you to monitor various aspects of your current workout. The workout programs included with this device includes 10 different personal training programs, two different heart rate programs as well as to learning workout programs. There’s also a 12° incline capability with the use of this treadmill.

With regards to warranties included on the Epic 425 and ask you’ll find that not only does the 3.0 CHP Commercial Odyssey II motor come complete with a 12 year warranty, but also features a lifetime warranty on the frame itself. All in all though, making this choice of selecting this or any of the fine epic treadmills is one of sound value.

Reebok 8700 ES Treadmill - Folding Treadmill

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

reebok 8700 es treadmill

Taking a look at this Reebok 8700 ES treadmill I really like it. It is a fold up treadmill which can save you a little bit of space in your room or where ever you place your treadmill. This type of folding treadmill is easy to fold up unlike others which are bulky and heavy to raise.  The Reebok 8700 also has a nice audio system which is compatible with Ipod.  You can also view your workouts and or weight loss programs on this treadmill clearly on the display unlike some other treadmills.

More features of this Reebok brand top rated treadmill that make it a cut above some other treadmills for this price.

Warranty:

You get a lifetime warranty on the motor and 1 year parts and labor. This seems to be a great deal but be sure to always check out the finer details of the warranty to make sure their are no hidden fee’s etc.

Heart rate monitor:

This treadmill like many others has a heart rate monitor built into the grips.  However I find that the heart rate monitor on this treadmill is erratic and inaccurate. Sometimes treadmills just are not meant to do some things.

Display Panel:

I like the display panel on the 8700 ES. It’s clean and organized. Not cluttered and small. The lcd display is just about the correct size for almost anyone to clearly see their treadmill workout plans. The buttons and menus are a breeze on the display panel and you can easily select your workouts and speed of the treadmill quickly. It has 10 customizable treadmill workout plans and 4 learning plans that you can choose from as well as a quick treadmill speed control that allows you to select 1-10 easily.

reebok 8700 es treadmill display panel

Full Stride Cushioned running deck:

The running deck on this Reebok treadmill provides you with some really nice support that is not typical of a treadmill this price. The support of the belt and running deck takes the stress off of your joints and knees, unlike running on the street. Reebok really stepped it up on the running deck with their Full stride DMX cushion deck.

reebok fullstride running deck treadmill

Ipod powered equlized audio system:

The audio that comes out of this treadmill is nice. Its a bit better than some other models that have sound systems. Reebok has been stepping up their game on the audio and visual aspects of their recent treadmills. Some even have tv’s on treadmills.

Intense workout plans:

This treadmill fitness equipment has some intense workouts built in it. You can run the Boston marathon or just a 1/2 of a Marathon. Some other treadmill workout plans  are 5k, and the 10k runs. These are some really intense workouts and are a great addition on this treadmill. You will definitely have motivation and always work hard on this treadmill because of the intense treadmill exercises. You can easily lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks if you work hard.

Fold up design:

The deisgn of this folding treadmill really make it stand apart from some of the typical treadmills at this price. It’s not bulky or heavy to lift while folding. Also you actually get quite a bit more space back when you do fold this treadmill up. Some other treadmills fold up but they are still in the way it seems like. This one tucks away nicely!

reebok 8700 es folding treadmill

weight Capacity:

This treadmill has a weight capacity at 325 that is a bit more than others so I’m glad to see one treadmill company stepping it up on this. However they still need to provide a lower priced machine that allows a bit more weight.

Incline 12%

Speed 12 mph

The price of this treadmill at most online shops is $799 with a retail price of close to $1500.

I find that this Reebok 8700 ES treadmill is a great value for the price and all of the features. It is a top rated treadmill for the price and value in my opinion.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

Monday, May 25th, 2009

bowflex series 7 treadmill

When I think of Bowflex I think of a big brand with a nice product. This Bowflex series 7 treadmill is no different. The treadmill retails from anywhere from $1400 to $2,000 depending on where you buy it online. I do like some of the features of this bowflex treadmill but their are quite a few issues that need to be fixed on this machine as well.

The 3.0 hp motor comes with a 10 year warranty as well as a 2 year treadmill part and one year electronic warranty. This is a pretty decent warranty for a piece of fitness equipment. However their are many other treadmills such as proform treadmills that come with 20 year and even a lifetime warranty on the motor. So I don’t think Bowflex is backing up this machine like they could.

The series 7 also has a couple of cup holders so you can easily take a quick drink of water or your favorite beverage without having to really slow down your heart beat. This feature is nice and convenient.

The small and hard to see lcd display that you are viewing your treadmill workout plans and goals on is pretty low rate but I guess you don’t need a nice fancy lcd display now do you. That would just add to the price.

bowflex series 7 cup holder and lcd display

Like almost every other treadmill that costs more than $600 or so dollars they will have a cooling fan. This Bowflex series 7 treadmill is no different. I don’t think this feature is necessary because in my eyes it’s just a feature that will raise the price of the treadmill and not really give an added benefit. The cooling fan on this treadmill isn’t worth turning on, it sucks.  If you want to get cooler then turn on the ceiling fan because this little fan with no opening barely puts out anything.

I like the idea that they made this a folding treadmill. You can take advantage of this treadmills fold up design and get more of your space back in your room for more fitness equipment or just everyday living. The series 7 folds up at approximately 40.87 by 35 by 65.5 inches/104 by 89 by 166 centimeters which makes it kind of bulky but atleast it does fold up. However, don’t plan on taking it out of any room because it is to wide for most doorways.

bowflex folding treadmill series 7

The Bowflex treadmill has a 20″ wide by 60″ running deck  that has their Strike Zone deck cushioning technology that cushions your joints and puts less stress on your body while doing your workout. This is nice, it does give a bit more cushioning on your joints than other treadmills but is not top of the line.

The maximum weight limit is pretty average at 300lbs. Thats typical! Have these companies ever thought that some people want to get on a treadmill that weigh more than 300lbs. Oh yeh, those are the really expensive commercial treadmills. They need to make more affordable treadmills that higher weight limits.

Those are some of the many features of the Bowflex series 7 but don’t get caught up in the hype of anything you buy, especially when it’s a lot of money. Do your research and look at many different reviews and ratings of bowflex treadmills before you purchase your fitness equipment.

Pros of Bowflex Series 7 are:

  • The treadmill is sturdy and will last awhile
  • Large running surface and thick running belt that will be hard to wear down or rip
  • Easy assembely and well written user manual
  • Great cushioning for your joints!
  • Simple cup holders that are an added convenience
  • The price isn’t bad compared to other companies

Cons of the Bowflex Series 7 are:

  • The folding up of the treadmill is hard for some folks because this machine is so big not really a bad thing but this could be easier for sure.
  • The usability of this machine as far as selecting workouts is really confusing at times
  • The cooling fan is not worth having because of the low breeze and poor design doesn’t let any breeze come out of the small little fan
  • Once this treadmill is placed in a room don’t plan on moving it because it will not fit out most doorways.

I recommend this treadmill to people who want a reliable, sturdy treadmill that will put up to wear and tear and still keep ticking.

See More Bowflex Models:

Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
Bowflex Revolution XP
Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
Bowflex Treadclimber TC3000
Bowflex Treadclimber TC1000
Bowflex Classic Home Gym
Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000
Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym

Proform 780 Crosswalk Treadmill Rating/Review

Monday, May 25th, 2009

proform 780 crosswalk treadmill

This Proform 780 crosswalk treadmill has a patented space saving design that will help take away some of the clutter of the typical home treadmill. This proform treadmill has many features some that are needed and some well..that are not! Like most of the proform treadmill models they come with very nice motor warranties. This one comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor and 1 year parts and labor on the treadmill. However like I always say, make sure you look at the fine print on anything before you buy it. This 780 crosswalk to me just looks like a re hash of the 570 crosswalk. Just like the 570 model this one has swinging arms, built in treadmill workout plans and more.

View the rest of the features of the Proform 780 crosswalk.

The treadmill running deck is supposed to reduce shock and stress on your heels and feet by up to 22% compared to just jogging or running on the road. However I really do not see this as that much of a feature to this treadmill because well..its a treadmill and they all have running decks.

The space saving design of this treadmill is an awesome feature that I really like alot. This treadmill folds up vertically to save you lots of room when you are done with your treadmill workout plan. This is a nice folding treadmill by Proform. Thumbs up anytime a company makes a space saving piece of fitness equipment.

Just like the 570 they decided to build the heart rate monitor into the handles. However, what if you don’t use the handles for your workout? I think the heart rate monitor for this treadmill should be not built in at all or put it somewhere other than the handles.

This treadmill always has a built in cooling fan, which in most cases is really not needed and is just an add on to raise the price and or features of the model. Most people when working out like to sweat, it makes them feel like they are actually losing weight from their workout. So is the treadmill cooling fan really needed?

The Crosswalk upper body arms claim to help you burn up to 50% more calories. Some people think this is a load of crap but I actually think that swinging your arms while your doing a workout you will burn more calories from that workout and reach your weight loss goal a little quicker. Nice feature IMO.

Built in personal trainer workouts are a nice feature to this model because the workouts automatically adjust to your goals and plans. The feature focuses on your weight loss, aerobic and personal goals and will adjust the incline and or speed of the treadmill to make a perfect fit. Not sure how well this feature is because I’m not sure if I want a treadmill to adjust for me when I think I can do that myself.

The quickselect feature is kind of like a memory feature. You touch the button and it will start the workout for you. You do not have to browse through menus and options to find the workout you need, all you have to do is touch the button and the workout will start. I like the feature of this option but not really necessary. But it is good!

The workout intesity control is basically just like turning up the volume on your television. You turn it up and it will turn up your workout and make your workout a little harder. Simple, nice feature.

This 780 crosswalk is very similar to the 570 with a few added features that are really not much more than that of the 570 crosswalk, except for more of a price. The cost of this treadmill right now is $1,299 that is not outrageously expensive for a treadmill but it is pretty pricey. However, this is on the low end for alot of treadmills because the prices of treadmills can get into the thousands. But if you like the 780 and dont have the cash then I recommend the 570 model. They both have the swinging arms, cooling fans, cushioning treadmill decks and a nice warranty on the motor.

So I recommend the 780 crosswalk for someone that wants a little more features than that of the 570 and plans on doing alot more workouts. The motor is a commerical PRO 3.0 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty and a year parts and labor. No doubt about it, Proform backs up their motors on their treadmills. Just be sure to read the fine print. Also if you want a nice space saving treadmill then this one is it.

Proform 570 Crosswalk Treadmill Review

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

proform 570 cross walk

When your browsing around on the net looking for a Proform 570 Crosswalk you will come across many websites that are selling this piece of fitness equipment. I have came across some pretty bad reviews on this item. People are saying that the upper body arms that is on this treadmill really do not help the machine or your workout at all. However when you visit Proforms website they say that the upper body workout arms are revolutionary. I personally do not see anything revolutionary in adding a couple of swinging arms to a treadmill. Although, I do think that it will help you to burn more calories and tone your arms a little more. Also some are saying that the treadmill is very cheaply made and only the appearance of swinging arms and features make it appear to be a more expensive, quality treadmill.

proform 570 handle bars display

proform 570 running deck

proform 570 crosswalk workout display

Proform 570 Crosswalk Features

Swinging arms

Some people think the swinging arms add no benefit to your treadmill workout. However I have to agree with Proform on this one as I think the arms will help you to burn more calories.

3 interactive built in Crosswalk treadmill workouts

The 3 treadmill workouts will help you to get started right away. You will be sweating and burning calories in no time with the interactive workouts that will have you moving and using the swinging arms immediately.

12 personal trainer workouts

The personal trainer workouts will adjust to you automtically. Whether if your focusing on your weight loss goals or just seeing how far you have come along in your workout. This feature will allow you to keep all your fitness goals organized and manageable so you know how close you are to your goals.

2.8 HP drive motor with 25 year warranty

The motor is a little weak and is meant for light use however they do back the motor up with a 25 year warranty. Just make sure you read all the fine print about this warranty before you buy it.

300 lb weight capacity

Not really a whole lot to say about this one other than if you weigh more than 300 pounds this may not be the treadmill for you. This crosswalk treadmill is meant for light use and not extensive fitness training.

ProSoft Plus Cushioning

This feature is supposed to reduce stress and the effects of wear on your joints by up to 22% compared to just jogging on the street. I guess any feature that will save putting a little wear on the knees is a good feature.

QuickSpeed and QuickSelect Workout Controls

Instead of having menus to scroll and look for your workouts, this machine has buttons. I think its a quick and easy way to save a little time and find exactly what your looking for, but I don’t think its really a big deal either.

Cooling Fan

I think its a good thing that this Proform treadmill has a cooling fan because it does get hot. However I do not think its a must because some people like to sweat on their treadmills. But if you need a cooling fan for your treadmill this one has it.

Heart Rate Monitor

This treadmill has what I think is a pretty cool feature but may be somewhat useless. It has the heart monitor sensors built into the handle grips. So I guess if you are not using the handle bars in your workout then you can’t use this feature.

Proform 570 Crosswalk Pros and Cons:

Folds Up and It’s Cheap!

Its a folding treadmill that can be tucked away. The price is I believe one of Proforms cheapest treadmills.  At a Suggested retail of $999 but as of right now they are having a 3 day sale for $599. They may discontinue it, I’m not sure.  But sometimes when you buy something you get what you pay for too. So if this treadmill is cheap compared to other treadmills that may tell you something.

I recommend this treadmill for the person who just wants to do light workouts and is not very serious about working out every day. Also the budget minded since its currently about $400 off right now.