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Treadmill Buying Guide

Buying a treadmill can be intimidating. There are so many terms and jargon that get pitched around, it makes the whole process seem overwhelming to the uninformed shopper.

Take a few minutes and get yourself up to speed with my treadmill buyer's guide where you'll learn all about treadmill construction and design so you know how to compare treadmills on your shopping list.

Treadmill Design Basics

All treadmills are built with the same basic components. There is a motor, flywheel, frame, rollers, deck, belt, electronics and display console.

In this buying guide, you'll get a full "layman's" explanation of each component's function and importance, so you'll know what to look for in a treadmill before investing your money.

My treadmill buyer's guide is a bit lengthy, but if you want to get the best treadmill for your money, it's certainly worth a few minutes of your time to get up to speed (no pun intended).

Treadmill Motor, the Heart of a Treadmill

The treadmill motor is the equivalent to the heart in your body. If it stops working, all the other peripheral components don't make a bit of difference - you're treadmill will be dead.

So what makes a good treadmill motor? And ow much power should it have to be effective?

To answer these questions, we'll start with the motor basics.

The treadmill motor is what delivers power to the belt system of the treadmill through the rollers. Motors are measured in horsepower and usually range of 1.0 to 4.0 horsepower.

Where the confusion comes arises about treadmill motors, is in the motor's horsepower rating. Not all treadmill motors with the same horsepower rating will perform the same, or are suited for the machine they are installed in.

Look for a motor that's at least 2 horsepower continuous duty. A larger more powerful motor will run cooler and provide you with better service over the life of your treadmill.

Larger motors also allow for a higher user weight rating, have a higher top speed, reduce component fatigue and make for a more stable and fluid running experience.

If you buy a treadmill with a smaller under powered motor, you'll have more costly repairs and breakdowns due to over heating, motor stress and strain on the components.

Treadmill Flywheel

The only thing you need to know about the flywheel in your treadmill is that it helps to regulate speed and consistency of the belt. If you're treadmill didn't have a flywheel, the belt would come to a grinding halt when your foot impacts the running surface.

A good flywheel (like those found on quality treadmills like the Smooth and Sole models) will help regulate a constant deck speed and eliminate the herky jerky motion you'll get from cheap treadmills like low end Proform and Image models.

Treadmill Frame

Most treadmills are made using a steel frame. A steel frame is fine for most purposes and delivers good performance.

When you get into the club quality treadmill price range you'll find that many models offer an aluminum frame that's lighter weight and more durable.

The advantages of an Aluminum frame are:

  • superior strength as opposed to steel
  • supports more user weight (some up to 500 lbs.)
  • resistance to rust and corrosion
  • longer life expectancy (more durable)

If you're shopping for a treadmill in the under $1000 price range, you won't find any treadmills that use an aluminum frame so don't worry about it

Treadmill Rollers

Treadmill rollers help keep the treadmill belt moving along and provide power from the motor.
Generally speaking, the bigger and heavier the rollers, the better your treadmill will perform.

Commercial quality rollers like on the Smooth 9.25 are 2.5" and help extend the life of the bearings and and belt. This means less frequent repairs and service for you down the road, which is a definite plus.

As you may have guessed, cheap treadmills use small inferior rollers, and high end treadmills use larger, heavier, longer lasting rollers.

Treadmill Deck

The treadmill deck's purpose is to provide shock reduction during use and support the treadbelt while in operation.

If you plan on running on your treadmill, and/or are a larger individual, the more important a good deck with shock reduction becomes.

To get a quality deck with good strength and injury prevention properties, opt for a treadmill with a phenolic deck. The phenolic decks are club quality and reduce jarring impact on your joints and back.

Treadmill Belt (running surface)

Most treadmills are made with a belts that are about the same thickness. Most of them are also two ply treadbelts. Since the treadmill market has become much more competitive, most manufacturers are beefing up the treadbelts, making their treadbelts stronger and more forgiving.

Sizing of treadbelts ranges from 14" to 24" wide and between 45" to 63" long.

Make darn sure that you get a treadmill with the appropriate belt size for your intended purposes.

If you're planning on running a lot on your treadmill, you'll need a larger belt. Personally, I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 18" wide x 55" long.

If the treadbelt is undersized you'll find yourself banging your feet on the machine or tripping. And that can be down right dangerous.

Treadmill Electronics and Treadmill Display Console

A good display console can make or break your treadmill buying decision, but shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.

If you're planning on spending over $1000 dollars for a treadmill (most of you will) you'll get a pretty good display. But again, the displays can vary wildly between makers and brands.

Two of the best display consoles for mid level treadmills are on the Sole f63 Treadmill and the Smooth 7.1 Treadmill.

These displays give you all the information about your workout at a glance and provide good feedback. They're not cluttered with too many options or windows that distract from functionality.

Take some time to compare and contrast the different features, built-in workouts, heart rate control, interactivity of all the treadmills on your wish list.

Treadmill Buying Guide Bottom Line

Now that you're armed with the knowledge you need to get an treadmill t, go see my picks for best treadmill here.

Home Gym Buying Guide

Finding the right home gym is a lot harder than trying to decide on a piece of cardio equipment.
My home gym guide will help you sort out the different gym types in short order, and show you which gym will be the perfect fit to help you reach your home workout goals.

Type of Home Gym

The blessing, and the curse of the home gym shopper is the overwhelming variety of home gym models on the market:
  • Weight benches
  • single stack home gyms
  • leverage gyms
  • resistance bands
  • power rod gyms
  • smith machines
  • multistation gyms
  • individual workout stations
  • cable cross machines
  • power racks

The list in seemingly endless as to the variety of machines currently on the market.

To help you understand what type of gym is right for your needs, you need to establish some basic parameters about what it is you need in a home gym, or you'll never be able to make up your mind.

Resistance Type and Operation

All home gyms operate with a form of resistance. The primary types of resistance are:

  • weight plates
  • leverage plate loaded
  • resistance bands
  • power rods

The type and amount of resistance type you need will vary according to your goals and budget.
The plate loaded machines like Smith Machines and Power racks are good for power lifting and Body Building. The advantage of plate loading is you can add or subtract weight easily, and the resistance amount isn't fixed.

Fixed stack machines like the Body Solid Home Gyms are a good option for users who prefer a smaller gym that's similar in function to the health club machines.

Leverage plate loaded gyms like the Powertec are a newer option and are similar to traditional plate loaded machines, but are much safer. Good for hard core training where a spotter is not needed.

Resistance bands like the Bodylastics gym are a good option for people with limited space, people who travel and as an add on to traditional home gyms. They have the advantage of free range of motion and compact size.

Power Rods like those found on the Bowflex Gyms are a good option for 90% of the population who need a compact gym with multiple exercises and don't need to lift over 400 pounds.

Number of Exercises

Generally speaking, the more you spend on a home gym, the more exercise options you'll have. For example a Smith machine with a gun rack and full weight stack has almost unlimited exercise variety, where a smaller fixed stack machine like the Bodycraft Xpress will have about 20 exercises that can be performed effectively.

No matter what some gyms claim as the number of exercises you can perform on them, nothing replaces free weights and dumbbells for the ultimate in variety and function.

Home Gym Ergonomics

Ergonomics of a home gym are often overlooked, as most people focus in on cost, number of exercises and size.

There's an old saying, "You can't be all things to all people." That couldn't ring more true with home gyms.

Remember, if a gym tries to be all things to all people, there will be sacrifices made on the execution for some exercises. That's just the way it is.

Make sure the gym you're getting lets you perform the core lifts (chest press, lat pull, curls, squats, tricep extensions) with no compromise in form. If it can't pass muster on the main lifts, forget it and move on.

Price

Getting a good home gym can be a lot more affordable than buying a piece of cardio equipment.
For example, you can get a Bodylastics Resistance Bands for way under $100 bucks, I have one that I use in addition to my smith machine and think it's a great value.

You can also get an exercise bench and good pair of dumbbells for a few hundred bucks that will blow the doors off a Weider Home Gym or similar model from Marcy and Impex.

If you're looking for a full functioned single station gym with a built-in weight stack, expect to spend a minimum of $700 to get a machine that isn't a total piece of junk.

For a gym like a Smith Machine, don't even consider getting a unit that operates on bushings. Opt for a smith like the Body Solid Series 7 that glides on Thompson ball bearings and is built to last.

Home Gym Guide Bottom Line

Now that you're armed with the knowledge you need to get a home gym, go see my picks for best home gym here.

Exercise Bike Buying Guide

Are you confused about shopping for exercise bikes? Read my exercise bike guide where I cover the most important features to look for in a bike, and how to determine the proper type of bike that best suits your needs.

Comfort and Adjustability

Your exercise bike should be comfortable and adjustable. I know it sounds like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised by how many people buy an exercise bike based on price alone, not thinking about how comfortable they'll be while they're riding it.

It seems obvious that an exercise bike should be comfortable. Unlike elliptical trainers and treadmills that you stand on when using, you must sit on an exercise bike for long periods of time while operating it so comfort becomes of the utmost importance.

Insist on buying an exercise bike that has an easily adjustable seat and handlebars, and consider the seating options closely.

There are two main exercise bike seating choices:
  • Recumbent Exercise Bikes- Recumbent bikes have an advantage over upright bikes because they have a more comfortable seat and place the rider in a more relaxed position. It's easier on the butt and back to ride a recumbent bike than an upright bike if you're not already in good shape with good posture.
  • Upright Exercise Bikes - Upright bikes have their advantages too. The upright bike seat is just like a traditional road bike and gives you the option to stand up on the pedals and really crank up the intensity of your workout. They also take up less floor space than a recumbent bike.

Most users who aren't bike enthusiasts will be more comfortable on a recumbent bike and will be more likely to use an exercise bike on a regular basis.

Resistance Type and Operation

Exercise bikes provide adjustable resistance in one of two ways. The cheaper models use a tension belt, and the mid to high priced exercise bikes use magnetic resistance. Make sure your bike is outfitted with eddy current magnetic resistance is you can afford it, it's the best resistance choice for smooth operation and durability.

When looking at bikes with magnetic resistance, try to get a bike that has push button or electronic resistance control, because you don't want to be fiddling with knobs during your workout.

Heart Rate Monitor

Exercise bikes come in three flavors of heart rate control. Either no heart rate control on the budget models, pulse grip heart rate control on the mid-level bikes or wireless heart rate control.

Wireless heart rate control, like on the Ignite 746 recumbent bike is best, and gives the most accurate reading.

Some high end models even offer heart rate controlled workouts where the resistance of the bike is automatically adjusted to meet your target heart rate.

It's important it is to have an exercise bike equipped with some form of heart rate monitor. Most bikes have at least a pulse grip point on the handlebars to check your heart rate while exercising.
Display Console and Built-in Workouts

Display consoles on exercise bikes vary greatly - from tiny little led displays, to full function backlit LCD readouts that show heart rate, time, distance, workout mode and speed.

Cheap exercise bikes have a poor display (or no display) and no built-in workouts. Avoid getting a cheap exercise bike, because the lack of feedback with no display console will quickly lead to boredom and lack of motivation.

When you move into the $300-$600 dollar range there are a lot more display console choices.
A good display console like the one found on the Schwinn 213 gives you feedback information on heart rate, time, distance, calories burned and is easily viewable at a glance to keep your workout on track.

High end exercise bikes throw-in everything but the kitchen sink. More workouts, larger more detailed led display consoles and 10+ built in workouts at a minimum.

Price

Don't think you can walk into a store and spend $100 bucks and get a decent exercise bike. And yes, I know they sell cheap models at stores like Walmart and Costco that look good for the money, but they're not worth your tome.

A good exercise bike will set you back a minimum of $300 - and even at that price you're not getting a great bike, but one that might work well for the average user for a few years.

Good mid-level models like a Schwinn exercise bike will cost between $300-$500 dollars. For your extra investment you'll get smooth silent operation, magnetic resistance, a more comfortable seat, built in workout programs and heart rate control.

Higher end exercise bikes are about $600 and up. When you make an investment this large you should get: push button resistance control, a hi tech led display console, longer warranty, pulse driven workouts, adjustable handlebars and tons of built-in workout programs.

Exercise Bike Guide Bottom Line

Now that you're armed with the knowledge you need to get an exercise bike, go see my picks for best exercise bike here.

Eliptical Machine Buying Guide

Elliptical Trainers are quickly becoming the most popular pieces of cardio equipment for people to add to their home gym.

What makes a good elliptical trainer? How much should you spend on a good elliptical trainer. I'll answer those questions and more in my Elliptical Trainer Buying Guide.

Stride Length, Comfort and Adjustability

Most budget elliptical trainers don't offer much in the way of adjustability, you get what you get.

Some of the upper end ellipticals offer adjustable pedals that vary your workout angle and provide a more natural ankle and knee alignment. It's a nice feature to have and will help avoid stress injuries and ankle problems that the cheap ellipticals can produce.

One of the features you should pay close attention to is the elliptical's stride length. The stride lengths vary from 7" on the lower end machines, up to about 23" on the better ellipticals.

***Never buy an elliptical trainer with a short stride length. Demand at minimum of 18". The longer the better in most cases, and if you can get an elliptical with adjustable stride length or a 20" plus stride like the Sole elliptical trainers do it.

The longer the stride length, the better. Short stride lengths have a tendency to give a more up and down choppy ride and aren't effective when you speed up. The fast you go, the longer length should - it's just like running.

I think you'll find most of the elliptical trainers in my reviews to provide a comfortable ride. They're definitely not going to be as high impact as a treadmill workout.

Resistance and Operation

Elliptical trainers offer two forms of resistance. The first form of resistance is the tension or friction on the flywheel, and the second (and less widely available) form of resistance is incline control.

Most elliptical trainers don't offer any incline adjustment. So you're just left with how the elliptical machine delivers it's resistance on the flywheel.

Flywheel resistance comes in two forms: Belt tension (cheaper models under $300) and magnetic resistance.

Magnetic resistance is best (eddy current). Insist on good magnetic resistance on your elliptical trainer if you're a serious trainer, or you may find yourself replacing the machine sooner than later because it's not challenging enough.

Heart Rate Monitor

Most of the better ellipticals but the very low end bargain basement models have a built in heart rate monitor these days. The most common variety of heart rate monitor is the pulse grip sensor.

The pulse grip sensor heart rate monitor is a system that provides a rough estimate of your heart rate through electrical impedance. This method of monitoring is acceptable for elliptical machines in the sub $1000 price range and can be improved by purchasing a separate heart rate monitor.

When you get into the mid-level ellipticals, you're machine should come standard with a wireless or telemetric heart rate control unit. The wireless heart rate monitor is the most accurate method for measuring heart rate available.

Look for an elliptical that has wireless heart rate control, and heart rate controlled workouts. Heart rate controlled workouts are where the elliptical trainer will adjust resistance automatically based on a predetermined user input.

Display Console and Built-in Workouts

The display console is the heart of any elliptical trainer. A good console can provide extra motivation and feedback while your using your elliptical trainer.

If you don't think a good display console is important, take it from someone who knows better.

I've owned elliptical machines on the low end, and the high end of pricing and can tell you a good display console that provides feedback on speed, distance, heart rate and workout information is essential for a good workout.

My old Nordic Track elliptical has a very minimal display and crappy heart rate monitoring with an ear clip (old machine technology from about 10 years ago) and I couldn't get any visual cues about how my workout was progressing.

If you have a good display console (like I do on my Octane q45e elliptical) you can monitor exactly how your workout is progressing and fine tune your upcoming workouts later based on feedback and results of your current workout.

It also gives you additional motivation when you glance down at the console and see you're almost done!

Make sure your elliptical trainer has built-in workouts. You'll thank me later when you're still using your machine everyday, while the people who bought the cheap elliptical trainers are using them for coat racks.

Price

Shopping for an elliptical trainer and don't know how much to spend? That's a common problem for most people. There are just too many choices available today.

Unlike treadmills, elliptical trainers are much more closely grouped in price, and you can get a good machine without breaking the bank.

Don't even consider spending less than $500 bucks for an elliptical trainer or you're going to be sorry later. Cheap elliptical trainers are just as bad as cheap treadmills. If you buy an elliptical based solely on price you may as well take your money out of your wallet and set it on fire.

To get a quality elliptical trainer expect to spend in the neighborhood of $800 dollars and up. That won't get you the top of the line ellipticals, but you can do pretty well for yourself in that price range.

High end elliptical trainers range in price anywhere from $1200 to $4500 dollars. The high end machines offer must have features like built-in workouts, longer stride lengths, wireless heart rate monitoring, longer warranties, higher user weight limit, a more natural elliptical motion and better ergonomics.

Buy the best elliptical trainer you can afford even if you have to stretch a bit to get one. You'll be glad you did.

Elliptical Buyer's Guide Bottom Line

Now that you're armed with the knowledge you need to get an elliptical trainer, go see my picks for best elliptical here.

Ab Machine Buying Guide

The most hyped piece of exercise equipment on the planet is the ab machine. They're constantly being promoted on TV infommercials as the end all solution to a flabby, unattractive stomach.
The real question is, "Do ab machines work as advertised?" Or are we all living in a fools paradise, hoping to get six pack abs without putting in any effort?

How to determine if an ab machine will work

There are some basic steps you can take to help determine if an ab machine will give you an effective workout. To be effective, an ab machine must:

  • Targeting The Ab Muscles (most important)
  • Be comfortable and (or) adjustable to fit your body
  • Provide a full range of motion for stimulation
  • Not make any false promises
  • Be cost effective

Targeting the ab muscles effectively, does your machine fit the bill?

Before we dive into the rest of my ab machine guide, there is one crucial function your ab machine must perform, or you can take the rest of this guide and chuck it out the window.
Your ab machine must effectively target all of your ab muscles and obliques!

To get a good ab workout from your machine, it must target the upper abs, lower abs, intercostals and oblique muscles. Your ab muscles will only get fully developed if all areas of your core are trained effectively with deep stimulation from multiple angles.

If the ab machine you're considering does not target the entire abdominal region, cross it off your list and keep looking.

Is the ab machine comfortable to use and adjustable?

The comfort and adjustability of your ab machine should be the second item on your ab machine buyers checklist.

Most of the ab machines in my ab machine reviews faired pretty well in the comfort and adjustability department. There were a couple of exceptions though.

No matter how effectively an ab machine targets your abs, if it kills your back when you use it, you're dead in the water. A good ab machine will fit your body type and strength levels, not lead you to a higher risk of strain or injury.

Look closely at the design and motion of the ab machine you're buying. If you have to twist up like a pretzel to use it, or put your body in an unnatural position that can injure your back - again, cross it off your list and keep looking.

Does the machine provide a full range of motion?

If the ab machine targets all the core ab muscles, and is comfortable to use, only then should you determine if the machine will provide a full range of motion for exercise.

Getting a full range of motion (going from a full stretch, to full contraction) is essential for developing your ab muscles.

If the machine you're considering does not have a full range of motion, or you can't determine if it does, you're wasting your money and need to look elsewhere.

Does the ab machine make false promises or is full of hype?

I know you've seen all the ab machine commercials on TV, and maybe even thought about investing in one. It's hard to resist the temptation of getting something for nothing - "Get sixpack abs in just minutes a day without dieting or any other exercise!"

Yeah right! If it were that easy to get washboard abs, everyone and their uncle would have them.

Have you noticed that the commercials for the Ab Lounge now talk about a "system" that includes a healthy eating guide and exercise plan? I wonder why they did that if you can get good abs by just using the Ab Lounge?

How much does the machine cost?

Ab machines tend to be relatively inexpensive compared to say treadmills or elliptical trainers.
With a low price threshold, people are more likely to make a bad decision and not do the due diligence they would if investing $1000 plus.

A good rule of thumb for ab machine pricing is to NEVER spend more $100 on any ab machine - and most good ab machines cost less than $50-75 dollars.
Also be on the lookout for the introductory pricing scam like this. "Try it out today for free (or something similar like $1) for 30 days, then pay for it later.

These companies know that you'll order one now, put it on your credit card and never return it on time. Then they bill you for the full amount which is way more than the machine should cost in the first place.

The Bottom Line

Most ab machines on the market are crap, that's just the way it is. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are few and far between.

If you're expecting to get six pack abs by using a machine for 3 minutes a day and not changing your diet and exercise habits you might as well forget it.

The best ab machines are devices that target the abdominal muscles effectively, are comfortable to use, provide a full range of motion, do not make any false promises and are cost effective.
Here's the best ab machine I've found that meets all the above criteria and delivers results second to none.

Fitness Equipment & Exercise Machines for Your New Year's Resolution

Welcome to Which Fitness Equipment?, your one-stop resource for the perfect New Year's gift idea of all gift ideas: Fitness Equpment & Exercise Machines!

TheNew Year is here, and it's time to prepare and start thinking about your New Year's resolutions.

Use Which Frame?'s product recommendations to avoid the hassles of knowing which ones to choose and do your shopping from the security of your own home and through the security of Amazon.com.

Home gyms are becoming more and more popular as people become increasingly health-conscious and desire to become more fit. Fitness equipment is the perfect gift for anyone or any family building a home gym. They are truly gifts that keep on giving in that they allow you and your family to get in shape in your own home. While most exercise machines are not inexpensive, they are high-quality products that will save you and your family a lot of time and money down the line on health and fitness club membership fees.

Which Fitness Equipment?'s product recommendations will provide you with the right gift ideas for yourself, your family or your loved one and will make it easier and more convenient to stick to your New Year's Resolutions.

Which Frame? named the following the top-ranked fitness and exercise machines after extensive product testing of all competitor offerings:

BEST AB MACHINES

BEST ELLIPTICAL MACHINES

BEST EXERCISE BIKES

BEST HOME GYMS

BEST ROWING MACHINES

BEST TREADMILLS

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Please browse this site for all Which Fitness Equipment? recommendations.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Your New Year's Resolution: Fitness Equipment & Exercise Machines

Welcome to Which Fitness Equipment?, your one-stop resource for the perfect Christmas gift idea of all Christmas gift ideas: Fitness Equpment & Exercise Machines!

Christmas is fast approaching, and so is the New Year, and it's time to prepare and start thinking about your Christmas Gifts, especially those which may help you stick to your New Year's resolutions.

Use Which Frame?'s product recommendations to avoid the Christmas rush and do your Christmas shopping from the security of your own home and through the security of Amazon.com.

Home gyms are becoming more and more popular as people become increasingly health-conscious and desire to become more fit. Fitness equipment is the perfect gift for anyone or any family building a home gym. They are truly gifts that keep on giving in that they allow you and your family to get in shape in your own home. While most exercise machines are not inexpensive, they are high-quality products that will save you and your family a lot of time and money down the line on health and fitness club membership fees.

Which Fitness Equipment?'s product recommendations will provide you with the right Christmas gift ideas for yourself, your family or your loved one and will make it easier and more convenient to stick to your New Year's Resolutions.

Which Frame? named the following the top-ranked fitness and exercise machines after extensive product testing of all competitor offerings:

BEST AB MACHINES

BEST ELLIPTICAL MACHINES

BEST EXERCISE BIKES

BEST HOME GYMS

BEST ROWING MACHINES

BEST TREADMILLS

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Please browse this site for all Which Fitness Equipment? recommendations.