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2006-2007 Treadmill Reviews

Body Solid Endurance- Body Solid introduces their new cardio line named Endurance. Capitalizing on  their strong brand name, Body Solid again makes a strong product. The Endurance treadmill line is made up of 6 different models. Body Solid doesn't actually produce their own treadmills so their prices aren't competitive.

Evo Fitness/Smooth Fitness- Evo Fitness are a brand of treadmills produced by Smooth Fitness. Smooth is an internet brand that started importing their own equipment. I wouldn't suggest buying an Evo or a Smooth treadmill. Every sample we've tested has failed. Looks like they should spend more money on researching and developing good treadmills than trying to pay for more space on the internet.

Horizon Fitness/Merit Fitness- Horizon Fitness imports treadmills treadmills and other fitness equipment from Taiwan and China. Their parent company also owns Vision Fitness. Both Horizon and Vision have strong reputations for making quality fitness products with Horizon's treadmills being their most popular. Their distinctive wood grain finish makes them stand out from the rest. Horizon was one of the first companies to offer a 10 year motor warranty. Their treadmills are priced from $600-$1500. I would suggest buying a Horizon treadmill your local dealer. Most of the Horizon treadmills sold over the internet and in large department stores have problems when trying to get a local service companies to service a treadmill that wasn't purchased from the service provider. Moral of the story, buy only from a store that services Horizon treadmills

Icon Health and Fitness(Proform, Weslo, Reebok, HealthRider  and Nordictrack)-  Icon's treadmills are usually the weakest of any treadmills we review each year. They use the cheapest components (motors, decks, belts, electronics) available. Word on the street is that the Nordictrack brand could possibly be pulled from Sears. This is due to the overwhelming amount of service and returns that Sears has with the Nordictrack brand. If that happens there will be thousands of Nordictrack customers stranded without service and or parts. I suggest purchasing a Weslo or Proform treadmill at no more than $299 and only if budget is your deciding factor.
Check out Consumer Reports December 2004 issue. They rate treadmills and elliptical trainers. The Nordictrack treadmill was the lowest rated treadmill out of the bunch. Consumer Reports ripped it to shreds

Keys Fitness- Keys Fitness makes treadmills under several brand names. The most popular models are HealthTrainer, Smooth Fitness, Alliance and Discovery.  The US made HealthTrainer and Alliance  line has the strongest frame in a fold-up treadmill. Keys Fitness makes a full line of cardio equipment, with bikes and treadmills as their most popular. Most Keys treadmills carry a minimum 15 year warranty on motor. The new Elite Treadmill is one of the best treadmills under $1000 we've seen. Keys Fitness makes some of the most dependable treadmills around.

Schwinn Fitness- Trimline Fitness makes the Schwinn treadmill. Schwinn's treadmills are 4-5 year old models. They need an update to be competitive.

Spirit Fitness- Spirit Fitness was purchased by Dyaco International. Now Spirit has the financial resources to match their long history of making treadmills. Spirit's X series treadmills are new for 2006. I'm having a hard time finding another treadmill at that price that can match their specs. After using one, I noticed the deck is softly cushioned and didn't bother my aching knees. I really enjoyed the XT800.


Trimline Fitness- Trimline treadmills are currently not being produced. Trimline was purchased by Nautilus.

Here's some general advice on shopping for a treadmill. You may be inclined to shop from either magazine catalogs or television infomercials, however, if you want a quality, durable treadmill you must go to where treadmills are displayed to try them out first. We suggest you buy from a specialty fitness store, as opposed to a department store or sporting goods warehouse where the salespersons will be little educated in the product, the market, and physical fitness in general--and therefore less likely to help you make an educated decision. Because this is a major purchase, and an important decision both financially and physically, you will need as much information as possible--not just about treadmills in particular, but also about meeting your own personal physical or medical needs and fitness goals. A specialty sales person trained and certified in physical fitness will be both able and inclined to spend more time in helping you make a good decision and also encourage you in successfully getting started on a fitness program.