Centralized Fitness

(See All)	LifeSpan TR 1200i Treadmill Read Full Review	Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill Read Full Review	Schwinn 840 Treadmill Read Full Review	Smooth Fitness 5.65 Treadmill Read Full Review
Amazon Review:	4.8/5 Est. $999	4.4/5 Est. $599	4.4/5 Est. $999	4.8/5 Est. $950
Training Programs:	17	9	16	40
Readout Information:	Time, Calories, Distance, Steps, Heart Rate, Speed, Incline Level	Heart Rate, Time, Distance, Calories	Time, Calories, Distance, Heart Rate, Speed, Incline Level & More	Time, Distance, Heart Rate, Calories, Speed, Incline
Speed Range:	0.5-11 MPH	10 MPH	0.5-10 MPH	0.5-10 MPH
Incline Levels:	15 Levels	10%	10%	15%
Belt Size:	20 x 56 Inches	20 x 55 Inches	20 x 55 Inches	20 x 60 Inches
Weight Limit:	300 LB	300 LB	300 LB	300 LB
Foldable:	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Horsepower:	2.5 HP	2.25 HP	2.5 HP	2.5 HP
Warranty	Lifetime Frame/Motor, 3Yr Parts, 1Yr Labor	Lifetime Frame/Motor, 1Yr Parts/Labor	10 Yr Motor, 5Yr Frame, 3 Mo Labor, 1Yr Electrical, 6 Mo Parts, 3 Mo Wear	Consult Manufacturer

Treadmill Reviews – Know the Facts:

Anyone, regardless of fitness level or age, can enjoy the cardiovascular benefits of walking on a treadmill. In addition to improving heart health, treadmill use can help strengthen the lungs and circulatory system. As an aerobic exercise, users can also burn fat and increase muscle tone at the same time. People who don’t have the desire or time to walk outdoors use treadmills to develop a daily walking regimen right in their own living room.

The ability to vary the speed of the track allows the treadmill to appeal to beginners and athletes alike. Users can select a pace and distance which is most comfortable to them. Treadmills can grow as you do, increasing their speed and incline so that the workout always presents a challenge. To better understand the information contained within our treadmill reviews, take a look at the following treadmill terms:

Suspension Deck:
A standard feature on most treadmills, a deck suspension system is designed to absorb impact when walking on the deck. Beneath the treadmill belt is a series of springs or pneumatic shocks which allow the deck to rise up and down with each step. This helps protect joints while at the same time improving the comfort of treadmill use. For this reason, using a treadmill is gentler on the body when compared to running or walking outdoors. The Schwinn 840, for example, has a patented “Softrak” suspension system.

Speed:
Treadmills have speed ranges which usually range from 0.5-10 miles per hour. Treadmills which are built solely for walking and jogging have lower speed limits, typically under 6 miles per hour. The safest treadmills have a very low starting speed such as 0.5 MPH. When first starting out, users should start at a very low speed and gradually work up until they find a pace which is manageable for them. The beauty of a treadmill if that the speed can be adapted to the individual.

Incline:
Inclined treadmill belts simulate the effects of walking up a hill. Users can change the angle of the belt in order to make the exercise more difficult. Maximum treadmill incline levels hover around 10%, however more aggressive angles are also available. For maximum convenience, avoid treadmills which require the use of a manual crank to adjust the incline. Manual cranking can interrupt your exercise flow. An electronically controlled incline system can be adjusted while riding by pressing a button on the control panel. Users may adjust the incline in increments of 1% until they find a comfortable position.

Horsepower:
Continuous duty electric motors of at least 1.5 horsepower are recommended to ensure a smooth flow. Underpowered motors can wear out quickly and create a jerking motion on the track with each step. Users which near the maximum rider capacity of the treadmill can easily force the motor to work at full capacity, assuming that the motor is underpowered. Choosing a treadmill with a high continuous horsepower rating will result in a better workout and longer life.

Deck:
The deck is the flat, smooth surface underneath the belt which supports the user with each step. The larger the deck size, the more room is available for “drifting”. As you walk in the deck, you will inevitably drift forward/back or side-to-side. Larger decks ensure that you will not accidentally fall off unknowingly. Runners should always use treadmills with larger decks since they need more room for each stride. High quality decks are made of composite materials which need little maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend that users apply silicone lubricant to their deck surface every 3 months or so. The lubricant is needed to reduce friction between the deck and belt surfaces.

Belt:
Treadmill belts are made of heavy duty plastics and fibers. They are turned by rollers positioned at the front and back of the treadmill. High quality treadmills should not require any belt adjustment, but may need to be calibrated during the first run. Belts which are not aligned properly can become frayed along the edges.

Foldable Design:
Many treadmills on the market are capable of folding down flat. Most of them have a pivot point at the front of the deck which allows the deck to lift up vertically. The lightest treadmills such as the Horizon Evolve SG can fold vertically or horizontally, storing neatly under a bed frame. Some treadmills offer easy-lift decks which lift/drop the deck smoothly using springs or pneumatic shocks.

Control Panels:
All treadmills have control panels in the front which allow for control of speed and incline. Most also offer a real-time display of personal information such as Time, Distance, Speed, Incline, Heart Rate, and more. Models such as the Smooth Fitness 5.65 treadmill have easy-to-read backlit LED screens. To keep users engaged in their day-to-day routine, many control consoles have pre-set workout programs such as those to help burn fat. In manual mode, users can set their own speed and incline levels.

Our treadmill reviews include information on all these aspects and more.