Treadmills: The Consumer Reports Jan '96 Article (actual article)
XROBIC
this article from AOL. I've pasted it here for y'all to read.
Disclaimer - I have not read this article yet. It looks fine on my
screen, but sometimes I find a 'cut-and-paste" article looks screwy once
on USENET. If this has happened I will already have considered myself
'flamed'.
Enjoy!
Jim Savery
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BEGIN ARTICLE
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CONSUMER REPORTS: TREADMILLS
This report looks at treadmills, and includes Ratings,
recommendations, and sections on a typical model, discontinued
models, types, choosing a treadmill and where to call for more
information.
CONSUMER REPORTS RATINGS
The Consumer Reports Ratings list the tested BRAND/MODELs by
type. Within types, they're listed in order of overall SCORE,
based mainly on ergonomic design, reliability and ease of use.
Scores are on a scale of 0 to 100: 81 to 100 is excellent, 61 to
80 is very good, 41 to 60 is good, 21 to 40 is fair, 0 to 20 is
poor. If a product is both high in quality and relatively low in
price, CR deems it A BEST BUY. The model's dimensions, in inches,
are indicated after the model name. The dimensions of the
treadmill's belt are indicated in parentheses.
ERGO is Consumer Reports' judgment of ergonomics. It reflects how
well the treadmill allows a natural stride and body position and
how well it allows users of various heights and body shapes to
exercise safely and effectively. RELI is the judgment of
reliability. It reflects how well the treadmill stood up to the
equivalent of a year's worth of use in CR's durability test. SMTH
is the judgment of smoothness. For motorized models, it is how
well the belt keeps going at a constant speed when the user's
foot lands. For nonmotorized models, it's the absence of jerky
motion.
The first number in the ADJ column is Consumer Reports' judgment
of how easy it is to adjust the speed (motorized) or resistance
(nonmotorized). The second number is how easy it is to adjust the
incline. A dash means the model cannot be adjusted for speed, or
for incline. RIGD (rigidity) is the judgment of how sturdy the
treadmill feels during exercise. NSE is the judgment of noise
intensity. The treadmills that made the least noise won't drown
out conversation. The noisiest machines will be heard in an
adjoining room or apartment.
Numbers in the ERGO, RELI, SMTH, ADJ, RIGD and NSE columns are on
a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being excellent and 1 being poor. PRICE
is the estimated average, based on a national survey. A *
indicates the price Consumer Reports paid (no average was
available). Note: NordicTrack Walkfit is sold only by mail-order
or company store. Vitamaster 8739MW is sold only in Montgomery
Ward stores.
Ratings: Motorized Models
8 tested
Excellent 5<----->1 Poor
SCORE BRAND/MODEL ERGO RELI SMTH ADJ RIGD NSE PRICE
81 Lifestride
TR3500
71x28(51x18) 5 4 3 5/5 5 5 $2330
80 Proform 12.0
78x31(52x18) 4 4 4 5/5 4 5 1524*
Note: Proform 12.0 and Precor M9.20 have been discontinued, but
may still be available in stores.
73 Precor M9.20
69x29(50x17) 4 4 5 5/5 5 4 2400
72 Proform 730
63x31(55x18) 4 3 5 5/5 4 4 890
72 Schwinn Home
Trainer 415
74x28(60x20) 5 5 2 5/5 4 4 1975
Note: Schwinn Home Trainer 415 has been discontinued, but
replacement model, 615, is similar.
65 Vitamaster 8739MW
65x31(57x18) 4 3 3 5/5 4 2 900
64 Weslo 845
A BEST BUY
56x29(50x16) 4 4 4 3/3 3 4 600*
53 Weslo 825
67x27(45x13) 3 3 5 3/1 2 3 300*
Note: Weslo 825 has been discontinued, but may still be available
in stores.
Ratings: Nonmotorized Models
4 tested
Excellent 5<----->1 Poor
SCORE BRAND/MODEL ERGO RELI SMTH ADJ RIGD NSE PRICE
49 NordicTrack Walkfit
55x21(40x14) 3 4 4 3/1 4 5 $600*
Note: NordicTrack Walkfit's first score for adjustment reflects
ease of adjusting resistance for belt and dual-action arms. The
Walkfit has been discontinued, but replacement model, Walkfit
5000, is similar.
33 Impex Leisure
Walk 5000
47x21(40x13) 2 4 2 -/1 2 5 200
30 CSA PowerWalk
Plus
49x23(38x13) 2 4 2 2/1 2 5 275*
Note: CSA PowerWalk Plus' first score for adjustment reflects
ease of adjusting resistance for dual-action arms. The PowerWalk
Plus has been discontinued, but may still be available in stores.
22 Jane Fonda
Walk-to-the-Music
Treadmill
54x23(49x14) 3 4 3 -/- 3 3 200
Note: Jane Fonda Walk-to-the-Music Treadmill has been
discontinued, but may still be available in stores.
A TYPICAL MODEL
For the typical treadmill, expect:
o A deck that provides good shock absorption.
o An easy-to-use, easy-to-read electronic monitor that
displays speed, distance, time and (often inaccurately)
calories burned.
o An area of at least 8x5 feet in order to be used
safely and comfortably.
For a typical motorized treadmill, expect:
o A motor-driven belt that's large and fast enough
for jogging.
o Speed that starts at 0 mph and can be gradually
and safely adjusted as you exercise.
o Deck incline you can adjust as you exercise.
o Siderails, so you can safely straddle the belt
before you turn it on.
o Programs that automatically vary belt speed or incline.
o Monitor that turns on automatically when you begin
to exercise.
o An emergency shutoff.
o Wheels for rolling, and a weight that makes
the treadmill difficult to lift.
o Fairly easy assembly in three hours or less.
For a typical nonmotorized treadmill, expect:
o A small belt that's powered by your feet
(suitable only for walking).
o To be unable to adjust deck incline as you exercise.
o Wheels and a relatively light weight, so treadmill is
easy to move.
o Ability to fold the unit for storage.
o Easy assembly in about an hour.
DISCONTINUED MODELS (NOT RATED)
Shortly before this report was published, Consumer Reports
discovered that the tested treadmills from two major brands had
been discontinued. Thus, they were not rated.
Three motorized Sears treadmills were found to be very good
(prices are what CR paid): L.S. Elite 780 ($900), Lifestyler EXP
8.0 ($550) and Lifestyler EXP 10.0 ($600). The two Lifestyler
models are exceptionally good values. CR plans to test the
Lifestyler 29749 ($560), which replaces the EXP 8.0, and which
may perform differently.
The discontinued DP Concourse II ($675) and DP Transport ($385)
were the worst motorized treadmills that Consumer Reports
tested. They were noisy and unreliable, and they start up very
abruptly, a safety drawback.
CONSUMER REPORTS RECOMMEDNATIONS
If you're in the market for a treadmill, the best value is a mid-
priced, motorized model: one that costs $500 to $1,000. Low-
priced machines are dreary to use, unsuitable for anything much
faster than a brisk walk and likely to wind up as dust
collectors. An expensive treadmill may feel sturdier than a mid-
priced model and allow you to set your own programs to vary speed
and incline, and so forestall the boredom that threatens to cut
short many an exercise program. But those advantages come at a
very high price. The three treadmills that top the Ratings cost
between $1,500 and $2,400.
Though not at the top of the Ratings, the Weslo 845 ($600, A BEST
BUY) is still a very good treadmill. If you can afford to spend
more, the Proform 730 ($890) and Vitamaster 8739MW ($900,
Montgomery Ward) offer a few advantages, especially to joggers.
Their belt is longer than the one on the Weslo, and can be
inclined more easily and more steeply.
The Ratings show why you should steer clear of nonmotorized
treadmills: Only the NordicTrack ($600) is judged even good
overall, and it costs as much as some very good motorized models
that are far more versatile.
TYPES
Motorized Treadmills
Motorized treadmills keep you moving along steadily, at a pace
you select. On some models, you can spice things up by
programming in "hills" or a series of sprints and walks. If you
slip or fall, most models have a tethered safety key that will
yank out to bring the belt to a rapid halt (removing that key
will prevent tampering by children). Most machines slowly
accelerate the belt from a standing start. It's safest, though,
to straddle the belt when you turn the treadmill on to avoid
being thrown off when the belt starts to move.
The big motors in some treadmills draw so much current that you
may not be able to plug anything else into the same electrical
circuit, a potential inconvenience. Those motors may boast a lot
of horsepower, but Consumer Reports found manufacturers'
horsepower ratings to be a poor predictor of performance.
The bottom line: The better choice, even though they're generally
pricier and bulkier than nonmotorized treadmills.
Price for tested models: $300 to $2,400.
Nonmotorized Treadmills
Nonmotorized treadmills are the economy cars of the treadmill
market, powered only by your legs. While that spares you from
fussing with motor speed, nonmotorized treadmills force you to
walk with an unnatural gait. To gain the leverage you need to
move the belt, you're forced always to walk on an incline and to
push off against the handrails (grasping the handrails also helps
to stabilize you against the jerky motion of the belt). Things
get more awkward as you increase the incline, and so step up your
pace.
A jog is almost impossible on a nonmotorized treadmill, because
of both your exercise position and the belt's size, which is
generally too small for most jogging strides. Some models are
dual-action: As you walk along, you can push and pull pivoting
handlebars to get something of a full-body workout.
The bottom line: A poor choice, as a rule. Good nonmotorized
treadmills cost as much as some decent motorized models, and
offer far less for the money.
Prices for the tested models: $120 to $600.
CHOOSING A TREADMILL
The following guidelines, and the Ratings, can help you narrow
the choices among treadmills:
Will I jog or walk (or both) on the treadmill? Jogging requires a
large belt, a maximum speed of at least 6 mph and freedom to
swing your arms. Most motorized models are fine for running,
though a few only go fast enough for a jog. Also, some belts
"stagger" (fluctuate in speed) disconcertingly when you jog on
them. Nonmotorized models are for walking only.
How good a workout can I get? A good workout is one that keeps
your heart beating in your "target zone" and your muscles working
against some resistance. For walking, nonmotorized models (though
awkward to use) actually give more of an aerobic workout than
motorized ones at the same speed, because your legs power the
belt. Running (practical only on the motorized models) provides
the most intense workout. Dual-action models add upper-body
exercise.
How easily can I vary the speed and incline? Especially important
if the treadmill will have more than one user. Also, a mid-
workout shift in speed or incline can relieve boredom. On most
motorized models, you can change belt speed and incline by using
controls on the console, without stopping. You have to get off a
nonmotorized treadmill to change incline (and the range of
incline is generally smaller).
Will the treadmill absorb impact? During jogging, your body
endures repeated impact. The deck on all the treadmills was at
least good at absorbing impact, better than any pavement.
Will the treadmill feel safe and sturdy? A treadmill that sways
or flexes during use discourages vigorous workouts. Most
motorized models felt fairly stable and solid. Most non-motorized
ones felt flimsy and rickety.
How much floor space will I need? More than the treadmill's
actual "footprint" is required, add at least 1 foot on each side
and 2 feet behind. The tested treadmills require a workout space
of at least 8x5 feet, a little less for nonmotorized models
(which also fold up for storage).
How heavily will the treadmill be used? Wear and tear depends not
only on hours of use but on what you weigh, and whether you walk
or jog. Most treadmills survived simulation of a year's typical
use by a 200-pound walker. But a few motorized models flunked
because their motor controls malfunctioned. Check the warranty,
including whether it provides for in-home service.
Will the treadmill be very noisy? You could converse easily over
the quietest models, mostly nonmotorized models. The loudest
motorized machines can make quite a racket, and the faster your
pace, the louder the treadmill becomes.
Will I have to assemble the treadmill myself? Treadmills are
shipped to stores unassembled. Assembly by the buyer is usually
required, but the task isn't too daunting. A Consumer Reports
staffer of average skill put together hard-to-assemble models in
1 1/2 to 3 hours, easier machines in a matter of minutes. Some
dealers will assemble the treadmill, but ask if delivery is
included, since an assembled treadmill won't fit in many cars.
WHERE TO CALL
If you have trouble locating a brand, call the manufacturer.
CSA: 800-637-8334
Impex: 800-999-8899
Jane Fonda: 800-727-9777
NordicTrack: 800-528-3088
Precor: 800-477-3267, ext. 132
Proform: 800-727-9777
Schwinn: 303-473-9609
Vitamaster: 800-251-0025
Weslo: 800-727-9777
Copyright Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., January 1996
Transmitted: 12/21/95 1:16 PM