Stats:  1.75 hp continuous duty engine, 160 pounds, belt size, 20″x55″, 0-10 speed (.1 mph increments) 0-10 incline, fold up storage

Cost:  $599-$999

Review:

If you are looking for a first time treadmill, this one just may be for you.  For the price, it offers a lot of standard features: eight classic workouts, customized weight loss feature (uses your weight and work-out time) and a decent Grafixx™ display.  A nice touch (but one that is becoming more standard) is the Universal iPod Dock.  

The motor is pretty quiet and the speeds change fairly quickly.  The frame is a little shaky at the top (the handlebars) but to be expected for this price range.  My first treadmill was a ProForm and I was quite pleased with it.  In fact, it lasted for four years and I only sold it because I was moving, so I think ProForm treadmills are quite durable.  

As an aside: I looked at the reviews on Sears.com and it received a 4.5 (out of 5) from 47 reviews total.  

Pros:

• Offers multiple workouts
• Display is easy to use
• iPod docking station
• Heavy and solid feel

Cons:

• Frame a little shaky

Website:  Click here to purchase

Rating:  4 Stars

Posted by: Tracy

Stats:  2.5 hp motor (continuous duty vs. peak horse power)/ 215 lbs./ belt size 20″x60″/ incline level 0-10/ Speed 0-12mph in .1 mph increments

Cost:  $999.99-$1299.99

Review:

I write this review with the understanding that most of us can’t afford, or don’t have space for, the commercial-size treadmills.  If that is the case, then this is a decent treadmill for you.  

I say decent because it has some cool features and is pretty solidly built. The console uses a Grafixx™ Hi-Resolution Display that lights up blue and there are no buttons as everything is controlled by the keypads.  The treadmill uses the ifit® Workout Card Technology which looks like a regular SD card and fits right into a slot on the console.  The card offers several workouts and intensities and has an eight week program with workouts designed by personal trainers.  The good thing about the card is that it switches the routines for you so you don’t have to.   There is even a downloadable workout chart on Nordictrack website.

As I mentioned earlier, the frame is pretty solid, you can jump off and on the belt quickly without feeling like the frame can’t take it.  The belt rides smoothly and the motor isn’t too terribly loud.  One thing I did notice is the sound of the motor at higher speeds - there was a vibrating noise and even though it wasn’t obnoxious, I did notice it.  

The features are a nice bonus: there is a workout journal (maintains daily, weekly, monthly and yearly workouts), a training zone indicator (to show how intensely you are working), an IPod dock and speakers, a heart rate monitor, and even a fan to cool you down.  

One thing to mention, I researched other reviews and saw that out of 29 reviews (on www.Sears.com), this treadmill was given only 3.1 (out of 5) stars.  The reason seemed to be faulty equipment and lack of timely response by Nordictrack. I can’t personally attest to that, but want to make you aware of the word “on the street.”  Bottom line: for the price, it’s a sturdy machine, just beware of all the high-tech gadgets and features as they may cause problems down the road.  

Pros:

• Stable and sturdy frame
• Belt is smooth
• Relatively quiet engine
• Lifetime warranty on motor and frame (by Nordictrack)
• Cool display/features
• Good price for the bells and whistles

Cons:

• Background noise heard at high speeds 
• High-tech features may be difficult to navigate for some

Website:  Click here to purchase

Rating:  3.5 Stars

Posted by: Tabitha

Stats: 85 cubic inches/9 oz./Holds 48 oz./2 pockets plus main compartment

Colors: Blue knight, Neptune & Magnesium (green and grey), Amber & Magnesium (orange and grey)

Cost: $19.93 - $40.00

Review:

I bought this pack for one purpose only: to use during a 20-mile walk I was participating in.  I knew I had to stay hydrated and I also knew I didn’t want to carry anything but the essentials (my IPod being at the top of the list of course).  I loved this pack for a couple of reasons.  It has two little pockets that are at the front near the clasp that are perfect for an IPod and a cell phone (one on either side).  The main compartment (located in the back) is a decent size and holds plenty of dehydrated food, bandaids and sunscreen. 

Now lets talk about the water bottles.  First I’ll say that I’ve not once found a plastic water bottle that is perfect.  So I shouldn’t expect much from them.  And these water bottles fell in line with my expectations.  They did their job and I was able to drink from the spout easily.  I especially liked that there was an elastic cord that held the bottles in place. 

Another thing to note is the location of the bottles.  I really liked how the bottles and the compartment were in the middle of my back.   I was able to walk freely without my arms scraping against the sides of the pack.  That is a big deal when trying to avoid chafing.  The position of the bottles was a downside, however, when trying to actually drink from them as I had to turn the pack around to get to them.  But it was a minor inconvenience and a necessary one.

One final note: the pack was very heavy by the time I got everything loaded.  It fit a lot of stuff, but it sure weighed a ton.  I ended up keeping my bottles half full so that it was more manageable.

Pros:

• Placement of water bottles: in the middle of the back
• Large main compartment
• Elastic cord to keep bottles in place
• small pockets for IPod, phone or keys

Cons:

• Have to reach around back to get the water bottles
• Quite heavy when fully loaded

Website:  www.rei.com

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Stats: Platform 21″x11.5″/Base 26.5″x15″/Skid-proof surface

Cost: $29.95-$69.99

Review:

While step aerobics may not be as popular as they once were, everyone can use a step for doing various exercises.  They are great for tricep dips or extensions and leg squats.  

This step by Reebok is a good product.  True to its word, it is skid-proof which comes in handy during high-impact exercises.  The step adjusts which is great for doing incline exercises.  Overall, it’s a versatile piece of equipment that is a staple for any home gym.

Pro’s:

• Adjusts to 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 inch heights
• Skid-proof surface
• Sturdy and durable
• Compact - can store easily under the bed

Stats:  Stride length .05 ft increments/Size 2″x1.5″x.75″

Cost: $30.00

Review:

I you’ve never used a pedometer, you should try one, just for a week.  I promise you that it will make a difference with the way you view exercise and the amount that you’re getting.  I wore this little gadget religiously for weeks and found that it motivated me to get in as many “steps” as possible.

That is how this works: it measures the number of steps that you take and also gives you the number of miles that your steps equal.  It is tiny and easy to hide on your pants or belt loop.  It flips open easily and allows you to look at the digital readout without taking it off.  There is even a clip that attaches the pedometer to your pants in case it slips off.

Pro’s:

• Highly accurate and consistent
• Offers a stop watch feature
• Can switch between miles and steps readout
• Displays a clock

Con’s:

• A little difficult to get it set up if it’s your first time
• Doesn’t have a light

Website: http://www.new-lifestyles.com/DIGIWALKER/sw651_more.html

Rating: 4.5 Stars