Ask most people in the fitness industry and they’ll tell you: Precor is simply the top of the line…the Cadillac of treadmills. For good reason too. They’ve built a solid reputation for quality products and excellent customer service. Precor has been around since 1980 when they introduced their first piece of fitness equipment–an ergonomically designed rowing machine for home use. Today they make a variety of fitness equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines and more.

The Precor 9.33 Premium Series Treadmill is on the upper end of the Precor treadmill offering. And to put it simply, this machine is a runner’s dream. It’s clear when you step on this machine that someone has put a lot of thought into the overall design and the feature set. But more than that, the treadmill itself just feels nice and sturdy. We put a 180-lb tester on this machine at a flat sprint and throughout the test the unit never wobbled,  shook or bounced excessively.

One feature that’s light years ahead of anything else on the market is Precor’s Integrated Footplant Technology. Sounds complicated–and it is. But the results are pretty astonishing. When you’re running on the Precor 9.33, Integrated Footplant Technology measures your foot speed and re-calibrates the belt velocity over 100 times per second. The end result is a treadmill that adjusts and supports your natural stride rather than interrupting it. Brilliant idea.

Another bit of engineering that we really loved was the Ground Effects Technology. This integrated cushioning system is very simple, yet ingenious in its design. Essentially the Ground Effects Technology cushions your foot at the point of impact for less stress on your joints. The system then adds rigidity at the back or your stride for a firm push-off and greater overall stability. The result is a cushioned running surface that doesn’t feel squishy or spongy.

The Precor 9.33 features a full 3.0 HP continuous-duty motor that provides ample torque for any walking or running workout. Plus a host of club-quality features like a 15% incline range, 16 built-in workout programs, a bio-feedback center with integrated pulse monitor and a warranty that covers every single part for 10 years.

Of course all this technology doesn’t come cheap. If there is a downside to the Precor 9.33 treadmill, it’s the price. At around $4200 this machine is certainly on the upper end of the price spectrum. But if you’re a serious runner or simply someone who demands the best–the Precor 9.33 fits the bill and receives our highest recommendation.

Learn more about the Precor 9.33 Premium Series Treadmill

The Reebok 8000 C Treadmill provides a slightly different feature set in the low to mid-range treadmill market. The idea behind this unit is to provide both a cardio and strength training workout in the same session. To accomplish this, the Reebok 8000C comes with 6 built-in cross training workouts that– when combined with the included 2-lb. hand weights–provide a total body workout. There are also 9 “weight loss” workouts 9 including 300, 400, 500 and 600 calorie workouts–plus a 1 lb. Per Week workout.

For a treadmill on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, we were impressed with some of the features that come standard on the Reebok 8000 C. You’ll get the AirShock™ Cushioning System that Reebok touts will reduce impact by up to 28%, a built-in workout fan and an integrated heart rate monitor system.

Our favorite feature on this machine was the Interactive CrossTrainer system. This program provides visual prompts on the console for the user to perform a variety of strength training exercises.

Some things we didn’t feel were quite up to snuff include the limited 90-day warranty on parts and labor and the smallish 19-inch treadbelt width. Aside from those, we felt this machine would be quite adequate for a beginning user. The built-in programs are challenging and unique and–overall–the standard features are on the upper end of what you’d expect in this price range.

Click Here to get more information on the Reebok 8000 C Treadmill.

DEAL ALERT: The Horizon T92 is on sale from $1,099 to $799. It comes with a Lifetime Warranty on the Motor and the Frame! Click here.

For the select few quality treadmills that come in under $1,000, the Horizon T92 Treadmill is right there with the best. There are some good deals, and this treadmill is one of them. The Horizon T92 comes with a 2.25 CHP motor, which can tolerate lots of use from power walkers and light joggers.

One thing we did notice however was the weight limit. Even though the manufacturer states that this machine can handle up to 325 pounds, it probably wouldn’t stand up to that much weight for long. We would recommend a more expensive, heavier treadmill for users above 230 pounds.

A nice characteristic about this treadmill is that it comes with 13 workout programsm, which allows you to vary your workouts. That’s quite a choice of programs for a treadmill in this category. With so much variety, you can constantly switch up your routine and never become bored.

TTR Recommendation

With a price tag of just $799, this treadmill still offers some nice features you wouldn’t normally find in this price category. The Horizon T92 offers their COMFORTselect™ adjustable cushioning for a softer feeling when you run which is nice on your knees. It also offers a wide deck and a durable, 2-ply belt with 20″ x 55″ workout space. Also, for your convenience there’s a speakers and MP3 input, heart rate grips, and cooling fan. Those are things you don’t think about when buying a treadmill but come in handy when you’re in the middle of a workout.

If you’re looking for a treadmill for walking or jogging this is a great treadmill for you. The 2.25 CHP motor is ideal for those types of needs and it comes with lifetime warranty. With a price tag of $799 and a lifetime warranty, that’s pretty tough to beat.

Click here to buy the Horizon T92 Treadmill.

More and more today’s treadmill buyer is focused not only on performance, but comfort as well. In fact comfort is the reason why many people choose to purchase a treadmill versus running outside. In turn treadmill manufacturers have started paying closer attention to cushioning systems. That’s why the NordicTrack Reflex SR Treadmill caught our eye. It uses a different idea in cushioning–one we think hits the nail on the head.

The Reflex SR doesn’t use shock absorbers or specialized belt construction–rather the deck itself is designed to actually flex and reduce impact on each step you take. The specialized deck is made of a composite material that absorbs impact and actually returns energy to your stride so you can workout longer without feeling like you’ve just run the Boston Marathon. We brought a used Reflex SR into the shop to test out the ReflexDeck cushioning and even though it had a few miles on it, the ReflexDeck felt great. Our 180 lb. tester ran for over 30 minutes and–for once–couldn’t have agreed more with the manufacturer’s claims about how vastly superior this cushioning system is. Apparently he wasn’t alone either. According to NordicTrack.com the Reflex SR was “awarded highest user-rated cushioning in the market and reduces impact by up to 42%.”

Other features that stood out on this model include:

• 2.25 Continuous-Duty Horsepower Motor
• 0-12% Incling
• 0-12 MPH Speed Range
• Built-In Heart Rate Monitor
• Built-In Sound System with Plugin for your Mp3 Player
• 350 lb User Weight Capacity

With a full lifetime warranty on both the deck and frame, plus a year of bumper to bumper parts and labor coverage on everything else it’s really hard to go wrong with the NordicTrack Reflex SR treadmill. The cushioning system is by far one of the best we’ve tested and the $1,199.00 price tag makes it affordable enough for most budgets. Overall, we’d rate this machine a great buy!

Click Here to learn more about the NordicTrack Reflex SR Treadmill.

Revolutionary new concept in workout motivation…or simply a clever marketing ploy? In all honesty, the ProForm 980 “Audio Trainer” Treadmill is probably a bit of both. According to Proform.com  “Now you can lose weight and feel great in just 8 weeks with iFit® Workout Card Technology. Simply plug in your Workout Card, press go and let iFit® do the rest, it’s really that easy.” If it was that easy we’d all be a lot thinner, but to its credit, the ProForm 980 Audio Trainer isn’t all marketing fluff.

This machine features a capable powerplant that produces 2.25 continuous-duty horsepower–plenty of juice to move along the average user. The treadbelt is a full 20″ x 55″ and features a stated 325 lb. weight capacity. In our tests, this machine was best suited for a user under 250 lbs.

As for the “audio training” features, there are some cool additions on this treadmill that will definitely spice up your workout. First is ProForm’s iFit system. This feature allows an special iFit card to be plugged directly into the treadmill. Each iFit card features a different 8-week workout program designed to help you reach a specific fitness goal. iFit cards can be had on the ProForm website for anywhere from $29.95 for a single card to $89.95 for one of the Jillian Michaels 3-packs.

Other audio components on this unit include a music port so you can plug in an iPod or other mp3 player, plus an Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Sound System which, as far as we could tell, is a set of speakers in the console.

The ProForm 980 Audio Trainer includes a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor and is priced at a reasonable $1,199.00 at most retail outlets. If you’re a serious runner this machine probably shouldn’t be number one on your list. But if your a casual exerciser that enjoys the added motivation of audio training and upgradeable workout programs, the ProForm 980 should definitely do the trick.

Click Here to learn more about the ProForm 980 Audio Trainer Treadmill.

Often times, it’s difficult for people to run, jog or walk on a treadmill for a long period of time. Whether it be knee or back problems, the constant pounding on the knees just doesn’t sit well with others. We know that the elliptical was made to relieve these issues, but to some an elliptical feels unorthodox and the range of motion is uncomfortable. Luckily, the new Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 has changed this.

Meet The Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000.

DEAL ALERT: Buy the Treadclimber TC5000 for $2,499 direct from Bowflex.com. Click here.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 is a hybrid machine. It takes the benefits of a treadmill, elliptical trainer, stair climber and puts them all in one machine. Like I mentioned, with a treadmill you experience high impact on your knees that can cause injuries to your joints and your lower back. With the new Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 it completely eliminates the risk of injury and pressure on your knees and back.

Here are a few Features of the Bowflex Treadclimber:

• Burn more calories because of Incline
• Get your Heart Rate Up Fast
• Build muscle throughout your core and legs.
• Minimize joint impact!
• And do all of this without running or jogging!

The console of the Treadclimber TC5000 monitors every aspect of your workout, including Speed, Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Calories-Per-Minute and Total Steps.

TTR Recommendation

Short and sweet, we at TTR highly recommend the Treadclimber TC5000. For anyone looking for a machine to ease the pain on joint impact this Treadclimber can do it! In this review we are discussing the high-end Treadclimber model offered by Bowflex. Not only does the treadclimber offer a new type of workout it also includes the typical bells & whistles that most high-end treadmills offer.

• Polar ® Wireless Heart Rate Monitor
• Commercial Grade Motor
• Programmed Workouts

The Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 comes in at $2,499 and for the price you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

To buy the Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 direct from Bowflex.  Click here

If you’re looking for an affordable treadmill that’s loaded with features, the Cadence 80 is a perfect pick. The Weslo Cadence 80 Treadmill is a decent treadmill for its price. No, it’s not the fanciest , it doesn’t have all the bells & whistles, but it gets the job done.

DEAL ALERT: Buy the Weslo Cadence 80 Treadmill for $399 Today! Click Here to Buy the Weslo Cadence 80 Treadmill.

If you’re a beginner or intermediate walker or jogger then this treadmill will suit you best and so will the price. At $399 it’s pretty hard to beat that price. Also, as all Weslo Treadmills, you’ll get the benefit of the Space Saver® Design. Now you don’t have to sacrifice living room by having a treadmill sitting in your living room. Fold your treadmill up and out of the way when your workout is through.

TTR Recommendation

Overall, this a great treadmill for the “right person”. As we said, if your a walker or jogger, this treadmill will do everything you’re looking for. There’s no reason to spend hundreds more just to have a few more features. When you purchase this treadmill they offer a 1,2 and 3 year warranty on the Weslo Cadence 80 Treadmill. It would be wise to take advantage of the warranty just to be sure you have this treadmill worry free for a few years.

Click here to buy the Weslo Cadence 80 Treadmill!

The ProForm Perspective ES treadmill is really one of the best deals available right now. ProForm has currently dropped the price on this unit by 50% to a very palatable $1,149.00. And for the amount of features included on this treadmill, that’s a bargain.

The marquee feature on the ProForm Perspective ES is a built-in, 7″ flat screen television. This handy little addition is compatible with all cable systems, satellite television providers, DVD players and VCR’s. It’s a really convenient feature if your treadmill doesn’t reside near a regular television. Plus, when not in TV mode, the display shows stats related to your workout intensity.

Sound is provided through the ProForm Intermix Accoustics system which is touted as being “theater quality sound.” That’s a pretty big stretch in our opinion, but for speakers on a treadmill the sound is pretty good.

As you can see it’s easy to get sidetracked by all the gadgets and gizmos the ProForm Perspective ES has to offer. But don’t forget the real reason you’re looking for a treadmill…you actually have to run on the thing. Not to worry though, the ProForm Perspective ES performs well in the nuts and bolts department also.

This unit is powered by a 3.0 Mach Z™ Commercial-Drive Motor which turns the belt with ample power for walking, jogging and light running. There’s also a 0-12% Quick-Incline feature that operates smoothly at the touch of a button. Cushioning comes courtesy of the ProStride™ Impact-Reducing Cushioning system. This is a joint-protection system that cushions the entire length of the treadbelt to accomodate walkers and runners with various stride lengths.

The warranty on the ProForm Perspective ES isn’t earth shattering, but it’s ample coverage for a machine in this price range. You’ll get 20 year coverage on the motor, with 1 year protection on parts and labor.

TTR Recommendation

Overall, we give the ProForm Perspective ES a great rating. It’s a solid treadmill with an outstanding array of creature comforts—all at a very reasonable price of $1,149.00. If you’re a serious runner, we’d probably steer you to a higher end model, but for beginning users or those looking for a light to medium workout, this unit definitely fits the bill.

Click Here to learn more about the ProForm Perspective ES Treadmill.

Ah yes, the Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 Treadmill–rolls right off the tongue doesn’t it? Naming conventions aside, Gold’s Gym (a licensed ICON brand) has a reputation for good performance in entry level treadmills and the CrossWalk 650 is no exception.

The biggest selling point for the Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 Treadmill is simply outstanding value. Priced at around $600, this is a well constructed, thoughtfully designed machine. Many entry-level models in this price range are smallish and flimsy. Not so with the Gold’s Gym Maxx. In fact, many complaints involve simply getting the machine home and set up as it is very heavy. Everyone we’ve spoken with has been really impressed by the sheer quality you get with this model compared to others in this category.

The Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 Treadmill features a G-Force 2™ 2.8 HP Drive Motor. We tested this machine and feel like the 2.8 HP rating is a bit of a stretch. Nonetheless, it’s a capeable and quiet motor that moves the user along efficiently at walking and light jogging speeds. If you’re a serious runner, this probably isn’t the machine for you. But if you’re a beginner or someone just looking for a good walking machine, the Maxx will certainly do the job.

One feature we frankly hate is the upper body component to this machine. Yes, the old ICON CrossWalk handles rear their ugly head again. Simply put, the upper body arms are useless unless you’re planning to use them as towel hangers. They really don’t work well and in our opinion they simply detract from an otherwise good walking experience. Our advice is simply to ignore them as a feature when considering this machine.

Some of the features we did enjoy on the Gold’s Gym Maxx are the 20″ x 55″ Treadbelt with AirStride cushioning, the QuickSelect 0-10% incline, the built-in workout fan and iPod dock and the 6 audio workouts that provide verbal coaching to the user.

TTR Recommendation

We give the Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 Treadmill an excellent rating in the “Treadmills under $1,000″ category. This is a solid, well built machine that should provide beginning users with solid performance and reliability. The warranty on the Gold’s Gym Maxx covers the motor for 25 years and parts and labor for one year. This is a solid warranty for the price range, but we would reccommend one of the extended service plans available from the manufacturer.

Click Here to learn more about the Gold’s Gym Maxx CrossWalk 650 Treadmill.

The HealthRider H750i treadmill offers unique, adequate motor and limited warranty. The H750i treadmill also comes with a revolutionary integrated workout program. It allows you to follow along with one of their nine Interactive Cross Training programs which target upper, lower, and total body workouts. Mixing up your training regime challenges your muscle groups to lose weight faster, and it burns fat when combining cardio with strength-training.

The Healthrider H750i comes with a set of 2 lb hand weights, you’ll be coached through a series of workouts that target different muscle groups. The treadmill will automatically stop at different points during the program and then instruct you on the weight training session. After your weight training you’ll step back on the treadmill and continue the cardio section until the workout is completed.

At the end of your workout you can check your heart rate using the sensors. Built into the handlebars, two sensors will measure your heart rate and then send a signal to the console where your heart rate will be displayed. You will always be able to be within your target heart rate range.

TTR Recommendation

From a quick glance and looking at the list of features this a great beginner and intermediate treadmill. With the cross-training programs included with the treadmill you know you’ll get a great workout and achieve your fitness goals.

Although this treadmill is backed by a reputable brand, Healthrider, we still don’t like the fact that it’s not backed by a Lifetime warranty. Also, if you’re an advanced runner looking to get a good cardio workout through a long period of time this treadmill is only equipped with with 2.25 CHP motor.

Click here to learn more about the Healthrider H750i Treadmill