PUBLISHED 01/02/2008
Treadmills are no longer just an indoor substitute for road miles. Today, they've become powerful training tools in their own right, loaded with innovative workouts, flat-screen displays, sizable speakers, and decks that rise to a 30 percent incline. We put four new models to the test at the Coastal Sports & Wellness Medical Center in San Diego. And despite the pleasant weather, our testers found plenty of reasons to log their miles indoors--whether it was heart-rate training, controlled hill repeats, or the chance to catch a flick while running. Here are the highlights from our testing.
Bodyguard T460x
With a deck capable of tilting down to a negative incline (up to a -3 percent grade), the T460X is ideal for runners training for rolling courses. Another interesting feature is the deck cushioning, which is constructed from an elastic polymer that helps absorb impact without the extra bounce imparted by the rubber belts used in most treadmills. Some testers preferred its road-like feel; others thought it was too hard. And if you get sick of the 17 built-in workouts, you can buy preprogrammed "X-Cards" filled with weight-loss workouts or training programs that can get you ready for your next 5-K, 10-K, or marathon.
Price: $3,995
Tester says: "The console was very easy to figure out and use." -Elizabeth Moseley, 43
Belt size: 60" x 20"
Dimensions: 78"L x 28.5"W x 53"H
Maximum speed/incline: 12 mph/15%
Number of programs: 29
Warranty: Lifetime motor and parts; one year labor
Contact: bodyguardfitness.com
Additional Features:
--Seventeen programs include an interval workout targeted at track athletes.
--Large 7" screen makes it easy to keep track of things no matter how fast you're running.
--Included wireless heart-rate monitor works with six HR workouts.
True Fitness Excel 9.0
This unit was one of the smoothest-running and stable-feeling machines we tested, especially at the higher speeds that make many treadmills shake. Like the Freemotion Incline Trainer, the Excel 9's deck is fixed at the back to provide a little give as your feet land. Ramping up to a steeper incline was also a noticeably smooth experience. Testers liked the option to run at a negative incline (up to a -3 percent grade), the adjustable deck cushioning, the two fans, and the thumping threespeaker sound system that includes a subwoofer. The wider running surface was appreciated, but shorter testers felt cramped at the elbows by the extension bars.
Price: $5,899
Tester says: "I liked the speakers and fans, but the buttons were hard to push and I couldn't feel whether I was actually pushing them." -Florian Hedwig, 34
Belt size: 60" x 22"
Dimensions: 80"L x 30"W x 61"H
Maximum speed/incline: 12 mph/15%
Number of programs: 11
Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor; 10 years parts; 2 years labor
Contact: truefitness.com
Additional Features
--HR program automatically adjusts the speed and incline to keep you at a constant effort level.
--Subwoofer and other speakers make your MP3 music sound great.
--The touch-sensitive controls take some getting used to.
