Fred Waters Announces 2010 "Best Buy" Treadmills

Fred Waters is the former V.P. of marketing for Smooth Fitness and author of the Treadmill Reviews site. Each year, he provides recommendations for "Best Buy" treadmills.

The awards are based not only on physically testing the machines, but also on overall-quality, product performance, customer feedback, third party reviews, company reputation and product warranty. In particular, it is important to look at the company reputation and the product warranty. When purchasing a treadmill, customers are not just buying a machine, but also the company that stands behind it. Whether there is a question about the treadmill operation, or need service, it is important to purchase from a company that adequately services their customers.

2010 "Best Buy" Recommendations:

Under $1,000 - Smooth 5.65

The Smooth 5.65 ranks as a high-end budget treadmill. Smooth has always had a strong contender at the very competitive $999 price range. The new 2010 Smooth 5.65 is no exception. What makes the Smooth 5.65 treadmill a stand-out is its' durability. There are treadmills for the same price that have more impressive specs, but the Smooth 5.65 is one of the best built.

$1,000 - $1,500 - Sole F80

Sole makes some of the most rugged running machines in the $1,500-$2,000 price range. Their treadmills have an excellent reputation for quality. The Sole F80 treadmill gets high ratings on many treadmill reviews. There are several reasons the Sole F80 received a "Best Buy" at this price range. First, the warranty is outstanding (lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year service). Second, Sole folding treadmills are used by the Hilton chain for in-room fitness. If they can endure a commercial environment, think what they will perform under residential use. The F80 weighs a hefty 250 lbs., comes with oversized 2.75" rollers, a 3.0 continuous duty HP motor, a 20" x 55" running surface and includes wireless heart rate control.

$1,500 - $2,000 - Sole F85

The Sole F85 was also selected as a "Best Buy" because it is an excellent value at $2,000 (includes shipping). In addition to the extensive warranty, there is a powerful 3.5 hp motor, oversized rollers, premium console, wireless heart rate control and a 60" long runner surface. Excellent for tall individuals and serious athletes who want to sprint or interval train. A comparable treadmill would cost hundreds more. Like the Sole F80 there is a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.

$2,000+ - Landice L770 Pro Sports Trainer & Precor 9.33

Landice sells only industrial strength treadmills. The Landice L770 Pro Sports Trainer has received numerous best buys. The quality and performance is far above the machines sold through mass merchants and large sporting goods stores. Landice treadmills are built like a tank and are designed for abuse. Their treadmills are also sold for institutional use. This is a treadmill designed for runners.

Precor treadmills are synonymous with quality, but it comes at a price. The Precor 9.33 is priced at $4,300, but it is designed for the most rigorous use. The 9.33 is nothing less than commercial grade for the home. The quality is supported with a 10-year parts warranty. This is about as good as it gets for a residential running machine.

Most Innovative Treadmill Feature

NordicTrack is a leader in cutting edge technology for fitness equipment. Their latest concept , iFit Live, is a breakthrough in motivational interaction. Running on a treadmill can be boring, but iFit Live offers features that makes running in place exciting. First, it acts as a virtual personal trainer. After creating an online account that includes your personal specs and desired fitness goals, iFit Live communicates through Wi-Fi with your treadmill. It downloads personalized workouts that include audio coaching. Through an online account users can track and monitor their progress, and access other helpful resources designed to acheive fitness goals.

In addition, iFit Live can interact with Google Maps where a person can run the world. Users define trails that are available on Google Maps, and iFit Live will simulate the terrain by adjusting the incline of the treadmill. With the use of a laptop you can get a map, satellite or street view as you run. iFit Live is available on a number of NordicTrack's 2010 treadmills.

For further treadmill reviews and helpful buying tips go to BuyTreadmillOnline.info