by Melanie Siler
Everyone buys gym memberships with the best of intentions. You plan to go several times a week. You plan to take advantage of classes or sessions with personal trainers. You have every intention of formulating a plan, and sticking to it. The problem is: the gym is too easy to avoid. And the reasons for avoiding it are just too good.
It’s not just laziness. Commute times are getting longer and longer: the last thing you want to do before or after work is spend some more time driving to a gym and fighting for a parking space. That’s assuming you even have the option: if you have kids to pick up or drop off, or chores to do at home, you may simply not have the time you feel you need to get a good workout at the gym.
This is where the benefits of home exercise equipment really show. You can snatch a few minutes here and there on the treadmill while dinner’s cooking. You can watch your kids while you work out. You can watch your own DVD’s in the comfort of air conditioning set to your preference while you use a stationary bike, elliptical or treadmill. You can listen to music you like, set up some aromatherapy that you find inspiring, or do some reading while you exercise. And when you’re done, you can take a shower in the comfort of your own bathroom, with all your favorite shampoos, soaps and towels right there waiting for you.
Most importantly, how many times can you look at a piece of exercise equipment before you run out of excuses? If you’re thinking, "You have no idea how many", you might be surprised. Every time you see it, you’re reminded of the benefits it offers you, and you start thinking of ways to work it into your schedule almost without trying.
Melanie Siler runs AlvaSprings, where you’ll find a great selection of exercise equipments and products, from treadmills and bikes to Yoga DVD’s and trampolines. http://alvasprings.com
by Fred Waters
Landice has an excellent reputation for building quality treadmills. These are not your mass merchant specials with 90 day parts and labor warranties. In fact, Landice offers a lifetime warranty on their treadmills, which says something about their durability.
Landice has been selling treadmills for a number of years. Their focus is to build sturdy treadmills with the best components available. The result is machines that are built to last and are capable of taking a beating. Of course, that comes at a price. Their least expensive treadmill starts at $3,100, and their commercial grade models top off at $5,000. Letís just say, you donít want these treadmills to end up as clothes racks.
So what do you get for your money?
As mentioned, Landice utilizes the best components available for treadmills. For example, they equip their machines with 3.0 hp continuous duty Baldor motors. These motors are monsters in comparison to most treadmill motors. There are a number of companies that claim their treadmills have 3.0 hp motors, but if you were to compare them to the Baldor motor there would be a noticeable difference in the size. This powerful motor assures that the treadmill will run at even the highest speeds without straining.
Landice uses a 4-ply treadbelt, the majority of competitors use 2-ply. Although costing significantly more, this 4-ply belt provides twice the strength of a 2-ply belt. It also adds additional cushioning to reduce impact.
Another quality component that Landice installs are 2.5î rollers. These are the same rollers used in the best commercial treadmills. The larger the roller diameter the less tension required on the treadbelt, since the roller has more surface area to grab the belt. Decreased tension means decreased friction and longer life on belts, motor, bearings and the rollers themselves.
As you can see these treadmills are built to institutional standards, in fact Landice has over 20,000 treadmills placed in health clubs around the world. And unlike every other fitness manufacturer that builds treadmills, Landice only produces treadmills. They are not also building, elliptical trainers, strength machines and stationary bicycles. Their focus is solely treadmills.
Who should buy a Landice treadmill?
Individuals who are going to abuse a treadmill. Weíre talking serious runners, including competitors and marathon runners. These treadmills are ideal for people who push their equipment to the limit.
Landice Receives ìBest Buyî Recommendations
In the past Landice has received a top pick from one of the most popular consumer rating magazine. Landice has also received a number of ìBest Buyî ratings. Treadmill Doctor states, "An incredibly solid treadmill. Some cheaper treadmills may be better for some people but if you’re serious, this is a serious machine."
Menís Fitness Magazine had these comments on the Landice L7 Executive Trainer: ìIf you want the best - and can afford it - the L7 is the bad boy.î
If you want a treadmill that can withstand strenuous use, then you should consider Landice. They are built to last and may just out last you.
Fred Waters worked in the treadmill industry for a number of years, and is the author of the Treadmill Rating and Review site. Check out all of his Landice Treadmill Reviews, and see how they compare.
by Mark Smithn
Treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness, therefore much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of your new treadmill.
Having your treadmill motor blow up or your belt warp severely after only a few months use is not something you want, so here are a few basic treadmill buying tips.
Warranty - Any treadmill brand worth its weight will offer a nice warranty on their product. Usually the motor, parts, and labor will be covered under different warranties. Make sure you get at least a 5 year warranty on you motor. After the treadmill purchase make sure you abide by the warranty and send in any user registrations if required.
Walking Surface - How big is the surface you actually walk or run on? My first treadmill had a 16 inch width that seemed fine in the store, however after further usage I found myself always aware of where the sides were and extra careful not to "step off the edge". Make sure the width of your treadmill will be comfortable for everyone in your household (I prefer 20 inch widths) and also the length is long enough for the long legged members of your family.
Weight Limit - Most treadmills have a weight limit. Too much weight can put a strain on the frame, belt, and especially motor of the treadmill. Make sure your potential treadmill has a weight limit to accommodate all of its potential users to avoid putting undue wear and tear on your new treadmill.
Test Things Out - Get on your treadmill and give it a test drive. Does everything work as the advertisement states? Try the heart monitor if it’s a feature, does it appear to be working properly? Is the treadmill quiet to your liking, or will it be an annoyance when home? Are the displays big enough for you to see easily?
Safety - Make sure your new treadmill has an emergency stop mechanism. This can help prevent serious injuries during malfunction or accidents.
Additional Features - Treadmills come in many shapes and sizes with various features. Some additional features you may look for are a water bottle holder, calorie counter, book stand, incline, and preset and programmable workout routines.
Once you’ve made your final treadmill buying decision, make sure you shop around for the best price for your new treadmill. Getting all the features you want at the price you want makes for happy treadmilling!
About The Author
Mark Smithn currently writes for Treadmill Review which can be found on the web at treadmillreview.biz.
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