Buying a treadmill or trainer?
Trying to select a new treadmill or elliptical trainer is almost as intimidating as trying to get in shape. It can be a lot of work, and, in the end, you may not be sure that you have made the right choice.
To help customers sort through the plethora of machines, the editors of Consumer Reports tested dozens of models, ranging in price from $500 to $3,700.
"For the most part, you get what you pay for, especially with treadmills," says Robert Tiernan, the magazine's managing editor.
A treadmill should have a solid platform with some give or flexibility to it, he says. The magazine's top-rated machines cost about $3,000.
However, he says that if you plan on walking but not running on the treadmill, you can consider a less-expensive model. Bank on spending at least $1000 for a good unit.
TOP CHOICES
Consumer Reports rates treadmills and elliptical trainers in the February issue.
Top-rated non-folding treadmill:
• Landice L7 Cardio Trainer: $3,000