Consumer Reports Names Top 6 Workout Machines
By: Nicole Nichols,
SparkPeople Blogger
1/9/2009 2:37 PM
: 146 comments
Despite New Year's resolutions to get fit, sales of gym memberships are taking a downturn. That doesn't necessarily mean that people aren't exercising. In fact, home workout equipment sales are up, according to Consumer Reports. Their February 2009 issue will feature reviews on fitness products from heart rate monitors to treadmills. Lucky for you, you don't have to pick up the magazine to get a few product recommendations.
Consumer Reports tested 40 conventional exercise machines, ranging in price from $200 to $3,300, for exercise range, ergonomics, construction, safety, and more. According to their website, "The pricier machines generally have sturdier designs and more features, but there are bargains that can offer a good workout." Based on their testing and evaluations, Consumer Reports recommends these 6 Best Buys:
The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR non-folding treadmill, for $2,000
The Epic View 550 folding treadmill, for $1,300
The Sole F63 folding treadmill, for $1,000
The LifeCore Fitness LC985VG elliptical exerciser, for $1,100
The Spirit XBR25 recumbent stationary bike, for $1,200
The Omron HJ-112 pedometer for $30
I'm not surprised that machines costing $1,000 or more would be of higher quality than inexpensive models or the too-good-to-be-true products that you see advertised on TV. Is it really a "best buy" to fork over that kind of dough to get fit? While these machines might offer cool features and good construction, I don't think most people are in the market to spend this much—not in this economic climate, at least. I'm still planning to read the full report, which ranks running shoes, smaller pieces of home equipment and, hopefully, some less expensive options.
You could always buy a gym membership, which gives you access to far more than a treadmill, for less than $400 a year. And you can get fit for little to no money, too: Here are 25 ways to get in shape for $25 or less. Want to spend $0? Join SparkPeople.com to get all the best fitness tools, videos and workout plans that you can do at home or at the gym for free—now that's a deal!
Do you think these "Best Buys" seem like good deals? What fitness products would you like to see reviewed?
Consumer Reports tested 40 conventional exercise machines, ranging in price from $200 to $3,300, for exercise range, ergonomics, construction, safety, and more. According to their website, "The pricier machines generally have sturdier designs and more features, but there are bargains that can offer a good workout." Based on their testing and evaluations, Consumer Reports recommends these 6 Best Buys:
The PaceMaster Platinum Pro VR non-folding treadmill, for $2,000 The Epic View 550 folding treadmill, for $1,300 The Sole F63 folding treadmill, for $1,000 The LifeCore Fitness LC985VG elliptical exerciser, for $1,100 The Spirit XBR25 recumbent stationary bike, for $1,200 The Omron HJ-112 pedometer for $30I'm not surprised that machines costing $1,000 or more would be of higher quality than inexpensive models or the too-good-to-be-true products that you see advertised on TV. Is it really a "best buy" to fork over that kind of dough to get fit? While these machines might offer cool features and good construction, I don't think most people are in the market to spend this much—not in this economic climate, at least. I'm still planning to read the full report, which ranks running shoes, smaller pieces of home equipment and, hopefully, some less expensive options.
You could always buy a gym membership, which gives you access to far more than a treadmill, for less than $400 a year. And you can get fit for little to no money, too: Here are 25 ways to get in shape for $25 or less. Want to spend $0? Join SparkPeople.com to get all the best fitness tools, videos and workout plans that you can do at home or at the gym for free—now that's a deal!
Do you think these "Best Buys" seem like good deals? What fitness products would you like to see reviewed?
 You will earn 3 SparkPoints |
Comments
- 4/7/2010 1:38:04 PM
All this with SP and I'm set. If I ever get more agile I have a set of 4 Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies series tapes. - 1/14/2009 8:07:14 PM
This weekend I unburied the Nordic Track ski machine we bought years ago and that has been gathering dust. I think I can read and exercise on it at the same time in the winter, when it's too icy to walk safely outside. I've seen these and things like treadmills, used, at our local Habitat ReStore. So do check out such places. But be sure to try the item to see if it works.
As for pedometers, I've learned that accuracy and usability cost a bit. A good tool is so much easier to use and more reliable that it saves money in the long run. But it can be a challenge figuring out where the sweet spot is in terms of cost. Top of the line in price doesn't mean top value. In any case, be sure to get one that has buttons that are hard to bump into and thus reset. This is important if you are wearing it all day and it clips to your waistband over your hip. Seems I'm often resting things against my body there. It's also important for it to have, or for you to add, a leash of some sort. Mine works it's way off my bod when I sit down. You won't necessarily hear it fall, and you don't want to keep having to look for the dang thing or pay to replace it. I use a colorful cord and a safety pin to keep it attached to me. One of the things I realized after I used a pedometer for a bit, and learned how far were 10,000 steps, if done all at once, was that many places in our town were actually within walking distance. Even if your town is not walkable, consider gradually figuring out where to park your car or get off a bus at some distance from your target so that you get more, and more interesting, walking in. Or walk one way and take the bus back. Lots of permutations ! - 1/12/2009 9:23:40 AM
We bought the best recumbent bike that Sears had on sale a few years ago. It is beginning to have a few minor maintenance issues, but we have been able to handle it with a can of 3-N-1 oil. The maintenance is something to keep in mind before purchasing a bike. In some ways, a gym might be cheaper.
And I love Spark People and the spark videos with Coach Nicole. Cost $0.00 - 1/12/2009 7:52:51 AM
I hope you keep posting exercise equipment reviews. It's nice to know what product is best for the money. - 1/11/2009 6:59:37 PM
I also have a treadmill, but only paid $600 for mine. Worth it's weight in goal, especially on those days wild horses couldn't drag me out for exercise.
I have, though, started walking outside in the cold, snow and ice the last couple of weeks and find it strangely enjoyable.
As far as gyms go, I've been a member several times. And never went past the first week.
First rule of fitness: find something you like and stick with it. For me, that's not going to be a gym. - 1/11/2009 6:25:25 PM
On a special note: Those that have small children or are on a fixed income, the YMCA has scholarships for lower rates or even free to single moms on fixed incomes!!! - 1/11/2009 4:46:45 PM
Getting fit does not have to be expensive. - 1/11/2009 9:57:22 AM
I am scheduled to deliver my baby at the end of February and then run a 5K Mother's Day weekend so I am glad to have this in the house to use whenever I can so that I can stay in shape and then get back in shape as soon as possible after delivery. - 1/11/2009 9:25:02 AM
We have some home equipment - treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike - that went unused for a while, but now I use them regularly and am so glad I don't have to leave the house. - 1/10/2009 9:41:42 PM
Please Log In To Leave A Comment: Log in now ›