Weight Loss
Have You Resolved to Get in Shape this Year? A Treadmill Can Help
By
Nov 14, 2005, 22:34

(ARA) – Losing weight and getting in shape are two of the most common New Year’s resolutions. Make this the year that you keep those resolutions by starting a sensible program of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Winter can be a tough time of year to begin a fitness program, since the weather often makes exercising outdoors impossible, especially in colder climates. A treadmill is a great way to get the physical and mental benefits of a regular workout, no matter what the weather. And having a treadmill at home means you’ll have fewer excuses for not exercising.

If you’ve visited your local exercise equipment store and have been put off by the high price and high pressure salesperson, maybe it’s time to shop online. Since you’ll be making a big purchase without actually using the equipment, you need to do your homework before you buy. Here are some tips on what to look for in a quality treadmill:

* Deck – a long deck will accommodate your full running stride.

* Frame – for durability, a steel frame is best.

* Rollers – rollers should be 2 inches or larger in diameter.

* Programmable – To change the variety of your workout, better treadmills have built-in electronic programs to help you achieve your fitness goals.

* Warranty – a longer warranty means the manufacturer stands behind their equipment. A good warranty will include: a lifetime warranty on the frame; a 10 year motor warranty; three to five years on electronics; and a minimum of one year in-home service.

The treadmills sold online by Smooth Fitness fit all these criteria and more. The company’s treadmills have received top rankings from Runner's World, Prevention Magazine, and TreadmillDoctor.com, a well-respected reviewer of treadmills. Smooth Fitness also sells elliptical trainers and home gyms via the Internet. The company has been selling fitness equipment for 21 years, and has been selling exclusively online for the past nine years.

“Because we take out the middleman retail store and ship directly to consumers, we have lower overhead and pass those savings onto our customers,” says Cliff Koraska, chief operating officer of Smooth Fitness. “We offer a 30-day, no questions asked money back guarantee and a five-year warranty on our products, because we want our customers to be fully satisfied and feel comfortable with buying online.”

Koraska notes that buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer is a serious decision, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. “We want our customers to use the machine they buy,” he says. To make sure that customers find the machine that best fits their needs, Smooth Fitness has a “treadmill selector” on its Web site that helps narrow down the choices. Customers may also call the company to speak with a fitness consultant for advice.

The treadmills offered by Smooth Fitness have a variety of options that set them apart from other home treadmills. “Our machines have the ‘Impression System,’ a suspension system that absorbs shock to protect joints,” says Koraska. The deck provides a softer landing in the front and a harder surface in the back for a solid take-off. “This makes for a more efficient workout, and increases the calories burned,” he says.

The machines also have pre-set programs that provide varied workouts to help stave off boredom, as well as other extras such as built-in cup holders, cubbies to hold an MP3 player and even built-in speakers.

The treadmills are shipped directly to the customer, who can choose to assemble the unit themselves or contract one of Smooth Fitness’s service reps for that task. “About one-third of our customers have a service rep install the machine. The majority do it themselves because it is so easy,” says Koraska.

To find the right treadmill for you and start on the road to better fitness, visit www.smoothfitness.com, or call (888) 211-1611. Courtesy of ARA Content

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