This is the month many of us look for home exercise equipment, especially treadmills. Consumer reporter Chris Olsen gives you the lowdown on which work best and which to avoid.
Consumer Reports tested 29 of the latest treadmills, ranging in price from $500 to more than $3,000. Included were ones that fold and ones that don't.
Some treadmills have fancy features, such as a USB connection that lets you transfer your workout record to your computer and track your progress on the company's web site.
And they don't have to be expensive.
"We found some very good treadmills for under $2,000 but we also found some you should stay away from," Consumer Reports' Gayle Williams said.
Consumer Reports uses a device that mimics footsteps to test for durability.
"Two of three NordicTrack T9CI folding treadmills failed this test," Williams said.
The bolts holding the drive motor sheared off and the motor came loose from its mount. Consumer Reports rated the NordicTrack T9CI a 'Don't Buy.'
The company has now discontinued that model.
Testers also found a problem with the BFT1 Best Fitness Treadmill.
"Even before we did any durability tests, the incline on the first one didn't work at all. So we bought two more," Williams said.
The second one worked. But with the third, when the down incline was pushed, the treadmill screen went blank and the treadmill came to a stop.
Consumer reports rated the Best Fitness BFT1 a 'Don't Buy' as well.
But the magazine did find some treadmills that rated very good and came with a variety of exercise programs.
The AFG treadmill is a best buy at $2,500. But it doesn't fold, and it's about the size of a small couch.
If you prefer a folding machine, Consumer Reports names the Sole F63 a 'Best Buy' at $1,400.
Your local community centre is also a great way to go to get in shape without having to spend a lot of money. You just have to make sure you stick with it.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
