Water rowers have long been preferred by rowing enthusiasts because they feel similar to an actual outdoor rowing experience. The relaxing swoosh of the water in the tank, consistent handle stroke, and gentle slide of the seat make it feel like you are in a rowing shell gliding along on a cool morning out on the lake. Unlike loud air-resistance rowers, the CityRow is relatively quiet and can be used indoors without disturbing roommates, family members, or neighbors. The CityRow also includes subscription content and a 19.5” touchscreen with outdoor rowing sessions led by professional rowers. The combination of classic frame design and updated tech makes the CityRow an attractive option for both experienced rowers and novices who want a little guidance as they learn the sport.

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Who It’s For: Those looking for a sleek water rower with instructor-guided video content and training

The CityRow Go Max is a great rower for those who:

• New rowers who want to gain the benefits of rowing with guided rowing sessions
• Experienced rowers who want a realistic feel
• Have plenty of space – the CityRow takes a bit of space when it’s down
• Are able to sit low on the seat and then stand back up (have good knee flexibility)
• Want a chic, streamlined look.
• Are looking for something with an attached touchscreen with subscription content
• Want to increase core, back and arm strength in addition to leg muscles

Our Video Review

In-Depth Review of the CityRow Go Max Rowing Machine

Construction

Frame

The CityRow Go Max looks like a traditional water rower with an attached touchscreen. The frame is very similar to WaterRowers since this was a collaborative design. Currently, the Go Max is only available in black. When open, the CityRow Go Max takes up a bit of space (like most rowers), however, the console folds down and the track folds up allowing the Go Max rower to be stored vertically to save space. This is a handy design since space is often a limiting factor when purchasing fitness equipment for your home.

One thing to be aware of is the fact that the rail sits very close to the floor. The rail itself is 7.5” high and the top of the seat is 10” high. Users must be able to bend low and sit down on the seat and then stand up from the low height. This could be a limiting factor for some users since it requires a bit of knee and hip flexion.

The 375 weight capacity is also sufficient for most users. The footboard is plenty wide, and the adjustable foot supports will accommodate any size athletic shoe.

Geometry

• Footprint: L: 85” x W: 22” x H: 45” (212cm x 57cm x 115cm)
• Pedals: 12” high adjustable pedal (35cm)
• Saddle: 12” wide 10” deep, contoured and cushioned (35x25cm)
• Belt Drive: 20” high where it emerges from the machine (50cm)
• Track: 49” long (125cm)

Pedals

The pedals are supported by a solid wood footboard underneath and a molded pedal with several adjustable settings for foot size. A wide adjustable strap secures the user’s feet into position. The adjustable molded overlay is ridged at the top to keep your foot from sliding forward and has several notched positions that shift the heel support upwards to accommodate both smaller and larger feet. I love the wood footboard that supports the pedals. It is wide and firm and feels like you are pushing against the end of the boat.

Handle

The CityRow Go Max handle is 18” wide (45cm) and surprisingly comfortable. The handle is sweat-resistant and can be easily wiped down to sanitize. For those who plan to row longer sessions, the ergonomic design reduces hand and shoulder fatigue.

The seat slides right up to the junction between the pedals and the handle for a comfortable catch position. The point where the belt emerges from the neck of the rower is 20” (50cm) high from the floor, which is lower than comparable rowers, but it has a low rail height so this is proportional for the machine. The screen sits just above the catch and is easy to see. You don’t have to lean down to grab the handle nor tilt your neck up to look at the screen.

Seat

The CityRow Go Max seat is ergonomically designed with contoured areas for your legs and tail bone. I found it to be more cushioned than the Concept2 rower, so my glutes didn’t get as sore on this seat. Since users lean back through the drive and finish, the scooped out back section on the seat reduces the likelihood of your tailbone rubbing on the saddle. The seat slides gently along the aluminum monorail. As mentioned, the seat is only 10” off the floor, which is a bit lower than comparable rowers.

Resistance

Water-resistance is preferred by rowing purists who appreciate the actual feel of water. However, there are no preset “resistance” levels because the resistance is modified based on the strength of each pull and how much water is in the tank. As you pull harder, water is churned through the tank to match your strength. This makes the resistance perfect for each user. Stronger users can pull with more force, creating more movement in the water; while novice users may pull more gently, only generating minimal water movement. The nature of the water moving and the noise it creates are the main reasons rowing enthusiasts prefer water rowers. The sound is actually quite soothing and is not overly loud or disruptive to those around you.

Console/Controls

Touchscreen

The CityRow Go Max has a 19.5” touchscreen attached to the front end. I appreciate the placement of the screen just above the catch – it is easy to see. You don’t have to look down at any point during the drive which allows for good rowing form while you watch the screen.

You cannot access external apps or use the web on the Go Max touchscreen. It is designed to showcase the CityRow app content only. Also, the screen doesn’t have much functionality at all if you don’t subscribe to the CityRow content. The main screen just brings up a prompt to log in. If you don’t have an account, the screen doesn’t provide rowing metrics or any other information.

The screen is Bluetooth compatible, so you can easily sync with headphones or a chest strap.

CityRow Subscription Content Review

The Go Max has a lovely touch screen attached just above the catch which is easy to see and use. Subscription content includes professional rowing instructors who guide you through various in-studio workouts.

I found the workouts to be pretty good. The instructors are engaging and cue proper rowing form. But, honestly, the background feels like a 1980’s aerobics studio. The lighting isn’t great and I feel like CityRow missed an opportunity to provide some outdoor water rowing sessions. Because the rower itself is so sleek and eye-catching, I expected the programming to match. A few outdoor sessions would provide a nice complement to the feel and sound of the water moving through the tank.

The user interface is easy to use with several filters and training options.

The Home Screen Displays:

• Recent workouts including both classes and just row sessions
• Badges earned such as workouts, distance, power, and challenges
• Total row metrics based on: Duration, Workouts, Meters
• Personal Records for: Distance, Split Time, Power
• Control Panel to jump to: Home Screen, Classes, Track, Just Row

Classes can be filtered by:

• Type: HIIT, Endurance, Strength, Yoga, Mobility
• Duration: 20 min, 30min, 50min
• Equipment used: weights, rower, none
• Experience level: Beginner, Advanced
• Challenges: Masters, New Years, Beginners, Fall/Spring/Summer Challenges

There is also a Just Row option with the following metrics:

• Duration
• Stroke Rate
• Intensity
• Split Time
• Watt Power
• Total Meters

Other features:

• Volume settings
  • Thankfully the speakers are on the front of the screen. You can adjust overall volume up or down via buttons on the right edge of the screen.
• Bluetooth Compatible:
  • Syncs with headphones and heart rate devices

Noise Level

This is probably my favorite rower when it comes to noise output. While magnetic rowers are also quiet, the CityRow makes the soothing whoosh of water as it is churned through the tank. It is not a loud or disruptive sound and I enjoy the sound while I row. Compared to the noise generated by an air rower this is virtually silent, so we find this to be a great option for those who are concerned about noise output.

Storage / Folding

The CityRow folds up and can be stored horizontally or vertically. For safety, we recommend securing it if it is stored vertically. While the tank holds quite a bit of water, it is surprisingly simple to move. Just lift the back of the rail and the weight at the front makes it engage with the wheels so you can roll it out of the way when needed. However, it can be easily tipped when lifted vertically, so be aware if you plan to store it this way.

When considering where to place your CityRow, make sure you have enough space to the sides and rear of the rower since you lean back through the drive and finish. Do not place the rear of the rower directly in front of a wall, as you will need at least two feet of clearance behind the CityRow. Also, some off-rower classes may require space around the rower, so more area may be needed depending on your planned usage.

The post CityRow Go Max Rower Review – 2024 appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

If you are in the market for a new treadmill, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created this treadmill buying guide to help you navigate all the options when looking to purchase a new treadmill. Whether you are a marathon runner, trail runner, a walker with sensitive knees, or just someone who wants to jumpstart their fitness journey, our team here at Treadmill Review Guru can help you find the perfect treadmill to accomplish your goals. Take a look at our buying guide below for some helpful tips.

Table of Contents: What To Consider Before Purchasing A Treadmill

• What Do You Want to Accomplish With Your Treadmill?
• What Size Treadmill Do You Need?
• Where Is The Treadmill Going To Go In Your Home?
• What Type Of Treadmill Will Fit My Needs?
• How To Find The Right Treadmill In My Budget?
• What Is Going To Keep You Motivated?
• Where Should You Buy Your Treadmill?

What Do You Want To Accomplish With Your Treadmill?

There are thousands of treadmills on the market with the features and footprint to fit in any home. Choosing the right treadmill depends largely on how you intend to use it. If you are a marathoner, you’ll need a treadmill with the appropriate deck size to allow for a full running stride. Those who plan to walk can opt for a smaller version. Trail runners or those who want to hike will need a lot of incline options. If you have multiple users in your home, you’ll want something with enough motor power to support several hours of use. Those who prefer interval training will want a treadmill with responsive speed adjustments. Let’s look at a few key features you’ll want to consider right from the start.

Treadmill Motor Size Matters

Motor power is measured in horsepower (HP). Most treadmill motors are direct current (DC) motors, so our ratings below reflect the power needed from a DC motor. Alternating current (AC) motors generate power differently and tend to be stronger at a lower horsepower, but are also relatively rare in a treadmill. When considering what motor size is best for you, we have the following recommendations:

• 3.0 HP or less: Good for walking, hiking, and light jogging (<6mph). This is enough power for those who plan to walk or hike on an incline. Not recommended for long-distance training; may not support multiple users (more than an hour per day).
• 3.0 – 3.5 HP: Will support most types of training. You can walk, hike, jog, and run without a problem. Most affordable options are in this range and provide suitable speed and power. However, this may be slightly underpowered for high-speed interval training, longer distances (8+ miles), and multiple users or extended use (2+ hours per day).
• 3.5 – 4.0 HP: This is the sweet spot for treadmill power. A motor in this range will support most users and most types of training. Only a few motors are higher than 4.0 HP, so this range will support marathon training, walking, or multiple users.
• Greater Than 4.0 HP: This is a high power output for a treadmill. Anything over 4.0HP is designed for heavy use, long distances, and high speeds.

What Size Treadmill Belt Do You Need?

When considering a treadmill, look at the belt size first since the overall treadmill dimensions aren’t always a good indication of how much space you have on the deck (we’ll talk about dimensions in the next section). Running requires a longer stride than walking, so runners will need a longer belt surface than walkers. Also, users over six feet tall may need more deck length to account for a longer leg span. Our recommendations below are a general guide to help you find the right size treadmill.

Treadmill Belt Size For Specific Users:

• For Runners: Running treadmill belts should be 20” wide and 60” long. This provides enough span for running and should accommodate users over six feet tall.
• For Walkers: Walking treadmill belts range from 17.5” wide up to 20” wide and are usually 45” – 60” in length. You can walk on any sized treadmill, but if you only plan to walk, a smaller surface will suffice.
• For Larger Users: Oversized treadmill belts are typically 22” wide and 60+” long. Premium treadmills often offer more space, which is a nice feature and will support all sizes of users.

Treadmill Weight Capacity:

Each treadmill will list a maximum weight capacity. We recommend not going over this, even if you plan to lose weight. When running, the impact from each footstep can be 2x the user’s weight – this is a lot of impact on your treadmill – so it’s best to stay under the max weight capacity.

Tall Users:

We recommend those over 6 feet tall (182cm) look for a treadmill belt that is at least 20” wide and 60” long. This will provide enough stride length for taller users.

Where Is The Treadmill Going To Go In Your Home?

Treadmill size is an important consideration when evaluating how and where it will fit in your home. Here is a quick list of recommendations:

Measure The Space Where You Plan To Put Your Treadmill

Make sure you have enough room to safely walk around the treadmill to get on and off.

If your treadmill has a touchscreen and subscription content, you may have the option of doing strength, boot camp, or stretching classes off the treadmill. You’ll want enough room to be able to move your arms and body when doing classes so measure first to confirm. Bookshelves, doors, or other obstacles may limit your surrounding space. Many treadmill companies will list the recommended area for their treadmill.

Check Your Ceiling Height

Many treadmills incline, which raises you closer to the ceiling. Measure the top of the deck on the highest incline setting and add this to the height of your tallest user to make sure you have enough clearance. You’ll want to add a few inches for “bounce” while running.

Also, check for ceiling fans. You may have to move your treadmill or remove a fan if it hangs too low.

Check Your Internet Signal

Subscription-based content will require a strong internet connection to “stream” the classes on the touchscreen. To check the strength of your signal, try to stream a NetFlix show on a tablet in the room you plan to use your treadmill. If you have a strong enough signal to watch NetFlix on a tablet, your treadmill screen should work fine.

Other Helpful Tips:

Placing A Treadmill In A Garage
Can A Treadmill Be Used Upstairs?
Tips On Treadmill Safety At Home
What’s The Difference Between Running On A Treadmill vs Outside

What Type Of Treadmill Will Fit My Needs?

There are many different kinds of treadmills and often the designations overlap (you can find a great treadmill for running that also folds). Our list below provides a quick overview of different types of treadmills and what they offer:

Incline Trainers

These are typically large, non-folding treadmills with steep incline options. Some treadmills will incline to a 40% grade! Incline trainers are good for any type of use but especially helpful for those who want to walk or hike on a steep incline for a low-impact, high-intensity workout.

Incline trainers require a significant amount of floor space, and the incline will lift you up close to the ceiling, so verify you have sufficient room before buying.

Folding Treadmills

These days, most treadmills fold. Engineering is so efficient on newer models that even some of the heartiest, strongest treadmills will still fold up when you’re done. Marathoners rejoice! Even serious runners can find a folding treadmill. Folding treadmills are convenient and clear up floor space when you’re not using the treadmill. Many have hydraulic assist to make lifting and folding easier.

Walking Treadmills

Walking treadmills typically have a smaller frame, belt, and motor. They are often less expensive as well. For those who mostly plan to walk, there are some impressive options with nice touch screens as well. While you can find a budget walking treadmill, we recommend looking for one with sufficient cushioning and a large enough surface for a comfortable walking stride.

Running Treadmills

Most running treadmills have longer decks and stronger motors to support faster speeds and longer distances. You can find options with or without subscription content. For those who plan to run regularly, make sure the construction and programming support your training. Running treadmills should include options for HIIT workouts, hill work, endurance runs, and heart rate training.

Manual Treadmills

Beginning with the Woodway in the 1970s, manual treadmills have long been a favorite of professional runners and athletes. These don’t have a motor and usually feature a slat belt that moves by runner power. They tend to be pricey – but are the most similar to running outdoors. Manual treadmills are often extremely heavy (400+ pounds), so we recommend placing these on a main floor, basement, or garage.

How To Find The Right Treadmill In My Budget?

The following is a list of what you typically find in each price range. There are always exceptions, but in general, most treadmills in a similar range will have compatible features.

Under $1000

These tend to be lightweight, walking treadmills that usually don’t have a touchscreen or offer subscription content. In general, we recommend caution when looking for a cheap treadmill. You can sometimes find a good one here and there (Horizon T202, T303) but check the specs and warranty to verify you’re getting quality and coverage.

$1000 – $1500

A good, budget treadmill is typically priced in this range. You can find something durable and moderate-sized and sufficiently powered. Treadmills in this range usually feature a slightly smaller belt and motor, but they are great for walking and light jogging. Manufacturers have made a lot of headway in this space lately, so you can find some quality options with subscription content and nice touchscreens (Sole F63, Pro 2000).

$1500 – $2000

This is your sweet spot for a good mix of affordable and quality. Our most popular treadmills are typically in this range. You can find options for walking or running and many offer subscription content and nice cushioning. Some of our favorites in this range include the Nordictrack 1750 and Sole F85.

Over $2000

At this price point, you’re getting into premium territory. Marathoners, sprinters, and those who enjoy HIIT training will find many options in this price range. Homes with multiple users may want something here because you’ll be able to run for several hours per day without a problem. Most treadmills over $2000 include touchscreens and subscription content for advanced training.

Over $3000

Manual treadmills, incline trainers, and other high-end models are priced over $3000. This is the luxury space where you’ll find extended cushioning, enhanced incline, ginormous touchscreens, and treadmills for professional facilities. Our favorites in this price point include the Nordictrack x32i or AssaultRunner Elite.

What Is Going To Keep You Motivated (Technology, Apps, Etc.)?

Treadmill technology has taken huge leaps forward in the last few years. Current treadmills include touchscreens at every price point. Subscription-based training content has proven remarkably successful at helping people stay engaged while exercising at home. Below you’ll find a quick overview of different types of training available on home-based treadmills:

Basic LCD Screen, No Subscription

A basic treadmill comes with basic, preloaded programs and usually has a digital LCD display. These models don’t require a subscription and usually don’t require an internet connection. If you like to just hop on, push a button and go, a simple treadmill is the perfect, affordable solution. Sole makes some of our favorite LCD treadmills.

Hybrid Console, Syncs With A Tablet Or Other Apps

Many treadmills come with a basic console that is Bluetooth enabled to sync with third-party apps on a phone or tablet. While all the metrics won’t transfer, you can usually get your heart rate and calories burned to sync with the app. This is a good option for households that don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription but are still interested in using training apps, watching Netflix, or using a tablet during the workout. Horizon’s Studio series treadmills are all hybrid.

Touchscreen Console Relies On Monthly Subscription

Subscription content helps people stay motivated and engaged after they purchase home-fitness equipment. Too often, a perfectly good treadmill ends up relegated to the garage not because it’s broken, but because no one used it. Subscription training apps are regularly updated, allow users to compete against each other and work together, and create a community of fellow exercisers to help you stay motivated. While there is a cost to the subscription, treadmills with touchscreens and app content are a more effective training tool. The graphics and videography of some of the apps is incredible! Our favorite subscription-based treadmills include Nordictrack’s Commercial line.

Subscription Options

Touchscreen treadmills often come with a specific app preloaded in the console. Apps provide integrated functionality like automated speed and incline controls and responsive heart rate training. A few of our favorites include:

iFit

Found on Nordictrack and ProForm machines. Offers indoor and outdoor running routes, trail runs, hikes, walks, etc. Classes are filmed all over the world, everywhere from Tanzania to Zion national park.

Zwift

A virtual reality app you can subscribe to and compete in races with other runners. This is not specific to any treadmill, but a few treadmills will sync with Zwift including Sole and Horizon.

Peloton

Based in an indoor running studio, the Peloton classes feature Peloton’s famous instructors and personal trainers who guide you through various workouts. No outdoor routes are available yet (this may be in the works in the future)

Echelon

While not yet on par with iFit or Peloton, Echelon has improved its training content significantly in the past year. Like Peloton, all classes are currently based indoors, but provide feedback and guidance as you run.

Where Should You Buy Your Treadmill?

Treadmills are available at local sporting goods retailers and online. We typically recommend buying online, straight from the manufacturer. Treadmill warranties are issued by the manufacturer – not the retailer – so even if you buy it at a store, any problems will have to be navigated through the manufacturer directly. In our experience, customers have a better experience when they order online from the manufacturer and register their product initially.

Many sporting goods stores, Costco, and other retailers may also sell products they have on hand that are no longer available from the manufacturer. We recommend buying directly from the manufacturer so you get current products and updated models.

The post Treadmill Buying Guide | How To Choose A Treadmill appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

As treadmills are becoming really common home equipment nowadays, it’s not surprising that people have started to look for different ways to utilize their home treadmill. However, many people still think that the exercises you can do on a treadmill are really limited, like, you can walk or run, and that’s it. If you are someone who thinks that treadmills are just for runners, joggers, and walkers, you are in for a surprise.

Below, we have presented the top 10 treadmill workouts for everyone who is interested in keeping their body in a good shape and wants to get out of the boredom of just running at the same speed on their treadmills. By trying out these interesting treadmill workouts, you should be able to notice that your strength, stamina, speed, heart rate, and workout duration will increase and you won’t dread your treadmill sessions.

You can also check our our top rated treadmill here.

Top 10 Best Treadmill Workouts

It is important to warm up before starting your workout in order to prevent future injuries. Start walking at 2.5-3.5 MPH for 60 seconds and then start shaking out your stride by stretching out a bit longer than your usual stride. Continue like this for 5 minutes and toward the end of your warm-up, put the incline to 6% and take some normal steps. Once you are all warmed up, go ahead and pick one or more of the workouts below to try out on your treadmill.

1. Treadmill Hill Workout

Treadmill hill workouts are a good choice for all of them who love running over hills, and for the rest of us who just want to suffer less when running hills. This exercise will boost your speed, duration, and your stamina.

In the first 5 minutes, the speed should be 5 MPH and the incline set at 1%. Then change both of them for the next 30 minutes by adjusting the speed and the incline between intervals of 3-6.5 MPH and 1-5% respectively.

Depending on your skill level, the intervals where you speed up and run up a steeper incline can be just 30 seconds long and 90 seconds of walking, or if you are more experienced, you can do 90 seconds of pushing with 30 seconds of recovery walking. In the last 5 minutes, be sure to cool-down by setting the speed level to 4 MPH and the incline level to 1%.

2. Treadmill Hike Workout

This treadmill hike exercise is more focused on your backside, and its most important feature is that while the time passes, the incline increases and the speed tends to fit your skills in order to offer you safety and ease while you exercise. You can choose either the 45-minute workout or the 20-minute workout if the time isn’t in your favor.

• Start with a 5-minute warm-up with your speed set at 3 MPH and incline at 2%.
• Exercise the rest of your minutes with the speed limits from 3.5 MPH to 4 MPH and incline levels from 4% to 12%. If you own an incline trainer like the NordicTrack Commercial x22i treadmill, you can reach much higher inclines as this machine goes from -6% to 40% incline for greater calorie burn.
• Keep the same rhythm in the last 5 minutes as in the beginning.

3. Sidewinder Workout

This workout aims to increase your heart rate, strength, duration, and stability. If you struggle with stability or your treadmill width is smaller than 20”, then it might not be the exercise for you.

• 5 minutes warm-up (Gradually increase speed from 2.4-3.5 mph)
• 2 minutes sideways walking (1 minute facing right, 1 minute facing left – Speed 2.2 MPH)
• 2 minutes sideways walking (1 minute facing right, 1 minute facing left – Speed 2.4 MPH)
• 1 minute forward walking (Speed 4.5 mph)
• 1 minute forward walking (Speed 3.5 mph)
• 2 minutes sideways walking (1 minute facing right, 1 minute facing left – Speed 2.6 MPH)
• 2 minutes sideways walking (1 minute facing right, 1 minute facing left – Speed 2.8 MPH)
• 1 minute forward walking (Speed 4.2 MPH)
• 1 minute forward walking (Speed 3.5 MPH)
• 2 minutes sideways walking (1 minute facing right, 1-minute facing left – Speed 2.8 MPH)
• 5-minute cool-down. (Gradually decrease speed from 3 to 2 MPH)

As you perform this exercise, be very careful as you transition between facing different directions. The first few times you switch sides, you may want to stand on the side rail first to help you get your bearing.

4. Pressed-For-Time Workout

A pressed-for-time workout aims to work with your upper body. In order to perform this exercise, you need to hold in your hand something that weighs 2-5 pounds. Of course, you should hold them while you are walking and never while running, as this may be risky for your safety and throw your stride off-balance. This particular pressed-for-time workout includes:

• 5 minutes warm up (2.5-3.5 MPH)
• 5 minutes walking and doing 10 reps each: overhead press, front raises, upright rows, and lateral raises
• 4 minutes just walking (waiting for the upper body to recover; rest dumbbells and continue to walk)
• Repeating the second and the third step two more times after changing the incline to 3%.
• 5 minutes cool down (3 MPH – incline 1%)

Don’t push yourself to carry the heaviest weight you can manage. Instead, work with weights that are comfortable, because, by the end of your workout, those weights will feel significantly heavier.

5. Sprint Interval Workout

Are you ready to shed a few pounds and really push your treadmill workouts? A sprint interval workout is a perfect choice. It serves as a calorie burner, and it raises your anaerobic capacity.

• Start with 10 minutes of warming up and gradually increase speed from 3-5 MPH.
• Continue with a sprint in which your heart rate is 85-90% of its maximum. If you are wondering how to calculate your heart rate, all you need to do is to remove your age number from 220. (Increase speed gradually from 5-9 MPH)
• Continue with 2 minutes of walking, in which your heart rate should be around 120 to 130 beats per minute. (Speed 3.5-4 MPH)
• Continue with 20-30 minutes of alternating between sprint running (5-9 MPH) and slow walking (3.5-4 MPH). Shoot for intervals of 1-minute sprinting and 2 minutes of walking.
• End it with 5 minutes of cooling down (2.5-3 MPH).

For beginners, sticking to 30 seconds of sprinting and 2 minutes of walking is a perfectly acceptable adjustment to this workout. Be sure to listen to your body and tailor it to suit your needs.

6. Gauntlet Workout

This workout combines different kinds of exercises which aim to cause different changes to your body. Some of them are focused on your lower body, some on your upper body, and others tend to burn more calories overall. There is also a mix of full-body strength moves with running.

Beginners might find it difficult, so it is best that this workout is performed by more experienced exercisers.

• 5-10 minutes warm up through walking or jogging (3.5-5 MPH)
• 1 minute running (5.5-7 MPH)
• 30 seconds kettlebell swings (off the treadmill)
• 30 seconds push-ups (off the treadmill)
• 1-minute plank (off the treadmill)
• 1-minute running on the treadmill (4-5.5 MPH)
• Repeat this entire procedure 5 to 6 times
• 5 minutes of cooling down (2.5-3 MPH)

7. Never-a-Flate-Moment Workout

A never-a-flat-moment workout is a highly efficient workout for burning calories, and you are sure to feel the burn. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to perform this exercise:

• 3 minutes warm-up (Speed 3-3.5 MPH)
• 2 minutes running (4.5 MPH/ 7% incline)
• 2 minutes running (5 MPH/ 4% incline)
• 2 minutes speed walk (3 MPH/ 10% incline)
• 2 minutes speed walk (3.5 MPH/ 6% incline)
• 2 minutes running (4 MPH/ 8% incline)
• 1 minute speed walk (3 MPH/ 3% incline)
• 7 minutes running intervals (3.2-6.5 mph/ 5% incline, alternating 2 minutes speed walking and 1 minute running)
• 11 minutes endurance incline (4 MPH/ 10-15% incline)
• 3 minutes cool-down (Decrease speed gradually from 3.5 to 2 MPH and incline from 3% to 1%)

8. Side Shuffles

If you want to strengthen your thighs’ muscles, then you need to do side shuffles. This exercise is performed at a speed limit between 3-3.5 MPH to ensure that you are safe while traveling in a different direction than you normally do on a treadmill.

In order to do side shuffles, you should turn yourself to right on the treadmill and flex your knees, stay low in your legs but keep your eyes up and body tall and don’t let your feet cross each other. As you walk, stay slightly squatted and pick up your feet. After 2 minutes, switch sides and shuffle while facing the left side of your treadmill. Do this for a total of 10 minutes to really feel the burn.

9. Walking Plank

This exercise is really similar to ordinary planks, and if you find regular planks difficult, then you should put more effort into this one.

A twist on the standard plank you are used to seeing, with a walking plank, your legs should be positioned off of the treadmill, but in a straight line away from it, and your hands will be on the running belt.

Set the speed at 2 MPH and get into position, with your hands on the side rails. Once you are confident you are ready, put your hands on the belt and try to do the walking plank for at least 5 minutes. You may be surprised how difficult it is to maintain this demanding position!

10. Crab Walk

This exercise concentrates on your hamstrings, glutes, triceps, and core. It has difficulty in performing it, but it is really fun in a goofy way. Most of you may know what position to take, but for all of them who don’t, here is the explanation:

Set your speed to 1 to 2 MPH, stay in a crab position, with your hands facing away from treadmill on the side of treadmill base, your feet flat on the floor, your hips elevated and your back facing the ground. Place your hands on the treadmill belt and start walking your hands forward.

We really hope that this article has helped you, and if you have already tried one of the workouts, let us know. We would be really delighted if you share your experience with us.

The post 10 Best Treadmill Workouts You’ll Love appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

ProForm includes one model from each machine series to include in the Plus Program.

How To Get A Free Treadmill From ProForm

We’ve had a chance to test the ProForm Carbon T10 here in our studio, and this is a great machine! The Carbon T10 features a 10” touchscreen, 2.75HP motor and 20” x 55” tread belt. This is a folding treadmill, so it’s ideal for anyone with limited space. The footprint is 35” W x 75” L x 65” H when open. 12% incline and ISO flex cushioning provide lots of training options on a cushioned surface. An EasyLift assist system makes folding and locking it into place a breeze. There’s also a fan and two Bluetooth speakers in the console.

This hearty machine will support up to 300 pounds, which is the same max capacity as on the Nordictrack x32i! We find the Carbon T10 to be a great option for users of all sizes. It only weighs about 220 pounds and has wheels to roll when folded.

How Much Does An iFit Membership Cost?

The Plus program requires an iFit membership that costs $39/month for 36 months. This comes to $1403 at the end of three years and includes both the subscription to iFit and treadmill, exercise bike, or other piece of cardio equipment that you choose. Shipping is free as well, so there’s no additional cost.

What Other Free Exercise Equipment Does ProForm Plus Offer?

Along with a free treadmill, there are other pieces of exercise equipment offered in the ProForm Plus program. When you purchase your 3 years of iFit you can choose between a free treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, rowing machine, or a ProForm HIIT Trainer. Keep in mind that you can only choose one of these machines.

Free ProForm Elliptical

ProForm is offering the Carbon E7 elliptical machine in the Plus program. The E7 is a solid elliptical with a 7” HD touchscreen that will be great for immersing yourself in the amazing workouts that iFit has to offer. The Carbon E7 also has a 20 degree incline, a workout fan, and a footprint of 25” W x 68.5” deep x 68” H.

Free ProForm Exercise Bike

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro is the free exercise bike you can get from ProForm with the purchase of 3 years of iFit. The Studio Bike Pro is a great exercise bike with a 10” HD touchscreen, adjustable handlebars, seat, and toe cages on the pedals. This bike is a great addition to any home exercise space and iFit provides versatility to your workouts.

Free ProForm Rowing Machine

With the purchase of 3 years of iFit, you can also choose to get the ProForm R10 rowing machine. This rower also has a 10” HD touchscreen that pulls you into each workout. You’ll be rowing on the water in no time with iFit. This machine also has an impressive SpaceSaver design that won’t take up much room in your workout space at all.

Is The ProForm Plus Program Worth It?

If you’re looking for great exercise equipment and a workout subscription to pair with it, the ProForm Plus program is definitely worth it. You can get an awesome piece of exercise equipment for free with a $39/month family membership to iFit, which in many circumstances is cheaper than a gym membership. If you’re looking for a great deal on fitness equipment then we definitely recommend taking advantage of the ProForm Plus program.

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How To Properly Run On A Treadmill

Look Up

Many runners tend to look down at the belt while running on a treadmill. It takes a minute or two to get used to the moving belt, but in general, keep your gaze forward. The old adage is, “You go where you look,” and this is very true of running!! Try not to look down or sideways while running. This is especially important at home where other distractions may arise. If you look to the side, you may accidentally strike the side rails. Most running treadmills are 20 – 22” in width, which is plenty of span for a nice stride but doesn’t offer enough space to wander around. Keep your gaze forward and feet centered on the belt.

Foot Strike In The Middle Of The Tread Deck

Most treadmills are built with variable cushioning so you can enjoy a cushioned impact, comfortable stride, and solid toe-off. The center of the deck is the best spot for a cushioned foot-strike. It can be tempting to heel-strike on a treadmill because the cushioning absorbs some of the impact so you don’t notice like you would on concrete. But running heel-first will reduce your stride length and increase discomfort over time. Heel striking is bad for your lumbar spine and joints. Both your running shoes and treadmill belt are designed to facilitate a proper mid-foot strike, so don’t cheat! Aim to stride with your mid-foot hitting right in the center of the tread belt.

Make Sure Toes, Ankles, Knees, And Hips Point Forward

Running on a treadmill gives you a great chance to improve your running mechanics. It’s a bit easier to assess your running form on a treadmill because you can see and modify your stride with each step. For good joint mechanics, make sure your toes, ankles, knees, and hips are all in alignment facing forward. If you notice your toes or ankles are angling inward or outward, make a mental effort to keep your knees in line! Often, dysfunction in lower limbs is the result of poor joint mechanics higher up the kinetic chain. This means that if your hips are imbalanced, it may show up in knee and ankle alignment.

Step Away From The Console!

Hovering close to the console while running is tempting, but most treadmills are designed to allow you space to step back and still have plenty of room. One of the biggest mistakes new treadmill owners make is running too close to the console. This feels intuitive because you naturally want to be close to the controls. However, most treadmills have integrated functionality so the treadmill will adjust automatically per the route. This allows runners to stand back in the center of the deck and run without having to manually adjust the workout. Standing in the center of the belt also allows you to maximize belt space with a full kick-back and plenty of forward-stride length.

Relax Your Traps

You know those tight muscles at the top of your shoulders and base of your neck? Those are your trapezius muscles, and they tend to get tight. When running, make sure to relax your traps so you have a relaxed arm swing. The best way to do this is to roll your shoulders down away from your ears. Don’t tense up! Tight traps can lead to neck pain and limit your ability to naturally swing your arms as you run.

Use All The Features Your Treadmill Has To Offer

There are advantages to using a treadmill, so enjoy them! Kick up the incline, play around with the speed, and challenge yourself to integrate everything your treadmill has to offer. Treadmills have improved significantly in the last few years with the best treadmills having upgraded features, tech, and better training options. Rather than set the incline at 3% and run a steady pace for an hour, mix it up and use all the features you paid for! Newer models often have a touchscreen with content for running, walking, and even strength and resistance training.

Benefits Of Running On A Treadmill

Running purists may insist that treadmills are either cheating, boring, or dangerous. Nothing could be further from the truth! While outdoor running certainly has its benefits, these days running indoors can offer plenty of variety as well. There are a few unique benefits to running on a treadmill, such as:

Convenience!

Rather than schedule your run around a friend, class, or gym schedule, a treadmill allows you to get that run in whenever is convenient for you. Maybe it’s midnight when your teenagers finally go to bed — or even 5am before work. Treadmills are ready whenever you are.

Safety

Running in your home is safer than outdoors. There are no curbs, dogs, weirdos or drivers looking at their cell phone. You are also protected from germs and viruses that love to cling to all the equipment at the gym.

Variety

A treadmill allows you to mix up your workout more than you may otherwise if you just run outside. It’s hard to do timed sprints outside in the dark. Hill work requires hills! And maintaining a set pace may be more of a challenge out on the road because sometimes you slow down without even realizing it. Treadmill programs usually include sprints, hills, HIIT workouts, and any number of variables you can program in to add variety to your workouts.

Smooth Surface

There are potholes, cracks, uneven ground, and debris on outdoor roads that can limit your ability to safely run fast. Since a treadmill belt is even, gently textured to grab your foot, and calibrated with appropriate cushioning, you can focus on your speed and form rather than dodge obstacles or uneven terrain while running.

Personal challenges

If you want to maintain a 6:40min/mile pace, just set the treadmill belt to that speed and then work to keep up. The treadmill will hold a set pace so you can challenge yourself with specific speed and incline settings. Treadmills are a fantastic tool for increasing your sprint time and overall pace with interval training and plenty of speed options.

Making A Treadmill Work For You

Once you get your treadmill set up, take a few minutes to check out all the programs and features your treadmill has to offer! Always make sure to enact safety precautions with fitness equipment – especially if there are children in your home. We have guidelines on where to set up your treadmill and how to get the most out of each workout, so take a look at our other helpful tips here at TreadmillReviewGuru!

As always, best of luck with your new treadmill. Happy Trails!

The post How To Run On A Treadmill With Good Form appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

But unless you live in an actual gym or own your home with plenty of space from nosy neighbors, you may have some concerns about bringing a treadmill home. Treadmills can be seriously heavy pieces of equipment, and many treadmills—and treadmill runners—can be very noisy.

Besides the obvious hassle of getting this beast of a machine set up, what if your floor won’t take the weight? Treadmill Guru is here to help answer all these questions and assist you in deciding if bringing a treadmill home is right for you.

Is it Safe to Use Treadmill Upstairs?

The answer to this question is going to depend on many different factors. But for the most part, in a building that is structurally sound, the floors should easily be able to take the weight of both a treadmill and the person on top of it.

The heaviest residential treadmills out there generally reach about 350 lbs, though some like the Peloton Tread weigh up to 455 lbs. So, if we put a 300-lb person on top of the average treadmill that weighs 350 lbs, that’s a combined weight of 650 pounds. While that may sound like a lot, buildings that are up to code should be able to take that weight without an issue.

• How Much Weight Can Your Floor Take?

Again, it will depend on the construction of the building you live in. But a properly built floor should easily support 50 lbs per square foot. So in a room that’s 100 square feet, that’s 5,000 lbs of weight needed before you risk structural damage! So, you don’t need to worry about suddenly crashing uninvited into your downstairs neighbor’s dinner party.

Some Common Upstairs Treadmill Problems And Their Solutions

Unless you live in the most flimsily constructed of shacks, you shouldn’t have to worry about your treadmill crashing through the floor. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the only problem that comes with keeping a treadmill upstairs. First, you need to think about noise and vibrations.

Most of the sound we hear reaches us through the air. But the air is a relatively poor conductor of sound waves. Solid objects can carry sound both quicker and more forcefully than air does. What sounds moderately loud to you can be deafening to others elsewhere in a building.

Treadmills can generate a lot of vibration when in use, and vibration means noise. If someone is on the floor below you, there’s practically no way they’re not going to hear you exercise.

• When Using A Treadmill In a Condo or Apartment

Having a treadmill on the upper floor of a house can cause problems. But at least you can talk it over with the other members of your household. Apartment buildings can be a different story.

The vibrations generated by a treadmill will spread throughout a building, amplified by wall voids and wooden framing. A treadmill that runs at, say 50 decibels can produce 100 decibels of noise for anyone below you. That’s close to the sound of a train passing by, which hey if you live near train tracks, problem solved! But, since that’s not normally the case, there may be other steps you need to take.

With these considerations, it’s not unusual for treadmills to be banned in apartment buildings, or at least highly discouraged. Even where they’re not explicitly forbidden, you should tread carefully and see what you can do to reduce the noise and vibrations that your treadmill produce.

Getting A Treadmill Upstairs: Most of the companies won’t deliver a treadmill past the curb, let alone up into your upstairs apartment, leaving you to struggle upstairs with your new machine. Or you have to pay more to the delivery service for the upstairs delivery. Be sure to consider these things before you order a heavy treadmill, and you may want to consider renting a dolly for a couple of hours to help you cart your boxed treadmill up to your apartment.

You also need to consider the width of your stairs—you may not be able to get it around due to the heavy weight and size if you buy a used treadmill that is already assembled.

Simple Steps Can Make Using A Treadmill Upstairs Easy

Ninety-nine percent of the time, there’s no physical reason why you can’t put a treadmill upstairs and use it—that is, as so long as you can get it up there in the first place. All but the most poorly built floors will be able to take the weight. Just be sure to try the solutions outlined above to help reduce the noise and vibration to keep your treadmill workouts from becoming a nuisance for others.

The post Can a Treadmill Be Used Upstairs? – Read This First! appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

With limited space available inside most homes, most people opt to put this huge piece of equipment in their garage instead. But is the garage really the best place for your treadmill?

Let’s first consider the pros and cons of storing your treadmill in your cold garage. Then, here on Treadmill Guru, we will also outline some short tips, quick fixes, and solutions to some of the common issues people face while storing treadmill garage if you decide that the garage is the best place for your treadmill.

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Pros Of Treadmill In Garage

Cons Of Treadmill In Garage

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Additional Treadmill In Garage Safety Tips and Precautions

Aside from the temperature, dust, and dirt issues, safety is also one of the most important factors to consider first before deciding to store your treadmill in the garage.

For one thing, if you do speed workouts or run at higher speed levels, it can be dangerous to do it out in the garage. While the appeal of the sound-canceling garage is still there, if you slip and fall while running at a high speed, no one may come and check on you for a while. Also, garages often are packed with tools and the family car, which are not things you want to fall on if you get thrown by your treadmill.

So, as a safety precaution, position your treadmill in an area that has ample space to protect you from potential injuries if something goes wrong during your run.

A good rule of thumb for placing your treadmill is that there should always be a minimum of five feet of open space behind the treadmill. Garages come in different sizes, layout, and spaces, so if you don’t have that enough space for your treadmill in your garage, you might want to put your treadmill in some other place inside your house that has more space. This crucial step can possibly protect you from severe injuries.

Consider Options Before Putting The Treadmill In The Garage

Many people still choose to store their treadmills in their cold garage, mainly because of the lack of space inside their house. Those who claim that their treadmills have been living in their garage for 2 years already say that their treadmill is still going strong, which implies that it is still fully functional. However, it’s best that you don’t just take their word for it and instead, weigh the pros and cons for yourself.

If you want to buy a new treadmill and have no place to store it, except in your garage, just follow the tips that we gave you above to help protect your investment and keep an eye on your treadmill during the coldest parts of the winter to ensure that it is doing okay.

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The post Putting Treadmill In a Cold Garage? – Read This Before! appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

However, as with any piece of equipment, treadmills must be used and stored properly to ensure safety for you and your family. Recently, the federal Consumer Protection Service Commission (CPSC) issued a warning over the Peloton Tread+ treadmill due to documented injuries to both pets and children and horribly, one child’s death.

In order to safely use any treadmill, here are some important safety tips to remember.

Treadmill Safety Tips Prior to Use:

#1: Read the Owner’s Manual

Before you ever step on your new treadmill – read the entire Owner’s Manual. The Owner’s Manual will specify how to plug and unplug your treadmill, where the power switch is, and how to use the safety key. These three elements are the primary barriers to prevent accidents or injury to children and pets.

Be aware of the power requirements for your treadmill. If a particular model requires a dedicated circuit, make sure you know this initially. Improper wattage can damage both your electrical circuit and your treadmill. If you are overseas, use an appropriate adapter as recommended by the manufacturer.

Some manufacturers will recommend a treadmill be unplugged after each use. Others may specify to turn off the power switch at the end of each session. We recommend both. While it may seem redundant, turning off the treadmill and unplugging it will prevent accidents with children. If a child sees you unplug the treadmill when you’re done, they may just walk over and plug it back in when you leave. By turning off the power switch and unplugging it, you have activated two barriers of protection rather than just one.

Know how your treadmill is activated. This may seem simple, but some treadmills will start in “Manual Mode” from the start screen or main menu as soon as you touch a speed button. Others require you to select Manual Mode or a specific program before the belt will move. While the jump-on-and-go method is convenient from a training standpoint, it can be more dangerous if a child can start the belt by just touching one button or turning a knob.

Verify the safety key is present and functional. Begin a program and then remove the safety key. Make sure the treadmills stops immediately and cannot be restarted if the safety key is detached.

Fully understand the layout and functionality of the console. Some treadmills can only be activated via touchscreen buttons while others have manual buttons on the console. Many have both options, which means you can turn on or increase speed in a number of different ways. Take time to fully use and understand your treadmill so you are aware of the different ways it can be turned on or up.

#2: Place the Treadmill in an Appropriate Location

Peloton recommends the Tread+ only be used in a locked room away from children and pets. We recommend all fitness equipment be stored away from children and pets at all times. A garage, basement or separate room with a door that locks is ideal. Lock the door when you are finished to ensure children can’t enter and play with equipment when you’re not there. (This holds true for all fitness equipment: kettlebells, weighted balls, resistance bands, jump ropes, dumbbells, etc.)

While having a separate space is ideal, not everyone has a dedicated room in their home to place their treadmill. (Ok, realistically, most of us don’t). If this is the case, carefully consider your home and measure where you plan to put the treadmill.

• Evaluate who will have access to it (Teenagers, children, pets?)
• Confirm how much space is needed for safe operation (Do you have enough ceiling clearance for any incline? Will people be able to get around it when it’s open?)
• Anticipate what will happen to it when you’re not around (Will it become a coat hanger, shoe rack or storage shelf?)

Do not place a treadmill near stairs or a door since treadmills can “walk” slightly during use and may impact a door or get too close to the edge of stairs.

If there is a ceiling fan in your room, verify you have enough overhead clearance when the treadmill is fully inclined. Measure this based on the tallest user at the maximum incline and add several inches for “bounce” when running.

Do not place your treadmill in a high-traffic area, even if you have all adults in your home. Expecting people to walk around or step over the treadmill is not a good idea. Even adults can trip or hit their head on a folded treadmill.

Do not plan to move your treadmill regularly. While many treadmills fold and have wheels, they are still heavy and difficult to move. Smaller users may hurt themselves folding and rolling a treadmill. We recommend most treadmills be placed where you plan to use them – out of the way of foot traffic – and then folded and locked vertically when not in use.

Do not place your treadmill near low hanging curtains or drapes. Be aware of cords for blinds that may inadvertently hang low when a window shade is open.

Discuss your plan to get a treadmill with family members, roommates and others who will be affected by it in the home.

#3: Verify your Treadmill Is Appropriately Sized & Powered

If you are a larger user, buy a treadmill that supports your weight and height. Don’t try to make a compact treadmill work simply to save a few dollars or fit it in a tight space. We recommend users over 6 feet tall get a treadmill that is at least 20” wide and 60” long. Shorter, narrower treadmills may not provide enough room for a full stride. Check the maximum weight capacity and do not exceed it – regardless of your intent to “lose weight.”

Similarly, if you have multiple users in your home, buy a treadmill that is rated for several users or longer hours. Motors can overheat or wear out with extensive use so if you have three people who plan to walk everyday for an hour – that’s three hours of daily use.

Treadmill Safety Tips During Use:

#1: Immediately Attach the Safety Key to your Clothing

Every treadmill includes a red safety key with a cord and clip so you can attach one end to your clothing while the other end is attached to the console. As soon as you get on the machine, and before you start a program, attach one end to your clothing. If you step off the treadmill or move and the key comes detached, the treadmill will stop immediately. This is the most important safety precaution when using a treadmill.

#2: Use Precaution When Getting On and Off the Treadmill

When first stepping on the treadmill, step onto the side rails and hold the handrail until both feet are fully on the belt.

Make sure you have good balance and feel stable before you start a program.

Listen for the safety “beep.” Nearly every treadmill will issue a warning beep or 3-2-1 countdown prior to the belt beginning to move. Familiarize yourself with this sound so you are aware the belt is beginning to move.

Hold onto the handrails when necessary but don’t lean on them or use them for support. Leaning on the railings or the display will detract from your workout’s intensity and could throw off your balance.

When getting off the treadmill, wait until the belt comes to a full stop, then step on the side rails and onto the floor. If the belt is moving too fast and you need to use the side rails as a safety measure, step onto them and immediately slow the belt speed. Do not attempt to jump onto a moving belt from the side rails.

#3: Pay Attention

When using your treadmill, make sure that you are paying attention at all times. Never run with your eyes closed. Surprisingly, this is one of the most common reasons people fall off treadmills.

Pay attention to what is going on around you. If older children or other adults are around, advise them you are on the treadmill. If you are listening to music, make sure you can hear ambient noise in the room in case someone needs to get your attention.

Know your limitations and exercise within them. Never run faster than you feel comfortable. Never “test” your limits by attempting a speed you can’t manage. Slowly increase your speed until you feel comfortable and then adjust from there. Don’t just hit 9mph and then try to keep up!

Only get on a treadmill if you feel 100%. If you feel poorly, exercising is never advisable.

Avoid looking at televisions not directly in front of the treadmill. Keep your eyes forward. Try not to turn and look at other people or objects in the room while you are running. This can throw off your balance and cause a fall. Also, your body tends to follow your gaze, so if you look left, you may find your stride drifts left slightly. This could cause your foot to hit the side rail and cause a fall.

Do not drink out of a bottle while jogging or running. Always make sure you’re walking at a slow pace while hydrating.

#4: Wear Proper Gear

Wear proper running shoes with laces tied tightly. Shoes with worn tread and loose laces can–and do–cause slipping and falling.

Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing that can get tangled up in or on the machine.

Headphones with cords should be avoided. They, too, can become a trip hazard or tangled distraction.

Do not drape a jacket, towel or other clothing over the handrails where it can slip onto the belt and tangle your feet.

Treadmill Safety Tips After Use:

#1: Remove Safety Key, Turn off, Unplug, and Lock Machine Properly

Remove and store the safety key away from the treadmill. Put the key in the same place after every use. Make sure it is up high and away from where children could find it.

Turn off the treadmill power switch. Most treadmills have a power switch close to where the cord goes into the base of the machine. Find this switch and turn it off after every use.

Unplug the treadmill and move the cord so it’s not dangling right in front of a wall outlet. Make it as difficult as possible for a child to accidentally turn on the machine.

Fold up and lock the machine as instructed. Some treadmills fold and some don’t. Make sure the treadmill is properly folded and locked according to the manufacturer’s directions.

When possible, exit the room and lock the door behind you.

Enjoy Your Treadmill

Treadmills are an excellent way to exercise in the safety of your own home. With these common-sense safety measures and good maintenance, owners can use and enjoy their treadmills safely for many years. If you’re looking for a treadmill that suits your home and cardio needs, check out reviews of our recommended treadmills.

The post Important Treadmill Safety Tips appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

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Who It’s For: Cyclists looking for an economic studio bike with tech that rivals more expensive models

The s15i includes some great features that make it a good option for new cyclists:

• Economically priced for a great at-home training experience
• The bike is very quiet so you can ride any time of day
• Automated Incline/Decline automatically lifts the bike while you ride
• Includes iFit coaches, classes and outdoor routes for all levels of training
• Comfortable design with three adjustment points so you can find the right fit
• Offers a good combination of features provides new cyclists great tech on an affordable bike

Our Video Review

In-depth Review of the s15i Studio Cycle

Construction

Steel Frame

• The base, stabilizers and posts on the s15i are all steel. Handlebars are coated with a soft grip material. Black plastic molding protects intersecting joints and post shafts. Some serious engineering went into designing this bike. Wires and cables are internal, the drive train is quiet, and the frame is surprisingly solid for a bike that pivots up and down.
• Points of Adjustment are well-designed. There are three adjustment points on the s15i to help different size riders find proper bike fit:
  • Forward/Aft adjustment on the seat carriage moves the saddle forward and back.
  • Up/Down adjustment via the stem post lifts and lowers the seat carriage.
  • Up/Down adjustment in the handlebar post lifts the handlebars to the appropriate height.
  • You can tilt the seat slightly up or down by loosening the bolt on the seat carriage. Retighten when you find the right angle. This adjustment requires a wrench.

Geometry

• s15i Studio Bike geometry resembles a road bike. Handlebars are designed to be in line with the saddle. Rather than angle up at a 120 degree angle, the s15i handlebars extend forward parallel to the floor and so riders lean forward while riding rather than sit up. This position might seem uncomfortable initially, but it facilitates greater hamstring and glute engagement as opposed to a repetitively quad-dominant downward stroke. It also more similarly mimics outdoor road bike riding.

FlyWheel: 32 Pounds, Inertia-enhanced

• The 32pound flywheel is a good weight and size. The heavier a flywheel is, the more momentum it will develop as it spins. This inertia keeps the pedal motion smooth. The inertia-enhanced feature on the s15i means the flywheel utilizes this extra rotational energy so you get a clean pedal stroke without any jerkiness as you ride.
• Benefits of Magnetic Resistance:
  • No need to replace parts. There are no brake pads or friction points on the belt or flywheel with magnetic resistance. This reduces the need to replace parts that wear out due to friction.
  • Magnetic resistance is practically silent. Because there is no contact or friction, the flywheel doesn’t make noise while spinning or braking. Conversely, flywheel resistance from either wind resistance or brake pad contact produce substantial noise.
  • Magnetic resistance can be specifically calibrated and measured. This enables the s15i to provide 24 levels of resistance that are always the same.

Saddle: Adjusts forward/aft and up/down. Replaceable.

• Comfort: One area the s15i could use a bit of improvement is in saddle comfort.
  • Typically, on an indoor bike you want a narrow, very slightly padded seat with a smooth surface to prevent moisture build-up. A narrow design allows the leg to move freely with each pedal rotation without too much thigh friction from the saddle itself. Overly wide or padded saddles feel better initially, but they are more likely to cause friction sores on the inside of the thigh due to increased surface area.
  • The saddle is designed well, but it feels a little stiff. Comparatively, the Peloton bike has a more comfortable seat.
• Compatibility: Saddle can be replaced with any compatible bike seat.

Pedals: Flat with cages. Replaceable

• Included pedals have a flat surface with cages for secure foothold
• Pedals can be swapped out for clipless pedals (road or SPD) if desired

Console/Controls

Screen: 14″ Touchscreen

• • Size: I like the size of the s15i screen. Although it is slightly smaller than the s22i, it retains the QuickTouch controls on the bevel which are easy to see and reach. The tilting motion makes it so you can eliminate any overhead glare.
  • Screen Movement: The tilting motion makes it so you can eliminate any overhead glare. It also swivels 360 degrees so you can stand to the side of the bike while doing weights or other iFit classes.

• Resolution: The screen features crisp graphics and bright resolution. You can adjust screen settings in the touchscreen menu. Resolution is factory set to match a moderate-speed internet, so if you have quick WiFi, turn the resolution up when you set up your bike.
• Touchscreen: Touchscreen capabilities are responsive. Even with sweaty hands or while riding, I found the touchscreen controls to be easily navigable. Occasionally I had to tap something twice, but it wasn’t often or inconvenient.
• Functionality: The combination of good screen size, crisp graphics, and touchscreen capability makes the overall functionality of the touchscreen top notch.

Handlebars: Adjust up/down. Multiple grips

• Design: The handlebars have a horizontal grip bar, tri-position resting loop, and grip bar extensions that angle up gently on either side.
• Comfort: The handlebars are coated with a spongy grip material that is soft on hands and arms. The overall design and comfort of the handlebars facilitates good position while riding.

Accessories

• Fans: The fans attached below the screen produce good air flow. You can adjust the direction of the fans by tilting the screen. I’ve read reviews about the fan producing a squeaking noise, but I didn’t notice this. My fan is pretty quiet in general.
• Weights: Two, 3 pound weights are included with the bike. These rest on a tray in between the handlebars and screen.
• There is no Tablet Holder or shelf for phone storage. You could try to rest a phone in one of the water bottle cups, but it might bounce out. Best option is to set a phone gently to the side while riding.

Storage

• Storage Cups: Two storage cups are positioned just underneath the handlebars. These will hold a moderate-sized water bottle.

Functionality

Incline / Decline range

The +20% incline and -10% decline is innovative tech. While most spin bikes use resistance to simulate grade, the s15i will actually pivot to match the grade while you ride. There are three benefits to this:

• You can ride without having to constantly adjust the resistance and incline. One of the complaints I read frequently with other bikes is, if a rider misses a cue or doesn’t hear the trainer, they don’t know what level they are supposed to be working. With the automated incline/decline and resistance in iFit, the bike will adjust for you so you can just ride along without having to constantly listen for the trainer to tell you what to do. iFit coaches inform you what is coming up, but you don’t have to make all the manual adjustments.
• The auto incline/decline feature more closely simulates outdoor riding. Rather than have to create a hill incline, the s15i pivots so you ride up a real incline while the bike selectively increases the resistance to match. This means you can focus on maintaining cadence and proper form rather than be distracted with continual adjustments. It is a much more
• The combination of incline and resistance (as opposed to resistance alone) offers more training variables and more intense strength training. Level 22 resistance on a +20% incline is more challenging than a 22 resistance on a flat road. Thus, the s15i provides greater training combinations and more advanced resistance combinations than standard indoor bikes that stay level.

Resistance Levels

• 22 Resistance levels offer abundant training combinations. The digital resistance is also consistent each time at each level for more accurate metrics. Magnetic resistance is frictionless and quiet and doesn’t cause as much wear on the bike.

Pre-programmed workouts

The s15i features onboard workouts that are not a part of iFit.

• Manual Workout: A white track and stat bar display stats and distance. You can manually adjust the incline and resistance to create your own workout.
• Maps: Select from an array of full-color Google map images. Display options include: Street View; Map View; Satelite; and Rotate (which toggles between views). The images update every few seconds as you ride. There is no audio included, so these are a great option when you want to listen to your own playlist or podcast.
• Interval, Strength, Speed, Calorie Burn: Pre-programmed workouts display a graph of the overall routine. The bike will adjust incline and resistance to match your selected workout. These are of varying length and intensity.

iFit Subscription

iFit is included free for the first month with up to five profiles. The iFit library is diverse and the graphics on the outdoor rides are excellent. Workouts include the following:

• Indoor Trainer-Led Cycling Classes: These classes feel like you’re taking a spin class virtually. They take place inside a studio with an instructor and often other participants are taking the class with the instructor in person. As you’re riding, the resistance level and incline level will change with the instructor’s cues, or you can change it yourself at any time. There are a wide variety of classes that have different goals such as tabata, HIIT, hill training and more. There are both live and on-demand indoor classes available. You can also compete on a leaderboard to see how you rank against other members who are taking and have taken the class (if you aren’t taking it live). The music plays from set radio stations of your choice. Each station has a preset list of classes in that genre. We wish that the music was integrated into the indoor cycling classes, because they often are in in-person cycling classes. This way the instructor can play songs that coordinate with what is happening in the class. Such as faster songs for sprints, and slower, intense songs for hills. We miss this in iFit’s indoor cycling classes.
• Outdoor Trainer-Led Cycling Classes: We are constantly impressed with iFit’s outdoor content. You can take classes in areas all over the world. In the cycling classes, a trainer rides a bike and is followed by a camera. The camera will also pan to the surrounding landscapes as well. These classes also use auto adjust to change the resistance/incline on the bike for you. You can override this at any time. These classes are our favorite to take because the graphics are clear and it makes it feel like you’re there. Plus, the trainer will often talk about the location and provide some fun facts about it, too. The music in these classes are from the same set of stations as the indoor classes, so it’s a background component also.
• Studio-Based Combo Classes: These classes let you get a total body workout. Part of the class is spent on the bike and part of the class is on a mat sometimes using weights or just bodyweight exercises. These are filmed just like the other full-bike indoor cycling classes.
• Classes Off Of The Bike: In addition to cycling classes, there are also classes that you can take on other equipment from NordicTrack and ProForm such as treadmill, rowing, and elliptical classes. Plus, there’s classes off the equipment like yoga, meditation, and strength training. You can take these on the bike or on the app from your phone or TV.

Noise Level

• • When pedaling: The s15i is remarkably silent. The magnetic resistance doesn’t create much noise at all while pedalling or when braking.
  • When adjusting incline: There is a motor noise when the bike adjusts incline, but this isn’t constant and it isn’t too loud. I would compare it to the noise made by a treadmill when it inclines or declines.
  • Speakers: The speakers produce good volume, which is nice when riding, but it could be loud to others in the room, especially since the speakers are in the back of the screen. Play around with the volume a little initially to determine where you want to place your bike. Positioning the bike facing a c

orner will mitigate how much volume you project into the room.

Storage / Folding

The s15i does not fold up, but it does have wheels on the front stabilizer. The bike is a bit heavy, but you can pivot it forward and roll it out of the way if needed. It also has a relatively compact footprint so you can slide it alongside a wall or tuck it in a corner. My only recommendation would be to make sure and remove the weights prior to tilting and rolling the bike. I forgot to remove the weights once when attempting to move the bike and they both fell off, barely missing my toe and the screen.

Items of Note

Aside from a slightly stiff seat, I found the s15i to be sturdy and well-designed. You can swap out the pedals and the seat with a different set if desired.

The post NordicTrack s15i Exercise Bike Review – Pros & Con’s (2024) appeared first on Treadmill Review Guru.

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The Echelon Reflect 50” is a workout mirror that projects classes and training content in your own home. When not in use, it looks like a regular mirror, but when activated, it displays personal-trainer led classes and workouts that can be done at any time. This innovative equipment is one of just a few workout mirrors on the market today. With many people looking to exercise at home for both convenience and safety, there is a demand for new options and Echelon looks to fill this niche with the Reflect mirror.

Who It’s For: Users looking for new and innovative ways to workout at home using what otherwise looks like a regular mirror

The Reflect 50” Mirror provides a few unique features that may be of interest to users who:

• Want the safety of working out at home
• Value convenience
• Don’t have space for a full home gym
• Want trainer-led content that is updated regularly
• Have wall space for a large mirror
• Are disciplined to use the Reflect regularly for best results

Quick Summary

The Echelon Reflect 50” mirror is a smart mirror you can hang anywhere in your home to do workouts at your convenience. The Echelon FitPass subscription gives you access to both on demand and live classes you can enjoy with other participants. Many subscription apps can be streamed on a home television screen, some of which are nearly as large as the 50” Reflect mirror. One benefit of the Reflect is it hangs vertically in portrait position so unlike a television screen which is usually horizontal (landscape), you can see more of your full body reflected as you workout. There is some expense to both the Reflect and the app, so while this is a good option for those who consistently workout at home, it is not necessarily cheaper than a membership to a gym or boutique facility. This piece of equipment is designed to replace your gym expenses with an at-home option that doubles as a normal accessory on your wall when not in use.

In-depth Review of the Echelon Reflect 50” Mirror

Construction

Mirror Surface:

• The Reflect mirror itself is 47.75″ High, 24″ Wide, and about 2” Deep. It is 3mm thick and has a nice black bezel around the perimeter of the mirror which makes it look chic on your wall. The 50” Reflect mirror features a 32” HD touchscreen display so you can select and watch classes with ease. The mirror weighs 52 pounds, so it is heavy and requires proper installation. Echelon uses a NANO crystal coating and fingerprint resistant glass on the Reflect. While this is designed to eliminate fingerprints on the glass, that is nearly impossible to do and so we recommend users wipe down the Reflect after each use to minimize fingerprint residue.

Technology:

• The Reflect 50” mirror uses an Android 7.1 operating system and has a built-in 1080p 60 Hz touchscreen. We found the screen to be mostly clear — sometimes it is hard to see both your reflection and the instructor’s image at the same time. While the screen itself seems clear, the overlapping images sometimes make the experience feel blurred or fuzzy. The Reflect features a 1.8 GHz Quad core CPU, so it is essentially a computer that reflects your image. There are speakers that project both the instructor’s cues and music in the background. It is Bluetooth enabled, so it will sync with a compatible chest strap and the Reflect has an 8 megapixel front-facing camera that is supposedly there for future 1:1 coaching. Echelon does not currently offer this feature. One thing to note is the Reflect mirror requires a 100v-240v power outlet, so you will need to hang this over or adjacent to a plug. This is one consideration when deciding where to place the mirror.

Control

Touchscreen

• Touchscreen functionality is adequate; there were a few times we had to tap the screen twice to access a feature. And while the touchscreen capability is nice, it really is hard to not see fingerprints in the Reflect mirror. Several users have noted that using your phone to access content is not necessarily any harder and it keeps the mirror clean and easy to see. From the touchscreen, you can access your favorite class, or select by instructor, class type or length. A few more filtering options would be helpful like having an ABS subheading under STRENGTH, etc. The screen also displays your heart rate, estimated calorie burn, a bar that shows time elapsed and time remaining, and also icons of other participants who are taking the class at the same time. While you can’t see them, you do see a box of their metrics for comparison.

Layout

• The portrait layout allows for more of a full-body image. Time elapsed is displayed via a color bar along the top of the Reflect. The instructor’s full-body is displayed in the center of the mirror and this is where your image is reflected as well. Metrics of heart rate and calorie burn show on the user’s right just below the instructor image; and a list of other class participants shows at the very bottom. The screen layout is nice and navigation is easy. When selecting a class, you can touch your preferred category and then scroll down through any number of options. The Reflect mirror also tracks your progress and allows you to select upcoming Live classes.

Storage

• When not in use, the Reflect mirror looks like a regular mirror. Even though the Reflect has a clean, sophisticated design, it is a bit too large to look like a standard mirror and a bit too small to pass as a full-length mirror, so even though it looks nice, it still resonates as a piece of fitness equipment. Also, as mentioned above, the Reflect requires a power outlet, so that is another thing to consider when determining placement. It is not advised to move the Reflect mirror around as it is very fragile. Don’t try to place it on a stool or chair to elevate the height because the weight is an issue. Appropriately hanging the Reflect mirror with the proper mounting hardware is recommended when you first receive it.

Required Equipment

• Echelon has several equipment packages you can choose that include some workout items. The basic package includes cycling shoes, a yoga mat, water bottle and 2lb weights. The upgraded kit includes the basic package plus a heart rate chest strap and the family plan includes the basic package plus two chest straps and two pairs of shoes. The cost of these packages range from $126 for the basic package, $206 for the upgraded package, and $312 for the family package.

Classes

Navigation

• Classes are organized by categories initially which can be accessed via the touchscreen. Simply scroll through to find the class you want. Some of the categories only contain a few classes. While Echelon claims to be building a database of classes, one regular complaint is a lack of options. There are both live classes and pre recorded classes, but more of both would be advantageous.

Intensity

• As most exercisers know, it is hard to match the full intensity of a class at home. There’s something motivating about working out with and around others. While the Reflect does display the name of other participants, you don’t see them, so it’s not super motivating. The instructors cue good form and intensity is up to the user, but we had a hard time breaking a sweat in several classes. It’s also a bit distracting to constantly be watching yourself. I occasionally became so preoccupied with my form and physique I lost the motivation of the instructor. Currently, there are as many or more of the toning, yoga and stretching classes as there are the more intense cardio and Zumba classes.

Diversity

• Class categories seem diverse enough. We could use more long classes of 45-60 minutes and a greater range of class options would be nice.

Length

• Most classes range from 10-30 minutes. There are currently very few classes at 45 or 60 minutes.

Music

• The music is preset and cannot be changed. Also, music volume and instructor volume are linked, so you can’t turn the music up or the instructor down. Music is adequate but more of a background effect; don’t expect it to carry you along.

Functionality

Mid-Sized Mirror May Be Limiting for Some Users

• The Reflect mirror is 50” high, so it will reflect much – but not all – of your body while exercising. It is beneficial to be able to see yourself and this is one of Reflects biggest selling points — it’s more than just another TV screen. However, the 50 vertical inches is somewhat limiting as it requires the Reflect mirror be hung at the right height. If you lean the mirror against the wall, you have to stand quite a ways back to see your head. Also, if you have more than one user, you’ll need to approximate the best height to allow everyone adequate reflection. If you hang it too high, shorter users will miss their legs and feet. If you hang it too low, taller users won’t be able to see their head. Also, due to the width of the mirror, you don’t see your hands or forearms when doing lateral raises, etc. Cardio exercises such as side to side jumps could also push you outside the lateral boundaries of the mirror.

Heart Rate Monitoring

• One of the benefits of the Reflect mirror is integrated heart rate monitoring that syncs with your Bluetooth chest strap. Your heart rate appears on the screen and this gives you metrics in real time. You can correlate your heart rate with the class outline or challenge yourself to stay in or work outside of a certain range. Heart rate classes allow users at all conditioning levels to find the right exertion for them. If your heart rate quickly jumps with just moderate movements, then that helps you regulate your exertion levels appropriately so you don’t wear yourself out. If you are fit and need a bit more of a challenge, your reflected heart rate gives you an idea of how much more intensity to add to each movement. Heart rate conditioning is extremely beneficial when training, especially at home, since you know exactly how hard your body is working.

Reflective Screen

• The screen is very reflective, which is great for seeing yourself. However, sometimes this makes it hard to see the instructor clearly. The instructor image is also quite a bit smaller than your reflected image (depending on how far back you stand from the mirror), so there is some disparity in the size of your reflection (quite large) and the instructor (comparatively small).

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