Fred Waters
Free
Treadmill and Elliptical Trainer Reviews Expert
Fred Waters Quick Facts
I worked for a number of years as the head of marketing for Smooth Fitness. They are a leading online seller of treadmill and elliptical trainers. I learned a great deal about the fitness industry and how products are manufacturered and marketed.
When I left I developed a couple of web sites devoted to helping consumer purchase the right exercise equipment for their fitness goals. Both are now popular resources for reviews and ratings.
Buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer can be very confusing. Prices range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. The goal is to find a machine that will accommodate your needs and still be within your budget. On one hand you don't want a fitness machine that is a toy, on the other hand you don't need one that is commercial grade.
My reviews and insight are from personally testing equipment and feedback from customers and industry professionals. It is rewarding helping people get on the right track to health and fitness.
Regards,
Fred
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Article
A Review of NordicTrack iFit Live Technology
During my recent trip to the Icon Fitness headquarters in Logan, UT, I had the opportunity to test iFit Live on a NordicTrack Treadmill. Icon Fitness is the parent company for a number of fitness brands including NordicTrack, ProForm, Weslo, Gold's Gym, Reebok and Epic. Being one of the largest fitness equipment companies in the world they have the resources to spend on research and development. The results are some of the most innovative features found on any treadmill. iFit Live is a case in point. There are basically two features to iFit Live.
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Treadmill Running vs. Outdoor Running
As a runner, nothing compares to running al fresco, in addition to the fact you have the benefit of taking your four legged friend with you. I live in an area where there are miles of trails through the woods, and you can't beat that experience. I get my outdoor fix while burning calories and getting in shape. The hills give me an added challenge.
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Choosing the Best Treadmill for Your Body and Budget
A treadmill is an investment…an investment in a piece of fitness equipment, and an investment in your health. As with any investment, it’s a good idea to do your research before spending any money. To get the most for your money, you need to be an informed shopper. What should you know about choosing the best treadmill for you? What are your fitness goals?
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Smooth Fitness Agile DMT Review
The problem with the fitness equipment industry is a lack of innovation. The business of building fitness machines is in a rut. The one exception is elliptical trainers. The concept behind the design is rather innovative - a machine that provides a low-impact workout, and exercising the upper ...The problem with the fitness equipment industry is a lack of innovation. The business of building fitness machines is in a rut. The one exception is elliptical trainers.
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Article
Do Treadmills with TVs Make Sense?
Is there anyone that would disagree with the fact that exercising on a treadmill is boring? No matter how hard your push yourself, you never get anywhere. It is not like exercising outdoors where you have a constant change of scenery. That is why in health clubs you’ll find a row of ...Is there anyone that would disagree with the fact that exercising on a treadmill is boring? No matter how hard your push yourself, you never get anywhere. It is not like exercising outdoors where you have a constant change of scenery.
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Treadmill vs. Elliptical Trainer: Which is Better?
The two most popular exercise machines are treadmills and elliptical trainers. Although treadmills still outsell ellipticals, crosstrainer sales are growing at a faster pace. So if you are looking to get into shape and loose a few pounds, which machine is best for you? The Advantages of a ...The two most popular exercise machines are treadmills and elliptical trainers. Although treadmills still outsell ellipticals, crosstrainer sales are growing at a faster pace. So if you are looking to get into shape and loose a few pounds, which machine is best for you?
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Article
Tips on Buying an Elliptical Trainer
The goal when buying an elliptical trainer is to get the best value in your price range. Just like most products, there are certain elliptical brands and models that offer a better bang for your dollar. Below is a list of considerations to assist you in making the right buying decision. Cheap ...The goal when buying an elliptical trainer is to get the best value in your price range. Just like most products, there are certain elliptical brands and models that offer a better bang for your dollar. Below is a list of considerations to assist you in making the right buying decision.
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10 Steps to Buying the Right Elliptical Trainer
You tried out an elliptical trainer at a local fitness equipment store and you really loved it! You’ve since decided that you want to buy an elliptical machine to use at home. However, you aren’t quite certain what to look for to ensure that you get a quality elliptical trainer that will meet your exercise needs. What should you look for in an elliptical trainer? Here are a few tips on buying an elliptical trainer:
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Article
Getting Fit with Kettlebells
There are numerous paths to fitness. Getting fit with kettlebells is one of the quickest, most effective paths. What makes kettlebell workouts so efficient? Getting fit with kettlebells involves total body integration and combining resistance training with cardio exercises. By working the upper and lower body simultaneously, calories are burned more effectively, muscles are strengthened and toned in a timely manner, and a marked improvement in endurance and flexibility is soon noticed. How many other exercises can produce such positive results so quickly?
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Are You Emailing Your Local Customers? Why Not?
Who is your best prospect for your next sale? You existing customers! It never ceases to amaze me how local businesses neglect their current clientele. They go through considerable trouble and cost to convert prospects to customers, and I am sure they realize customers are a precious ...
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Favorite Quotes & Thoughts from Fred Waters
When buying fitness equipment be an educated consumer. Don't get caught up in the hype. Shop wisely by testing and comparing products. Use the power of the Internet to check out reviews from both customers and professionals.
A treadmill or elliptical trainer can be an expensive investment. Use common sense. For example, regardless of what the manufacturer states a $500 treadmill is not going to accommodate a 300 lb. indivdiual. And that same treadmill is not going to hold up under extensive use.
Contacting Fred Waters
If you have any questions regarding purchasing a treadmill or elliptical trainer you can email me at fredwat@earthlink.net. I try to answer all your inquiries promptly.
Regards,
Fred Waters
How to get started
If you are in the market for a treadmill or elliptical trainer you need to consider the following:
- What are your fitness goals? (weight loss, toning, cardio training)
- For treadmills, will you use it for walking, jogging or running?
- How many people will use the equipment and how many hours per week will it be in service?
- How many pre-installed motivational programs do you require?
- Do you want wireless heart rate control?
- How tall or heavy are the users? Tall individuals need treadmills with long belts and elliptical trainers will long strides. Heavy users need machine that can withstand the additional impact and strain.
When considering a treadmill or elliptical trainer you want to consider the following:
- The company reputation for not only quality control, but equally important, customer service.
- The length of the warranty. The warranty is often a reflection on the quality of the equipment.
- Customer reviews. You can find reviews on my sites, and also epionions.com, Amazon and many of the retailers that sell fitness equipment.
I also recommend you go out and test some machines. In particular, go to fitness equipment specialty stores. The salespeople are usually very informed, although they also work on commission and will push their products.
Consider buying online. Often you can get discounts and avoid paying state sales tax.
Most important when buying a treadmill or elliptical trainer - Use It!. From my experience you won't burn any calories when your exercise machine becomes a clothes hangar.