Sole F80 Treadmill Review
December 5, 2011 by Mohamed
Filed under Best Treadmill To Buy, Exercise, Exercise Equipment, Fitness Equipment, Sole Treadmills, Treadmills, Weight Loss
Best Treadmill – Sole F80
Pros
- Easy folding
- Sturdy construction
- Warranty covers labor for two years
- 15 percent incline
- Large belt
- Assembly can be challenging
- Built-in fans are weak
Product Features
- Folding treadmill with 3.0-horsepower continuous-duty motor
- Vibrant 7.5-inch LCD display with integrated speakers and audio cable
- 6 standard workouts, 2 custom workouts, and 2 HR-controlled workouts
- Easy Assist folding deck design; Cushion Flex shock-absorption system
- 350-pound capacity; measures 33 x 80 inches (W x D); weighs 250 pounds
Product Description
The Sole F80 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the highest-quality treadmills in its price range, with an unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. Sole
took the F80 to the next level in 2011, however, adding a longer deck, a better display, and a fresh new look. The changes make the treadmill a great choice for moderate to athletic runners who don’t want to spend several thousands of dollars but still want a powerful, tough machine. All Sole treadmills are outfitted with powder-coated, all-steel welded frames and heavy-duty, stable inclines. The F80 also includes an industrial-quality 3.0-horsepower continuous-duty motor and all-steel zinc-coated balanced flywheel, creating a secure, quiet, vibration-free running/walking surface. The flywheel is much heavier than most other brands, giving runners the fluid motion they’re accustomed to at the gym. To accommodate runners with balky joints, Sole added its low-impact, whisper-quiet Cushion Flex deck. The Cushion Flex system greatly reduces the impact to your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine, making it comfortable for frequent runners or for users with running- and walking-related injuries. In a recent study, researchers concluded that the Cushion Flex deck reduced impact up to 40 percent as compared to running on asphalt.
 TheF80′s console includes a vibrant 7.5-inch LCD display and an integrated sound system. |
The F80 makes it easy to track your workout progress via the vibrant 7.5-inch LCD display, which includes windows for speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. The console also sports a 1/4-mile track and a peak-and-valley graph for different programs, along with an integrated sound system for listening to your iPod or MP3 player (the system includes built-in speakers and a sound cord that
plugs into your player’s headphone jack). Perhaps the handiest feature is the integrated message board, which offers scrolling messages that walk you through the treadmill’s features or the workout itself. The message board will also recap your entire routine after you’re finished, so you can see your progress from workout to workout.
The F80 comes complete with two heart-rate-controlled workout options, so you can customize the workout specifically to your needs. Throughout your HR workout, the treadmill will display a heart rate zone graph on the console while adjusting the incline to keep you in your target zone (the treadmill includes a wireless chest strap that touts a 99.9 percent accuracy rating). The remainder of the time, you can challenge yourself with the six automatic programs or two customizable programs.
And to reduce space, the F80 boasts an Easy Assist folding deck design. This unique feature allows you to release the deck, step back, and watch the deck unfold itself. When you’re done with your workout, simply fold it back up and store it out of the way. Other features include cooling fans, a large stop switch, armrest speed and incline controls, a 20-by-60-inch running bet, and a low-profile running hood.
 Thetreadmill’s Easy Assist folding deck helps save space in crowded homes. |
Specifications:
- Motor: 3.0 horsepower continuous duty, DC type
- Speed: 0.5 to 11 miles per hour
- Incline: 15 percent maximum, rack-and-pinion gear design
- Deck design: Cushion Flex shock absorption, whisper quiet
- Running surface: 20 by 60 inches
- Belt: Double-woven 2 ply
- Rollers: 2-3/4 inches
- Folding: Yes, with Easy Assist folding feature
- Heart rate control: Yes, with wireless chest strap
- Hand pulse grips: Yes, with armrest speed/incline controls
- Display: Backlit blue LCD, 7.5 inches
- Message window: Yes, scrolling info
- Standard programs: 6
- User-defined programs: 2
- Heart rate programs: 2
- Cooling fans: Yes
- Capacity: 350 pounds
- Dimensions: 33 by 80 inches (W x D)
- Weight: 250 pounds
- Warranties: Lifetime on motor, deck, and frame; 5 years on electronics,
belt, rollers, and other wear components; 2 years on labor
Amazon Reviews
66 Customer reviews rate this a 4-star product.
Shop for more treadmills on Amazon.
Struggling To Lose Weight? Buy A Belt
March 18, 2011 by Mohamed
Filed under Exercise Equipment, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Articles and News
Are you struggling to lose weight? Have you tried every diet out there, purchased every book (including this one that’s been on the Amazon Top 100 list for 30 days — The 17 Day Diet) and still nothing.
Well I have a solution for you. Buy a belt.
Yes, it is that simple. Buy yourself a good quality belt, and wear it. Keep it tight, so that when you sit down you feel as if you will burst if you don’t loosen it up a bit.
How does “The Belt” work? Simple, because the belt is tight and you feel like you will burst at the seams you will end up eating less. In fact if you start your meal with a couple of glasses of water you will even feel full!
Any belt will do. It can be the latest haut couture belt, or a plain-jane leather belt. If you are the PETA type, forgo leather and use something man made like rope (though rope is a little more difficult to work with). You could even try synthetic materials!
Basically the belt works by tightening your pants (or whatever you are wearing) and compressing your waist but because your stomach then bulges over top of the pants when you sit you don’t feel like eating because you feel as if you’ll explode.
Also when people see you can’t get into the chair, or if you can get it you can’t move because your stomach is pressed against the table so you can’t even reach your food it will embarrass you sufficiently enough to high-tail it right out of wherever you are.
The Belt. It could work, just try it. You’ve probably already spent a fortune on other diet programs, and books – so why not give The Belt a try?
You can get belts at most major clothing retailers, you might even be able to find some awesome belts on Amazon.
PS: The Belt is not only a great weight loss technique, but it could also count as a weight loss equipment.
Forget Anti-Aging Creams – Buy A Treadmill
March 5, 2011 by Mohamed
Filed under Treadmills, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Articles and News
Most anti-aging creams cost a small fortune, so why bother with them? In an article that I read recently, the proverbial “fountain of youth” is the lowly treadmill.
In an article on The Vancouver Sun (click here to read it), researchers have found that the humble, lowly treadmill can actually reverse aging. In mice at least.
Here are some excerpts from that article:
In what could stand as the most powerful evidence yet that exercise prolongs life, a study by McMaster University researchers in Hamilton found that signs of premature aging were halted -and even reversed -in virtually every tissue and organ in the bodies of exercised mice.
The finding, which could be a turning point in anti-aging medicine, suggests the proverbial fountain of youth won’t come from a pill or from an exotic berry from the Amazon, but rather plain old exercise.
Mice genetically altered to age faster were forced to run on treadmills for 45 minutes, three times a week.
Five months later, the mice looked as young, healthy and active as wild-type mice -mice that didn’t have the genetic mutation -while their sedentary and same-aged siblings were balding, greying and shrinking.
Nintendo Wii Games To Help You Move
September 12, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Exercise Equipment
Just a quick post today – check out this site Top Wii Games for 2010 for an excellent post on the Top Wii Games to help you get moving! I recently bought my son a Nintendo Wii Fit and he’s been using it regularly. While he isn’t big at 7 years old he’s tall for his age, we want to ensure that he doesn’t gain weight. Because he has bad allergies, he needs to be inside a little more than other kids. We’ve found that the Wii Fit helps keep him active and he enjoys “playing” it.
5 Reasons Why You Need A Treadmill
August 31, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Exercise, Exercise Equipment, Treadmills, Weight Loss
So why are treadmills the #1 home exercise machine choice among buyers? Well, here are five reasons treadmills come out on ahead of other exercise machines year after year. Here are the top 5 ways home treadmill workouts can help you lose weight and get in great shape!
Reason #1: A Treadmill is the PERFECT exercise machine for those who hate exercise!
We all know that in order to lose weight, get firm & fight gravity’s pull, exercise is a must!
But what do you do if you don’t LIKE working out?
What if your motto is “I don’t exercise. If God meant us to touch our toes, He would have put them higher on our bodies.”? What if you get bored or don’t like logging hours in the gym with all those muscle boys or short-shorts women?
One viable option is the home treadmill, because of all the things it allows you to do to FORGET that you are exercising in the first place!
You can set it up in front of the television and watch your favorite episode of ER or Oprah. An hour will fly by and you won’t even notice that you’ve been walking (or running)!
What about popping in your favorite CD and taking an invigorating power walk? You’ll be burning a truckload of calories without even realizing you’re sweating!
Many treadmills also come with a magazine or book rack.
What about walking uphill (a HUGE calorie burner) while reading the latest edition of Woman’s World? Or Time? Or your favorite novel?
How easy is that?
Treadmills are perfect for those people who get bored easily or hate exercising because they allow you to do so many things WHILE using them. (for all of us multi-tasking queens and kings!)
Reason #2: A Treadmill is Unmatched For Workout Versatility!
Most funky fly-by-night exercise gadgets out there only allow you to do one thing. One repetitive motion that your body will quickly get used to (and that means less calories burned!)
A treadmill on the other hand gives you a LOT of workout versatility!
If you’re just starting an exercise program you can start with a slow walk and then speed it up as your body gets into better shape. If you’re training for a marathon, you can run at a steady pace and even build in sprints.
You can power walk or do a slow steady jog. You can skip if you want to or build in fast-walk-slow-walk intervals. Many treadmills will let you walk uphill (which explodes the number calories burned!). Some will even let you walk downhill (a great way to cross-train).
Some treadmills come with handweights to incorporate into your workout. (Building muscle WHILE burning calories is a double weight loss whammy!)
There are countless ways you can vary your workout with a treadmill so that you continue to challenge your body and burn those calories!
Reason #3: A Treadmill Can Help You Burn MORE Calories by Increasing Your Exercise Time!
Did you know that a new 3 year study conducted by the University of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business has found that consumers are overpaying for gym services? The study concludes that most people overestimate how often they will use their gym membership and that most don’t visit the gym often enough to justify their membership costs.
I may be going out on a limb here but I suspect that the reason may be that many people just don’t have the time to go. But here’s where a home treadmill can help you actually increase your workout time and frequency (which means more calories burned…)
Did you know that experts tell us that 2 x 15-minute workouts can give us the same exercise benefits as 1 x 30-minute workout?
And did you also know that the number one obstacle that keeps people from exercising is ‘lack of time’? (that explains those gym study results above doesn’ it?)
Here’s where a home treadmill can help:
A treadmill allows you to split your workouts up into mini-workouts and still burn just as many calories! Maybe you want to go for a 15 minute wake-up walk in the morning. Maybe it’s a 20-minute light jog at lunch. What about a 10-minute power walk just before dinner to curb your appetite or fight night-time boredom?
Many of us just don’t have the time to take 45 minutes to an hour to go to the gym every day. But most people can find 15 minutes during the day. Three of those mini-15-minute workouts and you’ve just done that 45 minutes!
And remember, whether it’s 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 or 20, it all adds up in weight loss! With a treadmill, YOU’RE in charge of your workout time!
Reason #4: A Treadmill Gives You the Benefit of All-Year-Round ANY Time Exercise!
Ok, here it is: in my opinion one of the MOST IMPORTANT benefits of having a home treadmill is :CONVENIENCE, CONVENIENCE, CONVENIENCE! If you live in northern climates you know that walking or jogging in the snow and ice is NOT the definition of fun.
What about when it’s raining? Scratch exercise off the list today! What about when it’s late or really early and the gym isn’t open? Forget about that workout today!
A home treadmill can be one of the best exercise comforts around because you can use it regardless of the weather or time.
How many times have we gained some unwanted winter weight and then exercised like crazy when the weather turned fair, trying to get it off? What a pain!
With a treadmill you can look great all year round because you’re not missing those winter workouts!
AND you can also exercise any time in any type of clothing you want (no worrying about wearing that ratty t-shirt to the gym!). Call me petty but this is a huge convenience!
Reason #5: By Using the Large Muscles of the Legs, A Treadmill Is Helps You Burn MAJOR FAT Calories
A recent Woman’s World article made the startling claim that, contrary to popular belief, gentle walking is one of the BEST ways to burn fat!
Why?
It seems that gentle walking allows your body to go STRAIGHT to the fat stores for energy instead of first depleting your sugar (glycogen) stores (used by your body for quick energy).
Not only that, there’s been countless studies including one by the American Medical Association, that rank a treadmill as the number ONE cardiovascular machine for losing weight and burning calories.
By using the large muscles in your legs, you burn the maximum amount of calories. You can even increase your calories-burned by walking uphill which uses even more muscles!
Given all their benefits it’s no wonder that treadmill sales have increased by 50% over the past five years!
No matter which treadmill you choose, make sure it fits your needs and lifestyle. And ENJOY!
Source: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/ONeill9.html
We’ve done the work for you – discover the TOP TREADMILL and EXERCISE EQUIPMENT picks. We’ve also found you the lowest prices on the hottest fitness equipment. View best prices on treadmills and exercise equipment.
Savings on Fitness Equipment
July 9, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Exercise Equipment, Weight Loss
I check my e-mail every morning, and today I got a really great e-mail from Amazon that offered up to 45% off on fitness equipment. Usually (to me) this means that the price has been jacked up and then discounted – but after having researched the prices — these are genuine deals on fitness equipment that we’ve reviewed here previously!
Here are the deals…
There are 3 awesome buys from Sole – the leader in fitness equipment:
This is an award winning treadmill that we’ve featured here previously:
Newly designed for 2009 with updated features, the Sole F63 treadmill has earned a reputation as one of the best-quality treadmills in its price range thanks to its unbeatable combination of high-quality components and user-friendliness. The treadmill offers a strong 2.5-horsepower, continuous-duty motor, which delivers challenging speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and inclines of up to 15 percent. The vibrant blue LCD display, meanwhile, closely tracks your workout progress, with information on your speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace. There’s even a 1/4-mile digital track that you can follow as you run and a peak-and-valley graph that corresponds to individual programs.
Other details include a wireless heart rate chest strap, six preset workouts, including cardio training and fat burning; a large stop switch for safety; a low-profile running hood; speed and incline controls on the armrests; armrest cooling fans; and a 20-by-55-inch running surface. Perhaps most conveniently, however, the treadmill deck folds into a compact footprint and locks into place when not in use, thereby saving a ton of storage space. The F63 treadmill, which offers a user capacity of 325 pounds, carries the following warranties: 20 years on the motor, three years on the deck, lifetime on the frame, three years on the electronics/belt/rollers, and one year on the labor.
Specifications:
- Assembled Dimensions: 33 by 75 by 58 inches (W x L x H)
- Folded Dimensions: 68 by 43 inches (H x D)
- Motor: 2.5 horsepower
- Speed: 1-10 miles per hour
- Elevation: 0-15%
- Deck: 1-inch Phenolic
- Belt: 2-ply
- Running surface: 20 by 55 inches
- Roller: 2.5 inches
- Folding Feature: Easy Assist Fold
- Pulse Grip
- Heart Rate Chest Strap Included
- Six Standard Programs
- Two User-Defined Programs
- Display Type: LCD
- Window Type: Single LCD
- Message window
- Track Display
- Audio system
- Accessory tray
- Ten Quick Speed/Elevation Buttons
- Speed/elevation in handles
- Built-in cooling fans
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Motor – 20 years, Deck – 3 years, frame – lifetime, electronics/wear items – 3 years, labor – 1 year
About Sole
Sole brings over twenty years of treadmill and fitness product design and manufacturing to the table in their line of innovative equipment designed for fitness-conscious people. The company’s treadmill line is simple in design, with an emphasis on quality and warranty all at a great price. Sole’s easy-to-use treadmills offer a great value and feature a convenient, space-saving portable design. The treadmills have a very stable base with four wheels for ease of movement, folding decks to conserve space, and a 30-year motor and lifetime deck and frame warranty. Sole is always looking for ways to make their equipment better, more efficient, with higher quality at a great price.
The next 2 super deals are from Bowflex and Horizon Fitness:
This treadmill is an award winner as well:
The top-rated Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is an intense cardio workout system with a powerful 3.0 horsepower continuous-duty motor and fifteen workout programs, providing ultimate variety in your exercise routine every time. The programs include a wide range of options, including manual, cardio, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test, and two custom programs to truly personalize your workouts. In addition, grip and telemetric heart rate monitoring and a backlit LCD computer display track your heart rate and metrics as you exercise.
For your convenience, the treadmill folds up for easy storage and also has a built-in three-speed fan, two bottle holders, and quick-speed keys for your added comfort and ease of use. A generously sized walking and running belt surface area measures 20 by 60 inches and features Bowflex’s unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for ultimate support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. Whether you’re just starting to get in shape or are a seasoned athlete looking to stay in shape, the Series 7 is a diverse piece of equipment for your home with a speed range up to 11 miles per hour and an incline grade up to 12%, allowing you to customize your workout pace and program every time.
Feature Detail:
- 3.0 continuous-duty horsepower motor
- Speed range is 0.5-11 miles per hour/0.8-17.7 kilometers per hour
- 0-12% incline range
- Quick incline and quick-speed keys offer easy access to desired settings
- Fifteen workout programs: Manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, 5K run with 12 intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, fat burn heart rate calculation, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test, two custom programs
- Grip and telemetric heart rate monitors help measure your fitness level
- Skylight backlit LCD computer display
- Product Dimensions: 83 by 35 by 55.25 inches/211 by 89 by 140 centimeters
- Folded Product Dimensions: 40.87 by 35 by 65.5 inches/104 by 89 by 166 centimeters
- Machine Weight: 298 pounds/135 kilograms
- Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds/136 kilograms
- Power Requirements: 120VAC 15A non-GFI grounded outlet
- Strike Zone deck cushioning provides soft landing and firm lift-off
- Two-ply belt
- Rollers measure 2.5 inches/6.4 centimeters
- Walking/running surface area measures 20 inches wide by 60 inches long/51 by 152 centimeters
- Built-in three-speed fan
- Two bottle/cup holders
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Frame – 15 years; motor – 10 years; parts – 2 years; electronics and labor – 1 year
About Treadmills
Walking is still considered one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. As a fundamental form of aerobic training, walking has numerous physical benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, while also increasing muscle tone and burning fat calories. Treadmills provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home.
From beginners just starting an exercise regimen to advanced athletes looking to maintain their fitness level, anyone interested in getting and staying in shape can benefit greatly from regular use of a treadmill. Treadmills allow you to determine the pace, distance, and complexity of the workout based on your needs, all while watching television, talking on the telephone, or reading a magazine. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, treadmill walking and running surfaces are typically long, padded platforms that allow ample room for a long stride and comfortable, low-impact walk or jog without the harsh contact of a concrete surface.
While many different types, styles, and price ranges of treadmills exist, many of them offer unique features like a fold-up design for easy storage, an electronic display monitor showing speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories, and EKG grip pulses to monitor the heart rate while exercising. Regardless of the simple to complex features you may choose, treadmills offer an array of aerobic exercise opportunities that will provide long-lasting beneficial cardiovascular results without a commute to the gym or a jog in the rain.
If rowing is your thing – you could save 59% on this rower:
Finally no home gym is complete without atleast one set of dumbbells:
Specifications:
- Durable cast iron plates
- Two 5-pound handles
- Four 2.5-pound plates
- Four 5-pound plates
- Semi-gloss finish
- Threaded collars
- Rack storage system
- Dimensions: 20 x 9 x 8 inches (LxWxH)
- Overall weight: 41.15 pounds
Product Description
Stamina Air 1725 Cross Trainer Elliptical
July 4, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Best Ellipticals To Buy
Stamina Air 1725 Cross Trainer Elliptical
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 List Price: $300.00 Sale Price: $166.25 Availability: unspecified |
Product Description
The Stamina Air 1725 Elliptical Cross Trainer provides an effective, low-impact cardiovascular and strength-training workout. The elliptical cross trainer allows you to simultaneously work your upper and lower body without joint pressure or stress. Ellipticals are great options for individuals who are older or suffer from injuries. With an elliptical, you burn calories as well as strengthen and tone your abs, legs, hips and glutes without the damage caused by impact. The Air 1725 provides electronically controlled air resistance that targets the muscles in both your lower and upper body. Control the resistance level or intensity of your workout to target your individual fitness needs. The electronic InTouch monitor clearly displays your time, speed, distance and calories with simple one-button control so you can track your progress with every stride! Monitor your heart rate to achieve your optimal fitness potential via the built-in fingertip pulse sensors. The dual-action, foam-padded handlebars work your arms, chest, shoulders and back. The supportive, oversized pedals move in both the forward and backward direction for excellent range of motion. And, the 14in stride length provides ample space in which to extend and work your muscles. Target not only your hips, quadriceps and thighs with forward motion, but your calves, hamstrings and lower buttocks with the reverse. Get the cardiovascular and fitness benefits of running, jogging, jumping rope or doing aerobics without the risk of injury or the inconvenience of leaving your home. Instead, increase you metabolism and work your entire body with the sleek, stylish and convenient Stamina Air 1725.
Details
- Compact elliptical trainer for the home with electronically controlled air resistance
- Dual action, foam padded handlebars; 14-inch stride
- Multi-function monitor with one control button; tracks time, speed, distance, calories
- Fingertip pulse sensor built into monitor to track heart rate
- Some assembly required; 1-year warranty on frame, 90 days on parts
Body Rider Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
July 4, 2010 by Mohamed
Filed under Best Ellipticals To Buy
Body Rider Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
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 List Price: $359.99 Sale Price: $279.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Eligible For Free Shipping |
Product Description
Master your body with the Body Flex® elliptical trainer. It features patented elliptical motion design technology and magnetic adjustable resistance. The pass-through frame design offers superior comfort when you're working up a sweat.
Details
- Patented elliptical motion design technology
- 8 levels of magnetic adjustable resistance
- Include Hand Pulse/Heart Rate Monitor
- Pass-through frame design for comfort
- Electronic exercise console shows Time, Speed, Distance, Calories Burned, and Pulse Rate
