Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Immediately

After looking at several treadmills in our local fitness store and online, I took a look at the recent Consumer Reports magazine which rated fitness equipment (February 2006). The Bowflex Series 7 was rated at the top of the folding choices, as well as being awarded a "Best Buy" rating. This was the only one of the folding models that had an "excellent" quality rating. Thus, my choice was made.

I ordered this treadmill through Amazon.com and the process was outstanding. The treadmill arrived via a freight company and I found out it is one heavy beast. My neighbor and I had to slide it into the house, down the stairs into the exercise area (no way could two people even lift this). The parts were all packaged very securely and the instructions were quite good, with clear instructions on assembly and photos. Parts are labeled with "stickies" that have corrisponding letters, which aids in assembly. Assembly was painless, although the little allen wrenches that are provided are of marginal use (I used my mechanic's set). Did I mention this this is heavy?? The Bowflex parts are all heavy (with nice welded seams) tube or square bar steel, not thin tube steel or aluminum, as is common on Wal-Mart style or inexpensive treadmills.

In use, this thing can take a beating. The heavy gauge frame can withstand running (yes, running/jogging) from a grown adult male (rated up to 300 lbs.). I have seen friends have their treadmill's deck flex or even warp under their weight, but the Bowflex is solid (after two months of every day use). The heart rate chest strap is a plus, as well as the different programs that are available. Very solid, large deck and quality make this a great treadmill.

Advantages:
1) Clear assembly and operating instructions (two different books -- one for assembly, one for operation)
2) Wireless chest strap for heartrate monitoring.
3) Outstanding quality.
4) Easy to fold and move around. This is still heavy, so be careful with it.
5) Great price through Amazon.com
6) Huge deck and track (much longer and wider than a normal treadmill).
7) Several programs that can vary your workout.
8) Quality!

Negatives:
1) The allen wrenches are useless. Use good tools for assembly and save on the bruised knuckles and sore hands.
2) Custom programs are not easy to set up (have to set incline and speed while in operation). Pre-setting the time, incline and speed for your entire workout before hitting start would be a nice plus.Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.