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.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill This instant

Nice piece of equipment. Quite heavy,it required three of us to get it upstairs to it's final resting place. So far the only problem has been getting the heart rate monitor to work when holding the bar grips. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does'nt. The chest strap works great for seeing your heart rate though. The machine is actually being used five days per week. Also this treadmill is rated high by Consumer Reports. Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Top Quality

I have wanted a treadmill for a long time now and when my husband and I finally decided to buy one I did lots of research to find a really good one. This treadmill showed up with great reviews on amazon and consumer reports. My husband runs about 30 miles a week or so and he really likes all the features this treadmill included. I am new to running but really wanted a treadmill with lots of different training programs. The programs are great and I am really getting into running which is something I really wanted to do since I have never been good at it. The fan isn't the greatest but it does help a little. We have it in a room with a ceiling fan so that helps out a lot more. The people that delivered it were great. Our delivery man was very helpful and offered to put it in the room we wanted in our house. I read in some reviews that some of the delivery people wouldn't but I guess it just depends on the delivery person. Overall we are really pleased with our purchase.Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Review

After researching with Consumer reports which rate the Bowflex Seriers 7 Treadmill at the best I purchase it, and it is the best the Treadmill I ever used. Easy to use, versatile programs, and monitor heart rate. I quite my gym, as I find having the Treadmill at home I do more exercise since I do have to drive, or waite in line to get my turn at the gym.
Well worth the money spend.Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.

Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

It is a quality machine. You get what you pay for. I read reviews on other machines. I am 6'1", 210 and the treadmill is stable and sturdy. Too many programs to mention or do. When putting it together bee sure to have the box put where you are going to put it together. It assembles together pretty easy with basic handy man knowledge. I like the warranty the best thought.Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.

Shop For Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

I ordered this treadmill in October 2006 and have been very satisfied. The price has gone up $100 since I ordered it but with free shipping and no tax, you might still come out way ahead. I researched several treads (probably 8-10 different models) through Consumer Reports and other sites and this seemed to have everything I wanted at the best price. I believe CR still rates it as a Best Buy.
In our family the Clydesdale (me) uses it 3-5 X's a week. I initially weighed 235 pounds and it took my pounding without any problem.
The Cross Country star (my youngest daughter, a junior in high school) uses it off and on throughout the week and more in the off season. The Swim Star, (my other daughter, a sophomore in college) uses it when she's at home during the weekend or holidays.
The Walker, my wife, has used it only once.
All in all, its used almost every day and we've had no problems since October.

PROS and CONS
Clydesdale:
This runs and feels like a solid, gym quality machine. The belt runs smoothly, the motor is fairly quiet for the horsepower, it changes speeds and elevation quickly (faster than the one at my gym, I believe) and has a variety of programs that will keep you satisfied but that I rarely use. Shipping was earlier than expected and polite. Eagle brought it right in and left it boxed where I wanted it but in fairness to others who posted complaints, I have double entry doors, a huge den with a wide entry way and no stairs. I moved furniture out of the way the day before delivery date to ensure they wouldn't just drop it off. With consistent use, I have lost weight with this treadmill and incurred no problems. It is a heavy machine, put it where you want it, and don't expect to fold it up every night without major help. Assembly was OK but must be done with a partner. The biggest complaint from me is the static shock that builds up with each use. Annoying but not a deal breaker, in my opinion.

The Cross Country Star:
A good machine. I thought my Dad was buying a cheap toy, but this is as good as the gym with some exceptions. The display looks cheap, graphics could be clearer and sharper, and more interesting (i.e. multiple colors, charts, etc.). The fan is weak. Other than that, you can really break a sweat with this thing and it works great. It's good for off-season training and it gives my legs a break because of its cushioning effect.

The Swim Star:
When I use it, I enjoy experimenting with the variety of programs. The belt stays even and aligned. I can shift from a run to a walk easily and smoothly. The emergency stop clip feels silly to wear. The treadmill itself feels solid and well built. Fun to use once in a while.
Swimming still rules.

The Walker:
I was concerned about its size (it's a big machine!) but glad it folds up for special occasions.

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Order Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill

Consumer reports lists this item as the top folding unit and CR Best Buy rating. CR lists the price as $1,500 retail. I'm not quite sure why Amazon would list the retail price as $1,999 - I can think of a reason but it really brings doubt into the pricing policies for Amazon. Does Amazon really wish to show retail prices on their items that are accurate? In this case, showing a price of $1,999 tries to establish the Amazon price of $1,499 as a good price but it is really only one dollar below retail. A scan of Bizrate show this item sells for $1,399 with shipping included elsewhere.Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.