Considering a Smooth treadmill? Wondering if it's the right choice for you?

Smooth fitness treadmills may not be as well known in stores as some other brands - but they were one of the first treadmill brands on the Internet to sell direct to the consumer. Because they sold direct, they could cut out the middleman and sell at discount of up to 45% off retail.

Smooth paved the way for many other retailers to sell their treadmills direct and as a consequence have been leading the way in terms of online treadmill sales. (They're the 255th largest e-commerce site in the United States as ranked by Internet Retailer)

But what about the treadmills themselves? How do they rate?

Well, despite not being as well known as some other brands, Smooth treadmills rate very highly. They've garnered 'Best Buys' from several sources like Runner's World, Prevention Magazine, GearAwards and Consumer Guide.

And user reviews overall are also positive. Users especially like the quietness of the treadmills and their shake-free stability.

I can testify to this since I own a Smooth home treadmill myself. I bought the Smooth 9.25X (now replaced by the 9.45) several years ago and still use it almost every day. It's built like a truck and never shakes or wobbles, even when my husband runs on it at high speeds.

While prices on these treadmills start around $999, most models fall into the mid-priced category and are really built for people who want a higher grade of construction with their treadmill.

With their large running decks and heavy machine weights, they're especially suited to runners who want a well-built machine that will hold up well over the long run.

Smooth also adds several options you won't find anywhere else. Here are 3 unique features you'll find on various Smooth models:

1) Motion Control on the Handrails - You just wave your hand over the handrails to increase or decrease your speed. This is handy for runners since you don't have to break your stride to change your speed.

2) 15" LCD TV - While you can find several 7" TV treadmills on the market, it's nearly impossible to find a TV this big (unless you're looking at a $4000 commercial machine).

The 15" LCD TV is found on the 9.45 TV treadmill and is one of the largest TV's you can find on a treadmill. It is attached separately so it can be easily removed without affecting the treadmill's operation. Also because it's attached separately, it doesn't shake or wobble when you start to run.

3) Power Folding - This is found on the 7.6 model. You just press a button and the treadmill folds and unfolds itself. You don't have to lift it to lock it in place. This is a great way to save the strain on your back and still get a folding unit that saves space.

You can also find treadmills with iPod/Mp3 ports and stereo systems so you can listen to your favorite tunes while working out.

Another plus is that Smooth offers some of the longest warranties on any mid-priced treadmill. They've even started offering 2 years coverage on service for most models.

Since servicing your treadmill can be very expensive (and most treadmill warranties only offer you 1 year on service - if you're lucky) this can save you a lot of money.

While these treadmills are well built and don't have a lot of weaknesses, one downside is that they don't have the 'bells and whistles' some other brands have. You do get several built-in workouts with each treadmill but they tend to be a pretty standard stuff, nothing fancy.

Still, if you really don't care about having 40 built in workouts, carb counters and 3D consoles, you'll probably be very happy with a Smooth.

Bottom Line?

Main strengths of Smooth treadmills are their commercial grade construction, stability and quiet operation. These are not your cheap department store treadmills - they feel strong and solid when you walk or run on them.

They also offer some unique features you won't find elsewhere like a 15" TV, motion control, power folding and deluxe sound system for your iPod. These features can make working out much more enjoyable.

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