TreadmillSensei.Com reaches 300 Posts!

Ohiyo!

Last week was so busy that I completely missed out on mentioning the website had surpassed 300 posts! This is an exciting point for us with our 2 year anniversary coming up in June and our traffic being at its highest of all time.

I want to thank all of you, my loyal readers, for making this all worthwhile. Providing independent reviews of treadmills and ellipticals has been a blast and I look forward to doing it for another 300 posts and beyond!

Take care and thanks for sticking with us!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Sole Fitness Equipment Warning - shady online retailers out to take your cash

Ohiyo!

Just a quick break in my current reviews of the 2008 treadmills and ellipticals coming out of Sole Fitness. For the past month or so we've been getting in a large number of reader emails here at the DOJO talking about a problem that has been popping up with some of the retailers who are selling Sole treadmills and Sole ellipticals online. Before anyone freaks out, the problem is from no fault of Sole Fitness and they may or may not even know it's been happening.

Shady Gray Market Retailers

The problem that a lot of readers have been running in to has been from retailers who advertise an unbelievably low price for all their Sole equipment but, when a customer tries to buy a Sole unit the semi-shady sales people attempt to bait-and-switch them into another piece of equipment (generally a slightly lower-spec'd, higher priced unit from Spirit Fitness). We've gotten even more startling word that some buyers have been sent a Spirit model INSTEAD of the Sole unit they had intended to purchase. When attempting to return the units, the customers are told they signed a consent form stating that a Spirit model may be substituted for a Sole unit if it is "out of stock." Well, unfortunately for the customers, these retailers almost never really have a Sole unit in stock!

If you do decide to take a chance on buying a Sole treadmill or elliptical from one of the gray market dealers for a lower price (which may result in a voided warranty, so be careful), then make sure never to sign any sales receipts or confirmations. When buying with your credit online you absolutely shouldn't have to sign anything and a company that asks for something like that is probably trying to sneak something past you. If you sign a sales order or sales confirmation then you may be giving up your rights to cancel an order (even if it hasn't shipped or been processed yet!), and you may just wind up with a $1000+ piece of equipment you didn't order.

If you're looking for a Sole treadmill or elliptical online, there really are only three places to buy the equipment and still guarantee your warranty and guarantee you're going to get exactly what you ordered. Three authorized websites that we are aware of are:

AUTHORIZED SOLE DEALERS:

The Sole Fitness Official Website: That's right, Sole is online and does sell its units direct. The only downside is they are generally a few dollars more expensive than the other two locations. The upside is that you're ordering direct from the manufacturer and they will be able to handle any questions or issues you might run in to. Plus, Sole's customer support is top notch and award winning.

Dick's Sporting Goods: As one of Sole's largest retailers, Dick's has some of the best prices around for Sole equipment, plus you generally pay no taxes and get Free Shipping and inside delivery on a lot of their products.

Amazon.Com: That's right, the largest online retailer in the world is also able to sell Sole products direct (as well as having a number of authorized third-party Sole vendors). Amazon generally has the lowest prices for Sole equipment and you, as a buyer, are supported by Amazon's buyer protection policy. You are never charged until your item has shipped and you're never asked to sign a shady sales "confirmation" and give up all of your rights. Amazon's buyer protection policy is one of the best on the internet and they will make sure you get what you ordered and in a reasonable amount of time.

If you're out on the market for Sole equipment (still some of the best treadmills and ellipticals around for the mid-range price arena), then make sure to be careful and purchase from one of the authorized dealers. Getting caught buying from a gray market dealer who tries to bait-and-switch you in to another unit might just result in you losing your money.

Oh, and if you run in to this problem with a shady retailer, send us a note here at the DOJO and we'll run your letter to help other buyers watch out.

UPDATE: Since this posting went live we have received a flood of emails from readers with complaints from various dubious online retailers. I'll be posting those emails here as soon as I get permission from the readers who wrote them. In the meantime, here is the first warning email from a loyal reader who has had problems with a retailer. This one comes from Bruce L in Maine. Take it away, Bruce.

I researched treadmills on your site and others (especially treadmilldoctor) and decided to purchase a Sole F63.

I thought you would like to know that they do not honor your discount, so you might not want to advertise it in future.

I also had many hassles completing the purchase under their terms and conditions. I had to email/scan/fax and call them directly more than once to complete it. If I were going to purchase again, I would purchase directly from Sole and will recommend that potential purchasers deal directly with Sole rather than dealing with all these third party hassles.

I will note that the treadmill has been working fine (I use it daily for an hour of walking) for 6 weeks or so except for one issue. The spring connected to the yellow lock release handle slipped off the handle a couple of times. I had to fish it out and reconnect it. At this point, I leave the treadmill down to avoid this problem. I am not sure if this is a common problem, but thought you would like to know. I am also reporting this to the treadmilldoctor for his reviews. -Bruce L. from Maine

Bruce:

Thanks for your note and information on the problems you encountered while ordering your treadmill. It sounds like you went through a bit of hell. Not that it helps your situation, but we have recently removed the links from a couple of retailers we have been getting numerous complaints about. I would say that I'd be concerned about any company that sent you one treadmill when you ordered another, especially if you went through as many hoops as it sounds like you did.

It sounds like you received a 2006 Spirit Z88. Unfortunately, that's not a problem that was fixed on the Z88 or any of the current Spirit Treadmills, but the 2008 Sole F63 is, luckily, free of that issue. It's good to hear that, otherwise, the treadmill has been performing well for you. At least your story had a happy ending. Thanks for the note, Bruce, and take care.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Elliptical Deal of the Week: The Fitnex E70 Elliptical for $1599

Ohiyo!

You know, I'm really not sure what goes on in the heads of the fine folks at Amazon.com. Don't get me wrong, I love them and shop on their site all the time. But sometimes they knock prices down to some almost insane levels. I guess the power of their website and the sheer volume of sales they do allows them to get the lowest prices around and they want to make sure their customers get to take advantage of that power...but still, sometimes they drop prices down a bit too low! Of course, the 10 or so readers who wrote in with this particual elliptical sale had no problem with the ultra low price for a commercial elliptical machine.

In this case, I'm talking about what has to be one of the best deals of all time for a commercial grade elliptical. The Fitnex E70 elliptical. The Fitnex equipment comes out of the same factory which produces the Body Solid gyms, which gives the same lifetime parts warranty on all the Body Solid equipment and has been producing fitness equipment for more than 30 years now.

I reviewed the original Fitnex E70 Elliptical about 2 years ago, back when I first started writing for this website. I have to say that even after two years I am still completely blown away by this machine. Especially now that it is priced at the amazing price of $1599. If the Fitnex had been priced this low back when I was putting together the 2007/2008 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Awards for Ellipticals then it would have received the top award and recommendation, hands down. If my wife's Uncle Chris wasn't so stubborn, this would be the elliptical I'd be telling him to pick up now...instead, he's stuck with a malfunctioning Nordic Track!

If you've ever wanted to buy a commercial elliptical and get the same quality work outs you get at the gym on machines from Precor and Life Fitness, then you absolutely need to check out the Fitnex E70. Up until recently, the E70 has been priced anywhere from $1999 to $2299, and it was worth it at those higher prices.

With its longer frame and heavier weight, the Fitnex E70 gives you the smoothest elliptical workout this side of a Matrix E5X. Getting on an E70 elliptical is like ice skating...well, without all the falling down. Unfortunately for the comepetitors of Fitnex, with the E70 priced at under $1600, there is absolutely nothing else out there that even comes close in terms of quality, stability, stride or natural, comfortable elliptical feels. Fitnex allowing Amazon to drop the price down this low, even for a short period, is sort of like having the chance to buy a Mercedes S-Class for $10,000.

In fact, I haven't even mentioned the best part about the Fitnex E70 Elliptical. Not only is it the best elliptical now priced at under $2000 (and under $1600). Not only is it the best feeling elliptical under $2000. Not only does it look snazzy. But it is also the only quality elliptical with a lifetime parts warranty for in home use. That's right, since this is actually a commercial quality elliptical, Fitnex gives residential customers a lifetime parts warranty for in home use.

Almost as cool as the lifetime parts warranty is that Amazon is also offering free shipping and No Sales Tax on the Fitnex E70 elliptical.

The Fitnex E70 Elliptical is the perfect and only choice for those of you who have been spoiled by the smooth, sturdy and wonderful workouts you get at your local gym on Precor or Life Fitness ellipticals...and right now you can also save more than 50% off of those Precor prices. I have no clue how long the sale is going to be going on, so check it out now before it is too late.

If you're looking for a Precor or Life Fitness quality commercial elliptical for an unbelievably low price, then check out the Fitnex E70 priced at under $1600. Click here for more information.

Fitnex E70 Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 19"
Flywheel: 30lbs
Display: Dot Matrix/LCD
Readouts: Time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse rate
Programs: 8
Resistance: 16 levels
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Max User Weight: 400 lbs
Unit Weight: 220 lbs
Warrany: Lifetime on parts
Sale Price: $1599

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Treadmill Deal of the Week: The Spirit Z500 Treadmill for $1299

Ohiyo!

The end-of-the-year holiday season can be a great time to pick up a treadmill at a great price. Everyday the Treadmill Sensei gets in emails from readers talking about great deals they've found online for equipment and I'm going to try and pass those notes along to you, my loyal readers.

Today's offering comes from Amazon and is a great deal if you're looking for a high end treadmill for a rock bottom price. Amazon.com is running a special on the Spirit Z500 Treadmill from last year. Since Spirit is one of the lesser known companies out there, you're probably asking yourself "what the heck is the Spirit Z500 treadmill?" Well, if you've been searching around online then you are probably more familiar with the Spirit Z500 by its more common name, the Sole F83 Treadmill. That's right, the 2006/2007 Spirit Z500 Treadmill is almost identical to the 2006/2007 Sole F83, with just a different paint job separating them.

The Spirit Z500/Sole F83 is a Best Buy Award Winning Treadmill at its regular price of $1747, and is an absolute steal at $1299 on Amazon.

Now, be warned, the Spirit Z500 is no longer being made under that name (it is still available as the Sole F83) so I'm not sure how much stock Amazon actually has. In other words, their sale could end at any time...so, if you're looking for a fantastic treadmill at a $500 discount, then check out the best buy award-winning Spirit Z500 treadmill from Amazon.

Spirit Z500 Treadmill Specifications
Horsepower: 3.0
Maximum Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
Folding: Yes
Running Area: 20"x58"
Max Speed: 12 MPH
Max Incline: 15%
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes, Pulse grip and chest strap
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Programs: 10: Standard (6), User Defined (2), and Heart Rate (2)

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Top Elliptical Deal for the End of the Year: Sole E25 Mega-Sale

Ohiyo!

A few days ago your Treadmill Sensei posted what had to be one of the best sales for a treadmill he's ever seen. To follow up with that sale, and at the request of quite a few of my loyal readers, I wanted to post a great Elliptical Deal going on right now. As with the Quantum Treadmill sale, Amazon has a simply amazing deal on one of the top ellipticals on the market today (and a two time Ichi-Ban Best Buy Award Winner for Best Elliptical Under $1000), the Sole E25.

Featuring all of Sole's patented fitness technology: a heavy duty 23+ pound flywheel, large articulating foot pedals with a natural feeling 2 degree inward slope to increase workout comfort, 16 levels of resistance, the best 20" stride available on a home elliptical, heart rate monitoring, 10 program options and a 325 pound user weight. The Sole E25 is fully loaded and it is very easy to see why it is a best buy award winning elliptical for under $1000.

Now on sale for $899.99, the Sole E25 Elliptical is an Ichi-Ban Best Buy Award Winning Elliptical for Under $1000

Now, for however long Amazon's sale goes on, it is the absolute best buy elliptical you'll be able to find for under $900. That's right, Amazon has dropped the price on the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer another $100 and made it available for $899.99! This is the single best deal you'll be able to find for a top rated elliptical for under $1000.

As with the Quantum sale, I have no idea how long Amazon will offer the Sole E25 at this mind-blowing price or how many units they have left. If you're looking for a commercial quality elliptical for under $1000 -- and under $900 -- then run, don't walk over to Amazon and check out the Sole E25 elliptical for $899.99,you won't be disappointed.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Treadmill Deals of the Year

Ohiyo!

Just a quick post today as things continue to be crazy here at the DOJO for the Treadmill Sensei. We've received in quite a few notes from readers about a simply fantastic (I'd call it almost crazy) deal going on over at Amazon.com this holiday season.

It seems Amazon reduced the price on two of last year's best buy treadmills, the Quantum Q2.5 treadmill and Quantum Q3.0s treadmill, to a price that can't be ignored.

The Quantum Q2.5, which we gave a best buy treadmill award in 2006/2007 is priced at under $950 for a commercial grade 2.5 horsepower motor with a 22"x60" deck - check out my original Quantum Q2.5 review HERE.

Or, for under $1200, you can get the Quantum Q3.0s treadmill with a gigantic 3 horsepower motor and the same 22"x60" deck. Check out the full Quantum Q3.0s review HERE.

Both of these units are normally priced at over $1700 and $2200 respectively, making this Amazon.com sale a truly incredible find for those looking for a commercial grade treadmill at an affordable price. I'm not sure how many they have left in stock or how long the sale will go on, but it's worth checking out for sure. There are no other treadmills available at those rock-bottom prices which can match the Quantum treadmills, especially when you factor in the free shipping Amazon.com gives its customers.

If any of you come across great deals like this, feel free to send them in and I'll post them for everyone to take advantage of.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Ichi-Ban Best Buy Awards Coming!

Ohiyo!

I know we've been a bit silent on here for the past few days. Don't despair, tho! We're hard at work on the 2007/2008 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Awards for Treadmills and Ellipticals. We should have them done in the next two weeks and will be back on track with our reviews shortly. Stay tuned!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Treadmill Sensei at Health & Fitness Expo in Denver

Ohiyo!

Just a quick post right now to let everyone know that the Treadmill Sensei will be at the Health and Fitness Trade Show in Denver next week (August 2-4). If you see us walking around, feel free to say "Hi!" Or, if you're a manufacturer and want to have us check out your equipment then drop me a note.

We'll have some reports from the show next week, talking about new equipment and what buyers have to look forward to in the next year. There is a lot of exciting new equipment coming out and a lot of bad equipment, and we'll be there to make sure you know the difference!

I'll be back later on today with a new review.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com/

Discount Treadmills and Discount Ellipticals

Ohiyo!

From time to time, your Treadmill Sensei likes to bring up questions that you, his loyal readers, ask him time and time again. Usually I end up writing an incredibly witty and insightful article to answer the question for everyone who has asked it and for those of you who haven't had a chance to ask it yet. Over the past year there has been a question I've been asked time and time again -- and it's been a question that I've been unsure how to answer and, even more important, a question I wasn't sure if I should answer it at all.

The question in question is "where to buy a good treadmill or elliptical and where to get a good deal." I've tried to refrain from pointing anyone out in particular beyond placing some links at the bottom of my articles showing off the best price I know of online. But, beyond that I tend to shy away from focusing on any one dealer (online or offline) in particular.

What I've decided to do is to start posting deals I find online -- coupons, rebates, sales and so on. If another treadmill "review site" can post when CostCo is having a deal because of their backroom agreements with Icon Fitness, then I'll at least try to post some useful savings for you on quality equipment.

The best deal of the summer is probably the one at Elite Fitness Equipment ( http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=75059&u=199045&m=12071&urllink=&afftrack=). You can save 3% off any order on there by using the code TMSENSEI online or just by calling up and asking for the summer 3% discount. If you're looking for a discount treadmill or discount elliptical, then check them out. They have a solid reputation for shipping quickly and for quality customer service.

The other consistantly great place to pick up deals is the Fitness section of Amazon. That company has some unbelievably low prices that pop up for discount treadmills and discount ellipticals.

What I'll try to do if time allows is set up a coupon section here on the website to display what coupons and deals are floating around on the internet at any given time. In fact, if you, my loyal readers, find any great deals then feel free to pass them along and I'll post those as well. Look for a new review later on tonight.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Treadmill & Elliptical Comparison Charts now LIVE!

Ohiyo!

Your Treadmill Sensei has some exciting news. To go along with the new Online Assistant & Equipment Choosers, we've also put together a pair of cool new comparison charts for ellipticals and treadmills. I'll be updating both charts every weekend to include all new equipment from the previous week. These should be the most accurate treadmill and elliptical comparison charts online. Never again wonder what the horsepower, running area, max speed or anything other feature comes on the treadmill you are looking at.

Check them out!

The Treadmill Sensei Treadmill Comparison Chart

The Treadmill Sensei Elliptical Comparison Chart

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Online Equipment Assistant and Chooser

Ohiyo!

Just a quick note to announce a new feature here on treadmillsensei.com. I just put up an online assistant program for those of you who are looking for a treadmill or elliptical but have no idea which one or where to start.

I call them my Online Chooser's and you can now find the links at the top of every page. Direct links can be found below:

Treadmill Online Chooser

Elliptical Online Chooser

Check them out if you need help...and always feel free to email me with any questions!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

One Year Anniversary and the Give Away Winner is Announced!

Ohiyo!

Today is the 1 year anniversary of www.treadmillsensei.com. One year ago today I posted my very first time thanks to some urging from the guys in the DOJO. Since then I've put up almost 170 posts, averaging a new one 3-4 days a week. My goal is to get that average up to at least 4-5 per week. Wish me luck!

Now, for what you all have been waiting for, the Elliptical Give Away! I had an astounding 347 people sign up for the mailing list over the past couple of weeks and I wish I could give everyone a free piece of equipment. Unfortunately, I've just got the one. However, I do want to announce that I will be giving away a new piece of fitness equipment every month. Anyone who is signed up for the newsletter and hasn't won yet or signs up for the newsletter will be elligible.

So...drumroll please...our winner is...keep the drum rolling...Jared Cravens from Houston, TX. The Quantum Q210H Elliptical will be crated up and sent out to Mr. Cravens early next week. I'll be pestering him over the next couple of months to see how he likes the unit and if his review matches what I saw.

Thanks again everyone and I'll see you for a new review on Monday!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

3 Days Left Before the Free Elliptical GiveAway Ends!

Ohiyo!

Just a quick post for right now. I'll have a treadmill review post later today.

We've had a lot of people join up on the mailing list for a shot at our first FREE ELLIPTICAL giveaway. You've still got a couple of more days - until June 8! - to get sign up for your chance to win a Quantum Q210H elliptical from Quantum Fitness. So get to it!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Happy Memorial Day!

Ohiyo!

I'm taking the day off today to spend it with my family. We're having a bit of a barbecue. Best wishes to everyone and I'll see you all tomorrow with a new review.

Take care and Stay Fit!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

One Year Anniversary Elliptical Give-Away Contest!

Ohiyo!

I can't believe it, but the www.treadmillsensei.com is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary of being online! It seems like just yesterday that I started writing up my reviews and articles. The magic date was actually June 9, 2006 and in celebration of that day we're going to give away a FREE Quantum Q-210H Elliptical to a randomly chosen reader who joins our mailing list. The unit is one used for a review, will be fully assembled and will ship curbside to the winner. The contest will run through June 8 and the winner will be announced on June 9, 2007.

Get more information on the Quantum Q-210H elliptical

So hurry up and join my mailing list for your chance to take home this fantastic commercial-quality elliptical trainer from the fine folks at Quantum Fitness.

What are you waiting for?!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Taking the night off!

Ohiyo!

The air conditioner here at the DOJO has been broken all day and the Treadmill Sensei is positively roasting! I know it's a cop out but I'm going to keep today's post very short...don't worry, I'll be back with a new review tomorrow.

I do, however, want to comment on how incredibly brilliant Hikaru can be (that's sarcasm). You see, most wise Hikaru bought the elliptical I reviewed yesterday as a closeout from a local chain store. What that means to us is: no returns! Curses, foiled again! Icon Fitness, you may have won this round (and my money), but the last laugh will belong to the Treadmill Sensei!

Now, I must go and make Hikaru move boxes around in the main warehouse as punishment.

Take care and stay fit...I'll be back tomorrow.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

New Live Chat with the Sensei

Ohiyo!

Just a quick note while we're waiting for the freight guys to unload. You'll notice a new feature over on the right nav bar. It's for a live chat with the Treadmill Sensei. As I am on the computer during the day I'll log in and, if you have questions, comments or just want to chat, you'll be able to click on the "Live Support" button and talk to me in a little pop-up window. Unfortunately, I can't be on all the time and won't have any sort of regular schedule for it, but if you see me listed as "online" then feel free to say "hello."

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Ichi-Ban Award artwork!

Ohiyo!

It's Saturday and the Treadmill Sensei needs to keep this post short or Mrs. Sensei will kill him. You see, we're heading out to the beach for the day and if my beloved wife catches me working instead of getting ready to have fun she will beat me.

I just wanted to show off the new artwork I had designed by a fantastic artist known as se7en for our Ichi-Ban Awards. Yes, I know the awards came out in December 2006 and it's now May 2007, but better late than never...and I'll use them for the 2007-2008 Ichi-Ban awards later this year.

Any manufacturers out there who won awards last year, please feel free to make use of these images on your website for the products. The only requirement is that you include a link back to www.treadmillsensei.com. If you don't include the link I will have you remove the image.

I have high resolution images available upon request that can be used for print purposes.

Have a great weekend and I'll "see" you all again on Monday. Take care.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

New Site Up and Running!

Ohiyo!

Just a quick post for today. I'm getting the new website up and running, so bear with me as the bugs are all flushed out. I'll be back with a new review tomorrow!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Back from IHRSA in San Francisco

Ohiyo!

Today the Treadmill Sensei stumbles out of the DOJO to talk about the recent IHRSA commercial fitness trade show that went on up in San Francisco. IHRSA, for those of you who aren't "in the know," is the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and they sponsor a couple of fitness industry trade shows each year. This year IHRSA 2007 was held on March 28-31 at the Moscone Center in lovely downtown San Francisco.

Our purpose at this year's show was to wander around and get some face time as the Treadmill Sensei. In the past I've always attended as a service/repair tech. At the shows no one really cares about repair guys so it was nice to be there in a capacity where the larger fitness companies recognized me and we're actually excited to see me. I felt like a mini celebrity -- more like Dan Swayze than Patrick Swayze, but it was still a blast.

The first thing I want to mention is just how darn huge the convention was. It took up the north and south halls of the Moscone and the two days we were there were easily the most walking I've done in 10 years or more. I was sore and exhausted when I got back home on Friday night.

To start off, there was a lot of cool new equipment on display. Precor, Matrix, Life Fitness and Star Trac all had spiffy new machines. The most interesting new units were the Precor AMT 100i and the Matrix Ascent trainer, Star Trac also had some interesting new light commercial units which were on display in the back of their booth.

Something that happened more times than I could have imagined were exhibitors and attendees noticing our badges and stopping to compliment us on the website and reviews. A couple of retailers stopped to challenge us on reviews which may have cost them sales because we told the truth, but all in all people were very positive.

Walking through the booths we were able to meet with a lot of the manufacturers of the treadmills and ellipticals we review. We spoke with the fine folks at Matrix, Star Trac, BladeZ/BH, HogganSprint, Quantum, Motus (we love the Motus Girls) and SportsArt. Interestingly enough, we couldn't get anyone to talk to us at Octane, SciFit, Free Motion or Brudden. Our experience at those 4 booths seemed to be that the sales reps were more interested in talking amongst themselves than in showing off their equipment even when their booths were empty. The Brudden guys only came over because someone knocked down one of their signs and they disappeared once it had been set back up. My recommendation to those companies -- don't ignore your potential customers...it's bad for business.

Now, one of the questions we were asked quite a few times by manufacturers was "do you take product samples for review." What that means is "can we send you a treadmill or elliptical to get reviewed quicker." Actually, what it really means is "if we send you equipment will it get us a good review." Up until now, the Treadmill Sensei hasn't taken any equipment from a manufacturer. All the reviews have been done on units that have come through the DOJO for either set up or service. Unfortunately, what this means is that a lot of equipment hasn't been reviewed because we haven't had access to it. Going to conventions like the IHRSA show allows me to get on equipment that is new or I haven't had a chance to work on in the shop yet.

However, I've spent the past few days thinking it over. What I want to say to manufacturers is this: if you want to send the Sensei equipment for review, I will take a look at it. BUT, it's not going to guarantee you a good review. Moreover, I'll hold equipment submitted that way to a very high standard and will do some pretty extensive testing before I post a review on it. In other words: if you've got good equipment, it'll shine...but, if there are problems with a piece, we're going to find it and tell the public about it. Also, any reviews that come from a submitted piece of equipment will be announced as such on the website. That's the honest and fair way to do things.

Anyway, that is it for right now. I'll be posting some pictures from the show later on today. Tomorrow the reviews will start again and I'm hoping to keep up to at least 3-4 per week.

Take care!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Announcement: We're going to IHRSA 2007!

Ohiyo!

We've just gotten it confirmed, the Treadmill Sensei will be at the 2007 IHRSA show in San Francisco on March 28-31, 2007. The DOJO won't have a booth or anything like that, but a couple of the senseis, including myself, will be wandering the floor for at least 2 days of the show. If you're a manufacturer premiering new equipment at the show then drop me a line so I make sure to stop by and take a look.

I'm hoping to get a chance to look at some new treadmills and ellipticals, or perhaps a couple of older ones I haven't really had a chance to work on yet.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Fitnex home units downgraded to NO BUY

Ohiyo!

It is with a heavy heart that I must retract one of my earlier recommendations. The Treadmill Sensei received word from a number of people in the industry that Fitnex no longer offers a lifetime warranty when their equipment is used in a home setting. Unfortunately, what this means is the majority of their equipment just doesn't stand up to other units in their price range. Their treadmill decks are too short for the cost and their ellipticals a bit too bumpy. With a lifetime warranty, these problems can be overlooked.

Now, the higher end commercial Fitnex E70 elliptical is still a fantastic machine and is still a best buy, but their residential units should just be avoided as lower mid grade equipment.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Local Gym Going Out of Business Sale -- Cheap New Equipment

Moshi Moshi!

We're taking a lunch break here at the DOJO and I wanted to put up a quick post. We're spending a huge portion of the day at a local gym that is going out of business. Their equipment is being sold off to other area gyms and we're uninstalling them at the old gym, doing maintenance on the equipment and then delivering them to the buyers.

The gym owner is storing a few pieces at the DOJO that he is selling and I thought I'd post them online here for anyone who might be interested. Some of the items are still new in the box (or crate) and others were just set up and never used.

Here is what he's got:

He has a pair of Tunturi T20 treadmill units still new and in the box. He had the T20 treadmills delivered a few weeks ago for a customer who never picked them up. They normally go for about $1699 (which is way over priced I think) but he's selling them at cost for $1100 each.

New in the crate (and a very heavy crate it is!) Troy Pro Dumbbells 5-50 pound set, they are gray plates with straight handles and rubber end caps. They go for around $1100 and he's looking for $850.

There is a Star Trac Elite Elliptical there as well. It is set up but is in pretty near perfect condition and has never been used. We set it up for him at the gym about 4 weeks ago and he's been closed for 2 of those weeks. He is looking to get is cost back which was $3795.

There is a remanufactured Matrix T3X Treadmill. We just checked it out and it is in excellent condition. These things list new at about $5600 but you can get them for around $4500 if you negotiate. The owner wants $2300 for the Matrix T3X.

Lastly, he has a Monark 884E Ergomedic Sprint Bike that is in great condition. It was a unit brought in as a demo unit from the manufacturer and has maybe 30 minutes worth of usage on it. I think these things used to sell for around $2700 new. The gym owner wants $1400 for the Monark 884E.

If anyone is interest, feel free to drop me a note and I can get you in contact with the gym owner. Since the equipment is all going to be stored at the DOJO I can get digital pictures if needed.

That's it for now. Look for a Horizon T73 Treadmill post later on today. Take care!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com