BEST FITNESS DEALERS

Feb 2008
But what is junk and how can you possibly know that this particular machines isn't good? I mean they all look good. 

Well the general rule of thumb is machines that are considered junk are ones that are sold exclusively on-line for the most part, major warehouse type stores and referral sites (did you know that referral sites get up to an 8% commission to make a website that touts another product?) If you see a brand here, well, we cannot recommend it.

Some examples: http://www.1800treadmill.com/affiliate/

http://www.moolamoola.com/sole/

Feb 2008
We all do. But you remember the old saying that the grass isn't greener, if it looks too good etc... it is the same when it comes to fitness machines at a quality level. There are cheap machines that will bump and chug along but it's far from what you should be investing in. Eventually they explode and it's cheaper to buy another one than to try and repair it.

Feb 2008
That is a great question. There is junk out there and there are inexpensive machines. It depends what you need the machine to do for you. On a treadmill for instance, look for a heavy frame (it supports your weight after all), warranty, and of course features and price. You need to be comfortable with the machine. The more comfortable you are the more likely you are to use it. Can you buy a good treadmill for $699.00? No! There is a minimum price where quality parts come into effect. Good motors, lower boards, frames, welding etc.. cost money (obviously) so we draw the minimum at $1200.00 for a treadmill. The grass isn't always greener! Realizing that quality comes at a cost is the first step. The more you pay, the better the machine gets, as it is in the auto industry.

Feb 2008
Yes you can buy a treadmill or elliptical there but be warned, you are investing in disposable fitness equipment. The machine will eventually explode and you will be facing a repair bill that is more expensive than the treadmill was new. Little motors that spin at a high rpm, thin decks, thin steel and poor welds. Do not go in that direction. It makes the industry look bad and when it does blow up it will leave a bad taste in your mouth. You see fitness machines are something most people know little about. We know more about cars and television sets and computers than we know about fitness machines. But the common sense is even those items cost more for better quality. Think about the common sense.

Well they do sell fitness machines. So why not? Well a company (store) that bases what they are carrying on profit and price seems to overlook one simple thing? Quality. Do you think that they care about the quality? They have a no question return policy. Of course they don't. They know that most will not be returned and the ones that are returned they will force down the throats back to the manufacturers which have already increased their costs to cover this return cost. So why put yourself through this? Specialty Fitness dealers will sell you what they have experience with. Buy your socks, books, ketchup and stuff you know won't break there. I can't believe how many people get sucked into this.

They are an Internet only company and actually they are the only ones that do this. And they do it well. The only downside and I can't understand how they get around this, you can't get on one before you buy. So it takes a website to try and convince you. They are actually a good company.