Treadmills

Our latest tests of 29 machines include 2 CR Best Buys, 1 'Don't Buy'

Treadmills have long been the most popular home workout machines, commanding more than 50 percent of the market. Running is the gold standard of cardiovascular exercise, after all.

But more and more treadmills are also aiming for your entertainment dollar, adding MP3 docks or USB connections that let you transfer your workout records to your computer and track your progress at the company's Web site. We've also seen more ultracompact models in recent testing, which might appeal to those who didn't think they had the space for a home gym.

So how can you tell the fantastic from the flashy?

To find out, we tested 29 treadmills, analyzing ease of use, ergonomics, exercise range, quality and durability of construction, safety, and more. Prices range from about $500 to $3,300. We recommend eight models, including two CR Best Buys, but we also found one that you should stay away from.

"The top one is the one you enjoy, because if you enjoy it, you'll use it more frequently," says Christina A. Geithner, a professor of exercise science at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.

Treadmills are a great option if your workout of choice is running or walking. Most allow you to adjust the speed and incline, but the motion is the one you create with your natural stride.

All treadmills have a motor that powers the moving running deck. Spending more on a treadmill usually buys you more horsepower, sturdier construction, better hardware, a longer deck, and a longer warranty. Our top-rated Precor, a powerful, well-built model that scored well across the board, is also the most expensive at $3,300. Spend a little less and you can still get a decent machine that will provide a good workout.

Some treadmills have a negative-incline option to simulate downhill running, which works different muscle groups. Other models offer adjustable cushioning.

Some treadmills come with gadgets such as an MP3 dock with speakers or a headphone jack, which might be worth it if they entice you to work out more. One machine includes a built-in step counter for those who like to measure their progress that way. But you could purchase a highly rated pedometer separately for as little as $30, so don't let that sway you too much.