All posts in: Treadmills

New study shows walking can ward off strokes

Fitness & Sports
By Sarah Burns on April 11, 2010 in

Woman walking outside.

Not a fitness fan? You don't have to suffer through the huffing and puffing of running. New research reveals that a few walks a week may be all you need to slim down and ward off a potentially life-threatening stroke. According to a large new study in Stroke, an American Heart Association journal, women who walked two or more hours a week faced a significantly lower risk of stroke than more sedentary ladies -- by a whopping 37 percent. 

Read more

No surprise: Cardio machines overestimate your calorie burn

Fitness & Sports
By Christine Frietchen on March 10, 2010 in

Treadmill console

It may not come as a huge surprise that treadmills, elliptical trainers and other fitness machines overestimate the number of calories burned. But you might raise your eyebrows at the margin of error -- especially if you're relying on a machine's calorie counter for your weight-loss strategy. According to a recent segment on Good Morning America, treadmills and stair steppers overestimate by about 12% each. That might not make a huge difference if you're only walking for a mile or so. But it starts to add up. If you're walking for an hour and the machine says you've burned 450 calories, you've really burned 400. But even that isn't too bad compared to elliptical trainers, which in the GMA study proved off by a whopping 42%.

Read more

Om sweet om: A look at the best yoga mats

Fitness & Sports
By Sarah Burns on December 23, 2009 in

Yoga mat

Taking up yoga? Today's students have a plethora of mats to choose from. Current yoga mats fall into one of three categories: Plastic, eco-friendly and yoga towels. Ultra-lightweight yoga mats also exist for individuals who frequently travel.

 Plastic yoga mats, the most common offerings, are the most inexpensive. However, these products, while sturdy and durable, are typically made with a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC). Many health experts warn against using PVC yoga mats, since this compound contains a group of chemicals called phthalates. These questionable substances have drawn recent scrutiny for their possible health risks. Additionally, there are also environmental concerns about PVC, since the manufacturing of this plastic releases toxic compounds called dioxins into the atmosphere.

Read more

Stride right at Sears this Black Friday

Fitness & Sports
By Sarah Burns on November 17, 2009 in

Proform Crosswalks will be offered at Sears this Black Friday.

Trying to slim down? Stride over to Sears this Black Friday. A recently leaked circular reveals the store will be offering three solid treadmills.

The first: The ProForm XP Crosswalk 580, normally $900, will be on sale for $570. Overall, we found this product gets decent reviews. It has a 2.8-horsepower motor, a 20-by-55-inch walking belt and 12 personal trainer workouts. However, parts and labor are only covered under warranty for 90 days. About 80 percent of owners at Sears.com say they would recommend this treadmill to a friend, but several reviewers say the 580 shakes or buzzes loudly when jogging or walking fast.

Read more

Back to top