Healthrider treadmills used to be very popular - however these days they're not as well known as other brands.
Healthrider is owned and manufactured by ICON Health and Fitness, one of the largest producers of treadmills in the world. They also own brands like Epic, Image, Nordic Track, Proform and Reebok.
And it seems like the brand has been left to stagnate as ICON focuses on updating brands like Nordic Track and Proform with the latest gadgets and better construction.
There are currently a few Healthrider treadmills available however and here are some of their benefits:
Strengths:
#1) Built-In TV - The H155t carries a cable-ready 7" Flat-Panel TV built into the console. You can watch your favorite programs as you workout.
#2) iPod Docks with Speakers - Both the H155t and the H95T come with an iPod or mp3 port with built-in console speakers. So you can listen to your favorite tunes or audio book while you workout. While this is becoming a fairly standard feature on many treadmills, it's still nice to have.
#3) SpaceSaving / Folding - All Health rider treadmills fold up to save space. There's a self-locking latch to keep the treadmill in place for easy moving or cleaning.
#4 ) iFit LIVE - The H95T comes with iFit LIVE, which connects your treadmill to the Internet. From there you can download new workout programs, map out new routes using Googlemaps, race against Facebook friends and track your workout stats over time.
#5) Long 60" Belts - Again, this is becoming a fairly standard feature on other ICON brands like Nordic Track and Proform but it's still nice to have. It will give you more room to move. Runners and taller users will especially appreciate this as they won't feel like they're falling off the treadmill.
Weaknesses:
Considering these treadmills start around $849+, there's a lot of competition in this field. And when you compare them to similarly priced brands, they don't really measure up in terms of what you get for the money.
For example, they don't offer as many fitness tools or workout programs as the similarly priced Nordic Tracks. In fact the H155t is virtually the same as a NordicTrack model that was out a few years ago.
Conclusion:
While Healthrider treadmills are manufactured by Icon - the largest treadmill manufacturer in the world and a name that will be here for the long run - they just do not measure up against similarly priced treadmills.
While the new models are a huge improvement over the older ones, and much stronger in terms of construction, for similar prices you can get a Nordic Track or Proform with more fitness tools, workout programs and longer warranties.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can find and compare the new models directly from the Healthrider Manufacturer. They're also currently offering Free Shipping on all their treadmills which will save you about $175.
