If you've ever visited a high end health club, chances are you've run on a Precor treadmill.
Precor is one of the top commercial fitness equipment brands on the market today.
In addition to their commercial treadmill lineup, they also make premium home treadmills starting around $3999 and up. They've also recently introduced two brand new, more affordable models starting at $1599.
Are they the right brand for you? Here's an overview of their strengths and weaknesses or Precor treadmillsto help you decide.
Strengths:
#1 ) Ground Effects Impact Control Cushioning
If you've ever run on a Precor, you know how comfortable they feel. This is in part due to their Ground Effects cushioning.
This is a specialty cushioning system (unique to Precor) that gives you greater shock absorption near the front of the deck (where your foot lands) and a more stable, firmer feel near the back (where your foot pushes off).
Without this added firmness near the back of the deck, your foot can sink when you push off, meaning you expend more energy and fatigue easier. With the extra firm push-off you reduce stress to the joints and get a more optimal workout.
Precor also uses triangular-shaped shock absorbers at the front of the deck. These help to absorb impact based on your height and weight. So a lighter person gets similar cushioning protection as a heavier person and vice versa (which is not always the case with many treadmills).
#2) Integrated Foot Plant Technology
When you run, the speed of your foot changes as it hits the ground. These treadmills register your foot speed and the recalibrate the belt speed up to 710 times per second.
This supports a more natural running motion and prevents the drag that can pull your foot backwards (it's very similar to running outside).
So you get a more smooth-feeling workout that supports your natural running stride
This is a another feature exclusive to Precor (however note that it is only found on the 9.31, 9.33 and 9.35 treadmills, not the 9.2 series)
#3) User IDs
Most Precor home treadmills (except the 9.23 and 9.31) come with User IDs where you can enter your personal information and preferences for 2-4 different people.
You can then retrieve it quickly on future workouts without having to enter everything in again - a very convenient feature.
#4 Smart Rate Heart Rate Monitoring
With many Precor models you get both touch (hand grip) heart rate sensors as well as Polar chest strap wireless monitoring (which many users feel is more accurate).
There's also a Smart Rate monitoring feature on most models (except the 9.23) that constantly shows your heart rate. When you enter your age SmartRate calculates the proper heart rate to stay in your fat burning, cardio or peak training zone. It then gives you feedback as to when you're in that zone so you can stay there throughout your workout.
#5 Extra Wide 22" Belts on the 9.3 Series
The 9.3 series of Precor units have wider 22" belts that give you extra room to move around - another plus for runners.
#6 Strong Warranties To Protect Your Investment
Precor offers lengthy warranties on their machines (lifetime on frame and welds, 5 - 10 years on parts and wear items and 1 year on labor) which is very good. While you probably won't need to use the warranty because the construction is so good on these machines, it's still nice to know that your investment is protected.
Weaknesses:
The newer models (9.23 and 9.27) do not have as many bells and whistles as the higher end models (which offer you more workout programs, more sophisticated consoles, wider belts, and more user IDs). They also do not carry the integrated foot plant technology (however they do have a motor and belt that responds to your foot speed).
Conclusion:
Precor is known for high-grade, precise construction quality. Their focus is on building the most comfortable commercial grade treadmills that are properly cushioned and easy to use.
They offer you some unique features you don't find on other brands like Ground Effects cushioning and Integrated Foot Plant technology - which help to give you a more customized, comfortable workout with less strain and fatigue so you can run farther, faster.
The prices may have been on the high side for some people in the past. However with the addition of the 2 new models under $2000, we think these treadmills will be flying off the shelves this year.
Where To Buy:
Although Precor treadmills can be hard to find, you can now buy them direct from the Manufacturer. You can also read the latest reviews and compare different models to find the best one for your needs.
