Cheap Elliptical Trainers From An Industry Giant

From its humble beginnings as a part time business for two college students in Utah, ICON Health and Fitness has grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of fitness equipment. The company's credentials are impressive: 4000 employees in 11 locations around the world, nearly 200 patents, ISO 9001 certified and a portfolio of some of the best known brands in the fitness industry. Among this stable of brands are some of the best-selling elliptical trainers in the world ?- Weslo, ProForm, NordicTrack, and Reebok.

It's no wonder these ellipticals sell so well. They retail from $200 - $900 with an average purchase price of around $400. They boast features usually found on higher-end elliptical trainers such as heart rate monitors, several built-in exercise programs, built-in cooling fans, motorized resistance settings, and iFit.com technology.

The vast majority of consumers in the market for a home elliptical trainer balk at spending more than $500 for a machine. An elliptical trainer from ICON Health and Fitness for $400 seems like a no-brainer, but before you whip out your credit card, you may want to take a peek under the covers.

*The Sears Alliance -- I believe that the biggest factor that makes elliptical trainers from ICON Health and Fitness such big sellers is that Sears carries them. Sears is very well associated with affordable products such as tools, entertainment equipment, and appliances. They also have a good reputation for service. Just don't expect the sales person in the sporting goods department to give you the facts about product returns with ICON ellipticals. I've tried, but who can blame them. It's their job to sell product.

If you do decide to purchase an ICON elliptical trainer then you're probably better off purchasing it from Sears. Sears seems to be pretty good about making exchanges if you have problems during the 90-day warranty period. In some cases, they may just refund your money, but your mileage may vary here so don't count on it. After the 90-day warranty expires then you'll have to deal directly with ICON. Based on reviewers at Epinions.com this tends to be a frustrating and unsatisfying process.

*The 90-Day Warranty Says It All -- If a fitness equipment manufacturer isn't willing to stand behind their product for more than 90-days, then that should be a big honking red flag! Again, take a look at some of the reviews at Epinions.com and see when these ellipticals start breaking down. In many cases, it's before the end of the 90-day warranty period!

*Consumers Speak Out at Epinions.com -- If you haven't checked out product reviews at Epinions.com, you really owe it to yourself to have a look. Just about all of the elliptical trainers from ICON are reviewed here. Real consumers write the reviews and some go into great detail about every aspect of their experience.

In some cases the reviewers describe their on-going experiences with product returns and the customer service department. Do yourself a huge favor and read every one of these reviews if you're considering one of these ellipticals.

*Elliptical Trainer Reviews That Don't Review Anything -- Unfortunately many of the elliptical trainer reviews sites on the Internet give glowing reviews to every elliptical trainer they advertise. When I see rave reviews of any ICON elliptical trainer on these sites I know to not trust any of their elliptical trainer reviews.

My hope is that ICON will eventually begin listening to customer feedback and redesign their elliptical trainers to correct the most glaring weaknesses. Extending the parts and labor warranty from 90-days to a full year would go a long way towards demonstrating their commitment to both their products as well as to their customers.

In the mean time you can protect yourself when shopping for an elliptical trainer by doing your homework -- both on-line and off. It all really comes down to putting the odds in your favor. My suggestion is to narrow down your search to several higher quality residential trainers that you've tested off-line, MSRP $1000 - $3000, and then shop on-line for the best possible price.

Rich Rojas writes elliptical trainer reviews and articles on health and fitness. Check out recommended elliptical trainers at EllipticalHome.com

---

PARLOT.COM: Turnkey Money Making websites

Types of Exercise Equipment

Depending on the kind of exercise you want to do,... Read More

Treadmill Buying Tips

These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of important... Read More

Why Treadmills?

Treadmills have experienced substantial growth over the years. They are... Read More

Treadmill Training!

According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, treadmills are the... Read More

Schwinn Ellipticals Are a Great Ride

Schwinn Ellipticals live up to the name Schwinn. Everyone is... Read More

Treadmill Reviews ? Get The Most Value For Your Dollar

As the number one fitness machines available, treadmills are very... Read More

What To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer

To get a decent elliptical trainer you should be prepared... Read More

The Skinny on Exercise Strollers

Whether you are an avid jogger or fitness fan, you... Read More

The Importance of Treadmill Mats?

One important accessory that you will want to get with... Read More

Discount Treadmill: 3 Ways To Save When Buying A Treadmill

Most people looking to buy a treadmill are interested in... Read More

A Gorgeous Flooring for Yoga and Exercise, Tatami Interlocking Mats

Tatami interlocking floor mats are presented by InterlockingFloorMat.com. This Tatami... Read More

Elliptical Trainers ? Glide Your Way to Good Health

The Diet Exercise DilemmaYour doctor has just told you that... Read More

Epic Treadmills ? Good Value Or Not?

Epic treadmills are well known in the treadmill market for... Read More

What Are The Main Benefits Of Trampoline Exercise?

Many people might look at someone bouncing on a trampoline... Read More

Home Sweet Treadmill

For those of you trying to stay in shape or... Read More

Finding The Best Home Gyms - Which Is Right For You?

There are many brands and styles of home gyms available... Read More

Want To Compare Treadmills? Have You Done Your Homework First?

Buying a treadmill can be daunting experience. Aren't there a... Read More

Blood Pressure Monitor - Is Youre Blood Pressure OK?

The focus on reducing high blood pressure in today's society... Read More

Treadmill Best Recommended List

Runner's World Magazine conducts an evaluation, to come up with... Read More

Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro

Fitness guru, Tony Little, designed the Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro.... Read More

Star Trac TR4500HR Treadmill - A Review

When you're searching for a treadmill for your home or... Read More

Ironman Treadmills

Ironman Treadmills - For The Guy Who Does The IroningIronman... Read More

The Tunturi Elliptical Trainer

The Tunturi Elliptical is one of the lower end priced... Read More

Buy Stair Lifts Online

Stair lifts ? all sortsNo stair lifts and 18 years... Read More

Horizon Treadmills ? Keeping Your Treadmill in Shape!

Horizon treadmills are well built and sturdy, and their durability... Read More