A Run for the Money: Treadmill Suppliers Continue to Innovate

It’s good news all around—the sophisticated design and performance features that manufacturers have incorporated in their new commercial treadmills pay dividends both for them and for club operators and members.

Take, for instance, the new 10TRx FreeRunner, from Core Health & Fitness, which has been designed specifically to make running more comfortable. HexDeck, its unique patent-pending, deck system, consists of an aluminum deck that’s supported by a hexagonal polymer suspension system.

“This platform reduces the impact of running, providing just the right amount of cushion, and the perfect degree of response,” says Travis Vaughan, the company’s director of technology and cardio products. “Users describe the experience as being similar to running on a track or firm turf.”

New Perks Added to an Old Idea

Technogym, for its part, has added no less than three models to its SKILLRUN series to accommodate individual preferences. The UNITY 5000 boasts a premium, 19" console that serves up a host of entertainment options; the TX 500 provides high-intensity workouts for exercisers at every level; and the UNITY 7000 generates advanced biofeedback metrics—among them, the difference between right and left leg action, and maximum power measurement for sled and parachute training.

“SKILLRUN’s patent-pending MULTIDRIVE technology facilitates both cardio training and resistance workout within a single solution,” says Marco Zambianchi, the president of Technogym, North America.

Going Beyond the Original Function

Matrix Fitness and Muscle D Fitness also have introduced tempting new treadmill treats.

Matrix has unveiled several new S-Drive Performance Trainers. Each incorporates a user-driven treadmill mode, a weighted sled function, and a harness system and resistance parachute. The S-Drive Power features a Target Training Display that tracks metrics, and an LED wrap that utilizes different colors to keep users on track to meet goals. And S-Drive Metrics provide data on speed, distance, elapsed time, and heart rate.

Muscle D Fitness’ three brand-new treadmills are equipped with 3.5" rollers and high-quality, German-manufactured belts to withstand heavy commercial usage. To prolong the operation of the lower control board, the company has devised an easy-to-access, self- contained control box. “Club owners want durability and long-term performance,” says Brian Lewallen, the president of Muscle D. “We’re blazing a new trail in treadmill construction.”

A Sustainable Option

And, in the eco-friendly category, SportsArt’s VERDE nonmotorized, energy-generating treadmill is gaining both momentum and ground. “We continue to educate operators about the virtues of the VERDE, which is appealing, low-maintenance, and energy-generating,” says Product Manager Matt Thorsen. “And clubs are recognizing the advantages.”