Before you spend money on a folding treadmill for the home, be sure to take a look at the Smooth 5.45 treadmill by Smooth Fitness. It is an excellent treadmill with an excellent price of just under $1000. This machine is a remake, or an upgrade, of the Smooth 5.25 treadmill. The upgrades on this machine were made primarily due to customer response. The 5.25 always stayed on top of the "best buy" list because of user reviews, but Smooth Fitness truly wanted to make a machine that met all of their customers' needs.

A lot of people ask me why a treadmill like the Smooth 5.45 can be offered for such an affordable price. The answer is in the bottom line. Smooth Fitness doesn't deal with middlemen or retail stores. They only offer their machines online. Cutting out the overhead that is involved with brick and mortar businesses gives Smooth Fitness an advantage and customers love it. Smooth Fitness brings upscale machines to the marketplace at affordable prices.

Anyone who knows anything about machines knows that a machine is really only as good as the motor that runs it. Smooth Fitness doesn't take any shortcuts with anything, let alone the motors in their treadmills. The Smooth 5.45 comes with a very quiet, very smooth 2.5 continuous duty motor. This motor is perfect for this machine and will easily keep up with people who walk or jog.

Yet, let me say that if you are into running, this machine might not be the one for you. You may want to look at machines that are made more for runners. One that comes to mind is the Smooth 6.45. It has a more powerful motor and is better suited for intense running.

One thing I really like about the Smooth 5.45 treadmill that really makes it stand out from its competition is its high-tech shock absorption deck. Users report that there is a big difference between the absorption decks on this machine than on other machines. Having such a cushion under your steps means you can walk longer without stressing out your joints and knees. This also makes the Smooth 5.45 ideal for someone who has back problems.

Another change that was made to the Smooth 5.45 treadmill was the extension of the deck. Smooth Fitness heard what tall users had to say about the deck on the 5.25 and worked to make its replacement more accommodating for long-limbed users. The weight of the Smooth 5.45 was also increased for added stability. It weighs 210 pounds-20 pounds heavier than the old model. This machine isn't going anywhere, no matter how much of a pounding you give it. Yet, please note that this machine should be set up wherever it will be permanently because it's not easy to move!

With all of the changes that have been made to create the Smooth 5.45 treadmill, one thing that stayed the same is the dependable warranty that comes with all Smooth Fitness machines. This machine comes with a 3 year parts warranty, a one year labor/service warranty and a lifetime warranty on the motor. With everything taken into consideration, the Smooth 5.45 is on my "best buy" list. It is an excellent folding treadmill for the home for under $1000.