Finding the best exercise equipment and fitness gear is a hard task. First, you should know the fitness equipment brands and fitness gear manufacturers. Bowflex, HealthRider, NordicTrack, and ProForm are all top fitness brands.

Sometimes it might seem like there are more fitness equipment brands than there could be people to workout using them!  As with most things in life, however, you usually get what you pay for.  Here's some basic information on some of the bigger names in the business:

Bowflex

One of the biggest names in recent years, Bowflex burst on the scene with savvy marketing and superior products.  Bowflex now makes and sells home gyms, dumbbells, treadmills, benches, and the TreadClimber.  Bowflex products come with a six week satisfaction guarantee and will ship anywhere within the Continental United States.

Gaiam

Gaiam calls itself "a lifestyle company" and specializes in yoga mats, props, kits, videos and accessories, all of which can all be ordered through their website or other online retailers.  Gaiam also offers a satisfaction guarantee and will replace any purchased item you're unhappy with or will offer you a refund. 

HealthRider

An ever popular home fitness equipment brand, HealthRider sells treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and, of course, the famous HealthRider.  HealthRider products come with a 30-day trial period and a 90-day limited warranty.  In stock equipment ships within two weeks.

LifeFitness

LifeFitness manufactures a wide array of both commercial and home fitness equipment, including home gyms, treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, and the popular Lifecycle.  LifeFitness often has special offers on equipment purchased through their website, such as free shipping and installation.  Warranties vary depending on equipment purchased.

NordicTrack

Among the big brand names, NordicTrack is one of the biggest.  In addition to the skiers that made them famous, NordicTrack makes treadmills, ellipticals, incline trainers, exercise bikes, steppers and more.  The great majority of these machines have a wonderful reputation and all products except for scooters come with at least a 90 day warranty.  NordicTrack equipment can be purchased online and will ship anywhere within the Continental U.S.

Nautilus

You may have worked out on Nautilus equipment in your local gym.  Nautilus also produces machines for home use including home gyms, benches, and other fitness accessories.  A squat leg press machine, for example, comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a ten year warranty on the parts.  Nautilus brand products are sold online through the Bowflex Home Fitness Catalog.

Precor

Precor offers commercial equipment as well as high-end fitness equipment for the home, such as elliptical fitness crosstrainers, treadmills, cycles, climbers, stretch trainers, and strength training systems.  Precor products are usually sold through their online store or through local distributors who also provide customer support.  Warranties on Precor products are good, though their terms vary depending on the model.

Pro-form

Calling itself the "World's #1 Fitness Brand," Pro-form makes high quality treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, ab machines, and strength training equipment that is often sold at middle of the road prices.  All products come with a 30-day trial period during which they can be returned for a refund.  Additionally, online orders paid in full are treated to free shipping and there are often fantastic sale prices.

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