Treadmills: People who know stuff vs people who don't

I mentioned in my weekend round-up that Marc and I went window shopping for a new treadmill on Saturday. Being responsible consumers, we decided to check out both spending options: department store treadmill vs. fitness store treadmill. This proved to be a very illuminating experience resulting in me deciding to never buy such an important purchase from someone who also sells sweaters with cats on them.

Keep in mind that while Marc and I are not hardcore runners, we are also not novelty exercisers. Marc especially. This treadmill will get used and used often. The idea behind this purchase is so that we can both cancel our gym memberships and outfit our bonus room as a home-gym and perhaps save us some bucks down the road. I loved the treadmills at the gym and legitimately miss my lunchtime runs.

First we went to Akfit -- a reputable fitness expert store. We spoke with a very informed gentleman for quite a long time about various machines, belt & motors, features, warranties etc. They carry high-end brands with medical quality support and features. We left there feeling very secure and happy about the Body Guard model we had moreorless decided to buy. It's a bit expensive but well worth it. When dealing with your body and bones -- best not to cheap out I say.

Second we decide to go to Sears just to see what the competition is like. Of course they have quite a selection at many pricepoints from bargain basement to upwards of $2000. After what felt like forever we are finally helped by a young girl who also happens to be working the Christmas department as well as the fitness department. After about 10 minutes, she realizes the reason the machines aren't working for us is because they aren't plugged in. This realization comes after many trips back to her station to fetch different magnets of varying strength that should turn the machines on. I also got almost a complete view of her G-string panties as she got down on all fours to plug the treadmill in. Dirty I know.

Anyway, they had machines there with way more bells and whistles than the model we were looking at at Akfit. Things like built-in fans, plug-ins for your music, speakers and other things that beep and light up. The model we liked at Akfit had none of these things for a higher price. Hmm you say? Well, that is how the manufacturers get you. By offering way more "things" than the higher end brands do, hopefully you won't notice that the machines at Sears come with a 5 minute warranty and a 10 minute parts and labour guarantee. Akfit offers lifetime warranties and 10 year parts and labour. ?????? You're really going to pick 2 crappy built-in fans over a lifetime warranty that doesn't cost anything? These machines are all belts and motors -- of course stuff is going to need fixing and tuning! All those bells and whistles offer is more things that can break and no warranty to fix them. I don't understand the logic. Not to mention that the girl answering your questions is also selling tinsel to an old lady on the other side of the aisle.

Web reviews and research aside, thank you Sears for helping to make this important and pricey decision SO much easier.