The Reebok Treadmill Model 9500 ES is so packed with features that I wonder if it should be described as a treadmill at all! Combining fitness with fun, its more of a one stop workout and mini entertainment venue right there in your own home. An expensive gadget or a cheaper alternative to a fitness membership? I guess that depends on how much you pay at your fitness center, and how often you use it.

Another thing that strikes you when you're looking around for advice on the Reebock Treadmill Model 9500 ES, and other Reebok treadmills - made by ICON Health and Fitness - is the manufacturer's description. There's a trademark attached to so many of the features, and without sounding negative about the product itself, do we really care if the fan, or incline control has some kind of made-up name for the sake of adding a TM after it, and does it make the treadmill any more attractive to buyers? I doubt it! For the purpose of this review, however, I have included all the ® and ™ logos where appropriate, and you can see for yourself how ridiculous it starts to appear.

Main specifications:

* Motor: 3.5 CHP Commercial grade
* Incline: 0-12% Power Incline™
* Speed: 0-12 mph One Touch™ Speed Control
* Running surface: 60" x 20"
* Heart Rate: EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
* Folding feature: SpaceSaver® Fold Away Design
* Shock Absorption: DMX™ Adjustable Impact
* Max user weight: 350 lbs
* Warranty: Motor - 20 years

Workout:

The Reebok Treadmill Model 9500 ES has a huge choice of 35 built-in programs, including four pre-set options, two event training programs, two for heart rate control, and six calibrated weight loss programs. If that's not enough, the 9500 ES is also compatible with iFit® Interactive Technology, which is like having a virtual personal trainer! The belt on this model is a very good size for a home treadmill, at 60" in length and 20" wide, giving a decent running surface and a more comfortable workout for those with longer legs. With speeds of up to 12mph thanks to the 3.5 CHP commercial grade motor, the Reebok 9500 ES is able to compete with some of the treadmills you see at the gym. Another attractive feature is the One Touch™ Speed Control, making it quick and easy to adjust your speed to your required level.

Console:

A multi-color LED display on the console shows the usual readouts for speed, time, distance and heart rate, and the integrated AutoBreeze™ Fan on the Reebock Treadmill Model 9500 ES will help keep you cool during your workout. The piece de resistance on this treadmill has to be the entertainment center. Featuring a 7" interactive flat screen, built in speakers, sub woofer and MP3 system, the Reebok Treadmill Model 9500 ES will surely make your regular workout an enjoyable experience.

Design and Warranty:

The folding feature of the Reebok Treadmill Model 9500 ES offers a convenient solution for home fitness users. The SpaceSaver® Fold Away Design with Easy Lift Assist Shock makes quick work of storing the unit away when you need the space.

The standard warranty on this model is one year for parts and labor, and 20 years for the motor. This, for me, is where it falls down when compared to some of the other folding treadmills; for example the Sole F80 includes a 30-year deck and motor warranty, and 5 years for its other parts.

Conclusion:

A hefty price for a gadget filled novelty that could soon wear off. Impressive as it seems, with a price tag of around $2500 the Reebok Treadmill Model 9500 ES doesn't sound like music to my ears!