Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill (Model # SMT-545) Review

I wish that I owned this treadmill myself, but alas...it belongs to my mother.  However, I use her treadmill often enough that I am qualified to give it a good review.  The facts and opinions listed here are from what I have observed when I use the treadmill on a fairly regular basis.

The Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill was not an inexpensive treadmill.  In fact, I could not afford this treadmill myself but since my mother does not charge me to use hers, I use it fairly often.  What I like about this particular model is that it is easy to operate.  It has a digital display and buttons that you have to push to operate it, but it's not confusing like some of the treadmills that I've seen. The digital display is easy to read and allows you to monitor your how fast you're walking, the degree of incline, the distance you have travelled, the calories you have burned, how long you have been walking, and your pulse rate.  You can see all of these things on one screen, without having to push any buttons to see each individual thing.  It's all conveniently displayed so all you need to do is look down.

The Smooth Fitness 5.45 treadmillis a smooth treadmill to walk on, and doesn't shake or rattle when you walk on it.  In fact, I have found that this particular model is of the same quality as the treadmills that I used to walk on at the gym, except that it is EASIER to operate!  The walking platform has shock absorption, so that your step is cushioned and it helps reduce the impact on your back, ankles, knees, hips and joints.  My mother has an artificial hip and an artificial knee, and cannot take the impact of walking on the street, so this treadmill is PERFECT for her.  It protects her joints and makes walking safer for her.

The Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill has two handles that come out on either side of your body.  You can hold on to them to secure your grip and keep your balance, and they also have heart pulse monitors.  Simply grip the handles and watch the digital monitor.  When your pulse rate is taken, it will appear on the monitor and you can then let go of the grips.  I walk back away from the grips because I don't like to hold on to them while I walk, however, my mom depends on them when she uses the treadmill.  It helps her keep her balance.

I like to have a water bottle with me when I walk on the treadmill, and this model has a built in drink holder.  It's located right on the front of the unit, so I can easily reach my water bottle while I work out.  If you don't use a water bottle or other beverage while you work out, you could place your cell phone or other small item in that space. 

My mother keeps her treadmill out all the time, BUT if you need the extra space, you can easily lift up the bottom and store it in the corner.  I don't think it would slide under furniture, but it will fold up so that it will comfortably fit behind a chair or in the corner of the room.  Then, all you would have to do is fold it back out and walk on it.  You can safely use the unit plugged in, and just turn it on and off with the power switch, if desired.

YOU decide how fast you walk and if you want an incline.  You can either select from six pre-set workout routines, or manually change the speed and incline on your own.  I usually just change manually adjust the settings, however there are 4 different smart programs, and 2 pulse-driven workouts you can select to use.  The minimum speed is 0.5mph and the maximum speed is 10 mph.  YES!  10 mph!  I have never gotten up to the maximum speed!  The incline is usually set at 0% when I work out, but it will go up to a maximum of 10% incline for those that want to walk or run uphill.

For the sake of this review, I asked my mother if her Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill came with a warranty and she said that it did.  The frame came with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.  The parts have a three year warranty and also a three year warranty on any necessary labor.  The motor also came with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.  In the two or three years that my parents have owned this treadmill, they have not had any issues with either the frame, motor, or any parts.

The only CON for the Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill is the cost.  As I mentioned, I would not be able to afford it.  The cost was approximately        $ 1,200.00. 

Bottom Line - This is a great treadmill with all the features you can possibly need or want.  If you can afford the price, I recommend it.  This is a professional quality treadmill; much better than many of the ones that I have used at a gym.  Thank goodness I am able to "mooch" off my parents and use their Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill!