The Merit Fitness 725T Plus

 

1358841196798_merit-fitness-725t-plus.jpgThe Merit Fitness 725T Plus treadmill is a treadmill for your home that comes at a bargain low price. Merit Fitness is a division of Johnson Health Tech, one of the biggest global manufacturers of fitness equipment. With many low cost treadmills, it’s not just the price that is cheap. However, Merit Fitness claims that the 725T Plus treadmill is a sturdy, robust treadmill that offers excellent build quality; so much so that the Merit Fitness 725T Plus treadmill comes with a lifetime frame warranty and two year motor warranty. The question that needs answering is whether the 725T Plus really offers value for money, or is it running on empty?

 

 

Key Specs for Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill

  • RRP: $399.99
  • Top Speed: 10 mph
  • Incline: 10%
  • Foldable? Yes
  • Number of Programs: 7 

Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill: The Pros

Price: This is the first thing that grabs most people’s attention. At just shy of $400, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus is not the cheapest treadmill on the market, but it sure is one of the better value treadmills when you compare and contrast against other treadmills in this price range. With the 725T Plus, you are getting a well-built steel frame treadmill that comfortably supports weights of up to 250 lbs. The AEROsoft cushioning system on the belt manages to comfortably deal with larger frames, insulating your legs from impact shocks, providing for a smooth experience.

You are also getting a treadmill that offers seven different training programs, including manual settings, cardio, endurance and hill climb. These features, combined with the ability to do speeds of 10 mph at inclines of 10% mean the Merit Fitness 725T Plus offers a comprehensive technical treadmill at a fraction of the cost of some of its competitors.

Motor: As mentioned above, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus has a 2.25 horsepower electric motor providing the power. The motor is very impressive. With many treadmills, the supposed top speed is limited to flat running. With the 725T Plus, the top speed is attainable in almost every setting. You can choose a steep 10% hill climb and the 725T Plus will still give you your 10 mph. Furthermore, the 725T Plus comes with a motor warranty of two years, meaning you have additional peace of mind when purchasing.

Display: The 725T Plus comes with two LED displays. These displays are simple to read and provide a wealth of information. As well as showing the obvious time taken, distance covered, current and average speed, the dual displays also show heart rate and calories burned. This allows the user to track their progress against set goals, and to keep a track of their fitness levels. Heart rate is calculated by a thumb pulse monitor, and this also warns you when your heart rate is too high.

 

 

 

 

Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill: The Cons

Storage: The Merit Fitness 725T Plus claims to be foldable for easy storage, and it is. However, if you are hoping this to mean folding flat and easily slid under a low bed, you will be disappointed. The 725T Plus does not fold completely flat.

However, the reason for this is because of the sturdy build quality. With a steel frame capable of comfortably accommodating 250 lbs of running weight, the 725T Plus was never going to be dainty. If you need your treadmill to completely disappear when not in use, the 725T Plus might not suit your needs. If this isn’t an issue, there’s very little else to be said against it.

Safety Strap: Very little else, that is, apart from the safety strap. The Merit Fitness 725T Plus features a cut out safety feature whereby you attach a strap to your waist around your belt. The other end is attached via a magnetic connection to the treadmill. If the magnetic link is broken, as it would be if you were to step off the treadmill or even fall off it, the treadmill shuts down.

While being an excellent safety device, it can be a little annoying. The safety strap is not very long, and the magnetic connection is not very strong. This means that the safety cut out can be activated accidentally if not paying attention, and when this happens you lose your current progress readings.

 

Is the Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill Worth Buying?

Without a doubt, yes. While there are some small issues around the folded size and the safety cut out mechanism, you will not get a better all-round treadmill for $400. The 725T Plus is capable of accommodating weights up to 250 lbs, has an easy to use control system that requires little to no instruction and a nice large 18 x 45 inch workout area. With a reliable motor, excellent sturdy build and seven training programs, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus could be just the addition that your home needs to help you shed those extra few pounds.