Treadmills have it all, except the wait

Treadmills can help you burn calories, strengthen bones, straighten your posture -- and get fit efficiently. That’s why, at the gym, there’s often a waiting line, a 20-minute limit or someone else’s sweat on them. Fortunately, home machines keep getting better, offering superb quality, new programs and customization features, and built-in heart rate monitoring -- including hand-hold pulse receptors on inexpensive models.

-- Roy M. Wallack

Take it slow and easy

Horizon 3.2 T: Handsome, simple fold-up for walkers and joggers.

Likes: Great for the space-challenged. Attractive design. Simple to operate -- just six programs. Two bottle holders.

Dislikes: Although fine for walking and light jogging, not burley enough for serious, frequent running. The 55-by-20-inch belt may be too short for fast runners.

Price: $1,499. (800) 244-4192 or www.horizonfitness.com.

More for your money

Pacemaster Platinum Pro: Jam-packed with variety and innovation.

Likes: Has the features and reputation of a $3,000 machine, such as a wide range of speeds (0.5 mph to 12 mph) and 20 programs, including four motivating “Ecourses” (Lombard Street, Steeple Chase, Appalachian Trail and Summit Climb) with changing elevations. Unique “Express” buttons are super for interval training, instantly changing the incline and speed, say, from 7 mph to 10 mph. Two bottle holders on the console. Long 60-by-20-inch belt accommodates speedy runners.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $2,299. (973) 276-9700 or www.pacemaster.com.

Perfect touch

Precor M9.33i: Top quality with unique comfort features.

Likes: Heat-sensitive speed and incline buttons are effortless -- a light touch (not a hard press) does the trick (not quite the Express button of Pacemaster, but better than most). Best shock-absorbing deck of the bunch.

Dislikes: The 57-by-20-inch belt is a bit short for tall or fast runners, and the 11 mph maximum speed may be slow for interval trainers. Only one bottle holder. Display is well done, but handrails and overall styling look dated.

Price: $3,599. (800) 477-3267 or www.precor.com.

Form meets function

Life Fitness T7.0: Cutting-edge looks and performance.

Likes: High-style design includes unusual two-part console, which conveniently segregates the most-used speed and elevation buttons in the front pod. Voluminous cargo space includes two oversized, washable bottle bays and a front slot for keys and wallet. Belt sits low to the ground for safety. Durable, attractive all-metal foot rails have no plastic parts to crack and creak. It offers 18 workouts, including “10,000 Steps” and four custom workouts. Extra-wide 60-by-22-inch belt allows for long strides and drift. Top speed of 12 mph and 15-degree elevation.

Dislikes: The array of buttons and the two-section format can seem overly complex and confusing at first.

Price: $4,500. (888) 348-4543 or www.lifefitness.com.