The Nordic Track ViewPoint 3000, or NT, as I affectionately call it, offers pretty much everything its bigger, more expensive brothers do. It’s got a built-in flat-screen TV that’s cable – and DVD-ready, an iPod connection, surround-sound speakers, a tiltable fan, an electronic personal-training program, a carb- and calorie-burner counter and 14 preset workouts. The only thing that’s missing is a dessert bar. Oh, and it gives a pretty solid workout – it feels like you’re lighter than a feather – to boot.

It’s cheaper rival, Gold’s Gym Maxx 650 can definitely hold its weight against the NT. While most treadmills in this price range are meant for walking or light jogging, this guy is a little bigger than the kind that folds under the bed. With that in mind, I powered it up to 6mph and ran until I got tired, and its sturdy base held up just fine. It was even able to keep up with my rocket speed as it counted calories burned and tracked my progress around a simulated track. The motor and belt were a little noisier than I expected, but the sound helped mask my heavy panting. Thank the running gods for that built-in fan.

NordicTrack ViewPoint 3000, Dhs3,400 (Nordictrack.com) and Gold’s Gym Maxx 650 (Walmart.com), Dhs2,100