Model KLS-2122B5 from Ningbo Kailisi of mainland China comes with a massage belt, a twist board and several dumbbells.

Treadmills from Taiwan and mainland China are becoming smarter, with suppliers combining various technologies to provide users with more feedback and control over their workouts. Promoting health and safety are the primary objectives of these value-added features, but several are also designed to entertain and thereby encourage regular or frequent usage.

At many companies, upgrades revolve around making the control system more user-friendly. The latest consoles are equipped with backlit LED or LCD screens that can monitor heart rate in addition to displaying basic information such as speed, time, distance traversed and calories burned. Many are also fitted with emergency stop buttons, and quick keys for choosing and adjusting workout profiles.

Built-in speakers, TFT LCD TVs and audio inputs compatible with MP3 players and iPods are also becoming popular, particularly in the upscale segment. A few can even be interfaced with a computer or a USB device.

Nonelectronic conveniences are increasingly being incorporated as well. These include magazine and bookracks, storage bins, and holders of beverages, audio devices and mobile phones.

In Taiwan, Johnson Health Tech. Co. Ltd has released the T8000Ei treadmill with a 15-inch TFT LCD screen that provides feedback on time, speed, distance, pace, calories, incline, level, heart rate and workout profile.

The device can also be used as a TV with a universal broadcasting tuner and DVD player connection. Navigation and program quick keys, and TV controls are located on the console. Blue backlit hot keys for speed and incline are also built onto the side handrails.

Another design, the Horizon Ti-52 model, comes with an orange backlit LCD screen that provides feedback on time, speed, incline, distance and calories. Heart rate is also monitored through contact sensors and a telemetric receiver.

Johnson's Horizon Evolve, a recipient of the Taiwan Excellence Gold Award in 2007, features an LCD screen with blue backlight. The product's stereo speakers are compatible with MP3 and CD players.

Jih Kao Enterprise Co. Ltd is offering the 9870A motorized treadmill with a 15-inch display screen and touch panel that also functions as a monitor for broadcast and cable TV, and DVD players. A headset jack, DVD player platform, bookrack and bottle holder are integrated in the unit's design, and the handlebars are fitted with speed and incline control buttons.

At Power First Fitness International Co. Ltd, the T980 model is marketed with an LCD window and five LED ones. These display readouts on speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, elevation and pace.

The unit monitors heart rate through a wireless receiver. A fan with three speed options, two speakers and cup holders, and a bookrack are also built into its design.

Model GF-9501 from Godforce Health Enterprise Co. Ltd has a console equipped with LCD screens for displaying workout feedback and an emergency button. Speed and incline controls are located on the panel and handlebars.

Cushioned U-shaped handrails are fitted at the treadmill's left and right sides for use when resting or cooling down. The height of these parts can be adjusted through four knobs.

In the mainland, Huizhou Etiger Fitness Co. Ltd offers motorized treadmills with multiple display screens. The YT620 model, for instance, has six LED windows providing feedback on calories burned, speed, time, incline, heart rate, distance and laps. It is also equipped with an emergency stop device and five shortcut keys each for speed and incline.

The company is currently developing units with built-in video and audio devices. Treadmills slated for release in coming months include at least three models with TVs and MP3 players.

Ningbo Jada Electronic Co. Ltd is offering the JS-4500 treadmill with a 7-inch LCD screen that shows speed, distance, time, calorie, incline and heart rate. Quick keys for adjusting speed and elevation are located on the control panel and handlebars.

The unit is fitted with beverage holders and speakers, and an audio input compatible with MP3 players.

At Ningbo Kailisi Sports Fitness Co. Ltd, the selection includes the KLS-2162B12S model, which has a VFD screen on its console. The display provides feedback on time, speed, distance, calories, incline, heart rate and the program in use.
More exercise options

Besides providing intelligent control systems and adding more conveniences, suppliers are offering models with a greater number of preset programs. Of the latest designs, many have at least 10 workout profiles. In addition, several are fitted with massage belts, dumbbells, twist boards and other fitness accessories to provide users with extra workout and relaxation options.

Jih Kao's 9870A model, for instance, has 12 preset programs and three heart rate control or HRC settings. Two workout profiles can be defined by users.

In Power First's T980 treadmill, the preset programs include four for speed, seven for elevation and three for HRC. Users can also choose target distance, calories, time and elevation gain.

Of the mainland-based companies, Fujian WNQ Fitness Co. Ltd is offering the F1-3000I motorized treadmill with five preset programs. The product also comes with sit-up bars, a twist board and a massage belt.

Deqing Friend Movement of Supplies Co. Ltd has released the FDA105 model with devices that enable users to perform sit- and push-ups on the machine. A massage belt and a twist board are also incorporated in its structure.

Ningbo Kailisi's KLS-2122B5 model comes with several dumbbells, as well as a massage belt and twist board.

At Yongkang Prime Houseware Fty, the selection includes units with sit-up bars, dumbbells, massage belts and twist boards.