The 9.45ST falls in the middle of the Smooth Fitness non-folding treadmill range. The 9.35HR is a little cheaper with a shorter deck, while the 9.45TV has the same 60” long deck but also boasts a 15” LCD television.

The price difference between the Smooth 9.45ST and the cheaper 9.35HR is quite significant (about $400 depending on current sales price) and yet the only large difference between the machines is the longer running surface. For many people, especially those under six foot, those extra six inches of platform will not really be needed and don’t justify the extra cost. However, for those over six foot tall or who have a long natural stride the extra length will make all the difference between a comfortable, natural gait and a cramped run.

The 3.0 continuous motor, 2.5 inch rollers, 1-15 incline, 0.5 to 11 mph speed are the same on all three machines. The 9 series non-folding Smooth treadmills also share the patented Hydra Suspension cushioning system and hands-free motion control.

Hydra Suspension lets the user choose the amount of cushioning best suited to his or her running style. Many people find this to be very useful especially when there are several family members using the same machine. The hands-free motion control is also appreciated by most as it allows the runner to adjust speed or slow to a stop with a simple wave of the hand – no need to break stride at all. Though those who appreciate these features are in the majority, not everybody likes or uses them. If what you are looking for is a plain vanilla running belt, then the 9.45ST is not for you.

The American Heart Association recommends regular aerobic exercise at 50 to 85% of your maximum heart rate to improve and maintain the health of the heart, lungs and circulatory system. Maximum heart rate is worked out by age, not by fitness level, so for example a 45 year old man’s maximum heart rate is 175. If he has only recently converted from couch potato to fitness fanatic then he should start out fairly easily at 50 to 60% of that rate. A healthier person would need more of a challenge and would therefore do better to stay within the 70 to 85% of maximum heart rate range.

All of this is made very easy by the Polar chest strap which is included with the purchase of the 9.45ST. It transmits heart rate information back to the console which then adjusts speed and incline automatically to keep the user working at the required intensity.

There are six workout programs altogether including the one for heart rate, Killer Hills, Weight Loss and Speed Intervals. Up to 9 users can store their personal data on the console which makes this a good choice for a family machine.

The Smooth 9.45ST comes with a very generous warranty which includes a lifetime cover on the frame, parts and electronics and in-house labor for two years. Shipping to the curb at your address is free. Having the machine brought into your house in the box and left in whatever room you choose will cost $75 while having it brought in, unpacked and installed costs $199.