The Smooth 7.35
The Smooth 7.35 folding treadmill from Smooth Fitness isn’t cheap in any sense of the word. It carries a healthy price tag but it delivers health, too, by offering a ton of features that should make workout fans very happy. In many ways it goes a healthy step beyond the specs and features that budget models just can’t offer.
Basic Design
The first thing you notice about an assembled Smooth 7.35 is the fine style. But ignore that and step on; it’s the second thing you notice that’s more important here. This thing is solid. Tipping the scales at 231 lbs, you can be as rough on it as you like and it won’t tip. That’s true for anyone within the rated capacity: 350 lbs.
Given that solid build, it’s not surprising that Smooth Fitness chose to offer a Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. But their confidence really begins to show when you see that even the warranty on the parts is seven years (two years for labor). And, they offer a money back guarantee of 60 days, if you’re not pleased. Given all the goodness here, you’re not likely to want to use that return guarantee.
Beyond its solid build and feel, the 7.35 offers a 62″ long belt. It’s 20″ wide. Those extra inches of length – compared to other models – provide a value to taller users. You get a treadmill long enough for those of you with longer legs who sometimes feel cramped by other models.
The 3.25 HP motor (continuous) provides plenty of power to get the belt up to 12 mph. It houses something techies call a PWM circuit (Pulse Width Modulation). Combined with speed sensors, it lets the unit change speeds with butter-like smoothness. Technical explanations aside, it’s usually found only in commercial treadmills.
The shock absorption is a cut above the competition. The running deck is superb at providing a firm foundation for stability but one soft enough to minimize the impact on knees, hips, and other areas prone to running injuries.
There’s the usual water bottle holder and MP3 pocket. The USB port lets you recharge your device while you use it. The built-in speaker is adequate, but no more than that, as is pretty typical. There’s a fan, of course, and it works as well as these things usually do without a lot of noise.
Smooth 7.35 Folded The unit itself measures 78″ long x 34″ wide x 56″ high when fully expanded. However, if you’re tight on space in your home – or just want not to have your exercise equipment out all the time – you can put this model away without undue effort.
There’s a gas shock-assist lift system that makes it easy to fold your 7.35 into a slender slab for minimal storage space consumption.
If you prefer just to move it aside rather than go all the way to storage, the wheels on the bottom of the frame make that a relatively low effort as well.
It will still require some muscle; the thing does weight 231 lbs, after all, and moving that over carpet “ain’t nuthin’,” as some guys would say. But the wheels are sturdy and won’t collapse and – thank heavens! – they don’t squeak.
25 Workout Programs
Things really get good with this treadmill, however, when you move beyond how it’s built and observe what you can do with it. First and foremost, that means 25 separate workout programs. No matter what your exercise goals or workout style, the Smooth 7.35 is very likely to challenge you at every step.
There are five separate incline programs that will automatically adjust the deck angle from zero to level 15 during your workout. That’s a nice (partial) simulation of running up hills. Yet, you don’t have to endure the harsh pounding of pavement on your ankles or knees.
Five speed programs let you choose one that adjusts the speed of the belt as you work out, all the way from 0.5 mph to 12 mph. That keeps things interesting while offering your muscles the kind of natural challenge they would receive outdoors. I’m especially fond of this type of program. Even though I love to workout outdoors, sometimes that isn’t practical. And, since I’m not fond of going to a gym – germs aside, it takes too much time away from home – I can get the best of both worlds here.
Naturally, the Smooth 7.35 designers were clever enough to let you mix and match those two basic variations with five other programs that change both the incline and the speed. That’s as close to real-world running as you can get in a treadmill.
But of course the real treadmill enthusiast looks keenly for something that can offer a real cardio workout. This Smooth Fitness model satisfies that need with four Heart Rate programs. You just preset according to your desired target level and go.
And, unlike cheaper models, this one includes a Chest Strap to get the most accurate pulse reading possible. Of course, there are the usual hand grips, too, and they give reasonably good readings as well. Either way, they do more than just provide the input to let you observe your pulse on the display. They feedback that info to the Heart Rate programs to automatically adjust the treadmill according to the target you set. Staying in the zone you select is simple.
Since no one size fits all when it comes to treadmill workouts, the Smooth 7.35 offers four custom program options. The idea is usually to tailor the gear to your unique workout goals. All well and good. But I like this feature because my condition isn’t always the same from one week to the next. Sometimes you feel a little more robust. Other weeks you’re just coming off the injured list. Customizing your treadmill workout provides the kind of options a physical therapist might recommend for you.
Console and Display
All those programs are easily selectable and controllable from the console. One way is to use the series of Quick Speed and Quick Incline buttons. But there’s also an easy to control menu system that lets you drill down to get finer control. The blue backlit LCD makes all that easy to see in dim light, too. The LCD provides a decent view and the layout is nice. There’s the usual ability to monitor calories burned, time, distance, speed, laps, incline, and heart rate along with the program number.
Virtual Fitness Trainer
Where the 7.35 goes far beyond many models is the Virtual Fitness Training feature. This app lets you integrate your tablet computer and your treadmill.
Tablet Compatible Smooth 7.35
Smooth 7.35 Virtual Fitness Trainer
It isn’t iMax but the view is still pretty great. You get a simulation of the outdoors that is as good as your tablet can provide. As the view changes so does the speed and incline. You get an important visual feedback to add to the kinesthetic one your muscles are experiencing. You can add music or sound effects to enhance the experience even further. There’s no quicker, less expensive way to get the feeling of running through the Swiss Alps.
The app lets you store personal profiles so each treadmill user can get the most out of his or her workout. Height, weight, gender, and age data provide the basis while the results are retained for each individual (up to five). Those who have a more sophisticated skill level with their tablet can hook it up to the HDTV to get an even more realistic experience.
Keep in mind, though, that – while the mySmooth app itself is downloadable for free and provides a lot of useful features – to get the synchronized virtual reality simulation requires the Smooth Sync module and it isn’t cheap. Currently, the price is $130. Few people are going to pop for a tablet app that costs that much. Hopefully, as this sort of thing catches on, you’ll see that drop to a more realistic level.
Owner’s Manual
Smooth Fitness went beyond the norm in one other way, though: the manual. I’ve never seen one that had quite this much detailed information.
Whether that’s good or bad is hard to say. The list of parts and the number and style of the diagrams is so extensive you could build one of these things from scratch. Few users are likely to want to do that – and fortunately you don’t have to since almost everything is preassembled. As treadmill assembly goes, this is one of the easier models.
But what really amazes me is the level of detail about the programs, workout routines, and so forth. They went all out here to ensure that you can find everything you might want to know about how to use this treadmill. Most people are probably going to want to get on and go – and you can do that, for sure – but anyone who wants to really dive in to extract every bit of value will find good guidance here.
Buyer Beware – Smooth Fitness Company and Customer Service
The product’s attributes aside, a few words are in order about the company itself. In late 2012 the company began to receive lots of complaints about shipments not made, customer service not responding to emails and phone calls, not honoring repair and refund requests, and other related issues.
Some customers ordered, had their credit cards charged immediately, but never received the product and got no response to inquiries to the company. Some buyers have even shouted “fraud!” That’s a very strong word to toss around though people might have a reason to be upset. Most of the customer reviews are positive while more recent reviews outline some of the problems customers started noticing in late 2012/early 2013.
In December 2012, the company announced that it was transitioning to new ownership with new management. How well they make that transition and get their business back on track only time will tell, of course. Smooth Fitness has been in business for nearly 30 years but companies do come and go. Some that get new funding and management make it through ok, others fold. So buyer beware!
Summary
The Smooth 7.35 treadmill is a decent model. The console and display offer a wide variety of programs – including the ability to integrate your treadmill with your tablet computer. That’s all built on top of a stable, durable physical platform that makes this model a cut above much of the competition.
Unfortunately poor customer service is tipping the value scale to the negative side – hence my negative rating. Naturally there may be problems with some units out there (as there are with any product). But then customers should be able to rely on excellent customer service. This is currently not the case. Maybe things will improve over time with the new management. Maybe not.
In the meantime… as long as there are no signs of better customer service noticeable look elsewhere if you don’t want to take any risk. And if you buy… always be prepared to work with your credit card company to ensure you can remove a charge for a product you didn’t receive or that fails to work. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The Smooth 7.35 folding treadmill from Smooth Fitness isn’t cheap in any sense of the word. It carries a healthy price tag but it delivers health, too, by offering a ton of features that should make workout fans very happy. In many ways it goes a healthy step beyond the specs and features that budget models just can’t offer.
Basic Design
The first thing you notice about an assembled Smooth 7.35 is the fine style. But ignore that and step on; it’s the second thing you notice that’s more important here. This thing is solid. Tipping the scales at 231 lbs, you can be as rough on it as you like and it won’t tip. That’s true for anyone within the rated capacity: 350 lbs.
Given that solid build, it’s not surprising that Smooth Fitness chose to offer a Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. But their confidence really begins to show when you see that even the warranty on the parts is seven years (two years for labor). And, they offer a money back guarantee of 60 days, if you’re not pleased. Given all the goodness here, you’re not likely to want to use that return guarantee.
Beyond its solid build and feel, the 7.35 offers a 62″ long belt. It’s 20″ wide. Those extra inches of length – compared to other models – provide a value to taller users. You get a treadmill long enough for those of you with longer legs who sometimes feel cramped by other models.
The 3.25 HP motor (continuous) provides plenty of power to get the belt up to 12 mph. It houses something techies call a PWM circuit (Pulse Width Modulation). Combined with speed sensors, it lets the unit change speeds with butter-like smoothness. Technical explanations aside, it’s usually found only in commercial treadmills.
The shock absorption is a cut above the competition. The running deck is superb at providing a firm foundation for stability but one soft enough to minimize the impact on knees, hips, and other areas prone to running injuries.
There’s the usual water bottle holder and MP3 pocket. The USB port lets you recharge your device while you use it. The built-in speaker is adequate, but no more than that, as is pretty typical. There’s a fan, of course, and it works as well as these things usually do without a lot of noise.
Smooth 7.35 Folded The unit itself measures 78″ long x 34″ wide x 56″ high when fully expanded. However, if you’re tight on space in your home – or just want not to have your exercise equipment out all the time – you can put this model away without undue effort.
There’s a gas shock-assist lift system that makes it easy to fold your 7.35 into a slender slab for minimal storage space consumption.
If you prefer just to move it aside rather than go all the way to storage, the wheels on the bottom of the frame make that a relatively low effort as well.
It will still require some muscle; the thing does weight 231 lbs, after all, and moving that over carpet “ain’t nuthin’,” as some guys would say. But the wheels are sturdy and won’t collapse and – thank heavens! – they don’t squeak.
25 Workout Programs
Things really get good with this treadmill, however, when you move beyond how it’s built and observe what you can do with it. First and foremost, that means 25 separate workout programs. No matter what your exercise goals or workout style, the Smooth 7.35 is very likely to challenge you at every step.
There are five separate incline programs that will automatically adjust the deck angle from zero to level 15 during your workout. That’s a nice (partial) simulation of running up hills. Yet, you don’t have to endure the harsh pounding of pavement on your ankles or knees.
Five speed programs let you choose one that adjusts the speed of the belt as you work out, all the way from 0.5 mph to 12 mph. That keeps things interesting while offering your muscles the kind of natural challenge they would receive outdoors. I’m especially fond of this type of program. Even though I love to workout outdoors, sometimes that isn’t practical. And, since I’m not fond of going to a gym – germs aside, it takes too much time away from home – I can get the best of both worlds here.
Naturally, the Smooth 7.35 designers were clever enough to let you mix and match those two basic variations with five other programs that change both the incline and the speed. That’s as close to real-world running as you can get in a treadmill.
But of course the real treadmill enthusiast looks keenly for something that can offer a real cardio workout. This Smooth Fitness model satisfies that need with four Heart Rate programs. You just preset according to your desired target level and go.
And, unlike cheaper models, this one includes a Chest Strap to get the most accurate pulse reading possible. Of course, there are the usual hand grips, too, and they give reasonably good readings as well. Either way, they do more than just provide the input to let you observe your pulse on the display. They feedback that info to the Heart Rate programs to automatically adjust the treadmill according to the target you set. Staying in the zone you select is simple.
Since no one size fits all when it comes to treadmill workouts, the Smooth 7.35 offers four custom program options. The idea is usually to tailor the gear to your unique workout goals. All well and good. But I like this feature because my condition isn’t always the same from one week to the next. Sometimes you feel a little more robust. Other weeks you’re just coming off the injured list. Customizing your treadmill workout provides the kind of options a physical therapist might recommend for you.
Console and Display
All those programs are easily selectable and controllable from the console. One way is to use the series of Quick Speed and Quick Incline buttons. But there’s also an easy to control menu system that lets you drill down to get finer control. The blue backlit LCD makes all that easy to see in dim light, too. The LCD provides a decent view and the layout is nice. There’s the usual ability to monitor calories burned, time, distance, speed, laps, incline, and heart rate along with the program number.
Virtual Fitness Trainer
Where the 7.35 goes far beyond many models is the Virtual Fitness Training feature. This app lets you integrate your tablet computer and your treadmill.
Tablet Compatible Smooth 7.35
Smooth 7.35 Virtual Fitness Trainer
It isn’t iMax but the view is still pretty great. You get a simulation of the outdoors that is as good as your tablet can provide. As the view changes so does the speed and incline. You get an important visual feedback to add to the kinesthetic one your muscles are experiencing. You can add music or sound effects to enhance the experience even further. There’s no quicker, less expensive way to get the feeling of running through the Swiss Alps.
The app lets you store personal profiles so each treadmill user can get the most out of his or her workout. Height, weight, gender, and age data provide the basis while the results are retained for each individual (up to five). Those who have a more sophisticated skill level with their tablet can hook it up to the HDTV to get an even more realistic experience.
Keep in mind, though, that – while the mySmooth app itself is downloadable for free and provides a lot of useful features – to get the synchronized virtual reality simulation requires the Smooth Sync module and it isn’t cheap. Currently, the price is $130. Few people are going to pop for a tablet app that costs that much. Hopefully, as this sort of thing catches on, you’ll see that drop to a more realistic level.
Owner’s Manual
Smooth Fitness went beyond the norm in one other way, though: the manual. I’ve never seen one that had quite this much detailed information.
Whether that’s good or bad is hard to say. The list of parts and the number and style of the diagrams is so extensive you could build one of these things from scratch. Few users are likely to want to do that – and fortunately you don’t have to since almost everything is preassembled. As treadmill assembly goes, this is one of the easier models.
But what really amazes me is the level of detail about the programs, workout routines, and so forth. They went all out here to ensure that you can find everything you might want to know about how to use this treadmill. Most people are probably going to want to get on and go – and you can do that, for sure – but anyone who wants to really dive in to extract every bit of value will find good guidance here.
Buyer Beware – Smooth Fitness Company and Customer Service
The product’s attributes aside, a few words are in order about the company itself. In late 2012 the company began to receive lots of complaints about shipments not made, customer service not responding to emails and phone calls, not honoring repair and refund requests, and other related issues.
Some customers ordered, had their credit cards charged immediately, but never received the product and got no response to inquiries to the company. Some buyers have even shouted “fraud!” That’s a very strong word to toss around though people might have a reason to be upset. Most of the customer reviews are positive while more recent reviews outline some of the problems customers started noticing in late 2012/early 2013.
In December 2012, the company announced that it was transitioning to new ownership with new management. How well they make that transition and get their business back on track only time will tell, of course. Smooth Fitness has been in business for nearly 30 years but companies do come and go. Some that get new funding and management make it through ok, others fold. So buyer beware!
Summary
The Smooth 7.35 treadmill is a decent model. The console and display offer a wide variety of programs – including the ability to integrate your treadmill with your tablet computer. That’s all built on top of a stable, durable physical platform that makes this model a cut above much of the competition.
Unfortunately poor customer service is tipping the value scale to the negative side – hence my negative rating. Naturally there may be problems with some units out there (as there are with any product). But then customers should be able to rely on excellent customer service. This is currently not the case. Maybe things will improve over time with the new management. Maybe not.
In the meantime… as long as there are no signs of better customer service noticeable look elsewhere if you don’t want to take any risk. And if you buy… always be prepared to work with your credit card company to ensure you can remove a charge for a product you didn’t receive or that fails to work. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.