A few days ago I went to the fitness center at the Mandarin Oriental to check-out their Cybex 750T treadmills for future reference. During my examination I couldn't help but notice the Technogym treadmills on the opposite side of the gym. So once I finished putting the Cybex treadmill through the paces, I headed over to the counter brand to give it a critical review as well.

The sexy contours of Technogym's treadmills are very impressive, likewise are the touch screen controls, stick shift throttles for elevation and speed, ipod docking port, steel frame, cushioned running board, and advanced software, wow. I only have one complaint, but it's a major one. It has to do with the placement of the screen. This really wouldn't be a problem, if it weren't for the fact that the control screen also doubles as the machines television monitor.

You might be thinking that's not a problem, it's efficient. On the contrary I would say it's very biomechanically inefficient, unless you like walking or running with your head faced down. Television monitors are best placed at eye-level so that your head remains up while your viewing it during exercise. Secondly, the television remains on when the machine is not in use, unless the power is turned off. I admit that most gym members could care less about this point. But if they were responsible for the gym's electric bill and maintenance of the machine they would be very concerned. Third, the control buttons on the screen partially block the view of the television program. It's a minor issue, but one that I personally find annoying.

I give Technogym a A+ for most of the machine's design, but the misplaced two-in-one touch screen gets a C-. However there are many gym members in Malaysia that are probably thrilled to death with Technogym treadmills judging by the fact that the Asian market makes up a healthy 20% of Technogym's global profits. Over-all Technogym and the founding president Mr. Nerio Alessandri have created some innovative designs in fitness equipment since the Italian company hit the scene in 1983. At the moment Technogym stands as the No. 2 manufacture of fitness equipment in the world, second only to Lifefitness in the U.S.