The longer I live in Wisconsin the harder it becomes to accept life in the frozen tundra. One would think I would eventually adapt, learn winter sports, and drive a snow mobile but regretably I refuse to don the wool, furry parka and face mask. My rebellion to concede to the cold outside led me to a recent purchase, one in which with each passing year I felt more and more like I simply must have for the sake of my mental health and physical well-being. Surprisingly this purchase was not a snow blower! Even after 11 years in Wisconsin, through blizzards and snow accumulations which in my mind transcend Mount Everest, my husband and I have deferred purchase of this winter tool accessory. Like clockwork however, with the first major snowstorm we say, "This is it, this is the year we get a snow blower." I think we both realize that with any machine purchase comes potential maintenance, not our strong suit. A good old snow shovel on the other hand can clear a path and help balance the intake of hearty comfort foods so enjoyed in wintry weather. Which, somehow, roundabout, leads me again to my recent purchase...a Nordic Track treadmill.
I have had the thought of a treadmill purchase in my mind for years. I don't love to run but I do appreciate its efficiency for staying fit. In addition, like many people, I don't like running on a treadmill, but given the alternative of running in an arctic blast the treadmill is an attractive option. I researched brands, interviewed friends, and did some comparison shopping before closing my eyes and clicking the "check-out" button. According to Runner's World magazine, the Nordic Track A2750 was the "biggest bang for its buck." They compared the machine to 9 other models all of which were significantly more expensive. I purchased the machine a few days before our 13th wedding anniversary, November 29th. In addition the date fell near Black Friday so I got a deal at about 50% less than the retail price. Although it was both a bargain and a nice pseudo gift for the hubby, "some assembly" was required.
About 10 days post-purchase an enormous 350# box, only 3 inches in height, was delivered to my garage via the cargo Polar Express train. It sat in the garage for another 10 days before we could recruit one of Ron's high school ball players to lend us his muscles. Together they hauled this awkward machine down our basement stairs. I knew Ron was pre-occupied by a serious basketball coaching commitment to the East JV squad. They are doing fabulous, tonight's win brings them to 4-0. It adds such positive energy to our life but also contributes to time restrictions. I knew Ron would enjoy the convenience of exercising downstairs however he certainly did not have time to assemble his gift! I patiently worked on each section, following the instructions provided in the lengthy manual. Occasionally I would call for Ron's assistance to turn the machine on its side, upside down and inside-out. It was labor intensive which is why when 1 bolt suddenly blew out of the treadmill's foundation I cracked and cried uncle!
Through no fault of my own (naturally!) a bolt was completely uncooperative in joining its mate. No matter how much I yelled, screamed, twisted and cajoled the 3/4" X 5" bolt with spacer would not fit in the hole! It appeared possible that the fixture had been stripped. Ron removed himself from watching Coach Bennet basketball videos to try to assist me but it was to no avail. Once Ron becomes frustrated it is best to reach for the bible and a beer and forget you ever made such a ridiculous purchase. After a few deep Pilates breaths, I called Nordic Track. They kindly offered to send a service-person to my house to assist with the broken bolt. In addition, my machine was covered by a 1 year manufactures warranty which they would implement so I would not assume cost for my own transgressions!
So, here comes Santa Claus! This awesome man Steve calls and gives me a small window of time that he is available to drive to my house and assess the damage. I was working with a client at the time but she agreed to a little independent study of teasers on the reformer while I led Steve to what had become my visible headache! By the time I finished my Pilates session he had completely remediated my error. In addition, he worked diligently to complete its assembly even though he was told the call was only for a minor equipment repair. Unfortunately in the end I still could not use the treadmill without risk of electrical shock. Evidently in my effort to screw in the bolt I completely penetrated the electrical cord leaving exposed a number of electrical wires. Steven would have to order a new cord, have it delivered to my house, and then return to install the piece. Until then I can only sit and eat Christmas cookies while dreaming about the possibilites of running for hours in my basement.
I tried to hand Steve a $20 bill just as a gesture of thanks for the time he took and the fact he was running behind for his next appointment. He politely refused the tip and asked that I donate it to a worthwhile need or cause! Pure joy...I was astounded. This guy drives thirty minues from Menomonee Falls, road conditions are awful--ice and snow and slush...cars all over are spinning out of control. He gets to my house and independently man-handles this heavy machine, completes the task only to find the unexpected twist of the shredded wire. Somehow he sensed my desperation and went so far above the call of duty. Through all that he has the generous Christmas heart to decline a tip in lieu of sharing it with someone who has a greater need. I assured him I would certainly pay it forward.
Steve is the owner of The Right Gear in Menomonee Falls. His business card tag states, "Your Mobile Bicycle and Fitness Equipment Repair Service." His company assembles commercial exercise equipment and the cost is certainly less than having one of the exercise manufacturers arrange the assembly. Obviously I wish I had known about The Right Gear before I tried to assemble this jet engine in my basement, however it is not too late for you! If you are looking to start the New Year with new exercise equipment, consider calling The Right Gear, to assist with assembly. In hindsight I would have had this treadmill running for two weeks now, but as it is I will be lucky to step on it before Christmas! (reaching for cookies again due to sadness!)
No matter, I have the feeling things happened exactly the way they were intended. Thanks Steve!
I have had the thought of a treadmill purchase in my mind for years. I don't love to run but I do appreciate its efficiency for staying fit. In addition, like many people, I don't like running on a treadmill, but given the alternative of running in an arctic blast the treadmill is an attractive option. I researched brands, interviewed friends, and did some comparison shopping before closing my eyes and clicking the "check-out" button. According to Runner's World magazine, the Nordic Track A2750 was the "biggest bang for its buck." They compared the machine to 9 other models all of which were significantly more expensive. I purchased the machine a few days before our 13th wedding anniversary, November 29th. In addition the date fell near Black Friday so I got a deal at about 50% less than the retail price. Although it was both a bargain and a nice pseudo gift for the hubby, "some assembly" was required.
About 10 days post-purchase an enormous 350# box, only 3 inches in height, was delivered to my garage via the cargo Polar Express train. It sat in the garage for another 10 days before we could recruit one of Ron's high school ball players to lend us his muscles. Together they hauled this awkward machine down our basement stairs. I knew Ron was pre-occupied by a serious basketball coaching commitment to the East JV squad. They are doing fabulous, tonight's win brings them to 4-0. It adds such positive energy to our life but also contributes to time restrictions. I knew Ron would enjoy the convenience of exercising downstairs however he certainly did not have time to assemble his gift! I patiently worked on each section, following the instructions provided in the lengthy manual. Occasionally I would call for Ron's assistance to turn the machine on its side, upside down and inside-out. It was labor intensive which is why when 1 bolt suddenly blew out of the treadmill's foundation I cracked and cried uncle!
Through no fault of my own (naturally!) a bolt was completely uncooperative in joining its mate. No matter how much I yelled, screamed, twisted and cajoled the 3/4" X 5" bolt with spacer would not fit in the hole! It appeared possible that the fixture had been stripped. Ron removed himself from watching Coach Bennet basketball videos to try to assist me but it was to no avail. Once Ron becomes frustrated it is best to reach for the bible and a beer and forget you ever made such a ridiculous purchase. After a few deep Pilates breaths, I called Nordic Track. They kindly offered to send a service-person to my house to assist with the broken bolt. In addition, my machine was covered by a 1 year manufactures warranty which they would implement so I would not assume cost for my own transgressions!
So, here comes Santa Claus! This awesome man Steve calls and gives me a small window of time that he is available to drive to my house and assess the damage. I was working with a client at the time but she agreed to a little independent study of teasers on the reformer while I led Steve to what had become my visible headache! By the time I finished my Pilates session he had completely remediated my error. In addition, he worked diligently to complete its assembly even though he was told the call was only for a minor equipment repair. Unfortunately in the end I still could not use the treadmill without risk of electrical shock. Evidently in my effort to screw in the bolt I completely penetrated the electrical cord leaving exposed a number of electrical wires. Steven would have to order a new cord, have it delivered to my house, and then return to install the piece. Until then I can only sit and eat Christmas cookies while dreaming about the possibilites of running for hours in my basement.
I tried to hand Steve a $20 bill just as a gesture of thanks for the time he took and the fact he was running behind for his next appointment. He politely refused the tip and asked that I donate it to a worthwhile need or cause! Pure joy...I was astounded. This guy drives thirty minues from Menomonee Falls, road conditions are awful--ice and snow and slush...cars all over are spinning out of control. He gets to my house and independently man-handles this heavy machine, completes the task only to find the unexpected twist of the shredded wire. Somehow he sensed my desperation and went so far above the call of duty. Through all that he has the generous Christmas heart to decline a tip in lieu of sharing it with someone who has a greater need. I assured him I would certainly pay it forward.
Steve is the owner of The Right Gear in Menomonee Falls. His business card tag states, "Your Mobile Bicycle and Fitness Equipment Repair Service." His company assembles commercial exercise equipment and the cost is certainly less than having one of the exercise manufacturers arrange the assembly. Obviously I wish I had known about The Right Gear before I tried to assemble this jet engine in my basement, however it is not too late for you! If you are looking to start the New Year with new exercise equipment, consider calling The Right Gear, to assist with assembly. In hindsight I would have had this treadmill running for two weeks now, but as it is I will be lucky to step on it before Christmas! (reaching for cookies again due to sadness!)
No matter, I have the feeling things happened exactly the way they were intended. Thanks Steve!