| a treadmill? There are so many brands and features | | | | to spend at least $1000, and definitely more if you plan |
| to choose from. How do you know which treadmill is | | | | on using it heavily. There's no use spending $500-600 |
| best for you? | | | | on something you're scared to use. |
| This treadmill buyers guide will tell you exactly what to | | | | Console/Display: |
| look for when buying your treadmill. Knowing this will | | | | Consider both the layout and user-friendliness of the |
| help you choose the best treadmill for your fitness | | | | information displays and controls. This is largely a |
| needs (and it might even save you some money!) | | | | matter of personal preference since some people |
| So here's what to look at when choosing a treadmill: | | | | want to see a constant display of calories burned or |
| Motor: | | | | miles covered,etc. |
| The motor is the heart of your treadmill. Motor power | | | | For safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline |
| is measured by horsepower - HP. Unless your treadmill | | | | controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach. |
| has a strong motor (at least 1.5 horsepower) you can | | | | Heart Rate Monitor/Control: |
| quickly wear it out, even if only moderately walking. | | | | Again, this is largely a personal preference whether or |
| When looking at motors and horsepower, there are | | | | not you want to monitor your heart rate. A heart rate |
| two different ratings: | | | | monitor simply shows you at what rate your heart is |
| - Continuous Duty (which is the rating for steady, | | | | beating while you work out. |
| continual 24 hour motor use), and | | | | Some people like to take a step up and get a heart |
| - Peak Duty (which is the maximum power potential, | | | | rate control which can actually adjust the treadmill |
| however it cannot be maintained). | | | | pace to keep you in your target fat-burning zone. |
| When looking at treadmills you want to know the | | | | Warranty: |
| Continuous Duty motor power. It's recommended that | | | | Treadmill warranties vary across the board and again, |
| you go with at least a 1.75 HP continuous duty (CD) | | | | you usually get what you pay for. Don't waste your |
| motor (preferably higher). | | | | money buying an added warranty when most quality |
| For runners or those planning heavy use of their | | | | treadmills include a good warranty in the price already. |
| treadmills, experts recommend at least a 2.5 - 3 HP | | | | Tip: The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality |
| continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn't | | | | of parts used in building the treadmill (ever wondered |
| quickly burn out on you and end up costing you in | | | | why those cheap department store brands only offer |
| expensive treadmill repairs. | | | | you 90 day warranties?). |
| Tip: Many cheaper treadmill brands will often give you | | | | A quality warranty will include at least 10 years on the |
| the Peak Duty motor power (since it's always higher | | | | frame, 3 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and 1 |
| than the Continuous Duty rating) just to impress | | | | year on labor. (Keep in mind that the motor is usually |
| unsuspecting buyers. Make sure you know the | | | | the most expensive to fix). |
| continuous duty rating when comparing units. | | | | Price: |
| Frame: | | | | A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at |
| There are two types of frames: aluminum or steel | | | | least $1000. The quality of treadmills (cushioning, |
| (NEVER plastic!). Steel is heavier than aluminum which | | | | construction, parts, quality) drops substantially once you |
| potentially increases stability. However steel may also | | | | go below $800. |
| rust or corrode from sweat (unlike aluminum). | | | | According to expert Gregory Florez, spokesperson for |
| So there are advantages and disadvantages to both | | | | the American Council on Exercise, "Just about anything |
| and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. | | | | under $900 is not made to be used over the long haul." |
| One thing to keep in mind however is that aluminum is | | | | There are ways to save on your treadmill of course |
| more expensive than steel so it may be built into the | | | | (buy direct, online wholesalers, etc.) but the bottom line |
| price of the treadmill. | | | | is that a treadmill is an investment in your health. It will |
| Belt: | | | | last you 10 years or more so you really want to invest |
| Average treadbelt widths range from 17" to 22" and | | | | in a quality unit built to last. |
| lengths from 51" to 61". Never go below a belt width of | | | | Where to Buy A Treadmill: |
| 16 " and make sure that the belt is long enough to | | | | There are a number of options here but they mainly |
| accomodate your stride. | | | | fall into 2 categories: |
| If you are tall and/or have long legs, it's better to go | | | | 1) Store |
| with a longer belt (54" or more). Make sure you also | | | | 2) Online |
| consider anyone else who will be using the treadmill | | | | - Store Advantages: You can actually try out the |
| and their height as well. | | | | treadmill. |
| Cushioning: | | | | - Store Disadvantages: You'll probably pay more for |
| Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to | | | | the same treadmill you can get online simply because |
| absorb the force of your step. Better cushioning | | | | the store has overhead costs and salespeople to pay. |
| means lower impact on your joints and ligaments. | | | | Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery |
| Cushioning is extremely important as poor cushioning | | | | and you'll also pay sales tax. |
| can cause injury and muscle strain. | | | | - Internet Disadvantages: You can't try out the treadmill |
| Many quality treadmills have their own form of | | | | - Internet Advantages: You can save a lot of money |
| cushioning system to protect you. Make sure your | | | | buying direct from the manufacturer, sometimes $600 |
| treadmill has a quality cushioning system to protect | | | | or more. You can usually get free shipping and save |
| your joints over the long run. | | | | on sales tax too. Plus you have a larger selection of |
| Stability: | | | | treadmill to choose from so you may be able to find a |
| According to Runner's World, stability is the most | | | | treadmill that is more suited to your needs. |
| important quality in a treadmill. Stability is how smooth a | | | | It really comes down to what you're comfortable with. |
| ride the treadmill provides you. There should be no | | | | So that's it! You now know what to look for when |
| shaking or wobbling when you start to run. | | | | buying a treadmill. Just remember to take your time |
| Generally with treadmills you get what you pay for. For | | | | and select a treadmill that fits your fitness goals. And |
| a high stability, high quality treadmill you should be willing | | | | you're guaranteed to find the best treadmill for you. |