How To Buy Treadmills
Wanna learn how to buy a good treadmill? These tips should help...
Features to Covet:
Emergency shutoff - Usually magnets or buttons you yank on or push
to cut power instantly if you get into trouble.
Hand rails - at least one for balance and safety, or at least
a slightly extended front rail.
Minimum two-ply rubber belt for durability.
Belt rollers at least 2 inches diameter and preferably 2.5 inches
or more for smoothness and stability.
Flexible walking beds for less impact and more comfort.
Surface size at least approximately 17" x 52", depending
on your height, leg length and stride length.
Computerized controls and visual feedback on the panel for easier
use and motivation.
DC motors (they eat less power) and a minimum 1.5 horsepower continuous
duty motor. Some treadmill manufacturers play games with HP ratings,
labeling lower-grade motors as "peak power" or "treadmill
duty." Don’t fall for it.
Safety lock or switch so kids can't start the machine.
Speeds - At least 5 mph if you or family members are only going
to walk. Up to 8-10 mph if anyone is going to run, or ever plans
to. Increments of 0.1 mph.
Start speed of no more than 0.5 mph for safety. Gradual starts
are divinely safe, compared to a jerk and go.
Inclines - Up to 10-15 percent to add variety and intensity.
Warranties - At least one year manufacturer’s warranty on
parts and labor.
Features to Avoid:
Incline adjustments that require you to dismount and move pins
or other mounts on a support leg.
Non-motorized models - They are a strain on joints and muscles
and mean irregular speeds since you can’t "pull"
at a steady pace with your stride, especially if you run where you
spend a few milliseconds on every stride off the belt in the air
and obviously not able to pull.
Start speeds of 1.0 mph or more
No warranty
Surface areas that are short or narrow
Single-ply belts
Less than 1.5 HP
AC or treadmill-duty motors (see Features to Covet for details)
Shaking, rattling, or squeaking while you workout.
Variables to consider:
Affordability - You’ll have to spend at least $1,000 and
preferably more than $1,200 to get a really decent treadmill. The
best home models will cost $1,500-$2,000. Some treadmills with fewer
computerized goodies and less variety in speed or incline can be
had for about $800-900, but consider the motivation you’ll
need and now long you want to keep the treadmill. If those prices
are too high, then consider a bike or stepper instead.
Space available - A treadmill is by nature a space hog. Measure
well so you aren’t surprised.
Run or walk - Choose speeds that will go high enough if you ever,
ever think you might run.
Leg and stride length - A tall person or someone with longer legs
will need a longer surface.
Weight - If you are very heavy, make sure the treadmill is built
to accommodate the weight.
Electronics, visual feedback, or built-in programs - To thine own
self, be true. If you know you need blinking lights, programs to
fiddle with and such things, don’t chintz.
Heart-rate monitoring - Some models have built in heart-rate functions
for about $200-300 more. All you wear is the chest strap. Do you
want that kind of monitoring?
Total Fitness Network Truth from Therese Iknoian:
"Treadmills are beautifully simple for home exercise since
walking and running come so naturally to us. But be willing to spend
the money so the treadmill that becomes a part of your family is
a sturdy and long-lasting machine you will love to be on and not
a cheap, wobbly, squeaky thing you will loathe and turn into a expensive
clothes hanger."
Try this to test power strength before you buy: Try to stop the
belt rotation as it's in motion with a firmly planted foot. The
machine shouldn't shudder or hesitate.
Treadmills can be the great motivator when it's too cold, too hot,
or too dark to venture outside.
Back to Discount Treadmills
Guide.com