How to Buy the Right Treadmill
Treadmills have become a common piece of exercise equipment, both at the gym and in the home. These machines are the most popular piece of fitness equipment in the United States, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Today's treadmills have a wider range of features than ever before and come in a wide range of prices. You have many options to consider when buying one.
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Size
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Be sure you have an appropriate place to put a treadmill. All models require a lot of room when operating, even the folding ones. Measure your available space before you go shopping. Keep a clear area of at least 4 feet behind the treadmill so you have a place to land if you fall.
Uses
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If you plan to spend long hours running on the treadmill, you'll need the ruggedness of the higher-end models. These machines typically have rigid metal frames that can withstand the high impact of running. These models typically have running surfaces about 20 inches wide and 60 inches long. Safety can be compromised if the running surface is smaller, especially for tall users.
High-end treadmills normally have motors with a rating of at least 2 continuous horsepower (CHP). If you weigh more than 200 pounds or plan to use the treadmill more than five hours a week, consider a 3 CHP motor. As of 2010, treadmills in this class normally start at about $800 for a basic model, with better units costing $1,000 or more.
If your main intention is walking for fitness, then a smaller, lower-end model will save you money. The running surface should be at least 18 inches wide and 45 inches long, or 48 inches for taller users. Look for a minimum motor size of 1.5 CHP, or 1.75 CHP if you weigh more than 200 pounds.
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Safety
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Look for a prominent shutoff switch on the treadmill's console. Be sure the treadmill has a safety cord that can be clipped to your clothing that will immediately shutdown the machine if you fall. Look for sturdy side handrails that extend back far enough so you can grabbed them easily if you lose your balance.
Extra Features
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Programmable treadmills can be useful for walking exercises but are of little value to serious runners, and having a large number of preset programs is normally not required. Most machines can incline, some as much as 14 degrees. Inclining machines increase the intensity of your workout, but an incline of more than 8 degrees is seldom used. Other available features include heart rate monitors, fans, mp3 players and even built-in TVs. If you don't use these items during your workouts now, you probably don't need them on your treadmill.
Where to Buy
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Shop at reputable dealers who have been in business long enough to gain a good reputation. Most serious exercise equipment retailers will have floor models that you can try, so wear your workout clothes and take a test run. Local exercise facilities are also a great place to test different high-end machines. Familiarize yourself with the different manufacturers and choose a trusted brand name that can be serviced in your area.
There are many online treadmill retailers, but be careful when buying a machine you haven't tested. Read online reviews from a wide variety of sources. Pay particular attention to how you can get service under the manufacturer's warranty if needed.
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References
- Photo Credit inifinity health and condition concept with running woman image by .shock from Fotolia.com
