How to Choose a Treadmill for a Home Gym

A treadmill is an excellent piece of equipment for improving cardiovascular health. Today's models are easy to use and convenient to include in a home gym. With so many brands, variations and price levels, you can choose a treadmill that meets your exercise needs and agrees with your wallet.

Instructions

1. Consider how much room you have in the spot that will house your new treadmill. Measure the space and compare this to the length and width of models you're considering.

2. Ask yourself what your goal is in purchasing a treadmill. Using the equipment for light walking several days a week requires a different piece of equipment than using it to train for a marathon.

3. Determine if you'd prefer a treadmill that folds for storage or if you'll keep a freestanding treadmill out at all times.

4. Decide how much you are willing to spend on a treadmill. There are more comforts, bells and whistles available on more expensive models, including those built for commercial gyms.

5. Shop around to continue your research and ask fitness professionals their opinions on the different features available.

6. Try out treadmills to feel the differences in the belts, to make sure the tread is long enough for the span of your steps when walking or running and to get a better feel in general for the placement of buttons, digital screens and handles.

7. Check out consumers' opinions by researching product opinion polls online, or through magazines such as Consumer Reports.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek your physician's approval before starting any new exercise program.

• Watch for young children around your treadmill. They often see the equipment as a toyn and can easily be hurt by misusing the product.