These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of important considerations
before you go treadmill shopping. A treadmill is the most popular piece of
fitness equipment today and will last for many years. So you want to look
for everything you want now as well as everything you'll need as you become
more fit.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 1
Your Workout Area Make sure the treadmill is going to fit in the room where
you will be using it. A treadmill can look small in the store but can become
huge once you get it in your workout room at home. Get the treadmills measurements
and make sure it fits well in your room and isn't crammed in a small space.
Your workout area should be pleasant so you will enjoy it and workout more
often.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 2
Price You get what you pay for in a treadmill but make sure you get the best
in your price range. Read the treadmill reviews and ratings because these
usually come from unbiased sources.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 3
Motor One of the most important elements of any treadmill is the motor. Look
for a motor with a continuous duty power rating. You'll see other ratings
such as, peak duty and treadmill duty but they don't mean much. Continuous
duty power rating is a more accurate measure of motor power and this kind
of motor will give you better performance with longer life. Most treadmill
motors range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP with the less expensive treadmills offering
lower power motors that simply will not last. Look for at least a 2.0 HP continuous
duty motor and this should be adequate. If you run a lot on your treadmill
you might want to get a 2.5 HP motor. There are AC and DC motors with most
home treadmills using a DC motor because they are quieter. AC motors are mostly
used in commercial treadmills and require much more power. The AC motor will
also require a dedicated power line and will be much noisier. For a home treadmill,
look for a DC motor with a minimum 1 year warranty for a quieter workout.
A lot of people watch TV or listen to music while working out so motor noise
is a very important consideration.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 4
Running Or Walking Surface Common mistakes made when buying a treadmill is
thinking all running or walking surfaces are the same. They are not the same
and here is what you look for. Look for a 2 ply surface belt with a minimum
width of 17 inches. If you are a runner, get a running or belt surface length
of 60 inches as a minimum. If you just want to walk on your treadmill look
for a minimum belt surface length of 48 inches. These lengths will provide
a more comfortable stride for walking or running.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 5
Inclines Look for an electronic incline that can be adjusted by pushing a
button on the console. There are manually adjusted inclines but they have
to be set before you begin using the treadmill. Quality treadmills will have
this automatic electronic incline feature and you'll be much happier with
it. Look for the incline feature to range between 0% and a minimum of 10%
but higher is better.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 6
Low Impact Deck Treadmills with low impact or have a shock absorption system
are much easier on your back and all of your joints. But a treadmill deck
should not feel too soft or spongy. Read the treadmill reviews and ratings
to know the type of cushioning system each manufacturer uses.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 7
Frame Look for a high alloy steel or a heavy aluminum treadmill frame. Steel
is the best choice because it is heavier, sturdier and will last the longest.
The weight of the steel frame also gives your treadmill more stability.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 8
Warranties Most quality treadmills offer lifetime frame warranties, but with
regular use, your treadmill will require service at some point. Look for a
warranty with a minimum of 1 year labor and 1 to 3 years for parts on the
motor, deck, belt and electronics. Motors and belts may require to be serviced
by a technician. So make sure you purchase your treadmill from a company that
provides accessibility to a technician. Even if you purchase your treadmill
from the Internet, several manufacturers work with quality fitness service
companies close to where you live.
Treadmill Buying Tip # 9
The Overall Feel The treadmill you choose should feel sturdy, be comfortable
for you to walk or run on and be easy to use. Options like heart rate monitors,
electronic displays, custom programs and interval training are something only
you can decide on. These buying tips are for the critical considerations like
structure, motor, belt and frame. Buying a quality treadmill means you will
have fewer breakdowns while experiencing a much better workout. The bottom
line is shop around, read the treadmill reviews and ratings and look at your
treadmill as a long term investment in your overall health. That is the best
treadmill buying tip you can get.
About the author:
This article is supplied by www.treadmill-info.com
where you will find valuable information, ratings, reviews, articles and buying
tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment. For more
fitness related articles go to:www.treadmill-info.com/articles_1.html