Treadmill Buying Tips

Most people today are busy juggling careers and family life and find it difficult to find time to go to the gym to work out.  More often, people are opting to exercise at home.  A great way to restart your exercise regime or continue maintenance of it is to use a treadmill.

A treadmill is an exercise apparatus consisting of a continuous belt that loops around to allow someone to walk or run in the same area.  It is one of the most familiar pieces of home exercise equipment available.  They are easy to use and readily available, which adds to their popularity.  With so many models and features available, though, it can be overwhelming choosing the right one.

To determine the features required, first decide who in the household will be using it and for what.  If it’s for a single individual, think about what you like and shop from there.

If it will be utilized for the entire family, gather all the requirements and research which brands have the best melding of all desired features.  Whether you plan to use the treadmill for walking or running will help define the size and speed of the treadmill.  For walking, smaller models are acceptable; however if you are running you want to have ample room and a longer belt to accommodate your stride.  Having a good shock absorption system will help protect joints from injury and will keep your feet cushioned comfortably.  Ensure that the unit is stable by testing it out.  There should not be any shaking when you use it.

The space you have available is also an important consideration.  Some models are very large stationary pieces designed to be used in a home gym.  Others are portable or collapsible to easily hide under a bed or in a closet.  Decide where your equipment will be used before deciding on a model to ensure you have ample room.  If you do not have room for a stationary piece of equipment, there are many folding options available for convenient storage.

Speed and incline controls vary from model to model.  Typically, walking will require no more than 6 MPH but running will necessitate a speed of up to 12 MPH.  Most models have some type of incline control.  Larger models can go up to a 25% incline.  If you want to simulate the feel of jogging outdoors, get a model that has automatic incline.  This type will monitor your heart rate and adjust the incline up or down as needed to maintain your target heart rate.

Treadmills can be basic or come with all types of advanced features.  Ensure the control panel is within reach and is easy to use while exercising.  Most models will control the elevation and speed but some also have a means of tracking heart rate, amount of calories burned and miles traveled.  The more advanced models will allow you to pre-program routines and keep a history of your workouts.

Treadmills are available at most sporting good stores.  They can also be found online for convenience but it is better to try out the model before purchasing.  New treadmills can be expensive, ranging from one to five thousand dollars, but the cost is justified because of the amount of gym membership dues you’ll be saving over time.  Remember that the more features you want, the more expensive it will be.

While it is possible to find treadmills for less than that, they generally have lower ratings and may end up breaking or causing damage.  Inexpensive treadmills are widely considered to be a bad investment.  If you are shopping on a budget, though, find the model you like and look on the Internet for a used one.  This can be a great way to find the model you like at a more affordable cost.