Treadmill Buying Tips

These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of importantconsiderations before you go treadmill shopping. A treadmill isthe most popular piece of fitness equipment today and will lastfor many years. So you want to look for everything you want nowas 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 youwill be using it. A treadmill can look small in the store butcan become huge once you get it in your workout room at home. Get the treadmills measurements and make sure it fits well inyour room and isn't crammed in a small space. Your workout areashould 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 getthe best in your price range. Read the treadmill reviews andratings because these usually come from unbiased sources. Treadmill Buying Tip # 3 Motor One of the most important elements of any treadmill is themotor. Look for a motor with a continuous duty power rating.You'll see other ratings such as, peak duty and treadmill dutybut they don't mean much. Continuous duty power rating is a moreaccurate measure of motor power and this kind of motor will giveyou better performance with longer life. Most treadmill motors range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP with the lessexpensive treadmills offering lower power motors that simplywill not last. Look for at least a 2.0 HP continuous duty motorand this should be adequate. If you run a lot on your treadmillyou might want to get a 2.5 HP motor. There are AC and DC motors with most home treadmills using a DCmotor because they are quieter. AC motors are mostly used incommercial treadmills and require much more power. The AC motorwill also require a dedicated power line and will be muchnoisier. For a home treadmill, look for a DC motor with a minimum 1 yearwarranty for a quieter workout. A lot of people watch TV orlisten to music while working out so motor noise is a veryimportant consideration. Treadmill Buying Tip # 4 Running Or Walking Surface Common mistakes made when buying a treadmill is thinking allrunning or walking surfaces are the same. They are not the sameand here is what you look for. Look for a 2 ply surface belt with a minimum width of 17inches. If you are a runner, get a running or belt surfacelength of 60 inches as a minimum. If you just want to walk onyour treadmill look for a minimum belt surface length of 48inches. These lengths will provide a more comfortable stride forwalking or running. Treadmill Buying Tip # 5 Inclines Look for an electronic incline that can be adjusted by pushinga button on the console. There are manually adjusted inclinesbut they have to be set before you begin using the treadmill.Quality treadmills will have this automatic electronic inclinefeature and you'll be much happier with it. Look for the inclinefeature to range between 0% and a minimum of 10% but higher isbetter. Treadmill Buying Tip # 6 Low Impact Deck Treadmills with low impact or have a shock absorption systemare much easier on your back and all of your joints. But atreadmill deck should not feel too soft or spongy. Read thetreadmill reviews and ratings to know the type of cushioningsystem each manufacturer uses.Treadmill Buying Tip # 7 Frame Look for a high alloy steel or a heavy aluminum treadmillframe. Steel is the best choice because it is heavier, sturdierand will last the longest. The weight of the steel frame alsogives your treadmill more stability. Treadmill Buying Tip # 8 Warranties Most quality treadmills offer lifetime frame warranties, butwith regular use, your treadmill will require service at somepoint. Look for a warranty with a minimum of 1 year labor and 1to 3 years for parts on the motor, deck, belt and electronics. Motors and belts may require to be serviced by a technician. Somake sure you purchase your treadmill from a company thatprovides accessibility to a technician. Even if you purchase your treadmill from the Internet, severalmanufacturers work with quality fitness service companies closeto where you live. Treadmill Buying Tip # 9 The Overall Feel The treadmill you choose should feel sturdy, be comfortable foryou to walk or run on and be easy to use. Options like heart rate monitors, electronic displays, customprograms and interval training are something only you can decideon. These buying tips are for the critical considerations likestructure, motor, belt and frame. Buying a quality treadmillmeans you will have fewer breakdowns while experiencing a muchbetter workout. The bottom line is shop around, read the treadmill reviews andratings and look at your treadmill as a long term investment inyour overall health. That is the best treadmill buying tip youcan get.