A home treadmill offers a convenient exercise option when you cannot squeeze in a workout at the gym. Purchasing the right treadmill for your needs takes some thought and research. Knowing what to look for in a treadmill saves some time on the process. Most treadmills have the same main components. Comparing the differences in those components helps you sort out the quality treadmills from the ones that are likely to break down mid-workout.
Step 1
Decide how much you want to spend on the new treadmill. You will find a large range in prices on treadmills, depending on the quality and features. In general, the more you spend, the higher quality the treadmill. That does not mean the most expensive treadmill is the best option for you. Weighing the price with the available features will help you decide the best investment for your budget.
Step 2
Assess your exercise habits. Determine how often you will use the treadmill and whether it will be used for walking, jogging or running.. If it will be used frequently, you’ll want to buy a high-quality treadmill that will hold up well. If you will only use it occasionally, spending a great deal of money on a high-end treadmill probably is not worth the investment.
Step 3
Determine where you will place the treadmill within your home. Measure the area and keep the measurements in mind when selecting the treadmill.
Step 4
Compare the continuous-duty horsepower of the treadmill options. This is the amount of power the treadmill can sustain on a regular basis. In general, the higher the horsepower, the longer the motor will last. If you will mainly walk on the treadmill, a lower horsepower is often sufficient. If you plan to run, choose a higher continuous-duty horsepower.
Step 5
Determine the appropriate belt size; this varies by model. Belt lengths fall between 45 and 62 inches. Widths vary from 16 to 22 inches. Walkers can get away with a shorter belt that is narrow. Joggers and runners should stick with a belt at least 54 inches long and 20 inches wide.
Step 6
Compare the construction of the decks for the treadmills. Look for a solid construction in the deck. Note the size and type of the rollers for each treadmill option. Rollers about 2 to 3 inches in diameter are ideal.
Step 7
Compare the display options on the treadmills. The features on the electronic console vary. You will find everything from mile and speed trackers to customized workouts with different hill profiles and distances. Heart rate monitors are another optional feature offered by many treadmills. Determine how advanced you want your treadmill when considering these features.
Step 8
Compare the warranties on the treadmills. A short warranty may indicate inferior parts or construction. Read the fine print on the warranty so you understand what exactly is covered. Also find out if there are any circumstances that might void the warranty. If you have two treadmills you are considering, the warranty can help you make the final decision.
Step 9
Test out the display models for each treadmill. Do not be afraid to get on it and use it for a few minutes in the store. Try the different features to see if it feels right. Also note the noise level of the treadmills.
Photo Credit
- inifinity health and condition concept with running woman image by .shock from Fotolia.com
Comments