Treadmill Buying Tips

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.

This article is supplied by http://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: http://www.treadmill-info.com/articles_1.html

---

Home Treadmill Review: Things To Watch Out Before Buying A Treadmill

Treadmills are known to be the most popular and most effective home exercise and fitness equipment with 33% of the sales and is capable of burning around... Read More

Epic Treadmills ? Good Value Or Not?

Epic treadmills are well known in the treadmill market for their budget range of treadmills. Epic treadmills are one of the lines of treadmills manufactured by Icon... Read More

Choosing an Elliptical Cross Trainer

Elliptical cross trainers have been around for several years and their popularity grows continually. Elliptical cross trainers give you an impact-free, complete workout that seems less stressful... Read More

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs

When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a variety of things to determine which elliptical machine will best suit your needs. You should pay attention... Read More

Treadmill Review - How To Find The Best Treadmill At The Best Price

When shopping for a treadmill, it is important to know the facts in advance. Sales and advertised specials will not always assure that you get the best... Read More

Which is the Best Exercise Tool, High-tech Machines or Free Weights?

Which is the best exercise tool, high tech machines or free weights?You may find this information laborious; however, it is necessary to outline the differences between high-tech... Read More

Life Fitness Treadmills Reign Supreme in the Ratings

One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life Fitness treadmills are featured extensively in gyms and health clubs around the globe. Highly regarded by several... Read More

Save Money on Treadmills by Avoiding These 5 Marketing Traps

There are lots of great marketing people in the treadmill industry today. Their job is to make you think that you need the features they're offering when... Read More

Life Fitness Ellipticals are Among the Best

The Life Fitness company makes six different models. They are the Life Fitness Elliptical X3, the Life Fitness Elliptical X3i, the Life Fitness Elliptical X5, the Life... Read More

It?s All About the Abs - Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really Works

Abdominal Exercise Equipment That Really WorksThere have been many studies and reports about how our society as a whole has grown heavier and chubbier. The stomach, in... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle... Read More

Treadmills ? Keep On Running

There are benefits to the use of treadmills as part of your exercise program. A treadmill provides a wonderful cardiovascular workout for your heart, your lungs, and... Read More

The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits

The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits The word elliptical means shaped like an oval. In the world of fitness and exercise,... Read More

How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment

When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one... Read More

Home Sweet Treadmill

For those of you trying to stay in shape or shed a few pounds (who isn't?) there are tons of resources. Perhaps you think there's nothing better... Read More