Price
You get what you pay for when it comes to treadmills, but for most of us any treadmill is going to be a significant investment. When you shop by price you must be even more careful to select the best in that price range. The price ranges generally break down to Budget $500-$1500, Mid-Range $1500-$3000 and Quality $3000-up. There are often significant sales and discounts.
• Top Budget Treadmills
• Top Mid-Range Treadmills
• Top Quality Treadmills
The Motor and Horsepower
The motor matters - it is what gets the heaviest workout. The horsepower ratings can be confusing, the figure you want to look at is the "continuous duty rating" and shop for 1.5 to 2.5 HP "continuous duty". The "peak duty" rating is less valuable. The "treadmill duty" rating falls between continuous and peak. Look for the longest warranty on the motor, 1 year at least. DC motors are quieter.
Stability and Smooth Ride
Test treadmills wearing your workout shoes and clothes. A shaky or jerky ride is not acceptable. The hand rails should feel sturdy enough to support you and be in a good position to grip easily and not block your arm motion. The belt must be wide enough and long enough for your stride.
Workout Features
Boredom kills treadmills. Choose a model that has the most pre-set and programmable workouts to vary pace and incline. The incline and speed should be easily adjustable from the console. A pulse monitor is a big plus. A water bottle holder and book rack are essential for me. Some models plug into a VCR, CD, or internet for new workouts. Books or videos on how to use your treadmill effectively can get you going in the right direction.
• Top Treadmill Accessories, Books, Video
Noise and Space
The treadmill needs to work in your space. How noisy is it? If you plan to watch TV or listen to music, you need to be able to hear those over the treadmill itself. A model that looks small in the store can turn into an elephant in your spare room. Check its size when folded or stored and test how easy it is to move.
Choosing and Using Home Exercise Equipment by Bryant Stamford on the Quackwatch site. Considerations in choosing equipment and comparing treadmills and other equipment.
Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers A new trend, this article compares them to treadmills.
About.com Exercise: Before You Buy a Treadmill
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