Treadmill Buying Guide

Belt and motor

The heart of a treadmill is the moving rubber surface, called the belt, which runs over a support deck, powered by a motor. Choose a two-ply belt, which is more durable than 1-ply. Consider belt length – runners and taller users have longer strides, and need longer belts. Most walkers will want at least 52”, and runners 54” or more. If you’re over 6 feet, you may need 58+”. Belt width matters too - you want to be able to stride naturally with your arms swinging. Less than 18” will probably feel cramped. While you’re sizing up belts, check out the deck as well. It should be at least ¾” thick. If taking it easy on your joints is a priority, look for a deck with cushioning or shock absorption.

The motor is the hardest working part of a treadmill, so choose one that’s up to the job. Look for the treadmill’s “continuous duty horsepower” rating – this measures how much power a treadmill delivers with sustained, regular use. Make sure it’s a minimum of 1.5 hp or 2.0 -3.0 hp if you rack up serious mileage. Ignore any other horsepower ratings like “peak duty” or “treadmill duty”. They’re irrelevant, and usually listed to confuse buyers about how powerful a treadmill’s motor really is. When you’re test-driving treadmills, look for smooth, quiet motor operation at both high and low speeds.

If your budget is extremely tight, check out motor-free manual treadmills. They can work for occasional walkers who are fairly light, but most exercisers will want a motorized treadmill.

Stability and safety

Look for sturdy, well-positioned hand rails, especially if you’re older or have balance problems. If you have health concerns, a heart-rate monitor can help you keep your workout at a safe intensity.

You’ll definitely want an emergency stop button on your treadmill’s control console. If you work out alone, strongly consider models that come with a safety strap or other device you can wear that attaches to the treadmill, which automatically stops the belt if you fall. If you have children, protect them from potentially serious injury by choosing a treadmill with a safety key that has to be inserted for the belt to start.

Workout features

Today’s treadmills offer a huge range of features to make your workout more fun or challenging. Check out the basics first. Everyone should pick a treadmill that inclines to at least 10% to simulate uphill conditions and boost calorie burning. Serious athletes or hikers should go for a 15% incline or more. Then there’s maximum speed – 10mph is plenty for walkers and most runners, but if you can knock off a 5 or 6 minute mile, look for a treadmill that goes faster.

A treadmill’s console (the visual control panel) should display speed, distance, time, and calories at a minimum, but there are lots of extras available, if you’re willing to pay for them. Will a variety of pre-set workout programs help motivate you? Some treadmills have just a handful, while others boast more than 20. Need to banish workout doldrums? Beyond the familiar book rack, some treadmills now offer premium sound systems and flat-screen TVs. Both athletes and older exercisers will find a heart rate monitor a valuable tool. And don’t forget your personal comfort – look for a well-positioned water bottle holder, and some consoles sport a built-in fan to keep you cool.

Size and storage

How much space have you got? Treadmills take a lot of it. Decide where you want to put your treadmill first, then measure the area carefully, so you can choose a model that will definitely fit.

Do you want a folding treadmill that you can store between uses? It’s a good option if you’re in tight quarters, but make sure to check the dimensions when it’s folded, and measure your intended storage area. Also, folding treadmills are not always a snap to move – they can be quite heavy, and dragging them across carpets can be hard work. If moving your treadmill is a huge pain, you’ll be less likely to use it, so look for a model that folds and rolls easily. Do give any folding treadmill a good tryout – they’re sometimes less stable than stationary models.

Durability and warranty

For most buyers, a treadmill is a serious investment. If you want yours to last, buy the most durable treadmill you can afford. Some factors to consider include frame construction, rollers and weight limit.

High-alloy steel or aircraft-grade aluminum are the sturdiest materials, and aluminum won’t rust. Avoid wood or particle board. Huck-fastened or welded frames are more solid than bolted ones. When it comes to rollers, generally, bigger rollers are better. Rollers over 2” in diameter will create less belt tension and heat during use, resulting in longer life. Lastly, you’ll want to choose a treadmill that’s durable enough for the weight you’ll put on it – and be conservative. It’s a good idea to knock 50 lbs. off a treadmill’s stated weight limit – so a 300 lb. exerciser should look for a weight limit of at least 350 lbs.

Check treadmill warranties carefully – they reflect the construction quality. A cheaply-made treadmill may have just a 90 day warranty, meaning the manufacturer doesn’t expect it to last. Premium-quality treadmills are backed up with 30 year to lifetime warranties. Try to choose a treadmill with a 3-year warranty or longer, especially on the motor. Extended warranties are available, but be careful – the warranty company and the dealer are rarely the same company.

Need to know more?

• Treadmill Reviews
  http://www.treadmillreview.net
• Treadmill Workouts
  http://www.best-treadmill-reviews.com/treadmill_workouts.html
• Treadmill Comparisons
  http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Review-Comparison