What to Look Out For in a Treadmill?

When it comes to buying a treadmill you have to choose wisely because there are many types in the market, coming with various features and specifications that can be quite overwhelming. However, you need not be stupefied by the various options around you. Indeed, the availability of all these shapes and designs should allow you to compare, contrast and end up with just what you want.

Most of us use the price indicator to decide which treadmill to buy. This might be undoubtedly a fact to consider, but one thing you should be aware of is that companies play around with prices to entice customers. You may spend a tidy sum, only to end up feeling cheated when you find out that you could have got a  better deal elsewhere.

Follow these buying tips to learn how to wisely choose a treadmill.

#1: Intended Workouts

Which workouts do you envisage conducting on the treadmill? This question will help you decide the motor size of your treadmill. If you want more walking, you do not need a powerful motor. However if you want to run or jog then you need a more powerful machine. Furthermore, walkers will buy a machine with a shorter track, and save some money in the process, as opposed to runners and joggers who need a longer track to stretch out more.

#2: Treadmill Size

Consider the available space and decide how much room you can spare for a treadmill. This will ensure that you buy a machine that will easily fit in the available space. Otherwise, you can end up with too big a machine that won’t fit. If you decide on a folding treadmill, also ensure that there is enough room for storage.

#3: Cost

Treadmills come in various prices, with the cheapest retailing at below $500 and the most expensive hitting prices above $4000.  A high price does not always guarantee quality. When it comes to treadmills, it is safe to say that the pricier they are, the better the quality. Cheap treadmills retailing below $500 are usually marked by low-end features including wobbly frames, limited workout areas, minimal programming and flickering data screens. Furthermore, they come with a very limited guarantee lasting for just 90 days and are known to break down just after a few months.

They can only be used for walking and will quickly deteriorate when used for more intense exercises.The pricier treadmills come with more powerful motor, have a maintenance free belt and have more accessories such as built-in programs, heart rate monitors and better displays. They have automatic steeper inclines, large touchscreens complete with web browsers and more enhanced workout options. Moreover, they have longer lasting warranties, with some giving lifetime warranties on the frame and motor.

#4: Features

As pointed out in the preceding discussion, treadmills come with a myriad of features, some of which can be superfluous. So it is important that you decide which features you require and which ones you can do without. Do you need a web browser on your treadmill or would you find it a distraction? How about the preset programs? And the automated incline? These and many other features are quite common place on the modern treadmill and determine both the price and effectiveness of the machine.

#5: Read Treadmill Reviews

A treadmill is one of those purchases you want to make once in a lifetime. It is therefore prudent to get it right the first time. For this reason, you should take your time and read through the reviews to get an honest opinion from people who have been there before you. Read about what they have to say about the various options available and decide which one has the best selling points.

 #6: Understand The Elements Of A Treadmill

Treadmills have a number of specifications that define them and also set them apart from each other. It is important that you understand these specs in order to find out just how they impact on the general performance of your machine. Below is a summary of some of these specifications.

Motor

This is what actually powers the track. It is measured in terms of horsepower (HP) or continuous horsepower (CHP). It indicates the amount of power a motor can continuously put out. Most domestic treadmills have CHP ranging between 2.25 and 5.0 CHP. You choose the motor power you need depending on your body weight and the kinds of exercise you will be engaging in. Walking requires the least CHP of just about 2.0 while jogging and running require a CHP of 2.5 and higher.

Track Size

This covers length and width of the treadmill. The size matters, especially for those who want to run or jog. The longer the track, the more space you have for stretching out. Extra track width is quite important for bigger bodied trainees. Standard track length is 55” for walkers and 63’’ for runners and joggers while the standard width is 22”.

Tread Belt Durability

The most durable tread belts are four-ply while the not so durable have a single layer. Thicker belts are quieter during use.

Rollers

These are responsible for propelling the track. The larger the roller, the more is the belt life. This is because larger diameters exert less stress on the treadmill motor thus extending the belt life.

Track Cushioning

This feature plays an important role in protecting your feet and joints from the impact of the exercise. This is especially important for runners since it reduces the risk of injury and at the same time increases stamina.

Conclusion

These are some of the important factors that you must have in your mind before deciding on a treadmill. As has been raised above, a treadmill is usually an once-in-a-lifetime purchase. It is paramount that as you set out to make your purchase, you should determine what exactly you want to use the treadmill for.

After this, look at your budgetary allocation, determine the size of machine you want vis-à-vis the available space in your house. Next, understand the features found on treadmills and isolate the important ones from the superfluous ones and eventually make your pick. If you follow these simple steps you will end up with a perfect, professional machine that meets all your training expectations.

Be sure to check out our article on the best treadmills under $600.

2 thoughts on “What to Look Out For in a Treadmill?”

  1. music success kickstart

    I am glad to be a visitant of this unadulterated blog,
    thanks for this rare information!

  2. I’m planning to buy a treadmill next week and I definitely learned something from this. Thanks for posting!

Leave a Reply to Rai

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *