Treadmill Buyers Guide - The Easy Way To Buy A Treadmill

Buying a treadmill? There are so many brands and features to choose from. How do you know which treadmill is best for you?

This treadmill buyers guide will tell you exactly what to look for when buying your treadmill. Knowing this will help you choose the best treadmill for your fitness needs (and it might even save you some money!)

So here's what to look at when choosing a treadmill:

Motor:

The motor is the heart of your treadmill. Motor power is measured by horsepower - HP. Unless your treadmill has a strong motor (at least 1.5 horsepower) you can quickly wear it out, even if only moderately walking.

When looking at motors and horsepower, there are two different ratings:

- Continuous Duty (which is the rating for steady, continual 24 hour motor use), and
- Peak Duty (which is the maximum power potential, however it cannot be maintained).

When looking at treadmills you want to know the Continuous Duty motor power. It's recommended that you go with at least a 1.75 HP continuous duty (CD) motor (preferably higher).

For runners or those planning heavy use of their treadmills, experts recommend at least a 2.5 - 3 HP continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn't quickly burn out on you and end up costing you in expensive treadmill repairs.

Tip: Many cheaper treadmill brands will often give you the Peak Duty motor power (since it's always higher than the Continuous Duty rating) just to impress unsuspecting buyers. Make sure you know the continuous duty rating when comparing units.

Frame:

There are two types of frames: aluminum or steel (NEVER plastic!). Steel is heavier than aluminum which potentially increases stability. However steel may also rust or corrode from sweat (unlike aluminum).

So there are advantages and disadvantages to both and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. One thing to keep in mind however is that aluminum is more expensive than steel so it may be built into the price of the treadmill.

Belt:

Average treadbelt widths range from 17" to 22" and lengths from 51" to 61". Never go below a belt width of 16 " and make sure that the belt is long enough to accomodate your stride.

If you are tall and/or have long legs, it's better to go with a longer belt (54" or more). Make sure you also consider anyone else who will be using the treadmill and their height as well.

Cushioning:

Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Better cushioning means lower impact on your joints and ligaments. Cushioning is extremely important as poor cushioning can cause injury and muscle strain.

Many quality treadmills have their own form of cushioning system to protect you. Make sure your treadmill has a quality cushioning system to protect your joints over the long run.

Stability:

According to Runner's World, stability is the most important quality in a treadmill. Stability is how smooth a ride the treadmill provides you. There should be no shaking or wobbling when you start to run.

Generally with treadmills you get what you pay for. For a high stability, high quality treadmill you should be willing to spend at least $1000, and definitely more if you plan on using it heavily. There's no use spending $500-600 on something you're scared to use.

Console/Display:

Consider both the layout and user-friendliness of the information displays and controls. This is largely a matter of personal preference since some people want to see a constant display of calories burned or miles covered,etc.

For safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach.

Heart Rate Monitor/Control:

Again, this is largely a personal preference whether or not you want to monitor your heart rate. A heart rate monitor simply shows you at what rate your heart is beating while you work out.

Some people like to take a step up and get a heart rate control which can actually adjust the treadmill pace to keep you in your target fat-burning zone.

Warranty:

Treadmill warranties vary across the board and again, you usually get what you pay for. Don't waste your money buying an added warranty when most quality treadmills include a good warranty in the price already.

Tip: The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of parts used in building the treadmill (ever wondered why those cheap department store brands only offer you 90 day warranties?).

A quality warranty will include at least 10 years on the frame, 3 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. (Keep in mind that the motor is usually the most expensive to fix).

Price:

A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at least $1000. The quality of treadmills (cushioning, construction, parts, quality) drops substantially once you go below $800.

According to expert Gregory Florez, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, "Just about anything under $900 is not made to be used over the long haul."

There are ways to save on your treadmill of course (buy direct, online wholesalers, etc.) but the bottom line is that a treadmill is an investment in your health. It will last you 10 years or more so you really want to invest in a quality unit built to last.

Where to Buy A Treadmill:

There are a number of options here but they mainly fall into 2 categories:

1) Store
2) Online

- Store Advantages: You can actually try out the treadmill.

- Store Disadvantages: You'll probably pay more for the same treadmill you can get online simply because the store has overhead costs and salespeople to pay. Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery and you'll also pay sales tax.

- Internet Disadvantages: You can't try out the treadmill

- Internet Advantages: You can save a lot of money buying direct from the manufacturer, sometimes $600 or more. You can usually get free shipping and save on sales tax too. Plus you have a larger selection of treadmill to choose from so you may be able to find a treadmill that is more suited to your needs.

It really comes down to what you're comfortable with.

So that's it! You now know what to look for when buying a treadmill. Just remember to take your time and select a treadmill that fits your fitness goals. And you're guaranteed to find the best treadmill for you.

Treadmill maintenance to prolong the life of treadmill.

Treadmill maintenance is important and helps users to maintain their treadmill in proper condition. A quality treadmill should not require frequent treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance includes periodic dusting and infrequent belt lubrication. To keep the treadmill running smoothly and efficiently, treadmill maintenance schedule should be followed frequently.

Treadmill maintenance includes detailed instruction provided by treadmill manufacturers on how to take care of and maintain treadmill. Treadmill maintenance helps users to keep the treadmill free from dust and dirt accumulation. Regular treadmill maintenance and good selection of treadmill parts help to extend the life of treadmill machine.
Treadmill maintenance can be performed with kits designed to improve the overall performance of the treadmill unit. The treadmill maintenance kit will prevent the excessive repair bills and are recommended for lubricating treadmill motors, parts, belt adjustments and minor repairs. Treadmill maintenance kits are designed for treadmills that require cleaning before lubrication and are recommended by leading treadmill manufacturers.
Treadmill maintenance includes numerous points that users should follow periodically in order to keep their treadmills in good working conditions and extend the life of their treadmills.

Treadmill maintenance keeps treadmill clean and dust free. Treadmill maintenance includes weekly dusting between the belt and deck which ensure long life of the treadmill machine. Treadmill maintenance keeps the deck dry and free of debris. The area where the treadmill is placed is kept dust free during the treadmill maintenance schedule.

Treadmill maintenance includes the process of tightening treadmill belts. Treadmill belts slip or stretch slightly since most treadmills provide the user with easy access to belt tracking and hence adjustments to the belts are required. Treadmill maintenance includes adjusting belt tracking as per the user guide of the treadmill.

Adjusting belt alignment is another point which is performed during treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance ensures that proper belt tracking reduces the load on belt guides and ensures that the front and rear rollers are parallel. Treadmill maintenance process must follow the manufacturers directions on belt tracking to keep from misaligning or over stretching the belt.

Treadmill maintenance involves level adjustments to avoid squeaking sounds and belt mistracking of a non-level floor. Treadmill maintenance checks if the treadmill is leveled with the floor.

During treadmill maintenance care is taken to ensure that the power cord is free from the incline mechanism. Treadmill maintenance ensures that the belt and deck are kept clean, dry and dust free to ensure long lasting life of the treadmill. Do not wax a deck until it is recommended by the manufacturers.

Treadmill maintenance ensures low friction between deck and belt. A high friction between deck and belt will result in damage to the motor electronics. Treadmill maintenance process should follow the treadmills manufacturers guidelines fro proper deck and belt maintenance.

Treadmill maintenance also involves replacing circuit breaker fuses with the correct fuse. It is generally not recommended for users to replace blown fuses in the motor or motor controller. If blown fuse is discovered users should contact the treadmill dealer for proper replacement.

Treadmill maintenance checks that the treadmill consoles are grounded to an AC wall outlet to avoid console crashes. Computer defects will result in loss of control to incline and speed, and the treadmill may not even start at all. To help ensure against crashes, plug treadmill into a grounded AC outlet. If user treadmill computer console experiences repeated or frequent crashes, then it may need to be replaced.

Treadmill owner's manual provides detailed instructions on treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance includes procedures along with troubleshooting guidelines and instructions on repairs. Treadmill maintenance helps to keep the treadmill in good working condition and ensure long life of the treadmill.