Save Your Money - Shop The Easy Way For Treadmills

Today's best rated treadmills can do anything your training demands such as hills, intervals, tempo, long distance, and anything else you can do on a treadmill. The home treadmill has experienced substantial growth over the past few years. The quality and features of any treadmill is reflected in the price of the treadmill.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy. Treadmills can have an AC or a DC powered motor.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. The more expensive treadmill models will also offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill.

Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. Folding treadmills collapse to allow for easy storage and are ideal for people without enough room for a bulky exercise machine.

Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place.

The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Consider bringing your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family or roommates who'll be using your treadmill.

Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. Warranties can last from ninety days to lifetime, read the fine print. The taller a person is the longer their stride and so you'll need to choose a treadmill with a longer and wider belt.

If you plan to use a treadmill purely for walking you are not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily, step on it and test it out before you buy.

Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online. Check out the level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation; something that many buyers overlook.

Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but they may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower. You'll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that's strong enough to support the heaviest runner who'll be using it.

Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other complex cardiovascular exercises. Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program.

Whether you use a treadmill to walk, jog or run, the units are very effective at burning calories, raising heart rate and developing aerobic capacity. The more programs the treadmill offers the more you can vary your workout and then more likely you'll continue exercising on a regular basis.

A treadmill is a good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit. And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill.

With help from treadmill reviews and treadmill ratings you can find the treadmill that matches your fitness requirements at the cheapest or lowest price possible and be sure you're buying from a reliable and trustworthy supplier.

The Home Buyers Guide To Choosing A Treadmill

Home treadmills are a tough sea to navigate for most buyers -- there are so many different brands and they all look alike to outsiders. Luckily, over the past 20 or so years, I've had to repair just about every treadmill ever made. In other words, my pain will be your salvation!

My first piece of advice is: avoid anything and everything from Icon Health and Fitness. They're the manufacturer of the units you'll find at places like Sears -- nothing against Sears, but the treadmills they sell tend to be on the lower end of the quality scale. Their treadmills seem to have specs that are too good to be true for their cost and, truth be told, they are. The old proverb, "you get what you pay for" comes in to play with them.

Small motors with high RPMs to give them a perceived higher horsepower (most of their motors should really be rated at under 1.5 HP regardless of what they tell you -- a motor the size of a soda can should not be powering a full sized treadmill!), lots of plastic pieces, tiny rollers, and generally unstable machines are par for the course for the Icon brands like Proform, Weslo, Healthrider and Image. Just stay away from them! There are better treadmills even at the more affordable prices that Icon tempts the unlearned consumer with.

On with translating the arcane lore that is treadmill purchasing for the lay person.

Let's start with the motor. The first thing you want to do is make sure the motor is rated with "Continuous Duty." Any sales person or manufacturer who gives you a "Peak" rating is trying to sell you a bag of magic beans. Peak is best described as the maximum a motor will perform at before it breaks down.

What's more imporant is: how the heck is that motor going to perform when you're actually using it? Another thing a shady salesperson might mention is that a common home circuit (120v/15amps) will only let you run about 2.5 HP and any motor larger than that is a waste of money. Technically that is true (about the amps vs. HP, not the waste of money), but the larger motors will tend to last longer as they are not running at the higher RPMs of a smaller motor. And, if nothing else, the larger the motor, the smoother the "ride." A bigger motor will allow you to run or walk on it without slipping.

The next thing to look at is the size of a treadmill's rollers. The bigger the rollers, the longer your belt will last and the better the running experience.

Next, and this is my favorite thing -- especially when recommending cardio equipment to my in-laws -- the warranty. Like anything else, the better the warranty the more piece of mind you will have. The 5 year parts warranty on Spirit treadmills, for example, is one of the best in the business. For me, the more faith a manufacturer has in its own product (i.e. the warranty), the more faith I have in that product. Of course, doing repairs I absolutely love the lower end warranties as it means more paying work for me!

What's next? The weight and stability of the machine. There is nothing worse than getting on a treadmill and having it move back and forth, or shake, or, even worse, creak as you run on it. The heavier the unit the longer it will last. If you're used to running on a treadmill at your local gym and then get on most home units, you'll immediately notice the difference. You don't want to be running around on something that feels like it is going to fall apart now do you? Don't answer, that was a rhetorical treadmill question.

The tread and the deck are where most problems for treadmills happen. When the friction from your running builds up between the deck and the tread, the badness begins. Stick with the 4-ply belts/treads that help to reduce the amount of friction, and look at units with reversable, phenolic wax coated decks. Reversable decks let you flip over your running surface to use the opposite side when the original wears down. It's like having a free second deck if you wear out the first one.

Programs. Don't be fooled by this. Most people only wind up using 3-4 programs. If the treadmill has 20, that's cool, but you'll rarely use them. If you do heart rate training, then heart rate control is great. If not, it's just an extra you'll never use...like the clock you've never set on your VCR.

Speed and Incline are worth talking about. Most treadmills can go up to about 10 miles per hour and a 10 degree incline. Don't let speed or incline become a deciding factor unless you're doing a lot of high speed or high incline training. Obviously, electronically controlled speed and incline are the way to go. If those feature are manual just move on.

Finally, test out the shock absorbtion. You want to make sure you aren't running on a hard surface. This is a "feel" thing more than a "scientific" one. If the deck is bouncy, move on. If the deck feels like running on concrete, move on. If the deck moves from side to side, move on. You want to find a deck that feels good, with just enough give and little to no lateral motion.

Beyond that fans, speakers, cup holders, magazine racks and even television sets on the treadmill's console are all just icing on the cake. It's better to get a good treadmill without a fan or TV and spend $50 to buy your own than to get a crappy, fully loaded treadmill which will eventually just become an expensive coat rack for dirty clothes.

Now, I know I alread typed "finally" but there is one last piece to consider: PRICE. You can only get what you can get but don't be fooled into buying a lemon. There are decent (and some downright Great) treadmills at just about every price point. I'll go over some of the best, at least in my experience, treadmills in the under $1000 range in the next week.

Don't despair, there is a good treadmill out there you can actually afford

Treadmill buying guide to purchase the right treadmill

A treadmill buying guide helps users to shop for the right treadmill that suits their workout requirements and budget. They incorporate a lot of information which users should consider before and at the time of purchasing a treadmill.

Treadmill buying guides specify the price ranges for the treadmills. The general break down of price ranges is Budget $500-$1500, Mid-Range $1500-$3000 and Quality $3000-up. Offers and discounts while purchasing the treadmill depend upon the season and treadmill manufacturer's policies.

Treadmill buying guides specify the workout features which users should look for and consider while buying a treadmill. Users should choose a model that has the most pre-set and programmable workouts to vary pace and incline. Treadmill buying guide emphasize bringing fun while workouts by means of book rack on the treadmill. Some models plug into a VCR, CD, or internet.

A treadmill buying guide specifies the treadmill type which users can buy i.e. manual or motorized treadmills. It provides information on the operation of manual and motorized treadmills. Treadmill buying guide emphasize on the proper selection of motor in a treadmill. The treadmill motor matters since it gets the heaviest workout. Treadmill buying guide specifies the horsepower rating requirements between 1.5 to 2.5 HP. Treadmill buying guide also recommends looking for the longest warranty on the motor about 1 year at least.

Treadmill buying guide insist on the durability and life of belt since it's the part which undergoes a lot of wear and tear. It also specifies that the belt thickness should be two ply which will help the belt to last longer and not to curl less around the edges.

Treadmill buying guide recommends the deck size to be the running surface size. A longer deck allows for a more comfortable stride and easier motion than a shorter surface.

The overall treadmill size specified in the treadmill buying guide is the measure of space available in the user's room. Treadmill buying guide recommends buying noiseless treadmill so you can hear the TV or music while working out. The size of the treadmill when folded or stored should be checked as per the information given in the treadmill buying guide.

Treadmill buying guide will also provide information on shock absorption in the treadmill. The higher shock absorption, the less wear on user feet, legs, and joints. Shock absorption techniques specified in the treadmill buying guide vary from thicker belts to shock absorbers under the deck or floating decks. A treadmill buying guide will enumerate the fact that higher shock absorption equals higher price.

Treadmill buying guides specify speed details in a treadmill that should be considered while purchasing a treadmill. Users should make sure that the max speed of the treadmill suits their fitness needs. Walkers can probably get by with speeds of .5 to 6 mph while runners (or very fast walkers) need a higher maximum speed.

Inclination required in a treadmill is specified in the treadmill buying guide. Inclines vary widely with maximum inclines from 2% to 25%. The larger this range is the more variety users can have in their workouts. Treadmill buying guides recommend users to take into consideration whether the incline is adjusted manually or using controls.

Treadmill buying guides emphasize that most motorized treadmills have built in electronic feedback that will show miles walked, calories burned, heart rate, mph, etc. Preset programs and customized programs are optional and depend upon the user selection.

Treadmill buying guide considers the feature of drink holder in the treadmill as important especially when it avoids getting off the treadmill every time users need a drink.

Treadmill buying guide emphasize on the wise selection of a treadmill. Treadmill buying guide makes users aware about the information of treadmill and the points they should consider while buying a treadmill. Treadmill buying guide helps user to buy a treadmill that suits his/her fitness needs and cost.

Treadmill weight loss workouts to build a leaner, healthy and fit body

Treadmill weight loss is one of the more successful methods of losing weight. Treadmill weight loss helps individuals to loose weight by implementing workout routines on a treadmill machine. A treadmill weight loss workout enables user to build a healthy and fit body. Doctors, medical specialists, gym trainers and health specialists provide treadmill weight loss workout tips to individuals who desire to lose weight, build body sculptures and get into shape.

Treadmill walking workouts for weight loss have consistently provided quality results and lasting benefits. These exercises allow people to work at their own pace to burn calories effectively.

Using a good treadmill workout program has worked for many people and individuals. Treadmill workouts not only enable users to lose weight but also help users to maintain their weight loss. Treadmill weight loss is achieved by performing workouts on treadmills by virtually any age group and individuals of any activity level.

It helps people to lose weight and maintain weight loss by implementing a treadmill workout routine. A sensible, healthy and planned diet that will help users to shed their weight by unwanted pounds is implemented with along with the workout. While performing workouts on treadmills to reach treadmill weight loss targets, users need to be consistent in their planned workouts. Treadmill weight loss can be achieved if the user spends a certain length of time on the treadmill machine.

Treadmill weight loss workouts make the user walk or jog on a treadmill for certain time length and at least 5-6 days per week. Treadmill weight loss requires workouts that user spends 45 minutes or more per session on a treadmill machine. Consistency in treadmill workouts is the key to the success of treadmill weight loss.
Initially treadmill weight loss workout starts at a nice and easy pace but over the period of time the intensity and length of the workouts is increased to achieve the targets of treadmill weight loss exercise. During treadmill weight loss workout users need to keep in mind that they have their body moving for as long and fast as they can and still remain comfortable. The faster the pace during treadmill weight loss workouts on a treadmill, the more calories will be burned which will eventually lead to weight loss. Regular workouts on a treadmill increase the body's metabolism and make more weight loss.

Treadmill weight loss exercise is the best way to lose weight provided users plan their workouts on a treadmill and make it a daily habit. Consistency in maintaining workouts is the key to success of treadmill weight loss.

Treadmill weight loss tips during walking workouts on a treadmill include maintaining a proper posture of the body, keeping the head up, relaxing the neck, swinging the arms at sides, holding the tummy in, keeping the hips relaxed & loose and concentration on breathing. Treadmill weight loss tips also include listening to music, watching TV, or talking to a friend next to you to avoid the boredom during treadmill weight loss workouts.

Treadmill weight loss workouts include numerous programs. Making treadmill weight loss workout a daily habit makes achieving weight loss ambitions more likely. Incorporation of 3-4 treadmill workout sessions each week is a planned program of treadmill weight loss. Forcing the body to become conditioned to more intense workout is another treadmill weight loss program. Treadmill weight loss sessions or interval workouts cause people to burn more calories and make the workout less monotonous. Treadmill weight loss workout includes swinging of arms and variety of arm movements during walking workouts, which increases the metabolic rate and causes weight loss.

Treadmill weight loss workouts help users to achieve their weight loss goals and have a positive impact on all aspects of their life including fitness, the way they look, the way they walk, etc. Treadmill weight loss workout on a treadmill machine is a simple way to reach weight loss goals.

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.

What Most Buyers Don't Know About Treadmill Ratings

If you're buying a treadmill, chances are you'll want to research before you buy. Everyone wants to get the best deal for a discount price. They also want to find the best treadmill to suit their workout needs.

So you'll probably be interested in looking at various treadmill ratings or reviews. But why are there so many different ratings and which one is the most accurate? Here's a few things most buyers don't know about treadmill ratings.

There are really 2 types of treadmill ratings:

1) Consumer Ratings

2) Expert Ratings

User Treadmill Ratings:

Consumer treadmill ratings are done by the layperson who has bought and used the specific treadmill. Many websites allow anyone to go online and post a review of their treadmill.

Customer reviews and ratings can be very valuable when searching for a treadmill - however keep in mind several things:

#1) No treadmill has a 100% perfect track record. Even the BEST treadmill manufacturers sometimes make a dud.

And it's usually the people that have had BAD experiences that leave negative reviews of their treadmills, not the many that have had good experiences with the same treadmill.

They have every right to do this and hopefully the treadmill manufacturers read these reviews and do something about them. Just remember that one bad review doesn't prove it's a low quality brand.

#2) The treadmill industry is growing more competitive each year. And marketing is a huge portion of the treadmill industry since treadmill manufacturers KNOW you're going to research treadmill ratings before you buy.

So while I'm not making any accusations, I have read 'customer reviews' that are clearly NOT written by the average buyer. They sound like they're written by somebody working for the competition - someone well versed in the art of sales psychology and who knows more about treadmills than the average person. Again, not making any accusations here - just keep this in mind when reading user ratings online.

Rule of Thumb: Use common sense. If it sounds like it's written by a treadmill salesperson, take the treadmill review with a grain of salt.

Expert Treadmill Ratings:

There are also expert treadmill ratings. These are the ratings written by the experts in the fitness industry. People like Consumer Reports, Runner's World, Consumer Guide, Men's Health, Prevention Magzine are just a few out there. These people rate and review various treadmills at various times in the year.

While these ratings are much less likely to be tainted by biased reviewers, here are a few cautions to keep in mind while reading them:

#1) Each rater has a different rating system and may rate treadmills on such factors as price, cushioning, stability, quietness, belt area, warranty, console, electronics, programs, incline and quality of parts.

So while one reviewer may put more emphasis on cushioning the other may put more emphasis on warranty. It's nothing to get confused over - just understand that different experts value different features. They'll usually have an area where they list exactly how they rated the treadmills and which features they valued highly in their review.

#2) Expert ratings also usually don't have time to look at EVERY treadmill brand on the market. Nobody does. We've been reviewing treadmills for over 3 years and we still haven't covered all the brands.

So just because a certain brand isn't in the ratings, doesn't make it a poor quality brand. Try to find other reviews on a brand if you can't find it in your favorite expert ratings list.

One last thing: Many treadmill ratings are also based on comparison to other similarly priced treadmills on the market.

So if you have a $1000 treadmill that gets 5 stars - that doesn't necessarily mean that it's better than a $2000 treadmill that gets 4 stars. It means that compared to other $1000 treadmills it is one of the best values.

By remembering these things when sifting through treadmill ratings, you're less likely to be confused. And it will be easier to choose the best quality treadmill for your needs.