How to Choose a Home Treadmill
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Treadmill for Home Use
Nov 4, 2009
A home treadmill is a big investment, which is why it’s so important to choose wisely. It may sound like an expensive investment, but having a treadmill at home can pay for itself quickly by eliminating the need for a costly gym membership. Plus, it’s far more convenient to exercise at home and avoid fighting the traffic to get to the health club every day.
The key is to research and understand the different options before making a purchase, since purchasing a treadmill involves a substantial investment. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a home treadmill.
What Should a Home Treadmill Cost?
As a generalization, home treadmills range in price from $300 to $3,000. The lower end models are usually designed for walking rather than running and have shorter decks to accommodate a walking stride. People who run usually need a more expensive model since the platform is too short on a lower end home treadmill model to do any serious running. A runner usually needs a platform that’s at least 60 inches.
What Are the Advantages to a More Expensive Home Treadmill?
More expensive treadmills are usually heavier, which means they’ll last longer and are less likely to rock back and forth during use. It’s important to stay within budget when choosing a home treadmill, but not to sacrifice on quality. Keep in mind that many treadmill walkers become runners as they advance in their fitness training, so it’s best to choose a home treadmill model that can accommodate running.
Consider the Available Space
People who have limited space for a home treadmill should consider a fold-up treadmill model. As the name implies, a fold-up treadmill can be folded into a compact shape and wheeled into an area to be stored. This is perfect for people who live in an apartment and have limited space available for exercise equipment.
What Features Are Needed?
Some home treadmills have up to 20 different workout programs, which for most people is overkill. Those extra programs simply add to the price without offering much additional benefit since most people only use a few programs. Another issue to consider when choosing a home treadmill are the display features. Most people like to know the speed, the degree of incline, the time, and the calories burned. Make sure these are displayed. Some higher end models have a heart rate monitor, but few people end up using it, so it may not be worth the extra cost. Look for a motor of at least 2.5 HP, but a 3.0 HP motor is even better. Some treadmills run on 110 volts, while others require 220 volt power, so this needs to be clarified before purchasing.
Choosing a Home Treadmill: Other Factors to Consider
People who are overweight need to consider how much weight their chosen treadmill is designed to support. Most treadmills have a weight limit established by the manufacturer. The length of the warranty is also a consideration. Longer warranties mean more peace of mind, and it’s important to make sure there’s someone to repair any problems that arise.
Finally, always try a treadmill before purchasing it. Make sure it runs smoothly, maintains a steady speed, and isn’t too noisy. It’s important to be comfortable with it, so it won’t end up unused in a closet. Be sure to spend some time researching all the options before buying.
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