Before Purchasing a Treadmill

Treadmill has been ranked the number one exercise equipment in the past few years.

If you have decided to purchase a treadmill, ensure that you purchase a machine that meets your needs.

There are different types of treadmills on the market with different prices depending up on the quality. However, treadmills are expensive and finding one that fits your budget is difficult to do.

Before going to purchase the treadmill, measure the space in which you like to keep the treadmill. The average treadmill measures 64 inches long and 28 inches wide. There are machines that fold up and can be stored under a bed. Based on the space available, you can purchase a nonfoldable machine or a foldable machine.treadmill

If you are investing for the first time on treadmill, you have to consider some of the key elements:

Price:

The price matters when you are buying a treadmill. You will get for what you pay for.
Budget treadmills are generally around $500 to $1500. Mid range treadmills are around $1500 to $3000. Quality treadmills are the most expensive starting from around $3000.

It is not enough to look for a treadmill with lowest price. You need to consider other factors along with price.

Construction:

Before purchasing a treadmill, you have to consider the motor of the treadmill first. You have to see the motor size which is measured in horsepower to determine the machine’s longevity. Some manufacturers measure horsepower at continuous duty i.e. the motor’s ability to function under a load for an extended period of time and others measure at peak duty.

You have to look for continuous duty rating with 1.5 to 2.5 HP as opposed to peak duty. The continuous duty refers to the average power capacity of your motor while the peak duty is less valuable since the motor will not be able to sustain for long

Next, examine the belt and deck of the treadmill. The belt should be at least two-ply, 17-inches wide and 49 inches long. The board thickness should measure at least an inch.

The deck acts as a cushion for the legs, joints, feet and back. Low impact decks that flex under the user’s foot plant to absorb the shock without rebounding to cause additional jarring are featured in most sought after treadmills. This feature is essential for users with shin splints and foot and back problems.

A sturdy frame supports the belt and deck system. Low cost treadmills usually have a steel frame. Medium range treadmills are often constructed with aircraft aluminium frames that offer additional flexibility for impact absorption. Aluminium frames don’t corrode or rust and are lighter and easier to move.

Programming features:

Low priced treadmills offer basic programming for variable speed, distance, time and calories. They rarely utilize user information, and the calorie counters are not very accurate. The quality of the programming features such as preset programs that automatically vary the workout intensity by lowering or raising elevation and decreasing or increasing speed, rises with price.

Heart rate control programs are convenient features which will give the information of the user about his weight, intensity to achieve maximum fat burning or cardiovascular benefits.

Other options include grade/incline settings. A maximum grade of 10 percent may challenge beginning exercisers, while experienced may need a treadmill that reaches 15 percent grade.

Warranty:

Most manufacturers give warranty on manufacturing defects only, not on normal wear and tear. If a user weighs more than the machine’s specifications, a warranty may be voided. Many machines come with a life time warranty on the frame, while it ranges from 90 days to three years on features and components depending on the machine’s quality. You can purchase renewable extended warranties that cover everything from parts to labor.

Test:

Before deciding the treadmill, it is important that you test it for stability and smooth ride.
When you are testing, it is recommended that you wear workout shoes and clothes. In that way, you can simulate how it really feels to workout on the treadmill.

If the treadmill offers a shaky or jerky ride, don’t prefer it. The equipment should be stable and sturdy. Shaky frames are objectionable and serve only to show that the equipment is faulty.

The hand rails should be sturdy enough to support you and your weight. They should be in a good position so that you can grip them easily and not block your arm motions as you walk or run.

Check the belt as it is the part of the treadmill where you place your feet when you run or walk. The belt should be long and wide enough to allow you to run or walk like you normally would.

After considering and checking all these elements, you can take the treadmill to your home.