How To Buy A Treadmill

A treadmill is a very good investment. People cannot always exercise outdoors daily due to varying weather conditions. Treadmills are a great option to work out when the weather is bad outside. Some people do not like to workout outdoors and hence opt for a treadmill. There are lots of treadmills available in the market and it is very difficult to choose the best one. You need to keep the following points in mind while buying a treadmill:

Warranty
Check the warranty of the treadmill. Some treadmills provide 5 years warranty while some 2 years. Also make sure that the warranty is for the whole treadmill including the motor, which is the main part in the treadmill.

Motor
When shopping for a treadmill, the most important consideration is the motor. The majority of treadmills operate on a DC electric motor that provides an easy to control electric current. Quality treadmills use a power output anywhere from 1.5 to 5 horse power (Hp). Obviously the larger Hp will be more expensive. If you are using your treadmill for your home and for only a few people, then 2 Hp is all you need.

Running Deck
Since you will be doing your exercise entirely on the deck of the treadmill, it is very important that you find one that will fit your frame and provide comfort. Usually running decks on most treadmills come with two rollers on each end, which help operate the belt. The deck is generally composed a wooden or fibre board that provide some level of spring every time a foot impacts on it. Shock absorber is important to preventing injury.

When shopping for a deck you should primarily look for decks that can maximize the impact of your legs. In addition, look for at least a 60” length and 20” width. This will provide enough room for the average person's running stride. If you are bigger, then you might need more room.

Weight Limit
If you are an overweight person, then make sure you check the weight limit of the treadmill. Some light duty treadmills may not work properly.

Safety Mechanism
The treadmill, which you buy, should be safe and have an emergency stop mechanism. Suppose if there is a malfunction in the treadmill or you feel exhausted and want to stop the treadmill immediately, then you have to stop the treadmill at once. So check for this feature when you buy a treadmill.

Frame
Treadmill frames should be composed of a steel or aluminium material. Over time, these frames are known to be much more durable then plastic or wood frames. Durability is the key, so only select a frame that can take a pounding without breaking.

Console
The final factor to consider is the console. This is the one section where treadmill retailers overwhelm consumers with a bunch of jargon and cool sounding gadgets.

Other Features
When you shop for treadmills, the important item you should look for is a control panel that will display your speed, time, pace and distance. Anything beyond that is your personal preference. While many people love extras, you can get by with just these items. There are many add-on features which you can add on your treadmill such as a small television, ear phones etc. Some treadmills already have these options, so you may wish to buy the latest and best one.

So if you have a little more in your budget, you can look for some factors such as:

· Programmed workouts
· Incline settings
· Maximum speeds going up to12 mph
· Heart rate monitors that can be clipped to your chest, ear or finger
· Entertainment functions that can help distract the user

Buying a treadmill can be confusing because of the technical terms and jargon. By understanding the basics of what you need, then you can ignore all the fancy sounding names and focus on what is important. When you understand the basics of a quality treadmill, then it will be easy to find one that is perfect for your home and budget.