Overwhelmed by the process of buying a treadmill? There are lots of different treadmills out there, some excellent and some not-so-stable. It can be confusing to compare them all!
This treadmill buying guide will cover exactly what to look for when purchasing a treadmill so that you can simplify the process and choose the best value for you.
A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at least $1000. The quality of treadmills (cushioning, construction, parts, quality) drops substantially once you drop 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."
It doesn't make sense to invest in something that will cause you injury just to save a couple hundred dollars. So think of your treadmill as an investment in your health - an investment that will probably last you 10 years or more.
The motor is the most important component of the treadmill. Motor power is measured by horsepower. Unless your treadmill has a strong motor (at least 1.5 horsepower) you will 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 HP rating for steady, continual 24 hour motor usage) and Peak Duty (which is the maximum HP potential, however it cannot be maintained).
For this reason you want to know the Continuous Duty HP. It's recommended that you go with at least a 1.5 HP continuous duty (CD) motor (preferably higher).
For runners or those planning heavy use of their treadmills, we recommend at least a 2.5 HP-3 HP continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn't burn out on you quickly and end up costing you in pricey treadmill repairs.
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.
For example, Landice treadmills are high-end home treadmills. They are built using aluminum frames but they also start at $3095 +.
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.
Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Higher 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. For example, Sole treadmills use a Cushion Flex running surface, shown in a study to reduce impact by 365% compared to running on asphalt.
Make sure your treadmill has a quality cushioning system to protect your joints over the long run.
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.
One rule of thumb to remember with treadmills is that generally 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.
Treadmill brands that have ranked particularly high on stability include Smooth, Sole, and Landice.
It's important to 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.
However for safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach.
- Heart Rate Monitor/Heart Rate 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.
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.
Keep in mind that 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 don't offer any warranties?).
A quality warranty will include at least 10 years on the frame and 2 or more years on parts and the motor (keep in mind that the motor is usually the most expensive to fix).
For example, Smooth Treadmills offer a lifetime motor warranty on all of their treadmills as well as a lifetime frame warranty, 2-5 year parts and 1 year in-home service.
Sole Treadmills offer 30 years coverage on both the motor and the frame. Make sure you look into the warranty offered by the treadmill manufacturer (not the store!)
- Where to Buy A Treadmill:
There are a number of options here but mainly they fall into 2 categories:
#1) A Store
#2) On the Internet
There are advantages and disadvantages to each.
- Store Advantages: You can actually run on the treadmill.
- Store Disadvantages: You'll probably have to pay more for the same treadmill you can get online simply because the store has overhead costs to pay. Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery.
- Internet Disadvantages: You can't run on the treadmill
- Internet Advantages: You can save hundreds of dollars buying direct from the manufacturer. You can usually get free shipping and save on sales tax. You can also research a larger selection of brands from the convenience of your own home.
Whichever you chose, keep in mind that there are specialty sellers dedicated to JUST selling treadmills (both on the Internet and off). Their customer service, knowledge and efforts go only into their treadmills.
This is in contrast to a department store where they sell treadmills...along with everything else. We'd recommend a specialty store since they can probably give you more accurate advice about which treadmill will suit your specific needs.
An example of a specialty seller is the online treadmill wholesaler Smooth Fitness. Smooth Fitness is the largest volume seller of exercise equipment on the Internet and are dedicated to selling Smooth Treadmills
Their website is built with the treadmill customer in mind and includes detailed pictures, customer testimonials, expert reviews, treadmill articles, downloadable owner's manuals, and prevalent contact information.
No matter which treadmill you decide on, make sure to do your research and choose one that fits your personal fitness goals (there's no use buying a high end commercial grade treadmill when you only plan on gentle walking!).
Know that you're making a valuable investment in your health and taking steps towards a better, healthier future!
Save Up To 45% On Smooth Treadmills -
