Shopping for an Exercise Treadmill? – Ask Yourself
these 4 Questions
The exercise treadmill is one of the best-selling
pieces of home fitness equipment, and for a very good reason. Treadmills can be
used by virtually anyone of every fitness level. It doesn’t matter whether you
walk, jog or run, or you want to design a custom exercise program. The beauty of
a treadmill workout is that the exercises
are so easy to vary simply by slowing down or speeding up the treadmill’s
setting. Many people also invest in an exercise treadmill as an alternative to
running outdoors on days when the weather is inclement, thereby getting rid of
the tired excuse of “the weather was too bad.”
Sole Folding and Non-Folding Treadmills
Once you’ve decided to purchase a home treadmill for your daily workouts, you
shouldn’t rush right out and buy the first good-looking piece of exercise
equipment you see. This can not only hurt your pocketbook, it can hurt you.
Finding the best treadmill for your workout regimen requires some research and
plenty of comparisons so that you don’t get burned. Check out sites that have
treadmill reviews and compare features
before buying. Some of the best sources of
treadmill ratings can be found at sites run by trainers or gym owners.
Ask Yourself these Questions:
- What are my specific exercise needs (what do I need/not
need)?
- How good are the parts and construction of this treadmill?
- What price range can I afford?
- How good is the warranty on this treadmill?
Understanding your exercise needs is as simple as knowing what
you really expect to be doing once you get your exercise treadmill home. Be
honest – not everyone works out by running a mile every day, and many of us
shouldn’t! It will be primarily used to walk a few miles at a leisurely pace. If
you weight 130 pounds, your needs will be different than a 275 pound man who
will be running at top speed or creating a varied workout each day. Do you need
a console that provides a dozen custom exercise programs, or simply a heart rate
monitor?
Compare Features & Prices of Smooth Treadmills Here
Not All Features are the Same
Next, look at the treadmill’s parts. Key
features you should look for in treadmill reviews include:
- The Motor – A motor of at least 1.5 horsepower is
essential. The higher the horsepower, the cooler the motor will run and the
longer it will last.
- Flywheel - Smooth treadmill motion means a solid
flywheel for your workouts. You don’t want to jar your knees while exercising.
- Treadmill Deck - Good shock-absorbing materials in
the treadmill deck. Also check the deck for a weight limit if you are a larger
individual. Size matters. The wider and longer the deck, the less likely you
are to trip or fall while working out.
- Console - Does the console have a reliable shut-off
system for emergencies? Can you monitor your treadmill exercises by keeping
track of the time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate at the same time?
- Overall Construction – Is the treadmill frame
sturdy, with solid welds?
- Warranty - The warranty on any exercise treadmill
should be at least ninety days. Some will have a separate warranty for motor,
moving parts (such as the belt) and the frame. If you can find out this
information, it can help you make a decision on another consideration – cost.
Our Advice
An exercise treadmill should help you get in shape without
destroying your budget. With prices for treadmills ranging from $400 to over
$3,000, be sure to consider what you do and don’t need for your treadmill
workouts. The guidelines above will make you a savvier consumer when you check
out online treadmill reviews because you’ll know what information to look for so
that you will get everything you need for your workouts – and nothing you don’t.
Return to Treadmill Stores
Return from Exercise Treadmill to
the Treadmill Ratings 'N Reviews Home Page
|
