Treadmill Buying Guide

First page of the treadmill buying guide

Speed

Before you buy, decide what you'll be using your treadmill for: running, walking, or both. A treadmill designed for walking speeds will start at 0 or .5 and go up to around 5 or 6 mph. Those for jogging or running generally start at 0, .5, or 1 mph and go up to 8-12mph. A sign of a quality treadmill is that it begins moving at a very slow speed. This is a safety feature that will prevent users from losing their balance caused by sudden movement when the treadmill starts.

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Size

Here's an important question to ask yourself: exactly who is going to be using this treadmill and for what? Knowing the answer will help you make the right decision about what to buy. Making a decision without determining the answers to these questions could mean unintentionally deciding on a less powerful or less sturdy model.

First, determine the weight and height of yourself and anyone else using the treadmill. Take into consideration that taller people need a longer deck (Ôdeck' is the term used to describe the platform the user stands on while exercising) and treadbelt (walking belt), while heavier people will need a more powerful motor. Also, determine if the treadmill will be used exclusively for moderate paced walking, or running and jogging.

If you're using the treadmill for walking, and are of average height, then a treadbelt that is 50 inches or less is sufficient. If you're using the treadmill for running, factor in longer strides, which means at least 50 inches and sometimes longer. For maximum comfort and versatility, make sure the width of the treadbelt is no narrower than 17 inches. Runners may want to consider the Tunturi J5F with its generous 20" wide track and rails uniquely designed for running. The J5F is designed to easily accommodate users up to 300 lbs./135 kg.

Other selections designed for taller and larger users include the Ironman 220t Treadmill, which, supports users up to 325 lbs. and comes with a 20" x 56" deck, which is one of the largest running surfaces of any treadmill on the market, and the Horizon Fitness T54hr, which is uniquely suited for larger users with its 20" x 55" deck and comfortably provides ample room for users up to 325 lbs./147.42 kg.

Another aspect of size to consider is the physical size of the room where you intend to install your treadmill. Know before you buy how much space you're going to have and how it relates to the size of the treadmill you choose. A treadmill that seems moderately sized in a picture, may actually seem mammoth once it's been delivered. Measure well to prevent the unexpected. Most treadmills have an added feature that allows them to be folded up when not in use.

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Incline

This is a simple but an important feature. Essentially, the incline feature allows the user to experience greater walking or running resistance and subsequently increase the effectiveness of the workout. While most treadmills provide no more than 2-15% incline, there are come commercial models that can go as high as 25%. Another feature you'll find on the higher priced commercial models is a high-tech automatic incline that moves according to your heart rate. Even those units without this sophisticated feature still have an electronic incline that can be activated and adjusted with the push of a button. Low-tech machines require a hand crank or some other manually adjustable lever that can only be set by stopping the treadbelt and dismounting.

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Continue - Learn what to look for in Treadmill Electronics, Heart Rate Monitors, Safety Features and Overall Quality...