The price of a good home treadmill is starts at $1,000 and the best machines retail up to $4,000. It’s a lot of money, so before you go out and buy the first one you see, here are some tips about buying the home treadmill that works best for you.
Even if you end up buying a home treadmill on the internet you should have at least tried it out, whether at a gym or store.
First, what will you be using it for? If it’s walking, then you can look for a motor with around 1.5 hp, but for running look for something larger. Also, you should understand about horsepower. The two types of hp are peak duty rating and continuous duty rating; it’s the continuous duty rating that’s the more important. This rating will be stamped on the motor itself; the above ratings were based on continuous hp.
Look at the treadbelt (running surface). The belt should be at least 18″ wide for running. The length of the treadbelt should be a minimum of 48″ for walking and 58″ for running; anything shorter and you run the risk of tripping or falling off.
Look at the safety bars and handles. Can you run easily without them getting in the way?
Look at the speed range; make sure it fast enough for your running requirements.
What about installation. Does the machine require 110v or 220v mains? Many ‘pro’ or ‘club’ models require a 220v connection.
Find out if it can handle your weight, especially when running at full speed on a full incline. You should look for one that can handle a payload that is at least 50lbs more than your weight.
Ask about the warranty that comes with it; the longer the warranty, the better the quality of the machine. The warranty is especially important on the motor. Some of the best home treadmills come with long warranties but also come with so many conditions and disclaimers that you may not be getting the guarantees you thought. Always carefully read the terms and conditions before you buy.
Get on the machine and check it out. Is it too noisy for you? Does it stop and start smoothly?
Is the control panel easy to read and operate? Does it give you all the information you require? Additional features are expensive and it’s where many companies make a lot of money. It’s also the one thing that can save you a lot of money without compromising on the overall quality of the home treadmill. If you are on a budget, ask yourself if you really need these ‘extra’ features.
Finally, learn how to use it. Ask your gym instructor or the salesperson in the fitness store. Here’s some advice about using a home treadmill. Always pay attention to your posture and try to avoid leaning on the bars. Don’t look down at your feet but keep looking forward instead. Relax and maintain a normal stride. Stay centered and avoid drifting sideways or falling too far back on the belt.
