What to Know about Buying a Treadmill

Buying a treadmill is a tricky process; with so many different brands out there, the choices can be overwhelming and a “treadmill novice” may feel out of his league. However, do not worry if you have already made the choice to purchase a treadmill, you are clearly on the right path (as a number of different studies have found treadmills to burn more calories than either stair machines, stationary bikes, or rowing machines). Finding the right treadmill for you is actually quite easy, once you know a few simple points about purchasing one.

First, know your budget. There are millions of different treadmills out there, and you need to figure out how much you can realistically spend on a treadmill before beginning your research. When it comes to buying treadmills, as a general rule, the more you spend, the better machine you will get. If you are willing to spend around $1,500 dollars, you will be able to buy a high-quality machine that will not break the bank.

Next, when looking at treadmills, check the warranty. Often, the more you pay, the better the warranty you will get. You should look for a treadmill that has, at minimum, a three-year warranty. Remember, if you are going to be using your machine often (whether you are training for a marathon or getting in shape for a family vacation to Colorado), you are going to be putting a lot of wear and tear on your machine. Thus, warranties can be worth their weight in gold!

Another key element to check into when looking at various treadmills is the weight limit. Many people do not realize that treadmills have weight limits, but they certainly do. If you weigh 250 pounds, find a treadmill that has at least a 300-pound maximum weight. If you cannot find the weight limit on the box, be sure to ask for customer assistance, as knowing this number is critical to buying the right machine for you.

Comfort is key when buying a treadmill. Be sure to try out the treadmill before purchasing it, checking for things like handle and wristband comfort. Jump up on the treadmill and try it out! See if the handles chafe your hands, or if the wristbands rub your skin raw. Information such as this is essential to know before you buy. If you are not completely at ease when using the machine, move on. There is no rush, and you will be better served by taking the time to buy a machine that you will enjoy using for many years to come.

Remember, treadmills have different levels of cushioning as well. Before you purchase a treadmill determine exactly what you will be using it for and what kind of cushioning you will need. If you are going to be walking on the treadmill, then you will probably want a good amount of cushioning. However, if you are a runner, and will be using the treadmill but also running outside, you may want to consider a treadmill with less cushioning. This is because runners who jog outside (whether on trails or concrete) are used to more solid surfaces, and too much treadmill cushioning can be a shock to the joints and potentially cause injury.

Finally, look at the speed range of your treadmill. It is recommended to buy a treadmill that will at least go ten miles per hour. Eight miles an hour is a running pace, while four to five miles per hour is a solid speed-walking pace, so ten should cover all your bases.

Now you are ready to go out and purchase your treadmill! Remember, avoid impulse buying and take the time to really get to know the treadmill you want to buy (before you buy it). This will allow you to end up with a machine that will provide you with years of fitness opportunities right in the comfort of your own home