Buying a Treadmill
It’s easy to understand the popularity of treadmills. The benefits they provide are numerous:
Easy to use – If you know how to walk then you can use a treadmill
Convenient – Workout on a schedule that is convenient to you
Immediate results – You’ll see the benefits of working out quickly
Easy on the body
The only issue for many people who would like to use a treadmill to lose weight and get in shape is having to join a health club or gym. Trying to find the time to drive to the gym can be difficult, not to mention how busy it can be at certain times of the day with other folks just like you trying to squeeze in a workout. Perhaps you’ve been thinking of buying your own treadmill for use at home. That can be a great idea if you know what to look for first. Here are some tips to help you out:
Do You Have The Room?
This is something a lot of people forget to consider. A treadmill will take up some significant space in your home or apartment. Do you have the room for it? If you’re in tight quarters it may be difficult to have one.
Find The Right Treadmill For Your Needs
It’s wise to try out several different models of treadmills before deciding on the right one to buy. You will need to know if a particular treadmill is comfortable for you. Does it run smoothly? Does it cause any pain in your legs or joints? Does it have the features you’re wanting such as the ability to incline, a calorie counter, heart monitor, etc.? If the treadmill you’re looking at doesn’t have the features you want, or it isn’t comfortable, it’s likely you will just let it sit within a couple of weeks of purchasing it.
Does It Fit Your Budget?
It’s important to have a budget in mind before shopping for a treadmill. The costs for a new treadmill can range from a couple hundred dollars up to $10,000. Treadmills can be quite expensive and you’ll need to do some research to find the models in your price range. You can check prices at your local fitness store, or go online and do a search for treadmill prices. The Internet is packed with information.
Keep in mind that it isn’t necessary to spend $4,000 on a new treadmill. Many times a treadmill costing $995 can be just as good as the one costing $3,500. Another option is buying a used treadmill. Many good deals can be found with used treadmills.
Look For A Quality Motor And Belt
Make sure you have a good motor and belt with any treadmill you are considering for purchase. I would recommend a motor of at least 1.7-2.0 HP. Anything lower than that will not have the power you need to keep up. It will cause you to have to exert more effort.
Be sure the treadmill doesn’t shake when running on it. It may cause you to lose your balance and possibly injure yourself. Check the belt to be sure it’s wide enough for you to use comfortably. Some treadmills have narrow thin belts which can make it difficult to use.
Does The Treadmill Have A Good Guarantee?
While most treadmill manufacturers build a quality product, a good guarantee is still important. Be sure the treadmill you’re looking at offers at least a 6 month warranty, but preferably a 1-year or longer guarantee. If you see a guarantee of only 30-60 days, it’s likely the product is going to break down soon after that time frame.
Being informed will help you make a better buying decision and give you peace of mind in knowing you got the best product for your money. The harder part comes in actually using it on a regular basis.
