Treadmills - Tips for Buying a Treadmill

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE STARTING YOUR TREADMILL SEARCH

What treadmill will fit into your life? When I ask that question I am thinking about space, money and goals.

Space

How much room do you have? If your workout area is 70 inches long then you cannot buy a machine that is 73 inches long. Make sure you have enough room in width as well. You want to be able to comfortably get on the treadmill and have room to swing your arms freely. Do you want folding treadmill? If so is the size it folds to an issue? Then measure that. Remember that the treadmill may fold and roll but if your storage area is carpeted then rolling it may be difficult. According to Treadmill Sensei Website, a Smooth treadmill is best for people without a lot of room.

Money

How much money are you willing to pay? I will always recommend spending as much as you can because usually, though not always, you will get more for your money. Having said that there are some high end treadmills such as LifeFitness or Precor that may not have that one feature you just have to have (a fan, for example).

Goals

Will you be running, walking or a combination of both? Do you usually walk/run outside on concrete but want a treadmill in case of inclement weather or a day that is too hot? Most treadmills now are cushioned in some way. You will hear terms such as flex or some type of shock absorption system. If you usually run outside then a treadmill that is too flexible will feel strange on your joints and could possibly cause injury. Your goals will determine how much cushioning you want.

NOW THINK ABOUT TREADMILL FEATURES

Layout of the machine.

What is the layout of the treadmill? Does the treadmill have handles that are comfortable to hold? Are there treads on the sides so you can step off easily? Is it user friendly with integrated bottle and magazine holders?

Heart rate monitor.

Do you want sensors in the treadmill handles that will automatically take your heart rate? Not all machines have heart rate sensors and not all people care about their heart rate number.

The size of the belt.

The belt on the treadmill is a very important feature. Notice how long it is and how wide. If a treadmill is not long enough, your feet hit will the front which is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous. The taller you are the longer the belt should be. A good rule of thumb is a belt of at least 50 inches long and 17 inches wide.

Treadmill usage.

How will you be using the treadmill? Will you be running, walking or a combination of both? Do you usually walk/run outside on concrete but want a treadmill in case of inclement weather or a day that is too hot? Most treadmills now are cushioned in some way. You will hear terms such as flex or some type of shock absorption system. If you usually run outside then a treadmill that is too flexible will feel strange on your joints and could possibly cause injury. Your goals will determine how much cushioning you want.

Treadmilll console.

What do you want on the console? Is a fan important? Do you want a place for a magazine and water bottle? If your goal is to just get moving and you fear technology then a simple console with perhaps 4 programs will be enough. It is important to be able to read the display. Check to make sure that the numbers are large and clear.

Treadmill horsepower.

Most people do not pay any attention to the horsepower of the motor. You will see the term continuous duty rating and that is the rating you want. A 1.5 to 2.5 horsepower is enough for the average user.

BEST BETS - WHAT ARE THE BEST TREADMILLS?

I have been writing reviews of treadmills for many years. And, as a retired personal trainer, I have direct experience with many brands including: Precor, LifeFitness, Landice, Proform, Star Trac, NordicTrack, Cybex, Vision Fitness, Smooth and Sole. I still; however, seek the knowledge of others because there are so many variables. I have combed through all the major treadmill review websites online- consumer reviews and expert reviews-- and read all the treadmill ratings. I found the highest rated treadmills to aid you in your search. Here's to finding the best treadmill for you.

Overall - Best treadmill value

• The Epic View traditionally gets great reviews. The Epic View is easy to use and is made well. You'll get a lot for your money including a 60 inch by 20 inch belt which is great for tall people and those who run. You'll get a flat screen television and 28 workout programs.

Best treadmills for walkers

• The best budget treadmill for walking is an Image. Although, understand you get what you pay for. The warranty is terrible.
• In the mid-range, you may want to consider a treadmill like Sole Fitness. It has an excellent warranty and a 335-pound weight capacity. Its belt is an acceptable 55 inches by 22 inches and it has six programs. It is cited as best for walkers who occasionally run.

Best treadmills for runners

• High marks budget "cheap" runner treadmills go to a NordickTrack and ProForm.
• The best mid-range price treadmill for everyone is a Smooth. It folds and has a 53 inch running surface. It measures 73 inches by 36 inches making it appropriate for an apartment. The Smooth brand was the 2006 winner of Runner's World Top Ten Treadmills.

Best treadmills for serious runners

• Try a Life Fitness. They are "a favorite of professional runners for [their] shock-absorbing deck and customizable controls." Some save user data. A great warranty is guaranteeed.
• Also try SportsArt, Landice, NordicTrack and True.

Best treadmills for those with challenges

• If a senior who is new to treadmills is going to use the treadmill, I suggest that you find a machine with long handles along the sides of the treadmill. Landice makes what I consider the best machines for those with some challenges. Many machines have a strap that you can put around your wrist or a similar safety measure. It is usually attached to the machine with a magnet. If you fall, the strap will detach from the machine shutting the belt down
• Star Trac also makes nice treadmills. These are quite large; however, coming in at 85.5 inches by 34 inches and a whopping 62 inch long running surface.

NO MATTER WHICH ONE YOU CHOOSE, BE SMART! ALWAYS ASK THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR PURCHASE.

What is the warranty?

Buying a treadmill from Sears may give you a very different warranty than from Costco which may give you a very different warranty than from the company that makes the treadmill. Read the fine print before you purchase a treadmill. If you are spending $500 which is the low end you still want a warranty but do not expect the same one that you will get if you spend $3000. The warranty though should be around 3 years. If you love a treadmill and get it at a great price but it only has a 1-year warranty I would not let that stop me from buying it.

What is the maximum user weight of the treadmill at which you are looking?

Some machines can handle as much as 400 pounds. If you weight 325 pounds you do not want a machine that has a user weight of only 300 pounds.

What is assembly like?

People tell me all the time that assembling their treadmill took three days. I tell people that unless they put machines together for a living pay the extra money if it's available and have someone else put the machine together.

SOURCES
Countless sites and articles were read to determine the best treadmills on the market. The best treadmills in various categories were culled by the sources below: ConsumerSearch.com, Treadmilldoctor, TreadmillAdvisor.com, Consumer Reports, RunnersWorld, Treadmill-online, Exercise-equiptment-Review.com and Precor.

The Pyramid of Hope website is a great resource to see all the available treadmill options. It lists about 25 different brands of treadmills for your home from which to choose. Some top-rated brands you will see include ProForm, Icon Health Fitness, Healthrider, Nordic, Landice, Precor, Life Fitness, Smooth, and Sole.

Refer to Spine-Health.com for information about the health benefits and risks of using a treadmill, plus more treadmill buying advice.

Happy running!