Excerpts from “Before You Buy a Treadmill,” by Paige Waehner, About.Com, November 2010

Treadmills cost a good deal of money, so consider your budget and, if you can, buy the highest quality machine you can. Here's what you need to know about buying a treadmill.

How Much To Spend

It's important to get the highest quality treadmill you can afford. A quality treadmill will be comfortable, quiet, easy to use and will last a long time. If you want a quality treadmill, you'll likely spend at least $1000, although spending between $1500 and $3000 will offer more stability, better motors and more workout options. There are some so-so models that fall under $1000, but keep in mind those may not last as long, especially if there are a lot of people using it. Choosing the right treadmill will depend on: 1) Your budget, 2) Programming options, 3) The type of motor and, 4) How much space you have.

Motor Control

The first and most important thing to consider with your treadmill is the motor. The right type of motor can ensure you get great workouts and a long life out of your treadmill. Most treadmills have two motors; One to drive the belt and the other to raise and lower the incline. Figuring out horsepower and motor specifications can be confusing. To make it easy, shoot for a continuous duty motor with at least 1.5 horsepower. If you plan on running on the treadmill frequently, you'll be better off choosing 2.5-3.0 horsepower.

Other things to look for include:

  • Belt size- At least 48" long and 16" wide
  • Speed- If you plan on running, get a treadmill that goes up to 10 mph
  • Incline- Get a treadmill with an incline that goes up to 10%
  • Cushioning- The running bed should absorb shock and the belt shouldn't move around with every foot-strike
  • Stability- The treadmill shouldn't shake when you run or walk on it and the frame should remain stable
  • Control panel- It should be within reach and simple to use

Programming Extras

Before you buy a treadmill, think about the kinds of things you want. Before you go shopping, ask yourself a few questions such as:

  • Do you want running or walking programs included?
  • Do you want a heart rate monitor?
  • Do you want the ability to hook your treadmill up to a website such as ifit.com for new workouts?
  • Do you need a treadmill that folds (often more expensive) or do you have enough space for a regular treadmill?
  • Can you maintain a treadmill?
  • What's the most important feature you want in a treadmill?

Once you can answer some of these questions, you'll want to take the next important step - Try before you buy.

Treadmill Workouts

Once you get your treadmill home, you'll have plenty of opportunities to try out the different programs and get into a routine. Treadmill workouts can get pretty boring if you do the same thing all the time. The workouts listed offer some ideas for how to mix things up so you don't get bored.

Treadmills available from the distributor:

Model / Price / Rating* / Motor / Speed / Incline / Programs / Heart Rate Monitor**
Sprint / $1250 / / 2 HP / 0-9 mph / max10% / 24 workout programs / Front Grip
Jog / $1550 / / 2.5 HP / .5-12 mph / 0-12% / 16 programs/9 user profiles / Side Grip and Chest Strap
Run / $1850 / / 2.5 HP / 1-11 mph / 0-15% / “3-in-1 Workouts”: treadmill, stair climb, heart healthy / Front Grip, Side Grip and Chest Strap
Dash / $1999 / / 3 HP / 0-12 mph / max 13% / 24 programs/ 3 user profiles / Front Grip, Side Grip and Chest Strap

*Ratings were acquired from a popular men’s fitness magazine and are based primarily on adult males.

** Treadmills offer three options for heart rate monitors: Front Grip Bar, Side Grip Bars and Chest Strap (Wireless). For the bars to work, users must make solid contact with both hands.

Figure 1 Treadmill Heart Rate Monitor Grips