5 Things to Look for when Buying a Treadmill
Running is the backbone of my exercise routine and I rely on a sturdy, high-quality treadmill to get me trough my morning run without any hassle. When you go to the gym you have access to commercial-grade treadmills, but for those runners who prefer to stay home you should still be able to experience a quality treadmill. Here are some tips for purchasing your next treadmill:
- Deck Size – A nice wide deck is important; the wider the better. A narrow deck makes it easy to get your feet caught on the sides of the belt. The length of the deck is important too. The taller you are the longer the deck should be.
- Cushioned Deck – I want to be able to use my knees when I am 70 so I make sure there is a cushioned deck on my treadmills. Look for treadmills that have low impact decks as they will be kinder to your joints and back.
- Deck Incline – The deck should have an electronic incline that can be adjusted by pushing a button on the console. Stay away from manually adjusted inclines as they have to be set before you begin using the treadmill. I always use my treadmill with the incline set to ensure I work that much harder.
- Continuous Duty Motor – A Continuous Duty rated motor in your treadmill will give you a more quality performance and longer life. Make sure the belt motor is at least 1.5 horsepower. A good treadmill delivers a minimum of 1.5 horsepower at all times. If you weigh more than 180 pounds you may want to consider a motor that delivers higher continuous horsepower.
- Warranty – I normally never buy extended warranties but a treadmill is an exception. The electronics on a treadmill can be very expensive and if the control panel goes out it can cost you several hundred dollars. I used to work at Sears when I was in college and I know first hand that a warranty on a treadmill is a valuable thing. I recommend buying the warranty on a treadmill if one is offered.
Running on a treadmill can be a pleasurable experience. Don’t skimp on your treadmill purchase and you will be glad you spent the extra money.
Last Updated on August 28th, 2006
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