Details to Consider When Buying a Treadmill

4.1. “Must Have” Requirements

There are some standard requirements a treadmill must meet in order to be considered a good buy.

First of all the motor should have minimum 2CHP (Continues Horse Power). There are models that come with a less than 2CHP motor. They are good enough for a light trainer but from our point of view a good machine must have at least 2CHP.

Another important detail is the belt size. Make sure you get a treadmill with at least 50 inches long and 16 inches wide belt. Lower sizes can transform your treadmill in a possible hazard.

If you think of doing regular training sessions you need to get a machine that has at least 10% incline. It will help you when you start doing harder workouts.

Also make sure you have a cushioning system installed. Cushioning is designed to reduce the shock over your joints and offer improved comfort.

4.2. Test The Treadmill

We highly recommend testing the model you want to buy before the actual purchase takes place. Test the machine wearing your workout shoes and clothes to see if it’s comfortable enough. If the machine is shaky do not buy it.
Also the hand rails should feel sturdy and not block your arms. Make sure the belt is wide enough and if you are a tall person check to have enough room.

Check also if the display is visible from your workout position and if speed and incline controls are easy to access.
Before buying a treadmill make sure you have enough space in your room. Find the machine dimensions and with measurement tool see if you have enough space before the actual purchase. A treadmill that looks small in the dealer’s show room can turn into a giant in your home.

Another thing you should consider is the noise the machine makes. If you plan to watch TV or listen to music while working out a noisy treadmill can give you headaches. If you live on an upper level the noise could disturb your neighbors and you get extra problems for nothing.

4.3. Manual Treadmills vs. Motorized Treadmills

There is a big difference between these two types of treadmills.

First of all manual treadmills are cheaper but at the same time they are harder to use and have a lot of drawbacks.

For example the manual treadmills come with fixed incline positions and if you want to adjust it you have to stop the workout, get down, set the belt and start again.

Also there are no built in workouts, entertainment features and no motor so working out can be really boring.

As advantage, besides the price, you consume much more energy during training.

Motorized Treadmills have all that a manual treadmill does not.

Our advice is to go for a motorized machine!

But in the end it’s your choice to buy a machine that fits your budget and satisfies your needs,

4.4. Folding Treadmills vs. Non-Folding Treadmills

Most of today treadmills are folding products. The price difference is not major but sometime manufacturers sacrifice basic features in favor to folding systems just to give you a cheaper product.

On the other hand a folding treadmill is much more useful to a person that lives in a small apartment than one living in a big house. So this is up to you! Just look also at for an easy to fold mechanism and to the weight capacity.

It may help to know that a good machine will be hard to move even if it folds nicely.

Read More in Part 5 of this article : Don’t Buy A Treadmill If…

Summary

1. How To Buy The Best Treadmill For Your Budget
2. How Much To Spend On A Treadmill
3. What Gives Value To A Treadmill
4. Details To Consider When Buying A Treadmill
5. Don’t Buy A Treadmill If…