How to Buy The Best Treadmill
What Type of Treadmill do You Need?
Before buying a treadmill you have to consider several things: What kind of treadmill do you need? Who will use it? Do you have enough space to store it in your house?
This step is very important so take your time and think about these questions carefully. Why should you pay $3000 on a treadmill when in fact a $1000 machine is more than necessary??
Read next to see how to choose the right treadmill for you.
First of all you must clear: Who will use the treadmill?
If only one light person uses the treadmill then you can go for machines that have a less powerful motor as they are cheaper. If more persons train on this machine then you need to go for a powerful motor and a strong frame. If the treadmill must support tall persons, you should consider also the belt length.
Next ask yourself: Where will you have the treadmill installed?
Do you have a spacious house or do you live in a small apartment? If you don’t have enough room you should consider a folding treadmill.
How intense are your training sessions?
It’s important you know if you want only to walk on your treadmill or you want to use it for jogging and running. It’s verified that a cheap model will not keep up with a heavy runner so don’t disregard this aspect.
Do you really need that fancy TV in the console or the iPod dock?
Entertainment features increase the price of the treadmill. The extra money you pay for these features can be invested in a more powerful motor or a better cushion system.
To resume the above, answer these questions and you should get an idea about what treadmill you need.
1. How many persons will train on it?
A machine for many users means you need a powerful motor and very solid frame.
2. Are these persons tall or have a few extra pounds?
A taller person needs a longer belt. A heavier person needs a wider belt and of course a powerful motor.
3. Do you have enough space?
If you have a lot of space to spare for installing the machine than you don’t need to worry about the treadmill’s size or folding system. Those who live in small apartments should consider a folding treadmill.
4. How often and for what purpose will you use the treadmill?
If you plan to train 30 minutes daily and during each session you only walk, then you don’t need a powerful machine. On the other hand, if you plan to have intensive training sessions you need to consider a better and more expensive treadmill.
5. What speed and incline to choose?
If you are a professional trainer then you need a professional treadmill. Choose a machine with minimum 12% degrees incline and 12 mph top speed. If you have simple workout goals, go for models that have lower incline and speed levels. These are cheaper and do not affect your training outcome.
6. Do you need the TV or the mp3 dock?
Even if we repeat ourselves, an mp3 dock and TV cost extra money. So it’s up to you to decide if you really need them. We say an iPod replaces the entertainment functions on a treadmill very well.
7. How many Fitness tools do you need?
There are many fitness tools installed on standard treadmills: built in workouts, carb counters, meal plans and virtual opponents. Usually these regular features don’t add extra money to the treadmill’s price but sometimes they do make a difference in the value paid.
We presented only 7 general details you should take in consideration when planning to buy a treadmill.
There are other aspects to think of and they relate strictly to your personal preferences. But they will influence the decision to buy or not a treadmill.
Read More in Part 2 of this article : How Much To Spend On A Treadmill
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…