What Gives Value to a Treadmill

So far you’ve read about the factors you should consider when buying a new treadmill and how the 3 price categories distinguish one from another. Now it’s time you find out what gives value to a treadmill: most important components and how these affect your workout experience.

3.1 Treadmill Motors

The motor is the most important component of a treadmill. One golden rule applies here: A treadmill is as good as its motor!

If you are in a situation when you have to choose between a treadmill with TV screen incorporated in the console and one with a superior motor you should go for the last one.

The motor is the main part of a treadmill because this component moves the belt and sets the training pace. Motor’s power is measured in horsepower

The treadmills manufacturers use 2 types of measurement when it comes to motor power: Continuous Power and Peak Power. Continuous Power is about how powerful a treadmill is when it operates continuously without any interruptions. Peak Power is the maximum power level a treadmill can reach in a short period of time.

Our recommendation is to buy a treadmill that has a motor with at least 1.5 CHP (Continuous Duty Horsepower).
These days incline system is adjusted via a second motor. This 2nd motor should be able to create a 10% incline. Quality treadmills should be able to reach 12% incline.

3.2. The Belts

The belt is also a very important component of a treadmill. As a general rule the thicker the belt is the better results you get. You should look for treadmills that have new cushioning systems. More cushion included less impact you get over your joints.

If you are tall person you should look for longer belts and you should also test drive the treadmill before you buy it to make sure you have enough room (and you don’t buy a bouncy machine).

3.3. Electronic Controls & Features

These days almost all treadmills have an electronic interface that let you control the machine. You can change speed, incline or start a built in workouts with a single touch. You should look for the model that allows you to adjust these settings as a simple operation. Those who put you to navigate between options in order to change speed are probably old models and you should avoid them.

Almost all manufacturers offer some built in workouts. These workouts will automatically change the speed and incline of the machine while focusing on performance, weight-loss or fitness goals. You should have at least 3-4 built in workouts on the cheapest treadmill. On the better machines you have many more exercises and also a lot of extra features like Goal Programs and Meal Planners.

If you plan to buy a treadmill in the mid range class or higher you should get various fitness & training tools. We are talking about Carb Counters, Virtual Opponents, Custom Workouts Creator and many more.

Also make sure that the display is a good one. Make sure that it’s using recent technology and that you can clearly see all information. Some displays are not visible in certain positions and you should check them before you buy the machine.

Some treadmills come also with entertainment features like TV in the console, MP3 dock and Speaker System. These features are usually incorporated with mid range models but don’t expect to get a TV screen on all models. You should check that the TV is correctly mounted in the console and that it’s visible from different positions.

One of the biggest mistakes done during a training session on a treadmill is to not keep a correct posture. This mistake is easily done when you are watching TV or reading a magazine during training. So be sure that the TV incorporated is not affecting your posture and that it has an adjustable position.

Also make sure you check the Sound System while the treadmill is working. You want to be sure that the sound quality is good. Other wise drop the sound system and buy an iPod.

3.4. Warranty

In most cases the warranty is the first sign of the treadmill’s quality. Generally manufacturers don’t offer a long warranty for the products that break often. If they give a 10 years warranty for a treadmill it means that they don’t expect any problems on that machine for many years.

Now, when you buy a new treadmill you should look what warranty they offer for motor, frame, parts and in house labor.

You will notice that almost all manufacturers offer long period warranties for the frame. Don’t get excited since it’s very hard to break some metal bars. Most likely this is only a marketing thing.

Also it’s very possible to see a long period warranty for the motor. This is a good thing also since as we stated the motor is the main component of a treadmill (from our information manufacturers buy the motors from other companies that replace each broken piece).

Look also for the parts and in-house labor warranty. The longer the period is the more quality you get.

The dealers offer also an extended warranty. If you go for an economy model or if you are insecure about the treadmill’s quality you can choose this warranty version.

Read More in Part 4 of this article : Details To Consider When Buying 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…