So you have decided to buy a home exercise treadmill but you need to know where to start. In all things where money is involved, my first suggestion is to do your homework.
Figure out where you want to put the treadmill and measure how much room you have. When you go to the store or website, you can rule out all those that are too large right away and narrow your search.
Next, ask yourself how much you are willing to spend. Treadmills can run anywhere from $100 to over $5000. Make a note that spending a whole bunch of money does not mean you are getting the best treadmill for your needs. It just means you are probably independently wealthy and have it to spare.
Really, though, the money you spend will have a profound effect on your health and well being. The features you want may be available in a model that costs less than you think, so shop around a bit and see what’s out there.
Usually, people will spend somewhere right in the middle-about $1000 or so and this provides sufficient features for their individual needs.
Now figure out where you want to put the treadmill and measure the space. This way, when you do your shopping, you can narrow the field of choices significantly by these two areas alone (price and size). Consequently, if you have an area that is 65″ long and 48″ wide, you cannot have a machine that is 70″ x 50″. You need to be able to access the treadmill comfortably and swing your arms freely while using it.
Features are HUGE here. Do you need a folding model for storage? Do you want to monitor your heart rate? Need a speedometer? Handrails? Foot rails? Motorized belt or manual? How about an incline? There are many questions to answer here so go in prepared and ready. If you are a serious trainer and want to monitor all your bodily functions for safety’s sake, there’s your answer.
If you are simply a casual walker, heart patient or elderly, you have different needs. It is all a matter of personal, individual need and only you know what is absolutely right for you.
Some models even come equipped with a laptop holder, towel rack or a drink holder now. Are those considerations for you?
By way of suggestion, there must be an emergency stop button at the very least, in case you are working out alone and stumble or fall. I would also suggest handrails and a speedometer. Some models now have a heart monitor that operates by you holding onto a handle. This is very helpful to let you know if you are overdoing yourself.
Other features you will see are variable speed motors (higher speed motors last longer with less maintenance) for the belt and computerized control panels. Some even have pre-programmed exercise routines in them from the factory.
So all of these are considerations for the home treadmill buyer and which ones you want is a matter of individual need.
As always, consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. He/she can help you tailor make an exercise routine that works best for you.
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