Treadmills aren’t just a fixture in your local gym, they continue to be a very popular option for those who like to keep fit at home. The attraction is understandable. A treadmill allows you to enjoy a brisk walk or jog whenever you feel like it, without having to brave the elements or worry about dressing for the weather. You can listen to music, read a book or even watch TV while you’re exercising. However, before you take the plunge and buy a treadmill for your home, there are a number of factors that you should to take into consideration.

Space

There’s no avoiding the fact that treadmills are large pieces of equipment. They have to be solidly constructed to take the physical pounding of a running body, they require a heavy electrical motor that puts out several horsepower, they have a frame to hold onto and every treadmill has a running deck that can be up to five feet long. To put this in perspective, a treadmill often weighs over 200 pounds and may be over six feet in length altogether. In addition, a person running on a treadmill is elevated and bouncing slightly, so ceiling height needs to be taken into consideration as well.

Some manufacturers offer compact models with shorter running decks and many treadmills can be folded when not in use, but it’s important to be aware of space when shopping for a treadmill. In particular, make sure there is sufficient floorspace, that the floor is capable of supporting the machine’s weight and that there sufficient head space (usually not an issue unless drop ceilings are used).

Horsepower

Treadmills are available with a wide range of motors and the one you choose is largely a function of who will be using the machine. Most treadmill motors are in the two to three horsepower range and that power rating has a relationship to how much weight the treadmill is capable of handling. For example, 2.0 HP motor might be rated to handle a 250lb person, while a heavier duty 3.0 HP motor might support a 350lb person. Generally speaking, commercial grade treadmills tend to have more powerful motors, while more compact or less expensive models intended for casual use have lighter duty versions.

Features

Twenty years ago, a treadmill was a relatively straightforward piece of exercise equipment, but today’s models incorporate a wide range of features. Depending on your needs and budget, you can find treadmill models offering extras such as:
• power running deck incline
• programmable workouts
• iFit compatibility
• iPod input (and speakers/soundsystem)
• LCD display
• built in LCD TV
• heart rate monitor
• workout fan
• water bottle holder

Cushioning

Given that you will be walking or running on your treadmill for extended periods of time, cushioning of the running deck is something to be aware of. Just as there are differences between running on concrete and running on a track, different treadmills have different degrees of deck cushioning. The cheapest models have little or no cushioning, while more advanced treadmills incorporate shock absorbing cushioning material that helps to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Warranty

When you buy a treadmill, the last thing you want to worry about is replacing it after six months. After all, it’s not cheap and lugging it back up the stairs is not going to be pleasant. So it makes sense to check out the warranty offered by different treadmill manufacturers. Pay attention to details like whether the warranty covers both parts and labor, coverage for both the frame and the motor and whether service is available in-home, or if the unit must be transported to a service depot.

In general, the longer and more comprehensive the warranty, the more confidence the manufacturer has in the quality of the unit and the greater your likelihood of having a long and trouble-free relationship. You will invariably pay more money for this type of machine because it is built to a better standard. Don’t let this put you off and buy with confidence because of the advantages we have set out.

Price

Like any purchase, price is an important consideration. While it may be tempting to buy a bargain model from a discount store, most manufacturers of quality treadmills don’t sell their products through these channels. You get what you pay for and if you want a treadmill that lasts, offers a high quality experience and comes with a warranty, don’t expect a $250 model to deliver.