How To Buy Treadmills

Features to Covet:

• Emergency shutoff - Usually magnets or buttons you yank on or push to cut power instantly if you get into trouble.
• Hand rails - at least one for balance and safety, or at least a slightly extended front rail.
• Minimum two-ply rubber belt for durability.
• Belt rollers at least 2 inches diameter and preferably 2.5 inches or more for smoothness and stability.
• Some cushioning in the deck -- how much is personal preference -- for less impact and more comfort.
• Surface size at least approximately 17" x 52", depending on your height, leg length and stride length, and whether you intend to walk or run (runners need more length).
• Computerized controls and visual feedback on the panel for easier use and motivation.
• DC motors (they eat less power) and a minimum 1.5 horsepower continuous duty motor. Some treadmill manufacturers in the past have played games with HP ratings, labeling lower-grade motors as "peak power" or "treadmill duty." Don’t fall for it. Also, getting a motor bigger than 2.5 won't do you much good; bigger isn't always better.
• Safety lock or switch so kids can't start the machine.
• Speeds — At least 4-5 mph if you or family members are only going to walk. Up to 8-10 mph if anyone is going to run, or ever plans to. Increments of 0.1 mph.
• Start speed of no more than 0.5 mph for safety. Gradual starts are divinely safe, compared to a jerk and go.
• Inclines — Up to 10-15 percent to add variety and intensity.
• Warranties — At least one year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor. Most companies these days offer various levels on frames, motors, parts and labor that vary from 1-5 years, with some even offering 10 years or limited lifetime. Check on the limits, though.

Features to Avoid:

• Incline adjustments that require you to dismount and move pins or other mounts on a support leg.
• Non-motorized models — They are a strain on joints and muscles and mean irregular speeds since you can’t "pull" at a steady pace with your stride, especially if you run where you spend a few milliseconds on every stride off the belt in the air and obviously not able to pull.
• Start speeds of 1.0 mph or more
• No warranty
• Surface areas that are short or narrow
• Single-ply belts
• Less than 1.5 HP
• AC or treadmill-duty motors (see Features to Covet for details)
• Shaking, rattling, or squeaking while you workout.

Variables to consider:

• Affordability — You’ll have to spend at least between $800 and $1,200 (list, before any discounts) to get a decent treadmill. Better home models with the more features and better construction will cost $1,500-$2,000. Even better models for the really serious user can cost $2,500 to $3,500 and can offer a range of programs, better displays and additional stability, cushioning or better warranties. Of course, you can also pay up to $6,000 for the best of the best -- great equipment if you have the money. If those prices are too high, then consider a stationary bike or stepper instead.
• Space available — A treadmill is by nature a space hog -- unless it's foldable. Measure well so you aren’t surprised. One that looks moderate in a large store with high ceilings can surprise you with its room-dominating dimensions in your home.
• Run or walk — Choose speeds that will go high enough if you ever, ever think you might run.
• Leg and stride length — A tall person or someone with longer legs will need a longer surface.
• Weight — If you are very heavy or large-framed, make sure the treadmill is built to accommodate the weight. Manufacturers these days often specify weight limits.
• Electronics, visual feedback, or built-in programs — To thine own self, be true. If you know you need blinking lights, programs to fiddle with and such things, don’t chintz. A few hundred extra may be worth the price to keep you motivated.
• Heart-rate monitoring — Some models have built in heart-rate functions for about $200-300 more. All you wear is the accessory chest strap to transmit your pulse to a read-out on the display. These days you can buy a monitor for less than $100. OK, the pulse doesn't appear on the display, but if money is an issue, consider this choice.

A GearTrends® Buying Truth from Therese Iknoian:
"Treadmills are beautifully simple for home exercise since walking and running come so naturally to us. But be willing to spend enough money so the treadmill that becomes a part of your family is a sturdy and long-lasting machine you will love to be on and not be a cheap, wobbly, squeaky thing you will loathe and turn into a expensive clothes hanger."

Try this to test power strength before you buy: Try to stop the belt rotation as it's in motion with a firmly planted foot. The machine shouldn't shudder or hesitate.

Treadmills can also be a great motivator when it's too cold, too hot, or too dark to venture outside.