A GearTrends® Buying Guide brought to you by Life Fitness
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.
