This Treadmill Guide
should help determine your Need

As the popularity of walking increased, the popularity of the treadmills also increased. It is a low impact exercise that older or less fit people prefer. They provide a wide range of exercise options like walking, jogging and running at various speeds. Your heart and lung will get a good workout. Treadmills are an efficient way to lose weight.

Factors to consider when looking for a treadmill:

How much can you spend?
If your budget is limited, don't look for treadmills over $2000-3000. Determine the maximum amount you can afford to spend.

How much space do you have available?
If you have little room, you might want to consider a folding model.

What is your goal?
1. Will you walk for physical fitness or to lose weight?
2. If you are a serious athlete or expect heavy usage, you need a sturdier machine.

Who will be using the treadmill?
1. Are you the only one to use the treadmill?
2. If more than 2 people will be exercising, you probably need a model in the $1500-3000 range.

What are the weights of the people who will be using the machine?
If one person weighs over 250 lbs, you will need to look for a sturdy machine.

There are many features available and therefore a wide range of prices from about $300-3000 and up is available. A big difference in quality can be found for models priced less than $1000 and higher priced models. Also the warranty for the cheaper models is usually only 90 days.

A folding treadmill tends to be less sturdy and less stable. The reason is the folding frame design. A good folding machine is stable, but not as stable as a non folding model.

It saves space and makes cleaning easier. Just fold up the treadmill and clean the floor under it. The price range is about $500 to over $2500.

Consider the following features:

• Easy to use push button controls while running.
• A safety key to prevent children to start the machine by accident.
• A panic button shut off that can be attached to your cloth.
• A heart rate monitor would be desirable.
• Front and side hand grips for safety.
• The display panel should be easy to read for speed, distance covered and time used.
• The motor should be at least 1.5 horsepower and 2.0 horsepower for extensive use.
• The deck should be at least 1/4 thick to better absorb shock.
• A tall person should get at least a 50 inch long belt. The belt should be two ply and 18" wide.
• Beginners should consider an incline of at least 10%. Advanced exercisers may want an incline of up to 15%.
• Walkers will need a speed of about 5 mph, runners should look for a speed of 10 mph.

The warranty should be from 1-3 years for parts and at least 1 year for labor. Remember, the model you choose, should depend on how you are going to use it and how often. If you expect to use the machine mostly for walking expect to pay about $900 for a quality machine. For walking and running expect to pay about $1800. For heavy use expect to pay about $2800-3000.

To review specific treadmills go to:

Healthrider Treadmill from Treadmill Guide
Keys
Landice
New Balance
Nordic Track

Precor
ProForm
Reebok
Smooth
Sole
Weslo