Treadmill Buying Guide

Making the Right Decision

When it comes time to invest in any piece of fitness equipment it is very important to understand the key factors that separate a great unit from a low quality one. Additionally it is just as important to fully understand your own fitness goals and needs. This buying guide is designed to educate you regarding what makes a good or bad treadmill and to assist you in narrowing down which types of machines fit your fitness lifestyle the best.

Treadmill Machine Design

Folding vs Non-Folding

Treadmills come in all shapes and sizes and offer lots of different feature sets. The primary dividing line in any traditional treadmill lineup is whether or not a treadmill is a “folding” unit. Folding treadmills are typically hinged where the treadmill platform meets the motor assembly/uprights. Folding designs are easier to store and this results in space savings. However the downside to a folding design is the stability of the frame as a whole. Non-folding treadmills tend to be more solid but are traditionally much more expensive than space-saving folding treadmills. Choosing between a folding unit and a non-folding unit is usually a matter of space in your home for the unit. If space conservation is very important to you, then picking a folding treadmill will probably suit your needs the best.

Treadmill Feature Sets

Know the difference between a properly integrated workout feature and a superfluous selling point. A good treadmill should be capable of 9-11mph, have a 1.8HP or greater motor, and should offer some degree of incline. These are great features, however, if you spend more on a treadmill expect to see features such as a touch screen display, more readout options, and bigger motors. Be careful not to overpay for features that are not going to directly benefit a workout. If you are going to pay more for a top of the line, feature rich, treadmill model, look for things like a good cushioning system, integrated workout programs, and quick change functions.

Treadmill Build Quality

This is the most important factor when it comes to machine design. A poorly built treadmill will not last long and it will end up being a poor investment overall. Look for a machine that uses high quality materials. Flimsy plastics should be avoided. The running surface belt, or tread-belt, probably takes the most abuse of any component on a treadmill. Look for a nice thick well-made tread belt to avoid having to replace this part as it won’t be cheap to do so. Quality rollers help guide the treadmill and also play a major roll in the overall quality of the treadmill.

Treadmill Manufacturer

Customer Service/Warranty

At some point a treadmill may break down. This is the time when your manufacturer's customer service department either makes the grade or doesn’t. A good warranty often goes hand in hand with good service. The customer service aspect is difficult to gauge across manufacturers as it often depends on the individual representative you happen to deal with that day. A decent way to tell is by calling into the sales department and asking some questions. Determine how responsive, focused, and kind the salesperson is and that may clue you into how well trained that manufacturer's employees really are.

Warranties vary across manufacturers. It is best to get a warranty that is well balanced for the price you paid. If you invest $500 in a treadmill you can expect a few years on the motor and about 2-4 months of parts/labor covered. If you pay over $1,000 for a unit expect a lifetime frame and motor warranty supplemented by at least a few years of parts and labor.

Price

Getting the Most for your Money

Price is a huge factor in any person’s treadmill buying experience. Finding the right treadmill at the right price can be a difficult task. Expect to pay $400 to $1,000 for a solid treadmill. A machine in this price range will offer a nice feature set, good quality construction, and get the job done for the home user. The key to finding a good fit is finding the best value for your money.

Remember, pay for what you need. If you are a single user who plans to work out on a treadmill a few times a week, there is no need whatsoever to buy a commercial grade unit that costs over $2,000. Just because a machine costs more does not mean it will provide you with better or faster fitness results. In the treadmill market, a higher price means one of three things, more features, a more robust design or both. So if you are buying a more expensive treadmill for the added features, be sure they are well integrated, useful features. If you are buying a machine because you think a less expensive one will break down, consider the amount of time that will actually be spent on the machine and how many people will use the treadmill. Calculate a rough estimate of the amount of use the treadmill will get and talk to a fitness specialist to help decide which treadmill matches your needs best.

Fitness Goals

What is Right for You?

Above all else, your fitness goals should come first. This treadmill is for you and it should accommodate your needs. The last thing you want is for the treadmill the get in the way of you meeting your fitness goals. Pick a machine that motivates you instead of one that will discourage you. Features like built in speakers, a water bottle, holder, cushioning system, incline adjustment, back lit display with workout data, and a heart rate monitor are all very useful features that can really enhance a workout. Knowing how many calories you are burning can be a real motivating factor while having a place to put your water bottle can reduce the hassle associated with your treadmill. These sound like small details, but when you want your treadmill to offer an inviting experience each time you work out and these small features are what provide that.

Start Shoppping Treadmills >>