by Torii Tompson
Buying a treadmill is no different than any other product. You will get what you pay for. If you are unfamiliar with treadmills, you should educate yourself on what to consider and keep in mind before you purchase one. All treadmills are not created equal and treadmills come in a wide range of prices for a reason. Arm yourself with information on treadmill warranties, individual space allotment and the individual performance, components and features of the treadmills you are considering.
Just like most other products, the more expensive treadmills are higher quality machines. Yes, it is easy to find cheap treadmills that are appealing to the wallet. But, most people end up wishing they hadn’t purchased them. Cheaper machines don’t live up to workout expectations, and they often break down. A high quality treadmill will cost at least $1000. While that may sound like a lot of money for a piece of
exercise equipment, these high end machines give better workouts and are less likely to break down. Keep the following things in mind when you go treadmill shopping.
The type of warranty that comes with a treadmill should be one of the main deciding factors on whether you will purchase the machine, or not. Manufactures that produce quality machines will offer lifetime warranties on their machines. If you are looking at machines that have a short warranty period, beware. The manufacturer isn’t standing by the equipment long term. This means they aren’t confident in their machine. If they aren’t putting faith in it, why should you?
If are choosing between treadmills that have similar warranties, find out if there is a difference in the in-home service. Often there is a difference. One warranty may cover a technician coming out to your home; another may require that you service the treadmill yourself.
If you are going to purchase a folding treadmill because of space allotment issues, make sure you test out how easy (or difficult) it is to fold the machine’s deck up. Avoid ones that are difficult to lift. If lifting is a health concern for you, consider purchasing a machine that will fold with the push of a button. Be sure you test out how easy it is to move the treadmill around, especially if you plan on storing it away between workouts.
Take a stroll or light jog on any treadmill you plan to purchase. This test drive can tell you a lot about a machine. Listen for any irregular or strained noises in the motor. Is the motor powerful enough to keep up with your routine? Does the machine incline and go as fast as you would like?
Learn all you can about the different components and features on treadmills. Become familiar with what to look for in tread belts, belt rollers, motors, decks and frames. Consult a buying guide to steer you in the right direction.
A great way to get insight on various models of treadmills is to visit a message board where people discuss
exercise equipment. These places will give you an opportunity to meet people and ask questions about treadmills. These first hand accounts can go far in helping you decide which treadmill you should purchase, and which machines you should avoid.