SciTrak / Treadmill Buyer's Guide

Treadmill Buyers Guide

Treadmills, at the present time, could cost you thousands of dollars, so purchasing an unreliable one can turn out to be a bad deal. But optimistically, through this article, it would be easier for one to learn how to tell between a high quality treadmill from a poor one.

Things to Consider

Motor

The beginning of this article is going to be with the motor because it is the most important as well as the most expensive part of a treadmill. The motor is the part that powers the whole machine so without it, the treadmill is useless. When choosing a motor, make sure you focus on the size (bigger is better) and superiority of the motor before anything else.
Two types of motors are available namely an AC and a DC motor. Unlike commercial treadmills which offer AC or DC units, home treadmills are usually just DC units. An AC motor is more powerful than a DC motor but it also makes more noise and usually requires a committed power line.

Horsepower

The horsepower or HP is considered as the treadmill’s motor power. Two ways are available to measure the HP of a motor, through “peak duty” or “continuous duty”. Continuous duty horsepower means that the motor can uphold a certain horsepower for the whole workout. Peak duty horsepower means the treadmill may be able to reach that horsepower briefly, but will not be able to maintain it.

For serious runners, a treadmill with a continuous duty motor of 2.5HP or a minimum of at least 2.0HP (both continuous duty) is good. But for those who just wish to walk on their treadmill, then a 1.75HP continuous duty motor would be enough.

Speed

Most treadmills would give you a speed range of 0 to 10mph. This range is enough for ordinary runners. However, hardcore runners might need more intensity to have a productive workout.

Belt

Also known as the running surface of a treadmill, it should be necessary for the belt to accommodate you. Wide belts are good for big people. If you have long legs try to look for a long tread belt. The important thing here is that whatever size you choose, be sure you can run comfortably on it. The minimum running surface length should be 45 inches nearly while the width should neverbe less than 16 inches.

Incline

Exercise equipments today are so sophisticated that it will be rare for one to find a treadmill that inclines manually. Majority now offer push-button incline or automatic incline. Some are even offering heart rate incline, where the machine adjusts your elevation according to your heart rate.

Also, before you buy, be sure to have the treadmill elevate your body first. If you feel like the machine can not lift your weight with ease, avoid that unit. It is showing signs that the machine is not for you and that you need to look for a better treadmill.

Control Panel

Almost all treadmills nowadays have computerized control panels. Some only have a simple control panel with the console providing just basic feedbacks and only a few programmed workouts. While others which are more expensive offer you the most advance electronics with loads of feedbacks and dozens of pre-programmed workouts.

Choose a panel which is most needed by you as the extra cash could be better spent in other more useful features.

Warranty

The quality of the machine will be best known by looking up the length of its warranties. The longer the warranty the better the quality! An acceptable warranty should cover the motor, frames, and parts. It must also cover all labor charges for at least a year.

Price

“You get what you pay for” is what can be implied to buying treadmills. So do not expect entry level treadmills to be problem-free even if experts consider it as the best in its price range. Plus, cheap treadmills are not known for being durable, so if you plan on buying one, make sure to put aside some money for future repairs and/or replacement.