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| Choosing a Treadmill |
With so many different
brands of home treadmills and treadmill features,
how do you know which home treadmill to buy? Basically, you have to look at your needs and how they fit with the features and cost of each particular treadmill. You need to consider your height, weight, where you will keep your treadmill, what you plan to use the treadmill for (walking, running or both), and of course, your budget.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a treadmill is the
motor. Treadmill motors are rated by peak horse power (HP) and/or continuous horse power (CHP). You should look for a higher CHP as this is the better indicator of how well your home treadmill will perform over an extended period of time. This is especially important if you are heavy,
plan to run on your treadmill, plan to use your
treadmill often or have multiple people
using the treadmill.
You should
look for a treadmill with a belt of at least 18 inches wide and 50 inches long. If you plan on running or you are tall, you should consider a running surface of at least 55 inches in length to accomodate a longer stride.
Also keep in mind the weight limit for the treadmill you are buying. You will want to choose a treadmill that has a maximum weight limit of at least 50 pounds more than the heaviest person using the treadmill.
One great way to determine the quality of the treadmill you choose is the
warranty. The better the warranty is, the better the treadmill usually is. Look for a warranty with a minimum of 5 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and 1 year for service.
Other features to consider when
choosing a treadmill are maximum incline, maximum speed, built-in programs and fancy extras like a television screen. Only you can determine what is necessary for your individual needs and what conveniences you can’t live without.