Welcome to Treadmill Reviews HQ comprehensive Treadmill Buying Guide perfect for anyone buying a treadmill.
Have you noticed there are many types of treadmills? Are you stumped about what to look for?
Treadmill price range is incredible ranging from $200 to $10,000. How much should you spend is a fundamental question.
This treadmill buying guide, instead of telling you which treadmill to buy, puts to you many points to consider so that you can figure out which is the right treadmill for you. The fact is there is no one treadmill perfect for everyone. It really depends on how you’ll use the treadmill.
If you’re buying a treadmill, don’t commit the mistake of buying a wrong treadmill which will end up gathering dust in a corner. Buying a treadmill is an investment for a healthy living. Thus, take a moment and consider the following:
How to use this treadmill buying guide
Go through the points and questions. Most points offer links to other articles that go into more detail. The point of this guide is to help you articulate the features and types of treadmill that is right for you.
Treadmill Buying Guide
1. How much do you plan to spend on a treadmill?
A quality treadmill will cost you at least $750 … unless you will only walk on your treadmill and need a walking treadmill. Then you don’t need such an expensive treadmill.
Consider the following when determining a budget:
- How much do you weigh?
- How much do other users weight?
- How often will your treadmill be used?
- How intense are your workouts? Do you walk, jog, sprint? The more intense, the better treadmill you’ll need. I discuss tips for buying a treadmill for running here.
The point: articulate your treadmill needs before buying a treadmill.
2. Treadmill Motor Considerations
If so, it is advisable that you choose a treadmill with at least a 2.50 horse power continuous duty motor or even higher. For runners or heavy users of treadmills, a 2.5 – 3 HP continuous duty motor is recommended. Always check the quality of the continuous duty motor power; don’t be impressed by peak duty motor rating alone.
The fact is horsepower rating is not uniform, which makes understanding the exact power level of the motor difficult to determine. The good news is that these days, most major brands use decent motors. Motor quality is less of a concern than other features and than it was a few years ago.
For more information, read my treadmill motor articles:
3. Treadmill running deck size?
Or other people will also use it? Consider your height and their height as well. A taller person or person with long legs requires a longer belt with at least 55” or more for a comfortable stride in running and walking.
Read this treadmill running surface area article for more information.
4. Treadmill maximum user weight capacity
Many treadmills can’t accommodate people weighing more than 300 pounds. Choose a treadmill with a higher weight capacity for this type gives a more solid and stable run.
In fact, I consider a treadmill’s user weight capacity as a very important treadmill feature. I explain why treadmill user weight capacity is important here.
5. The treadmill belt
Running or walking surfaces are not the same. A 2 ply surface belt with at least 17 inches width is generally recommended. For runners and heavy users, a belt surface length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide is a minimum requirement.
If you intend to just walk on the treadmill most of the time, a minimum belt surface length of 48 inches can suffice. Tread belt widths range from 17”-22” and length from 51”-61”.
For more information, read my treadmill belt, treadmill deck, and treadmill running surface size articles.
6. Treadmill Deck Quality
Not all treadmill decks are equal. Read this in-depth treadmill deck article to learn more about treadmill deck construction.
7. Treadmill Cushioning
Is the treadmill’s cushioning system effective enough to protect you from unwanted exercise injuries? A cushioning system or shock absorption system is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step while running or walking on it.
This feature is important because better cushioning means less impact on joints, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues. Look for a low impact deck treadmill, but be careful, the deck should not be too soft. Just the right cushioning is needed not too spongy.
Read my in-depth treadmill cushioning article for much more information.
8. Treadmill frame
A treadmill frame is usually made from a high alloy steel (welded) or heavy aluminum (bolted). There are pros and cons to both types of frames. Read my in-depth treadmill frame article to learn all about treadmill frame quality.
9. Folding treadmills
These days it’s easy to find a folding treadmill. However, unless you need a space saver, I wouldn’t get a folding treadmill. It’s not that they are worse, necessarily than non-folding treadmills. Instead, it’s paying for a feature you don’t need. Moreover, another moving part means there’s the potential for problems.
I like simple. That said, if you need to save space and store your treadmill, then by all means get a folding treadmill.
For more information, read my “How to Choose a Folding Treadmill” article.
10. Which console features do you want?
Do you want your treadmill to hold a book or magazine properly?
Do you need a clear view of your TV? Or do you prefer a treadmill with a TV? Do you need a water bottle holder? An MP3 or iPod docking station?
Think about what you want to use on a treadmill. Most treadmill designs offer varying add-ons or entertainment features. Choose one that fits your personal preference.
11. Treadmill workout programs
Some treadmills offer a huge variety of built-in workout programs, while others not so many. Read about the different treadmill workout programs here.
If using software and tracking your workouts is important, then consider getting iFit Live software or a treadmill outfitted with iFit.
12. Do you want handrails?
At least one hand rail is enough for balance. Ensure that the railings are beyond or out of the way of the arm swing. Most treadmills offer handrails so it’s not too big of a concern when buying a treadmill.
13. Incline
An incline provides variety and intensity to the running or walking exercise. A 1% incline can provide the minimum conditions of walking or running outdoors. Most quality treadmill machines are capable of 10% incline.
Read all about treadmill incline features here.
If you think you’ll need a treadmill with steep incline, consider an incline trainer. I discuss the pros and cons of incline trainers here.
14. Treadmill Speed
How much speed do you need for your treadmill? Read about the treadmill speed feature as a treadmill buying consideration.
15. Power Source & Treadmill Safety?
As much as possible avoid the use of extension cord. In fact, most treadmills emphatically caution against using extension cords.
For safety, a treadmill has to have its own circuit breaker and the power supply must be grounded. Please, please, please read the owner’s manual of your treadmill, especially safety measures which includes guidelines for power sources.
Read my treadmill safety tips and treadmill maintenance articles for more information on safety and maintenance and what to expect about owning a treadmill.
16. Does the treadmill machine have a panic shut off?
Check if the treadmill has an emergency button to cut power instantly in case you get into trouble.
17. Treadmills and Kids?
Get a treadmill with a safety lock to prevent kids from starting the machine accidentally.
18. Treadmill warranty?
As a minimum guide, a quality warranty offer is 10 year-frame warranty, 5 year-motor warranty, 2 year-parts warranty and 1 year-service warranty. There are even manufacturers that offer a lifetime warranty on some features.
Read my in-depth treadmill warranty article for more information.
19. Treadmill Shipping & Assembly
Treadmill retailers offer a variety of shipping and assembly options. Get informed about treadmill shipping here and whether treadmill assembly is right for you.
If you live in Canada, you have to find treadmills that ship to Canada for a reasonable price.
20. Buying Online vs. In a Physical Store?
Buying online has its advantages and disadvantages. Though it offers convenience, one of its disadvantages is you can’t get to test the machine. Remedy this by going to a store and trying out some treadmills there, then buy online to save money.
Another online purchase consideration is the cost of shipping. Almost all online treadmill prices cost less than in a traditional retail store; however, there may be shipping costs you should look into.
21. Wheels and mobility?
If you need to move your treadmill around for storing or any other reason, be sure to purchase a treadmill with wheels. In fact, I strongly recommend you buy a treadmill with wheels so that you can move it within your home or office.
22. Space for your Treadmill?
Be sure that your treadmill fits the room or the intended space. You may consider a folding treadmill if you want to save on space. However, a fold-up treadmill, depending on the model you buy, may be less stable than the non-folding treadmill.
For more information on folding treadmills, read my “How to Choose a Folding Treadmill” article.
Treadmill dimensions is also a consideration when buying a treadmill. Read this treadmill dimensions article for more “treadmill space” considerations.
23. Where will you use your treadmill?
Treadmills can be loud which may bother other people if they’re in the same room. The feet pounding, alone, is pretty loud. If this worries you, consider a treadmill that has less motor roar and consider buying a treadmill mat to deaden the sound.
24. Treadmill buying process
With the aid of this treadmill buying guide and articles on treadmills in this site, put together a shortlist of treadmills (5 to 10). Then research further until you find the right treadmill for you. You might also consider going to retail stores and gyms to try treadmills to find out which features you like the best.
25. Look for a Treadmill Sale and Treadmill Deals
Always, look for a great treadmill sale or deal. They’re almost always on sale or at least discounted from the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price).
You can check out dozens of treadmill deals or treadmill sale items here on major brands.
26. Do you want a treadmill with internet?
Yes, there are now treadmills with wireless internet built-in and larger screens. I’m surprised it took this long for treadmills with internet, but it’s here and I’m sure many more treadmills will come with internet. I set out treadmills with internet here.
Buying A Treadmill is a Big Investment
A treadmill is the same as buying a shirt or a small kitchen appliance because a treadmill can cost well over a $1,000. That’s a big purchase and so it should be made carefully, thoughtfully, and full consideration must be given to your treadmill needs.
The right treadmill can pay off very, very well. You gain many health benefits and you may save money in the long run on fitness club fees. The wrong treadmill can waste your money and cause you grief. If it breaks down or isn’t sufficient quality to deliver the workout you want, then you simply won’t use it.
You’ll have an expensive chunk of fitness equipment taking up space. Or you may have to buy another treadmill and deal with getting rid of the bad treadmill purchase.
I hope you find the tips and considerations in this treadmill buying guide helpful.
Related posts:
