A treadmill is a versatile piece of equipment that doesn’t become obsolete, but choosing the right one can be difficult. Consider your budget, goals, and the motor when making a purchase.
Buying a treadmill is considered by exercise and fitness experts to be one of the best fitness purchases you can make. This is because a treadmill is a versatile piece of equipment that doesn’t age, lose popularity, or become obsolete. But while choosing a treadmill over other fitness equipment sounds like an easy choice, how do you know which treadmill is right for you? Here are some questions to help you narrow down your options.
How much are you willing to spend on a home treadmill? You can get a basic manual treadmill for as low as $400 USD, but don’t expect great things from that machine. A cheap treadmill is likely to break frequently, won’t hold up to heavy use, and will probably require frequent adjustments. A quality treadmill, on the other hand, is built to last, but excellence comes at a price. Expect to pay over $1000 for a treadmill that doesn’t need lubrication and will withstand heavy use, frequent running, and users of different sizes. A quality treadmill is especially important if there is more than one user in the home, as the machine will have to do double duty.
Finally, keep in mind what your goals are. For a light walk a few times a week, a simple treadmill will do; For marathon training, you need a powerful engine and good suspension, which means a higher sticker price. Manual treadmills—those without a motor—are becoming a rarity, which means you’re more than likely going to end up with a motorized machine. Choose a treadmill with the largest motor you can afford, as this will ensure durability and smooth operation. Buy a motor with at least 1.5 horsepower. Don’t get hung up on fancy programming options. Basically, you need a treadmill that allows you to control speed and incline, and maybe includes a heart rate monitor, but that’s about it. Avoid fancy buttons that will likely increase the price considerably but do little when it comes to improving your fitness level.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN