Treadmill Buying Guide
What is a Treadmill?
A treadmill is a piece of exercising equipment used for walking, running, or climbing while staying in the same place. It was introduced before the development of powered machines to harness the power of animals or humans to do work.
These days this equipment provides a moving platform with a wide conveyor belt driven by an electric motor or a flywheel. The belt moves to the rear, requiring the user to walk or run at a speed matching the belt. The rate at which the belt moves is the rate of walking or running.
Nowadays people prefer to exercise on a treadmill rather than go out for a jog, so they tend to buy it and keep it at their house. So, if you are confused about buying the perfect treadmill, don’t worry, this article will help you out.
Types of Treadmills
1. Manual Treadmills
Manual Treadmills don’t require electricity to run and with the help of the action of walking or running, the treadmill moves. One of the benefits of having a manual treadmill over an electric one is that you won’t get hurt because the running belt doesn’t start until and unless you begin walking or running on it.
These types of manual treadmills are designed for comfort as it has cushioned handles and a durable running belt and it’s best suggested to choose a manual treadmill if you’ve never before run or walked on a treadmill.
2. Electronic or Motorized Treadmills:
Compared to the manual ones, the electronic ones are specially designed to be a little sturdier and larger. These types of designs are specially made to stay in one place in your home. These are mostly found in commercial places like health clubs and fitness centers because they demand dependable, sturdy, and heavy-duty designs for the treadmills they use.
3. Hybrid Treadmills:
Hybrid treadmills help you to switch your way of exercising whenever you wish to. It comes with the design of a treadmill and elliptical, treadmill and stair-climber, treadmill and stationary bike, and even a treadmill that can also be used to help you lift weights. It helps you in making your regular exercises interesting for you so that you don’t get bored easily.
It is very easy to use as you can switch back and forth between two pieces of exercise equipment with ease, enabling you to quickly go from a treadmill to numerous other pieces of equipment with just a few actions.
4. Medical Treadmills:
Medical Treadmills are designed larger compared to the size of regular treadmills and are also found in gyms and fitness centers. It is mostly digital and doctors advise their patients to use it to track and have proper measurements.
They are specially designed with fewer moving parts preventing damage so that it lasts longer, a controlled soft start for patient comfort and accommodation, a quiet operation so that the surrounding exam rooms and offices aren’t disturbed, and an AC-driven system that results in the most accurate speeds, regardless of the patient’s weight. These types of treadmills are accurate and efficient, and produce the results physicians need and want.
What’s the Average Price of a Treadmill?
Well, an average treadmill should have these specific features it should be plugged in and run, have an LCD showing time, speed, distance, heart rate, and calories, and the speed should be around 1.0 – 14km/hr. And the average price of these types of treadmills would be around $500 to $1000. The above features are the basic features that an average treadmill must have.
Which Motor is Best for Your Workout?
The Treadmill Doctor Upgraded Treadmill Motor is a great motor for your workout. It runs smoothly and is specially designed for frequent usage. This motor can also handle wear and tear. It even comes with a 1-year warranty and works on 2.9 horsepower.
8 Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
A treadmill is a long-time investment so you need to make sure to buy a good one. So, let’s check out the things that you need to consider when buying a treadmill:
1. Belt Size:
As you will be using the treadmill for running and walking, it must run smoothly. So, make sure that the belt size should be a minimum of 48 inches long and 18 inches wide. And if you are 6 feet tall or more, then 54 inches will be perfect for you.
2. Cushioning:
This feature is really important in a treadmill as you will be walking or running on the belt. Do purchase the machine that goes up to 10mph or higher as the running bed should be able to absorb the shock and the belt shouldn’t shift with each foot strike. So, make sure you check the horsepower and other specifications before buying.
3. Stability:
As you will be using the treadmill for walking and running, make sure the frame is strong enough to remain stable so that it runs smoothly. If it isn’t stable enough, it can potentially harm the runner.
4. Weight:
This is an important consideration if you are a larger person, the treadmill should be sturdy enough to accommodate your weight. Usually, motors can manage a capacity of 135 kg in weight.
5. Other features:
Make sure to add some extra features like an MP3 player, adjustable speed and incline to add difficulty to your workout, a pulse monitor, and a control panel.
6. Space and Size:
As you already know, a treadmill consumes a lot of space, so buy one according to the space in your house. Treadmills are even heavy and are difficult to move. So, buy accordingly.
7. Warranty/Delivery/Set-up:
Checking the warranty on a treadmill is a must because you can easily judge the quality of a treadmill by its years of warranty. It is advisable to look for a lifetime warranty on the frame and the motor of 10 years. Usually, the treadmill electronics come with a warranty of 5 years and a parts and labor warranty of 2 years. Even do check about the price of the delivery as it won’t be included in the price of the treadmill as well as the price of assembling the parts.
8. Budget:
That’s the crucial part if the treadmill that you chose is over-pricey for you, then all your hard work over research will be wasted. So, make sure to buy the highest quality treadmill for a reasonable price. The prices of the treadmill vary according to the features it has to offer.
And as I have already told you treadmills are a long-term investment. So, are you ready to spend money on a good-quality treadmill? Because you are not only spending money on the treadmill but also investing in your health? So, choose wisely.
Where Should You Buy a Treadmill?
It is always suggested that if the price of the treadmill is around $500 then you should buy it online. The online stores even provide the best return/refund process so, you won’t have any problems. But, if the price of the treadmill is higher, then buying it from the stores will be a better option.
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Conclusion
I hope this treadmill buying guide helped you in choosing the perfect treadmill for you. Just remember to buy a good quality treadmill within a good budget. Don’t forget about the features which you have to keep in mind while shopping. So, what are you waiting for? Go and buy the best treadmill here!
To learn more about Treadmills, visit the Wikipedia official page.
Hope this treadmill buying guide clears all your doubts, if you still have any queries/doubts, then ask Treadmill News in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it worth buying a treadmill for home use?
Yes, if you’re committed to regular exercise and convenience, a home treadmill can be a worthwhile investment for maintaining fitness.
- Do treadmills use a lot of electricity?
Motorized treadmills consume electricity, but modern models are designed to be energy-efficient. The power usage varies, but it’s generally reasonable.
- What is a good price for a treadmill?
Treadmill prices vary based on features and brands. A decent home treadmill can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on your specific requirements.
- What safety features should I look for in a treadmill?
Look for safety features such as an emergency stop button, handrails, and a solid belt grip to ensure a secure workout environment.
- How much space do I need for a treadmill at home?
A compact treadmill may need around 2 feet by 6 feet of space, while larger models may require more. Consider the dimensions before purchasing.
- Is it necessary to have incline and decline options on a treadmill?
Incline and decline options enhance workout variety, simulate outdoor conditions, and target different muscle groups, providing a more comprehensive exercise experience.
- What is the average lifespan of a treadmill?
The average lifespan of a treadmill is around 7 to 12 years, but it depends on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the machine.
- Are there any maintenance requirements for treadmills?
Regular maintenance includes keeping the belt lubricated, checking for loose bolts, and ensuring proper tension. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations.
- What is the impact of noise levels on treadmill usage?
Noise levels vary, but many modern treadmills are designed to operate quietly. Consider noise factors if you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive surroundings.
- Where can I buy a treadmill?
Treadmills are available at various retailers, including sporting goods stores, online marketplaces like Amazon, and directly from manufacturers’ websites. Compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
- How do I use a treadmill safely?
- Always wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allow for freedom of movement.
- Start with a slow warm-up and gradually increase your speed and intensity.
- Cool down by walking for a few minutes after your workout.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid running on the treadmill if you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Stop using the treadmill immediately if you experience any pain.