A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at least $1000. However, the average lifespan of a treadmill is about 10 years - which is better than we can say about most of our cars.
However, unlike our cars, a treadmill is an investment in your health and stress management so it's worth taking some time to find a well built, quality machine.
The motor is probably the most important component of the treadmill (as it's also the most costly to fix). Motor power is measured by horsepower or HP for short. Unless your treadmill has sufficient motor power you will quickly wear it out, even if only moderately walking.
When looking at motors and horsepower, there are 2 different ratings: Continuous Duty (which is the HP rating for steady, continual 24 hour motor usage) and Peak Duty (which is the maximum HP potential, however it cannot be maintained).
For this reason, when you look at treadmills, you want to know the Continuous Duty HP. We recommend that you go with at least a 1.75 HP continuous duty (CD) motor (preferably higher).
For runners or those planning heavy use of their treadmills, we recommend at least a 2.5 HP-3 HP continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn't burn out on you and end up costing you a fortune to repair it.
There are 2 types of frames: aluminum or steel (NEVER plastic!). Steel is heavier than aluminum which potentially increases stability. However steel may also rust or corrode from sweat (unlike aluminum).
Aluminum does not rust or corrode from sweat however it is also more expensive and thus is probably built into the price of the treadmill.
The bottom line is that both have their advantages and disadvantages and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice.
Average treadmill belt widths range from 17" to 22" and lengths from 51" to 61".
Never go below a belt width of 16 " and make sure that the belt is long enough to accomodate your stride. If you are tall and/or have long legs, it's better to go with a longer belt (56"+).
Make sure to consider anyone else who will be using the treadmill also.
Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Higher cushioning means lower impact on your joints and ligaments as well as reduced risk of injury.
This is a very important element in your treadmill and many quality treadmills have their own form of cushioning system to protect you.
For example, Sole treadmills, use a Cushion Flex running surface, shown in a study to reduce impact by 365% compared to running on asphalt.
Make sure your treadmill has a good cushioning system to protect your joints and ligaments over the long run.
According to Runner's World, stability is the most important quality in a treadmill. Stability is how smooth a ride the treadmill provides you. There should be no shaking or wobbling when you pick up your pace.
One rule of thumb with treadmills is that generally you get what you pay for. For a high stability, high quality treadmill you should be willing to spend at least $1000, and definitely more if you plan on using it heavily. There's no use spending $500-600 on something you're scared to use.
Treadmill brands that have ranked particularly high on stability include Smooth, Sole, and Landice.
It's important to consider both the layout and user-friendliness of the information displays and controls. This is largely a matter of personal preference since some people want to see a constant display of calories burned or miles covered, etc.
However for safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach.
- Heart Rate Monitor/Heart Rate Control:
Again, this is largely a personal preference whether or not you want to monitor your heart rate. Some people like to take a step up and get a heart rate control which can actually adjust the treadmill pace to keep you in your target fat-burning zone.
Treadmill warranties vary across the board and again, you usually get what you pay for. Don't waste your money buying an added warranty when most quality treadmills include a good warranty in the price already.
The treadmill warranty is actually a great indicator of the quality of parts used in building the treadmill (ever wondered why those cheapie department store brands don't offer any warranties?).
A good warranty will include a lifetime warranty on the frame and 3 or more years on parts and the motor (keep in mind that the motor is probably the most expensive to fix).
Make sure you look into the warranty offered by the treadmill manufacturer (not the store!)
- Where to Buy A Treadmill:
There are a number of options here but mainly they fall into 2 categories:
#1) Store
Store Advantages: You can actually run on the treadmill.
Store Disadvantages: You'll probably have to pay more for the same treadmill you can get online simply because the store has overhead costs to pay. Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery.
#2) Online - Direct from the Manufacturer
Online Disadvantages: You can't run on the treadmill
Online Advantages: You can save hundreds of dollars on the treadmill itself. You can usually get free shipping (which again saves you money). You can also research a larger selection of brands which means a potentially better deal.
Whichever you choose, keep in mind that there are specialty sellers dedicated to JUST selling treadmills. Their customer service, knowledge and efforts go only into their treadmills.
This is in contrast to a department store where they sell treadmills - along with bikes, and DVDs and kitchen sinks... We'd recommend a specialty store since they can give you more accurate advice about what each treadmill offers.
A good example of a specialty seller is Smooth Fitness. Smooth Fitness is the largest volume seller of exercise equipment on the Internet and are dedicated to selling Smooth Treadmills.
Their website is built with the customer in mind and includes detailed pictures, customer testimonials, expert reviews, treadmill articles, downloadable owner's manuals, and prevalent contact information.
In Conclusion:
These are the most important things to consider when looking at different treadmills. By keeping them in mind, you're definitely on your way to making an smart treadmill investment!
For a list of online treadmill wholesalers and which treadmill brands they sell, check out our 'Where To Buy A Treadmill' page.
Good luck and have fun!
