Treadmills are the most purchased piece fitness equipment. It’s great in helping you get a full cardio workout in the comfort of your own home and can make your workouts more challenging. It is a great piece of exercise equipment to have at home especially if your schedule keeps you from going to the gym. Treadmills, like any other product in the market, come in different sizes and in a wide range of selections which makes it hard to choose one. You can get a clearer vision of what treadmill to purchase if you know what to look out for.
The number one thing you have to check is the motor. This is like the heart of the machine. The motor of the treadmill will give you an idea of how fast it can go and how much pounding it can take. A motor that has at least 2 horsepower should be enough if you will be doing some walking or jogging but if you would be running, you can go for 2.5 horsepower. The next thing you have to check is the size of the belt. The belt size will give you a general idea of how much you can move on the treadmill. Average belt sizes range from 17 to 22 inches but there are wider ones too. Do not go for anything less than 17 inches because it would give you a hard time working out and it limits the movement and variety you can do on the machine.
It is also important to check the cushion on the treadmill. Most treadmills have cushions but there are many differences to them. You can actually check it by getting on the treadmill and feeling it. Cushions keeps you from getting injured while you are working out and it keeps the workout comfortable especially for older people. It would also be a good choice if the treadmill you are going to buy has an incline. There are treadmills that can be inclined manually and electronically. Either way is good because it helps make your workout have more variety and difficulty. An incline between 10 to 15 degrees is good.
You should also consider the product reviews before you purchase a treadmill. Don’t immediately go for the cheapest one you find even if it has the features you need. Just because it offers a lot of things, it does not mean it is sturdy. Going for a treadmill with a famous brand name may be a little more expensive than others but at least you are sure that you are getting what you are paying for. Warranty is also another thing you should look for. That way if anything goes wrong, you can get the treadmill fixed or replaced at no extra charge. The warranty should be more than just a few months and covers repairs or replacement of all treadmill parts including the motor.
Like any item we purchase, we always want what we pay for. You can use this guide to make a checklist for yourself so you can get the treadmill you need to get the exercise you want. A good quality treadmill that suits your needs can be a great investment for years to come.
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