How to choose the right treadmill: what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the most out of your investment.
Karen Sullivan, an AFPA Certified Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor, calls treadmills "the most sound investment anyone can make for home equipment." She stresses that having a treadmill at home eliminates a battery of excuses. "We all know how to walk and for many it is all they can do in the beginning of the fitness battle. Rain, snow, even blistering heat are no longer an issue when you have a treadmill in your home."
When it comes to narrowing it down, however, how do you know what machine is the perfect one for you?
Consider Your Goals First
Will this machine be used for occasional walking or for running five miles a day? This is an important question, as it determines the quality and features you need to look for. If more than one person in the household is planning on using the machine, you need to also consider the stats of those users –If you weigh 100 pounds and your husband tops 200, a basic machine may not suit you both. "Not only are the goals important but the journey," says Sullivan. "If you are heavy and want to get ALL your weight off, then you need something that will #1 handle your present body weight and #2 last until you are at your goal weight."
Measure, Measure, Measure
Unless you live in a mansion, you need to consider storage space. More expensive models usually fold, so they can be hidden behind doors, inside a closet, or against a wall. Cheaper models, however, may not include this feature. If you're planning on converting your basement into a workout room, you may not need a folding machine, but if the only space you have to exercise is your living room, then this is a must. If you plan on storing the treadmill after every workout, you also need to make sure that it has wheels. However light it may seem at the store, you won't be motivated to struggle with it on a daily basis.
Consider also the space the machine occupies once it unfolds. If you need 84 inches for the machine to fit, and only have 84, this may not be enough. Remember that you need to be able to get on and off the machine, move your arms freely, and not feel claustrophobic every time you get on it.
Manual or Electric?
While there are some manual treadmills out there, most of the new models coming into the market are electric. In manual treadmills, the power that moves the belt is generated by the user as he or she walks. The main problem with this is the difficulty of keeping a steady pace, and the uneven workout you'd get as a result of that. With motorized machines, the user can program a constant speed/intensity, check calorie loss and other stats, and reduce the strain on joints and hip. Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget, electric treadmills are the best value for your money. For the purposes of this article, we'll consider only electric models.
Decide What You Can Spend
With it comes to buying exercise equipment, you get what you pay for. Anything under $1,500 is likely to be a run-of-the-mill production. Quality treadmills usually start at around $3,000. Cheaper treadmills may be fine for occasional walkers, but will not stand up to heavy use. More so, cheaper treadmills tend to break often, so the initial savings will end up costing you more in the long run. "Don't buy based on price," says Sullivan. "Look at this as a lifelong investment. You need this piece of equipment to be around as long as you intend to be alive. Spend the money to get something that will last."
The top aspect of expensive treadmills is that they are maintenance-free. With cheaper models, you may be required to lubricate or service the machine on a periodic basis, which not only takes time, but also can void the warranty in some cases.
Look into Authorized Specialty Fitness Retailers First
Skip your local fitness store. While they may be well-equipped in hockey and golf merchandise, they are usually not specialists in fitness equipment. Head to a dealer instead. Not only will they have a larger variety of equipment, but they are more likely to provide additional services –From helping you assemble the machine at home to providing telephone support so you can do it yourself. Many retailers also carry an extended warranty for the products they sell, and are well qualified to service most equipment. Larger stores may even have relationships with fitness professionals that can design a custom workout program for you for a nominal fee.
A Good Warranty Is a Sign of Quality Equipment
Even with the best of care, a treadmill is likely to require service at some point. A basic warranty should cover labor and parts (motor, electronics, and belt) for at least a year. Top manufacturers usually offer lifetime warranty on the frame and deck. Specialty fitness retailers usually have their own service staff that can tune-up your equipment when needed.
Do a Test Run
Literally. Go to the store with your sneakers on, get on the machine, and start experimenting. Try different inclines and speeds. Pay attention to how loud the machine is, but remember to take into consideration the ambiance noise in the store. Try to imagine the machine at home –-Will you be able to hear the TV over the motor hum? Is it quiet enough that you can use it early in the morning, when everybody else in the house is sleeping? How about comfort? Is it spacey enough for you to move freely or do your arms keep bumping into the side rails?
A good treadmill provides shock absorption and a smooth workout. A shaky ride is not only uncomfortable, but also bad for your knees and hip.
Consider Safety Features
While a basic treadmill will probably have console grips, many people feel more comfortable with side handrails, especially beginners or those with balance problems. Again, a test run will give you a better feel for the machine. Can you reach the console grips comfortably when you're walking on an incline? This varies considerably according to your height, so make sure the treadmill you choose works for you.
If you have young children at home, look for a machine that can be locked, password coded, or at least unplugged. Children may be tempted to imitate you and risk serious injury.
Basic Workout and Electronic Features
User-Friendliness – This is probably the most important element. If every time you step on the treadmill, you have to spend 10 minutes pressing buttons, it's not very likely you'll stick around for long. Find a machine that gives you options but that also has a few basic pre-set programs that you can launch in less than three steps. This usually comes in the way of a "quick start" button, but it can also be through a manual start or a pre-set walking program. Finally, make sure the treadmill allows speeds of at least 8-12mph. You may be a walker now, but if you ever decide to bump it up, you'll need that much for running routines.
User Profile – A feature that allows you to store personal data and workout information.
Pre-Set and Custom Workouts – Unless you're an expert when it comes to fitness and can adjust the settings on your own, pre-set programs give you a variety of choices, including interval programs, cardio, fat burning, hill, etc. Of all programs, interval training may be the most important --It allows you to mix periods of high and low intensity, increasing fitness levels quicker and more efficiently.
Fitness test – A pre-set program (usually 5-10 minutes long) that takes you through different levels of intensity based on your heart rate, speed, distance, etc. Great to evaluate progress periodically.
What a Good Treadmill Must Have
A Good Belt and Deck – The deck or bed (the surface underneath the belt) affects how hard or soft the ride feels. High-quality decks are usually coated with phenolic wax, which reduces friction against the belt --This will not only provide a smoother ride, but it will also extend the life of your treadmill considerably.
Usually, the wider the belt, the safer you are running on it. You need at least 17 inches to run comfortably, but better models will provide you with 20 or more. When it comes to length, don't settle for less than 50 inches; if you're over six feet tall, you need 60 inches.
A Sturdy Motor – Look for a motor that offers at least 1.5HP "continuous duty" (CD) power. Larger motors usually last longer, are quieter, and make the treadmill feel smoother. Some manufacturers rate treadmills according to peak HP, the maximum power the machine can produce before failing. This is not a valuable indicator to home users, and tends to be confusing. Stick to the CD indicators.
First-Class Shock Absorption – A good shock absorption system will provide you with a firm deck that does not wobble but still feels softer than running on concrete. This is mostly for your safety rather than for the longevity of the machine. Obese users and those with joint problems need the most cushioning, while walkers can do with a standard belt.
Stability - The amount of stability required in a treadmill varies according to the height and weight of the user. If two people of very different physical characteristics are going to use the machine, it makes sense to invest in one of the enhanced models, which can accommodate a wider range of users. Welded steel frames with a rust-resistant coating are the sturdiest and they usually come with a lifetime warranty.
Extras
While not essential, the following features may be available. Choose the ones that are important to you, but don't go overboard, as they add substantially to the price of the machine.
Water bottle holder
Book rack
VCR or CD plug , so you can watch videos or listen to music while you workout
Console fan
Hard Drive Capacity –Allows you to download online fitness programs directly into your treadmill.
Heart Rate (HR) Monitor – Usually in the form of a clip for your finger or a set of hand grips. Experts recommend getting a strap-on HR monitor instead –They are more accurate and ultimately cheaper.
According to John DeHart, an internationally-known distance running coach and personal trainer, "Your number one critical decision before you attack the daunting task of the selection process of trying to figure out which model and price best fits your needs, is to determine if you really need it and for what use, and if you will really use it."
DeHart, who has been an advisor to world class athletes, including three-time Boston marathon winner Cosmas Ndeti, recommends asking yourself a series of questions before you make a final decision.
What is it you are trying to accomplish and could I do it outside just as well?
Are you getting into serious jogging or running? If this is the case, you won't last long on the treadmill before you get bored and restless.
If you just want it for the bad weather days so you don't miss your workout, this is legit.
If you want it just so you can watch your kids, this is legit.
We tend to make this kind of decisions emotionally and on the fly around winter time, when we get disgusted with ourselves and want to get back in shape. Time to take a deep breath and count to ten. It could cost you plenty.
Self-Discipline is Vital
While you may be excited now to own a treadmill, the enthusiasm usually wears down quickly. "Having home exercise equipment is only half the battle," says Sullivan. "You will need to be disciplined and focused, and I would encourage you to start by making a vow to yourself to never hang a piece of clothing over it!"