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.