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.