Buying a Treadmill - 7 Key Shopping Tips

Decided on buying a treadmill? Presumably, you've checked out all of the other exercise equipment on the market. And you've realized, after some thought, that a treadmill will be the perfect addition to your home gym.

But don't whip out the credit card just yet! Before you head to the sporting goods store or your favorite online retailer, check out the following article . . .

Buying a Treadmill - 7 Shopping Tips to Getting the Best Treadmill for You

Planning to buy a treadmill? Using a treadmill is a great way to boost your cardiovascular health. But the sheer number of models and features can turn buying a treadmill into a difficult task.

Following are seven tips you can use to get the machine that fits your needs, and your wallet.

1) Figure out your goals.

Do you intend to drop a few pounds? Strengthen your heart and lower your blood pressure? Train for a marathon?

Your unique goals should guide your choice of the kind of treadmill you purchase. For brisk walking and moderately paced jogging, a mid-range model from Sole, Bowflex, or Proform should fit your needs.

More serious runners should look to commercial grade models. Check out machines from premium brands such as Precor and Landice.

2) Determine your available space.

A typical treadmill takes up as much square footage as a couch. Take measurements of wherever you intend to place the machine and confirm that it will fit comfortably.

If you have space limitations, think about buying a folding treadmill. One of these space saver models can reduce the footprint by up to six square feet.

3) Decide on a budget.

The quality of mid- and low-priced exercise equipment has risen tremendously in the past several years. Nevertheless, you should budget a minimum of $500 for buying a treadmill.

You can find running machines cheaper than this, but it's bound to be constructed of flimsy materials, and lacking useful features. As with everything else, you get what you pay for.

4) Study consumer reviews.

Thanks to the Internet, there is literally no shortage of treadmill reviews. Look especially for reviews from people who've actually used the equipment.

To really save yourself some headache, take note of user experiences about customer service from the manufacturer, and how often repairs are needed.

5) Take the machine for a test drive.

First-hand experience is the best way to evaluate a piece of exercise equipment. Visit your local sporting goods store or specialty fitness equipment shop and try out the machines that interest you.

Have a list of questions to ask the salesperson, but don't let them force you into an immediate purchase. At this stage, you are still gathering information.

6) Confirm necessary features and warranty.

After you've studied consumer reviews and done a test run, pull together your list of must-have features and specification.

I recommend a continuous duty motor of at least 2HP, safety features such as a magnetic key, a two-ply belt, an LCD display that gives you elapsed time, distance traveled, speed, and calories burned, a heart rate monitor or handgrip sensors, slots for water bottles, and an adjustable incline.

A note about the warranty: it should be comprehensive, because if your machine breaks, dealing with repairs can be a headache. Look for a warranty that offers lifetime coverage on the frame, three years on the motor, and at least one year of in-home labor.

7) When you're ready to purchase, buy online.

Purchasing a treadmill on the Internet, direct from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer, can save you hundreds of dollars off the list price. You can usually find deals that include free shipping, and at the time of this writing, you will probably be able to avoid paying sales tax on the purchase, too.

Summary

In closing, be prepared to spend a good amount of time conducting research into buying a treadmill. It's a serious investment, both financially, and personally. A quality machine, suited to your needs and goals, will be well worth the investment for many years to come.

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