What To Consider When Buying Treadmills



Posted: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

by Annie Deakin
Annie Deakin

Our health is very important. Many people lead such busy lives that they feel they have no time for a workout regime or they feel that they do not want to go outdoors when the weather is bad. The solution is to buy a treadmill. These are a great way to develop a better health level and can easily be used in any home. Treadmills have been designed to be functional, simple to use, and can provide excellent benefits. Before buying such a piece of equipment it is important to understand how the various models can differ and what you should be looking for.

1. Motor: The motor is the engine of the treadmill. It is vital to check whether a model has a motor that is described as 'Continuous Duty'. Also, its rating should not be lower than 2. 5 otherwise it can wear out very quickly. A large motor will not break down but it may not be as cost effective as it will use a lot of power.

2. Rollers and Belt: A motor will be attached to the rollers and belt. A large roller and long belt will give you a better experience. They will also be able to withstand a greater weight and will have a longer life span.

3. Warranty: if you are going to invest in a treadmill you should use it for many years. Because of this it makes good sense to buy a model that comes with a long warranty of up to five years. If the manufacturer has faith in their product then such a warranty should be given. If you have been thinking about getting hold of a used model then it is even more important that it is covered by a warranty.

4. Weight and Stability: If you do not plan to keep on shifting your treadmill from room to room then you should look for a heavier model as these are likely to be more stable and durable. You do not want the treadmill to be rocking when you are using it. You should check that the tread and the deck are made of a substance that will not wear out in just a few months; preferably choose one that has a reversible deck.

5. Programs: To have the maximum health benefits a treadmill should have a number of different programs. The majority of people will not use more than 10 so there is no need to get hold of a treadmill that has 15 or 20 different programs.

6. Speed and Incline: The speed is important. Most people will not jog or run faster than 10 MPH so this should be the maximum limit that you look for. The incline is important as it can be a useful way to increase the stress you put the body under; a 10 degree incline is more than adequate.

7. Shock Absorption: When using a treadmill you don't want to cause any damage to the joints in your legs. For this reason you should check to see if the deck has the right firmness - not too solid and nor too bouncy.

8. Heart rate Monitor: To understand the progress of your exercise regime it is useful to be able to monitor your heart rate. Most treadmills will come with such a device. They can be either attached to the body through wires or now there are also wireless options.

Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is bookcase, kitchen sale , bed sale

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