Treadmill buyers guide

With so many models on the market, it can be a minefield choosing the right one. You are investing a lot of your hard earned money so it’s vital that you make the right choice. Otherwise it will become the most expensive coat hanger that you will ever own.

Entry level machines will still give you a workout, perhaps not with the bells and whistles of more expensive machines, however you need to make sure they are not compromising on the basics that each treadmill should have.

This simple guide will arm you with all the information you will need to make the correct choice.

Motor size

The motor is the heart of the machine. It is vital that you chose a treadmill with the largest motor size that you can afford.

The motor size is measured in horse power and a recommended treadmill motor size would be at least 2 horsepower. Continuous duty is highly recommended too.

A motor with continuous duty will give its full output at any speed and incline. Continuous duty motors provide and smooth and consistent delivery of power and as such will actually last much longer than standard motors.

Don’t be mislead with over inflated figures of “peak power” as the motor will only ever use this when pushed to the very maximum.

Space

The vast majority of treadmills will have a folding mechanism, allowing you to reclaim some of your floor space when you are not using the machine. Look for treadmills that offer hydraulic assistance to make this process both easier and safer. A locking mechanism further enhances the safety too, which gives peace of mind, especially when there are children around.

Cushioning

Each brand has its own name or patented technology, but it all basically boils down to the fact that a treadmill will give a much more comfortable and cushioned run than running on the road. This makes it ideal for both those who have suffered with injuries and people who want to take care of their joints.

Motivation

If you are happy to be your own boss, a treadmill with just a few built in programmes will be sufficient for your needs. If you crave variety or hate simple workouts then go for a treadmill with plenty of built in workouts. Look for programmes with different targets such as distance or calories, interval and hill programmes. Another solution would be to looks for a model with programmes that the user can customise. This will also ensure that you do not “grow out” of the treadmill as your fitness levels improve.

Heart rate control

Heart rate control allows you to exercise in the most effective and safe way. By wearing a compatible chest belt, the treadmill will adjust the intensity of the workout to keep your heart rate in the correct zone. Whether you are aiming to shed pounds on a weight loss programme or improve your fitness on an aerobic programme, heart rate control is the most efficient way to do it.

Extra Features

As well as just giving a workout, some treadmills have additional features to make your efforts more bearable. A fan can give a welcome blast of air and built in speakers can provide music to either distract or motivate you as you work towards your goals. Look for large or oversized cup holders so that you always have refreshments at hand. Even something as simple as a magazine stand can make all the difference when you are running for hours a week on your machine.

Warranty

Go for a treadmill with the longest warranty possible. The minimum that you should look for is 2 years parts and labour. Often the manufacturer will guarantee the frame and motor for life. Please note that often you will default to a much lower warranty period if you fail to register your product with the manufacturer.

The warranty will also have some clauses regarding the delivery method used. Because of the size and weight of some treadmills, the manufacturer will insist that a two person delivery method is used. If in doubt you can check with your retailer as well as by calling the manufacturers customer care line.

Once you have made your shortlist, do try and give each treadmill as test run so you know exactly how it feels. By choosing the right treadmill you will have the best start on your exercise regime and the machine will be able to keep up with you as your fitness level improves.