Introduction


Treadmills are a great exercise tool to have in the home, particularly if you work an unusual schedule or live in a climate that prevents you from getting outside on a regular basis. Treadmills are great for walking, jogging, running and even hiking (some now have inclines of up to 40%), and are favoured by people trying to improve their cardiovascular and aerobic fitness levels. Because many treadmills can be programmed to simulate outdoor tracks (with hills and running and walking patches) and use technology that reduces wear and tear on muscles, doctors and fitness instructors recommend the machines for people trying to lose weight or improve muscle tone. Increasingly treadmills are also coming with heart rate monitors, or can at least receive heart-rate data from third-party devices (chest bands and monitors that can be plugged in to the treadmill, for instance), making them an ideal tool for maintaining the fitness of people with heart problems. For many people, however, the most appealing factor regarding treadmills is that they can be used in the privacy of the home. People self-conscious about their weight or appearance are often dissuaded from attending the gym out of embarrassment; home treadmills provide a straight-forward solution in that they can be used without anyone else having to see.

Budget
Treadmills are generally a sizeable investment, and it is commonly accepted that the more you spend the higher the quality of the machine. Unfortunately, spending a few thousand pounds on a treadmill isn’t going to be a feasible option for everyone, so it is important to know which features you can save money on and which you absolutely must invest in. As with any piece of machinery, if you spend money on sturdiness and smart design your treadmill will be more likely to last.

What to look out for
The motor, frame and deck are really the most important elements of the treadmill – if any of the three were to fail, the machine would need costly repairs or even replacement. If the treadmill is electric-powered, as most of the medium to high range machines are, then it is vital to check that the motor has at least 1.5 continuous duty horse power. Don’t be tricked by machines that advertise a ‘peak’ horse power rating, as this is usually a phrase manufacturers use to make the treadmill motor look more powerful than it actually is. Also look for a motor that has high torque at low revolutions, as some treadmill motor designs are unable to cope with continuous slow speeds (as would occur if you were using the machine for walking). Equally as important as the motor is the frame – without a strong, sturdy structure the whole machine could fall apart or become dangerous. Look for either steel or aluminium, remembering that if you are using the machine in a humid climate you will also want to be careful of rust. Also aim for welded frames rather than bolted, as they are less likely to come loose with continuous use. Likewise, aim for a sturdy deck (the part of the machine which you run on). Many designs now include shock absorbers or cushioning to prevent damage not only to the person using the machine (foot-fall can lead to muscle and joint strain) but to the machine itself. Check that the deck isn’t made out of particle board or cheap plastic, as this can fail relatively easily.

Other things to consider
Aside from the three main elements mentioned above, there are other features of the treadmill which should be tested prior to purchase. The belt, for instance, should run smoothly when in use regardless of the speed or whether you are walking or running. If the treadmill is well designed it will usually include a microprocessor which senses foot-fall on the belt and will regulate the speed to avoid jerkiness or slacking. The rollers which move the belt should be sturdy and solid, allowing the belt to move over the roller’s entire surface (this minimizes friction and thus the amount of wear on the belt, thereby reducing the possibility of having to replace the belt more than is absolutely necessary). It is also a good idea to check the length of your stride when walking and running so that you can ensure the treadmill you buy is long enough for your needs (you don’t want to find yourself falling off the back of the belt!).

Keeping the cost down
If you are looking for an affordable treadmill, perhaps the easiest way to cut back on the overall cost is to sacrifice the computer control panel features which make the more expensive treadmills so attractive. Control panels usually come in either LCD or LED displays, with LED tending to be more costly. Control panels may be programmable and may have savable user settings, but again, these models tend to be more expensive. Heart rate monitoring, distance and time programming and a large inclination range are other features which, if avoided, may lower the cost of your treadmill. For the truly budget minded, it may even be worth considering a manual treadmill – one that is powered by the movement of your feet on the belt rather than being moved automatically by a motor. These treadmills can cost as little as a few hundred pounds.

Warranty
Regardless of the amount of money you spend on your treadmill, it is absolutely crucial that you purchase a model that comes with a suitable warranty. Try to find a brand or company that gives a lifetime warranty on the frame, as well as two or more years on the motor, computer and moving parts. Look out for warranties that do not offer home-repairs – many will have a ‘return to base’ clause that requires you to pay for the shipping of the treadmill or it’s parts. Finally, aim to purchase a brand that is well-known – this means that you are likely to have your warranty upheld regardless of the ongoing status of the retailer you purchased the treadmill from.