"What do I look for when buying a treadmill?" is the #1 question people ask when looking at treadmills.
This guide will tell you EXACTLY what you need to know before you buy a treadmil so that you can get the most for your money.
#1) Treadmill Motor
The treadmil motor is one of the most important elements of the treadmill because, firstly, it powers the treadmill, and secondly, it is the most costly treadmill item to fix.
You need to have a treadmill with sufficient motor power or else you'll quickly burn the motor out (and start paying through the nose to fix it).
Motor power is measured by Horsepower (or HP for short). Most treadmills range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP.
There are 2 different motor power ratings when looking at treadmills:
1) The first is called Continuous Duty power (or CD HP for short). This is the power at which the treadmil can continually, steadily operate for 24 hours without slowing down.
2) The second power rating is called Peak Duty. This is the highest power at which the treadmill can operate (but it cannot sustain this for long periods of time).
The Continuous Duty power rating is a more accurate measure of motor power and it's the rating you need to consider when comparing treadmills.
Remember that the more strenuously you plan to use the treadmill, the more power you're going to need. So if you're planning on using the treadmil consistently or for long periods of time make sure you get at least a 2.0 HP motor (but the higher the better!)
The motor power of a treadmill is usually tied to the price of the treadmill (which is why the cheap $500 department store treadmills usually only come with a 1.5 HP motor)
However you can get some great deals on higher powered treadmills for economy prices if you look around (for example the Smooth 5.25 Treadmill offers a powerful 2.5 HP motor for only $999).
#2) Treadmill Warranty
The manufacturer's warranty is extremely important because a good warranty protects your investment. Treadmill manufacturers offer warranties that cover different treadmill parts for varying lengths of time
For example, a quality warranty will cover the frame for at least 5 years, the motor for at least 2 years and other parts and labor for at least 1 year.
(This is the bare minimum. Remember: you can usually get a good idea of the quality of parts used in the treadmill by the length of the warranty.)
An example of an excellent warranty is the one offered on Sole treadmills. They offer a lifetime frame and deck warranty and a 30 year motor warranty (along with different warranties for parts and labor depending on the Sole model).
Considering that the average treadmill lifespan is 10 years, it's nice to know that your treadmill motor is covered for that period of time.
On the other side, many of the cheaper treadmil models (and we're not naming names here!) offer little or no warranties on their treadmills. If it breaks down, you're out the money to fix it or to buy a new treadmill.
#3) Treadmill Belt
The treadmill belt area is your running area.
The minimum width of the belt (just to protect the integrity of the belt itself) is 17", however average widths range from 18" to 20".
The minimum length of the belt is usually around 51". However if you are taller, plan on running, or have longer legs, we'd recommend at least a 56" belt.
Having a good treadmill belt can also improve cushioning, protect your joints and add length to your treadmill life.
#4) Treadmill Frame
Treadmill frames are made out of steel or aluminum (Never Plastic!). Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.
Steel is heavier than aluminum which potentially increases stability however it may also rust or corrode from sweat. Aluminum is more expensive (and so it may be built into the price of the treadmill) but it doesn't rust or corrode.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both but it mainly boils down to a matter of personal choice.
Treadmill frames can be welded or bolted. Welded frames are better in that they provide more stability than bolted frames. However, this shouldn't really be a strong concern because if you are buying a quality name treadmill, chances are high that the frame is welded.
#5) Treadmill Cushioning
Cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Better cushioning means less impact on your joints and ligaments. Many quality treadmills have their own form of cushioning system to protect you.
For example Sole treadmills use Cushion Flex cushioning, shown in a study to reduce impact by 365% compared to running on asphalt. Other treadmills that have rated highly on cushioning are Smooth and Nordic Track.
#6) Treadmill Extras
These are the little goodies like heart rate monitors, built-in workout programs, workout fans, running track displays, etc. While this is largely subjective as to what you prefer to have in a treadmill, there is one note of caution:
Some cheaper treadmils will try to push these extras while glossing over the fact that they don't have the essentials of a quality treadmill: a powerful motor, a good cushioning system, a sufficient motor warranty, etc.
Make sure you look for the treadmill essentials (#1-5 above) FIRST.
Then enjoy the fancy programs and electronics. Too many people get taken in by the sleek treadmill goodies (for a bargain price none-the-less) and then a few months later face a broken machine and a pricey treadmill repair.
#7) Where To Buy
There are 2 places to buy a treadmill:
#1) A treadmill store or department store.
This is an actual brick-and-mortar store where you walk on the treadmill and get information from the treadmill salesperson about the products.
The advantage to this is that you can try out the the treadmill and ask questions of the salesperson.
The disadvantage to buying at an actual store is that you will generally pay more for the treadmill, pay for shipping, may feel pressured by the salesperson, and be limited to a smaller selection of treadmill brands.
#2) Online (direct from the treadmill manufacturer - basically skipping the middleman)
The disadvantage here is that you cannot try out the treadmill.
- expert reviews of their treadmills
- customer reviews of their treadmills
- lots of treadmill details and loads of treadmill pictures
- prevalent contact information
- money back satisfaction guarantees
- website security information
- 'hacker safe' certification, tested daily
They also offer buyers substantial savings on their treadmills.
You'll not only save on the price of the treadmill itself, but you may also save on sales tax and free shipping (which can save you up to $150).
Other advantages to purchasing a treadmill online are that you don't have a salesperson pressuring you to buy, you can take your time and choose from a much larger selection of treadmill brands than you'll find at a brick-and-mortar store.
With online treadmill sales skyrocketing, many people are obviously choosing to purchase online, however in the final analysis, it's your choice
Regardless of what you decide to do, please make sure you consider the main elements of a good treadmill (listed above) before you make your treadmill purchase. It will pay off in the long run in the form of increased health and much more enjoyable workouts!
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