For example, he may only use his treadmill 3 times a week for light walking - so he could get away with buying a $699 special.
But maybe you have a family of 4 who'll be using the treadmill almost every day. Or maybe you'll be running frequently on your machine - so you're going to need something stronger with high quality cushioning to protect your joints. If you bought that same $699 special, you'd be tossing it in the trash within 3 months.
Solution? Take your friend's opinion into consideration - but do your own research before buying. And choose something that fits your specific fitness needs.
#2 Buying Used
While you can sometimes get a great deal on a used treadmill, there are several hazards with buying used.
First of all, you don't know why the buyer is selling. What they tell you isn't always accurate. They could be selling because they spilled juice on it last week and now the console is flashing or completely burned out.
And you don't know how much they've actually used the machine before you get it. It could be on its last legs and about to sputter and die. So you think you're getting a deal, but when you get it home and it dies on you a week later - you've pretty much lost your money.
Plus what most people don't realize is that manufacturers will not honor the warranty on a second buyer. So even if the seller tells you 'Don't worry, it's still under warranty' - that only applies to them. It doesn't apply to you.
So when buying used, realize that you have absolutely no warranty protection. And treadmill repairmen can be very expensive. You could end up paying more for a used treadmill than if you'd bought new.
Solution? Shop around. You can find some excellent deals on new treadmills. That way you have warranty protection - and you know exactly what you're getting - a brand new machine. Or if you do decide to buy used at least you know the risk that you're taking and won't get surprised if something goes wrong.
#3 Getting Taken In By the 'Goodies'
The good news is that treadmills are getting better every year. You have more options and stronger machines as manufacturers get more and more competitive.
However don't fall for the trick of getting taken in by the 'Goodies'. These are the flashy features that some cheap treadmills offer to fool you into buying - when they aren't giving you a very well-built machine.
iPod docks, flashy exercise programs and cool little workout toys are fun and there are even some very strong treadmills that offer these features. But there are also some cheaper models that offer them too. And the manufacturer is betting that you'll get all excited about the toys - and forget to look at the essentials that make up a good treadmill.
Solution? Enjoy the toys - but make sure the treadmill is well made with all the basic essentials first. Look for strong, well-built motors, long warranties, quality cushioning and solid decks.
So those are 3 mistakes to avoid when you buy a treadmill. The good news for you is that there are a lot of great machines on the market.
As I said above, manufacturers are getting more and more competitive - so they are making better machines. Some of the new 2011 machines I've seen offer more than ever before in terms of construction quality and fitness tracking tools.
So if you do a bit of research it's not hard to find your best treadmill. Just remember to take your time, consider your workout needs first and buy a treadmill that gets you excited about using it.
Want to review the best 2011 treadmill buys? Visit our Best Treadmills page here.
So you want to buy a treadmill for your home? A treadmill is a great way to get in shape, lose weight and build a healthier new you.
There are a lot of options out there - in fact there are more models now than ever before. Unfortunately, many buyers make several mistakes when choosing a machine.
To help you avoid this and find your best treadmill, here are 3 common mistakes people make when buying a treadmill:
#1 Buying On The Advice Of A Friend
While our friends are great for pizza and wings night or commiserating on ex-boyfriends, they aren't always experts on which treadmill to buy.
Just because your buddy loves his new treadmill doesn't mean it's the best buy for you. Everyone has different needs and yours are probably different than his.
