If you have made the decision to acquire a treadmill, there are certain facts that you need to be acquainted with so as to purchase a machine that meets your standards. The National Sporting Goods Association states that treadmills are the number one aerobic machine in the past three years. There is no shortage of varieties of treadmills that are in the market, with price ranges from $350 to $5000. You will discover that the cost of a treadmill is in direct proportion to its quality.
Before going out to purchase a treadmill, it is important that you measure the space where you will place it. On average, a treadmill measures 64 inches in length and 28 inches in width. Some are foldable thereby making their storage easier. In a fitness store, there are staff who are knowledgeable about the variety of machines in the market from which you will base your choice from. As you visit these fitness stores, you should wear exercise shoes which you will be using on your treadmill.
The following are the factors that you should consider when you go out to purchase a treadmill.
It will be important to consider the treadmill’s motor size. The capacity of the motor is usually measured in horsepower units and it indicates the performance of the treadmill. Various manufacturers measure treadmill horsepower in terms of continuous duty while others measure it in terms of peak duty. The minimum should be 2.0 continuous duty horsepower units catering for users who weigh 180 pounds and above.
The next thing to consider is the treadmill’s deck and belt. A two-ply belt, seventeen inches wide and forty nine inches long should suffice. Thickness of the belt should at least be an inch.
The cushion for a person’s legs, joints, feet and back in a treadmill is the deck. A good tread mill will feature a low-impact deck that adjusts under a person’s foot. This feature is crucial for people with back and foot problems.
Another feature to be on the lookout for is the programming of the treadmill. An economy priced tread mill usually features basic programming for distance, time, calories and speed with the price increasing according to the quality and number of preset programs. It is important to acquire a machine that has a heart-rate control program which takes into account the users weight and age, and varies the intensity of the work out in order to achieve a high calorie consumption rate.
Finally, check whether the treadmill has a warranty. Various manufacturers offer warranties for defects but not for the usual wear and tear. However, if a user weighs more than the manufacturer’s specified weight limits the warranty is rendered null and void. The machine usually comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame. Warranty on other components of the machine can range from ninety days to four years, which depends on the quality of the machine. A one year maintenance contract with option to renew maybe available at the time of purchase. It is important to determine what you want from a treadmill before you make a purchase, because the product will be around for a long time.
