CHOOSING THE BEST HOME TREADMILL FOR YOU Tips for Home Treadmill Shopping
Choosing
your best treadmill is a bit like shopping for a new car -- finding the right
treadmill to suit your needs, while fitting within your budget. With so many
treadmills available, you'll need to do some research to ensure you find the
best treadmill for your needs. Your shopping experience won't be overwhelming
if you carefully consider your choices before making your decision.
Treadmill
Size & Cost
Measure the floor
space where your treadmill will live and limit your search to those that
will fit. There are many fold-up versions available to save space in tight
quarters.
Consider your budget. Treadmills
prices range from $400 for a low end basic model to $3000+ for a loaded
model with all the bells and whistles. You will likely find a good
treadmill to suit your needs for around $1500. The cheaper budget models
are sometimes manual treadmills, which are often less sturdy than
motorized models.
Treadmill
Features to Consider Check
out each treadmill's description to make sure you are pleased with the features
included on the treadmill. You might check out those at your local gym to find
what elements are important to you. Some elements to consider are:
speed and incline
options -- should be easily accessible during your workout
treadbelt length and
width -- consider your stride length when walking
motor size -- look for
at least 1.5 continuous duty HP and one year warranty
noise during exercise
steadiness & sturdiness
heart rate monitor
inbuilt workout
programs
TV monitor or
video/mp3 jack (more on these below)
water bottle holder
book/magazine rack
Treadmill
TV Monitors
Many treadmills
include a built in TV monitor -- great for combating boredom.
If you like to watch TV
or DVD's during treadmill exercise and do not have a TV or computer in
close proximity to your treadmill, you might consider purchasing a free
standing TV screen for your treadmill.Many also include DVD players and are available for about $350. This
is a good option to keep your total treadmill cost down, as those with TV
monitors onboard are more costly. Check out freestanding monitors at www.invulcd.com.
Some treadmills also
include a jack for video, computer or mp3 connectivity -- also great for
beating boredom.
Treadmill
Shopping
You can "test
drive" treadmills at your local sporting goods store to find what you
like and dislike about the different styles of treadmills before
purchasing.The professional sales
people can also be a wealth of information. Ask questions -- that's why
they are there! Try Sports Authority, Dicks Sporting Goods, Dunham Sporting
Goods to name a few. Most of these have online stores, as well.
Check online for a
great selection of treadmills at sites like: SmoothFitness.com,
SoleTreadmills.com, FitnessBlowout.com, NordicTrack.com, ProForm.com,
Amazon.com and Precor.com.
Check sales and
promotions for substantial savings online and in stores.
Consider delivery
options when purchasing your treadmill. Extra charges may occur if you
need the treadmill set up or delivered above the ground level.
Make sure to purchase
a mat for under your treadmill, if it is not included with your treadmill.
This will eliminate vibration on the floor and also save your flooring from
wear.
Treadmill
Reviews Before
making the decision on what treadmill to purchase, read reviews for many
popular treadmills on sites like: treadmillreview.net,
treadmilldoctor.com, consumersearch.com/treadmills, treadmilladvisor.com,
treadmilltalk.com and treadmilltips.com. You'll hear comparisons of treadmills
you are considering and which are the best for the buck. You can also read
about different treadmill features and which ones reviewers feel are great to
have. Reviews are a great source if you do not have the opportunity to
"test drive" the models you are considering.
Tips for Treadmill Walking
Once you've chosen the perfect treadmill, click here to read about tips for a great treadmill walking experience.
Try Scenic Trex DVDs for treadmill walking for a motivating workout -- click here for more info, including video clips.
Copyright 2012 Scenic Trex. All rights reserved. Produced, packaged and printed in USA. Please consult your physician before beginning this or any exercise program.
