Treadmill buying guide is great way to start your treadmill research, buying treadmill can be very confusing and costly. Knowing what type of treadmill is best suited for your workout is very important; this type of research is being done by fitness professionals minimizing your research.

What Do You Need to Know Prior to Buying a Treadmill?

•    Do you want to walk, run, jog, or increase your stamina?  Do you want to include hill climbing in your fitness routine?  Determine your goals and how a treadmill will help you meet those goals.

•    Do research!  Always look at the reviews of those who own the treadmills you are considering.

•    How much can you or are you willing to spend on a treadmill?  Although treadmills are priced to fit just about any budget, the less expensive ones may not meet your fitness needs.  

•    Take measurements.  You'll want enough room to comfortably move your arms while exercising on the treadmill.  If space is an issue, you may want to consider a treadmill that folds up when it isn't in use.

•    Every treadmill has a maximum weight limit.  If the person who will be using the machine is 300 pounds, look for one that can handle more than that.

•    Is the console user friendly and easy to see at a glance?  

•    Is the belt long enough for you to walk or run comfortably?

•    Go to a fitness store or department store and try out the treadmills in which you are interested.  Give them a test run…or walk…you get the idea.

What type of workout you desire? Walking, jogging or running?
Treadmills are designed for different workout intensity level, some treadmills are only for walking, jogging or running and some treadmills are for all types of workout. The more featured programs the treadmill has and its motor power the more expensive it is.

For someone who will use a treadmill strictly for walking, a 2.0HP motor would likely serve your purpose.  However, if you plan to run or jog on your treadmill, you need to consider the peak horsepower of the motor and the continuous duty of the motor.  The peak horsepower is the maximum HP of that motor.  

The continuous duty of the motor is the power that the motor consistently produces.  If you are a runner, a motor with 2.5 or 2.75 peak HP is a good place to start, but make sure to check out the continuous duty level as well.

Some treadmills offer additional cushioning in their decks to ease the stress produced on the joints when running or jogging.  The best way to test this is to wear the shoes you will be wearing to run or jog and test the treadmill at the store.  The deck should feel firm and stable, yet forgiving when you run, jog or walk quickly.  

The cost difference between a treadmill for someone who walks and someone who runs can be significant, depending on the motor's horsepower and the durability and quality of the machine.  Prices can range anywhere from $600 for a basic treadmill, and up to $5,000 for a commercial quality treadmill.

Does the Price Range Determine the Quality?
The quality of a treadmill can sometimes be determined by the price.  However, a mid-range treadmill may not be the best quality, but boast tons of neat features in order to make it more attractive to the consumer.  In a nutshell, consider the features, the quality, and the strength of the motor when making a decision on which treadmill to purchase.

Does the Warranty Matter?
Yes!  The warranty on the treadmill speaks loudly of its quality.  The best warranty will offer at least 1 year for service, 2 years for parts, and a 5-year motor warranty.  A short warranty suggests that the machine is not designed for long-term use.  An extended warranty says that the treadmill is durable and built to last.