Getting a workout at home is the only choice for busy people. Gyms are expensive and a chunk of time must be dedicated to be a regular while foregoing exercise because of lack of time is just not acceptable. Treadmills can bridge the gap by being installable at home and ready and waiting whenever needed.
Moving out of the bad reputation it had in the 19th century, where it was used as a form of punishment for prisoners, treadmills have become handy, compact machines capable of varying in speed to enable running or walking. In fact, they're so popular that even offices have them, whether as standard treadmills or treadmill desks (a combination of a regular treadmill and a workstation).
They may look the same but treadmills are built differently. Some have added features like a range of controls, some with more horsepower and others with an incline for rigorous workouts. Shoppers should decide how much exercise they want out of a treadmill and whether it can fit their budgets.
Control options: Control options vary depending on model. Some are designed for brisk walking, others for running and more give greater control so that you can program them to enable anything from speeds of half a mile an hour to several. For a higher price, you can also get one with a heart rate monitor, important if you're new to exercise and don't know how much you need to safely work out. A notch higher and you can connect to fitness websites and follow exercise regimens.
Models: Models range from residential to light commercial to full commercial. The first two are suitable for home use. Expect to pay around $1,000 for a residential unit and $2,000 or more for a light commercial model. The second choice is perfect if you have a small gym at home and an expandable budget. Light commercial varieties are also perfect for moderate intensity use. However, small spaces may not have the room to house them so opting for a residential model or better yet, one that's foldable, is a good idea.
Used or new? Base model treadmills may still be expensive if you have an extremely tight budget. In this case, a used model will serve its purpose just as well as long as it's fully functioning and hasn't reported any problems. Refurbished treadmills are serviced by companies and tweaks performed by them. Once completed, they sell them at much lower rates (around $3,000 compared to brand new units of $7,000) with no mechanical problems.
Drive system, stability, cushioning, belt size: Look for a drive system that uses a couple or more motors. This increases power and allows higher speeds without wearing out the machine. A horsepower of 2 or 2.5 is sufficient for frequent use.
Stability matters especially when cranking up speed. Treadmills that shake when walking or running are dangerous. Cushioning is another factor. Quality equipment contains cushions with good shock absorbers. The bed doesn't shift when in use. As for belt size, you'll have to try several machines as different sizes are available. Larger belts require more power to operate.
Noise: Noisy treadmills can be a sign of poor engineering and construction. Some noise is expected but no clanking, creaking or squeaky sounds. To ensure that the purchase is of a good make, find out what the construction is as some models contain foam to muffle sounds, not necessarily indicative of good build.
Treadmills are the most popular home exercise machines and it is
the most important purchase fitness trainers, runners or joggers can
make. Fitequip4less offers treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowers, steppers, gyms, aerobic equipment and more. Visit their website for additional details.
