How to Buy a Treadmill for Running or Walking

Which treadmill to buy? What to look for in a treadmill? Read on to find out.

With any large purchase or investment, you want to do your research to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck and that it is the best option to best serve your needs. If you're in the market for a treadmill, it's no different. Consider the following before you buy to make sure it is the right treadmill for you.

Treadmill Use

First determine what you will be using the treadmill for. Do your workouts mainly consist of running or walking? Are they long or short? If you generally run and work out for longer periods of time, you'll want a treadmill that has high stability and cushioning to protect your joints. In addition, you'll want something with motor of 2-3 HP with a strong frame so the machine will last.

If you're a walker, you may not need to pay out top dollar for your treadmill. You'll want something just as stable but don't necessarily need all the power.

Also consider who else will be using the treadmill. If you're not the only one in the house that will be using it, consider how they will plan on using it. If your workout consists of short distances but your spouse wants to use it to train for a marathon, it'll change the type of treadmill you should buy.

If you're unsure, it's always a good rule of thumb to go with a sturdier more powerful model.

Frequency of Treadmill Use

Determining how often you will use your treadmill can also help you in choosing the right treadmill for you. If you're planning on using 3-5 times a week all year round, you're going to want a sturdy, powerful treadmill with a good warranty. If you're getting a treadmill to continue running during winter months, you may not need something with quite as long of a warranty.

Treadmill Features

Treadmills can be pretty basic, or they can come with all the bells and whistles. The first thing I would suggest, is work out a few times on a treadmill as you're shopping around. By shopping around, you will be aware of the features that are offered so when you work out you can decide if that is something you would use or not. For example, if you want to track your calories burned, get one that has a calories burned display and heart rate monitor. If you're someone who becomes bored in a workout, check out some treadmills that have built in training programs. For those of you without a lot of space or who are buying a treadmill for winter running, consider a foldable treadmill.

Whichever treadmill you decide to get, make sure you've done your research to ensure it is the best treadmill for you. Treadmill reviews are a great way to get an idea of how a certain machine will perform and can really give you some good insight. Shop around, consider your options, try it out and you'll be happy with your purchase.

This post was written on behalf of Treadmill Review by Elsie Benson. Elsie enjoys helping others achieve their personal fitness goals through her writing.

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