A buyers guide to Treadmills

Home treadmills have become increasingly popular in recent years as people realise the importance of fitness and the convienience of keeping fit at home. There are many reasons to buy a treadmill it’s convenient, quick and doesn’t expose you to the hazards outdoors such as traffic fumes, inclement weather, vehicles and other hazards. Treadmills also burn off more kilojoules than other exercise equipment. But treadmills ain’t treadmills, and the wide variety of qualities and features available means that it is important to choose carefully for your comfort and safety while training. What to look for in a treadmill Choosing the right treadmill is important because your fitness and enjoyment depend upon it.

The treadmill you choose needs to be easy to use, have the features that you need for your workout regimen, and be safe. If you are a complete novice at the whole workout thing, it is best to hire a good personal trainer for a few sessions to set you up with a routine that will meet your needs and suit your current level of fitness. This person can advise you on the equipment you need, and on what brands of treadmill are the best to consider. Your individual training needs should take into account any injuries or physical weaknesses that you have, and the treadmill you choose will reflect that (for instance an incline might be great if you need to build up muscle, but not appropriate if you have a knee problem).

Key features of treadmills

When ready to choose your treadmill, investigate these features;

1. Look for a strong motor – one with a continuous duty (not peak performance) rating of at least 1.5 horsepower.
2. Excessive softness means there is too much cushioning, which is not great for your joints
3. Too little cushioning is also hard on your body. Try out several and choose one that suits you
4. The deck, the area that the belt runs over, should be of good quality and treated with a belt lubricant. It should also be wide enough for comfort and safety
5. Choose a treadmill with rollers of at least 2 inches, and a belt that is doubly ply for longevity.
6. The belt should lie completely flat on the deck, and should be longer than your longest stride, and at least 35 – 40cms wide
7. The frame should be steel rather than aluminium, as the latter simply won’t stand up to as much use as steel
8. Incline feature, as this is very handy for fitness and conditioning.
9. Variable speed, and this should be easy to control
10. If you have small children, ensure that the treadmill has appropriate safety features and is key lockable

Treadmills are not cheap, but a good one will stand you in excellent stead for many years. Take the time to choose the right one to ensure continued motivation and safety for exercising. The decision to buy a treadmill to help you get fit at home is likely to help you improve and maintain your fitness and so is a wise one. Ensuring that you buy quality equipment that is safe, comfortable to use and lasts is vital, as is getting fitness advice to make sure that you use it properly. Choose one with a solid frame, features that you like and a sufficiently powerful motor for maximum use and longevity.

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