Buying a Cheap Treadmills - What to Expect!
The market is flooded with cheap treadmills. There in all the mass merchant store like WalMart, Target and K-Mart. They appeal to a growing population of overweight people looking to burn calories and get back in shape. Unfortunately, most do not realize the limiations of these inexpensive machines. Read more…
Best Buy Treadmills
When looking for the “Best Buy” for a treadmill, you want to consider a number of factors. They include:
- The Quality of the Treadmill
- How it Accommodates Your Fitness Goals
- The Warranty Coverage
- The Customer Service Reputation of the Company
Buying a Used Treadmill - What You Need to Know!
A treadmill can be an expensive and sometimes risky investment. It can be risky when you are not certain it won’t end up as an expensive clothes hanger. That is why buying a used treadmill and saving some money may be appealing. However, it could cost you more down the road.
Walking vs. Running Treadmills
Most budget treadmills (sub $1,000 price) are not equipped to handle the rigors of running or jogging. Both activities are abusive to treadmills. When you run, the impact is equivalent to approximately 2.5x your body weight. Consider the constant pounding that a treadmill must absorb?
In addition, the treadmill is running at a considerable faster speed in comparison to walking. These are considerations when buying a treadmill for running or jogging.
- The motor - I would recommend you get a model with at least 2.5 continuous duty horsepower. That is the HP where the treadmill runs comfortably, not the peak HP. For runners, you are better off with a 3.0 HP motor. The goal is to have a motor that does not strain when running at higher speeds.
- The deck - Get a treadmill with a 1″ deck, especially if you are a bit over weight. You want a deck that can handle the constant impact.
- The treadbelt- You want a machine with a quality treadbelt that will not stretch excessively from high speeds.
- Deck length - When you run or jog you need a longer deck. For people of average height a 54″ or 55″ deck is adequate. If you are tall, and/or a sprinter consider a 60″ deck.
- Large rollers - A model with 2.5″ or larger rollers is suggested. Larger rollers are better for extending the life of many of the components.
I would recommend you spend a minimum of $1,000 if you plan on moderate jogging. If you are a runner you want to price models in the $1,500 - $2,000 price range. It is better to get a treadmill specifically designed for jogging or running. You less likely to “run” down your treadmill.
Recommended treadmills for jogging - Sole F80, Smooth 6.25, New Balance 1400
Recommended treadmills for running - Sole F85, Smooth 9.25HR, PaceMaster Silver
User Weight Limits on Treadmills - The Facts!
When it comes to user weight limits on treadmills, most companies fudge the numbers. It is a common practice. Unfortunately, it leads to service issues down the road.
I received a review from a customer who bought an Icon Fitness treadmill. He weighed 400 lbs., which was the listed user weight limit. After breaking 3 decks, they suggested he should upgrade to a model with a thicker deck.
Wrong answer! They should have never listed this model at 400 lbs. In fact, if you are over 250 lbs, shy away from treadmills under $800.
In most cases you are going to want to subtract about 50 lbs. from the recommended weight limit. If you are excessively overweight, consider a treadmill with at least a 3.0 hp motor and a 1″ deck.
Make sure it has a good warranty. If not, consider getting an extended warranty.
You want to focus on losing weight, not servicing your treadmill. Get a model realistically built to handle your weight.
Treadmill Reviews and Ratings
Welcome to the Treadmill Ratings and Review blog. If you are in the market for a treadmill, I want to assist you in getting the best value. I also want to make sure you get a machine that helps you achieve your fitness goals.
Some are cheaply built, while others are commercial grade. Some are designed solely for walking, while other can handle marathon runners.
How do you determine the best treadmill for your needs? You consider your fitness levels, and look at the models that best fit those levels. For example, you want to factor whether you will use the machine for walking, jogging or running. Then you need to consider the weight of the user, and the number of users.
From there you consider which options are most important – heart rate control, sound system, installed programs, fans, etc.
In addition, you need to look at the extent of the warranty, the company reputation and their customer service.
If you do your homework, you’ll end up with a machine that is built to withstand your desired usage.
I worked in the fitness equipment industry for over 10 years. In fact, I marketed treadmills. Therefore, I know how to distinguish the hype from the facts.
Stay tune as we cover all sorts of information designed to make you an educated treadmill consumer.