Treadmill Buying Guide

Exercise and diet are two variables to the health equation. As more and more people are wanting to get fit, they are also wanting more convenient access to these variables. With winter months looming over motivation and comfort, a great component to add to your fitness repertoire is a treadmill at home. We all know that one of the hardest things about working out can be actually getting to the gym. So, bring the gym to you by investing in a quality treadmill to use in the comfort of your own home. Treadmill industries market towards this audience and have made their machines smarter and in tune with user needs. But, how do you know which treadmill is right for you? With so many types of models out there and prices ranging from $500 to nearly $10,000, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. This guide will help you determine what best fits your needs and hopefully narrow down your choice for the perfect machine.

Purpose

First, figure out your wanting to get a treadmill. Is it for general health, or do you want to train for something specific? Knowing the answer to this will help steer you in the right direction of the right machine. Maybe you want to attain a goal of getting at least 10,000 of the recommended steps daily in, or perhaps you want to log 3 miles of running a day. Either way, the right treadmill can help you accomplish this goal. Also, keep a budget in mind. Different purposes will yield different prices so don't break the bank merely for the "next big thing".

Try It Out First

Do not, I repeat, do not buy a treadmill you haven't tried out for yourself yet! Going off other consumers' reviews of the product may give you a small glimpse into the machine's features, but it will not determine if it will work best for you. Every person is unique with a variety of factors affecting their fitness programs. That is why one person's weight loss goals and regimen are entirely opposite to someone else's. This is especially specific to those who want a treadmill for walking and those who would utilize it for running. Treadmill lengths are built for those purposes. A walker's treadmill stride would need at least 50 inches while a runner needs 60 inches. Configuring this need will best guide you in choosing the perfect fit.

Storage Wants

It is also important to keep in mind that when you are not using the treadmill, you'll want to be able to store it away in the most conducive way for your home. Do you want a lightweight that is easy to maneuver from room to room? Or, do you care more about it being able to fold up in the same space? Either way, they make a treadmill to meet those needs. However, the lighter the treadmill is, the less sturdy it might end up being, overall. For the former, the heavier it is, the less programming it might have due to all the space taken up for the larger machines. Again, try out a few to see which one you can see yourself using and also when not using, so to speak.

Features Are Important

There isn't a lot of complication behind running. However, there can be complications when choosing the right programs for your treadmill. Think about when you buy a new car. It is loaded with options that you can totally use and with those you would never even touch. So, if you can, opt to buy a treadmill that has a majority of programs you see yourself utilizing. You don't want to end up paying for features that aren't beneficial to you at all. You may want a treadmill that has automatic adjustments for inclination. Or, maybe you just want something that can speed up quickly. For me, I like something that can connect to my mp3 player via bluetooth. I've even seen machines with built in fans to help you cool off as you run. Pick your non-negotiables and that will help you find the right one.

You have a lot of options out there. But, this is only more reason to do your homework. Head to the nearest sports store and test out a few. Treadmills can be a pricey investment. Yet, the rewards will be endless once you find the one that meets your needs. From different programs to stride lengths, there is a treadmill out there for anyone looking to add a little extra miles to their workout routines.

Writer's Bio:

Jane Grates

Jane is a bookworm who loves to travel and run. She frequently visits popular running destinations together with her husband. When she is not busy travelling and preparing for races, she manages her websites, Nicershoes, Runnerclick, That Sweet Gift and GearWeAre.

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