Treadmills outsell any other form of exercise equipment on the market. That’s because running is a workout that everyone knows, and knows is a great way to get that burn.

Those looking into buying a treadmill might notice that there is an abundance of models to choose from. Starting at approximately $700 and up to almost $3500, it is not a small purchase by any means. That is why you will do research before buying. But after you’ve determined what your demands are, there are a few things to look at when you start shopping.

The most important part of the treadmill is the motor. This should be the primary focus of your research. It needs to be durable enough to meet your demands, especially if you intend on using the treadmill heavily. A treadmill that will be used on a regular basis will need a 2.5 CHP motor at a minimum.

The next thing to look at will determine whether you enjoy running on your treadmill. Take a look at the deck. It is the part that you will be pounding on and sits just underneath the belt. Ideally, there should be rubber or polymer cushions under the deck. More shock absorption will make your running easier.

When we look at the basic features of a treadmill, incline is the one that stands out. It simulates running uphill which changes the workout from idle walking to arse kicking. The range of the incline will depend on the treadmill itself but if you are looking for an intense workout the incline feature is a must.

People love numbers as much as they love to know that they are making effort and progress. To measure effort most treadmills come with a heart rate monitor built into the machine. It works by reading your pulse off your hands when you grab the rail in front of you. Of course this isn’t a natural way to run so only do this occasionally to check your heart rate and otherwise let your hands swing naturally as they should.

Some have calorie calculators so you can see the number of calories you’re burning, some people find it encouraging to see their calories burned. Although, I’ve heard some trainer who are versed in these things claim the calorie burned numbers are grossly optimistic to keep the consumers happy.

The most important thing when buying a new treadmill is the warranty. Buy an extension if you must because 90-days is not enough for the potential problems to show itself. Expect something along the lines of 10 years for the motor and 3 years parts replacement and 1 year service. This will save the headache of repair cost if you damage your treadmill or something falls apart too early.

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