Treadmills are the most popular forms of exercise equipment when measured in sales. And those statistics are justified in that many people know the simplest; most natural way to get a workout is by running. Given that many of us today do not live in environments ideal for running, we will buy treadmills.

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.

To help people measure their progress, most treadmills offer a calorie counter. The only problem is that many have been reported to be overly optimistic so it works as a guide but never as a rule.

The most important thing, your insurance against any problems is the warranty. Look for manufacturer warranties that will back up their treadmills for a decent length of time. It’s not uncommon to find a treadmill with a warranty for 10 years on the motor, 3 years for parts replacement, and 1 year in servicing the machine.

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