3 Great Tips For Buying The Most Suitable Treadmill

 

In the highly competitive world of fitness, there are new machines that present themselves every week. Usually labeled as a “wonder machine” that will get you fit in “under a month”, they are more often than not exercise fads that soon disappear. One exercise machine that has been with us for decades is the tread mill; this is because it has been proven to be good at what it is supposed to do. Millions of people have become fit, or kept fit, using one. The reason for their success has probably been because of the developments they have been through. There are many different ones to choose from, and they can have a multitude of functions and gadgets. Here are a few tips on choosing a tread mill, which consider the mechanics of a treadmill rather than the features.

 

Manual or Motor

Though the manual version of a treadmill is undoubtedly less expensive, they are also difficult for you to start moving when you want to run, and you cannot usually adjust them if they are moving. A motorized treadmill will generally be fully automatic, and constructed to a higher quality. If you can afford it, buy a motorized treadmill.

Space

Some of the treadmills you can buy are nothing short of gigantic, and you will need to make sure that they will fit where you want to use them. Trying to gauge this by eye is not a good idea, as they are usually situated in big showrooms that will only deceive you about their size. Measure the space that your treadmill will be used in, as well as any doors it will have to fit through, and make sure it will fit. Unless you have a dedicated fitness room you should definitely consider a folding treadmill, and therefore will need to think about storage space.

Size

This is your size, not the size of the treadmill. You will need to think about your size and weight when deciding on which treadmill to buy, as it will affect a lot of things. Some treadmills are shorter in construction, and are not suitable for people with a longer stride. Also, if you like to use a hand rail, you will need to ensure the one on your prospective purchase is adjustable to a comfortable height. The best advice is to try the treadmill in the shop and make sure that you will be comfortable when using it. Try it at different speeds and inclines, to guarantee that it will not limit your stride. If you are heavy, you will also need to take advice about the motor of the treadmill, as a lower horsepower motor may not be able to withstand the constant use of a heavy user. A motor of 3hp or above should be okay for most heavy users, but they are more expensive.

There are many things to think about when buying a treadmill, but these three tips should help in your purchase. The treadmill you buy should now be able to fit in your home, and be suitable for use. All you need to do now is decide on its features.

This post is contributed by Nancy Baker, a freelance blogger who writes for Horizon Fitness, manufacturers and suppliers of Horizon cross trainers. She loves to go trekking in her spare time. You can also follow her on Twitter @Nancy Baker.

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