Electric Treadmill | What to Look for in an Electric Treamill

What to Look for in an Electric Treamill

Now that you have decided on an electric treadmill as your preferred exercise equipment, it’s time to get serious and search for the right machine. We have listed some of the basic criteria you should look for in a quality treadmill below.

Foot Print/Flexibility

The first consideration should be the size of the machine and convenience features related to storage of the machine. Obviously you have a particular place in your home in mind for the location. Make sure to measure the space you intend to use and leave enough extra space for people to move around the unit. Don’t do things backwards and buy a machine by visual estimation only to get home and find out it doesn’t fit or is too cramped for your space. If you are limited on space, there are units with smaller foot prints and also some that will fold up when not in use.

Frame

A high quality frame will save you maintenance down the road. Welded vs bolted is sturdier in general but the quality of metal also makes a difference. Aluminum frames are more light and easier to move around if need be. A high grade steel will also be very strong and should last longer.

Motor

You want to find out if the motor is rated for “Continuous Duty”. This means it was designed for continuous use and it should last a long time. Horsepower is also something to consider. Talk to your professional sales person to insure the horsepower is sufficient for the weight of the heaviest person who will use the machine.

Running Deck

A unit with a low impact running surface is preferable. The lower the impact the less strain on your joints. Quality decks will have large rollers. The larger the roller, the longer they will last. The running deck should be thick and made of multiple ply material.

Program Features

Though it’s OK to get as many program features as you can, it shouldn’t be your main criteria. There are many different features available but concentrate on the quality of construction of the machine itself and then get the best features you can find second. It is important to have some sort of shut off feature in case of an accident. The best of these are auto shut offs activated by wrist straps connected to the runner. With these the machine will stop running even if the runner passes out and is unable to activate the controls themselves.  There should be at least an emergency stop switch or button and the more visible and apparent it is the better. (i.e.  big red button :) )

Where to buy?

Treadmills are a dime a dozen. You can find cheap treadmills almost anywhere. Big box stores, department stores, electronic stores, sporting goods stores, etc……. We recommend you purchase your unit from a reputable store that deals with quality machines.  Do your research on line by visiting some of the advertising sponsors on this page and look for the features we have recommended. Whether you ultimately buy on line or at a local specialty store, you can do all of the research from the comfort of your home on the Internet. Best wishes on your search and we hope we have given you some additional ammunition to help find the right machine. Check back with us often for more informative articles on how to choose a treadmill for sale.

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