With so much emphasis on fitness these days, many people purchase exercise equipment that they can use in their home. One of the most popular pieces of equipment is the treadmill. Treadmills burn fat and build muscle and are suitable for all fitness levels. This is especially good for families, because the speeds can be adjusted to suit the individual members. Shopping for a treadmill is confusing since so many are available. They are also costly so important considerations should be made before purchasing one.
Motor
The most important consideration to make is the engine. It may seem more cost effective to buy a cheaper treadmill that has less engine power. This can be a mistake because if you plan to use the machine regularly, a weak engine may not hold up to the usage. You should also take note of the engine’s horsepower and get one that offers continuous duty, (CHP). If you will not be using your machine that often, a lower horsepower of 1.5 should be fine. If you are going to be using it regularly, then consider one that has a horsepower of 2 or greater.
Speed
The speed capability is also important. A treadmill with a 10mph speed capability is usually sufficient but if you run at a faster pace, then buy a machine with a greater speed capacity.
Belt
The belt on the machine should be wide, offering you plenty of room on both sides of the belt while in use. People tend to move from side to side when they are walking or running and the wide belts provide safety. When considering the length of the belt, consider the length of your stride. If you are tall, your stride will be longer. You also want a belt that provides good cushioning. The cushion acts as a shock absorber and could help prevent injuries.
Storage
Treadmills can take up a lot of space, so if you can’t dedicate a permanent place for it, it’s best to get one that has a folding feature. These have wheels and fold up so that after you have finished using it, you can fold it up and store it in a small space.
Incline
It might seem like a good idea to get the machine that offers the most incline. However, an incline of 10% is more than sufficient for the average user.
Safety Features
Two features that your machine should have are the safety lock and the emergency shut off switch. The emergency shut off switch allows you to turn the machine off immediately if necessary. The safety lock will protect your children from being injured by preventing them from being able to turn on the machine.
Additional Features
Additional features to consider are heart rate monitors that will let you know when you have reached the target rate for your age and fitness level. Other features include counters that indicate the calories burned and the amount of distance covered. You can also get treadmills with fitness programs that range from beginning walkers to professional runners.
