Treadmill Buying Advice: 5 Tips

Buying a treadmill is a great thing to do for your health. With your own treadmill, you can get exercise any time you want to, no matter what the weather. But a treadmill is a big investment.

If you plan on spending upwards of $1500 for a decent machine, you want to make sure that you choose wisely. Follow these steps to get the right treadmill for you and you'll be on your way to better health.

1. Think about your health goals.
If you are going to be training for a marathon, the right treadmill for you is going to be much different from one for someone who just wants to lose some weight. You'll need to consider your goals before you go shopping. Figure out what you most want to get out of your machine and you'll be able to find the right one for you.

2. Think about the features you want.
Do you have longer legs that would be cramped by a standard length treadmill belt? Are you short on space and need a portable treadmill that can fold away at a moment's notice? Do you need support bars to help you safely get off of the treadmill when you are done? All of these needs are met with different types of treadmills. You should also consider features such as incline ability, heart rate monitoring and the ability to program your workouts. If you want to get the most you can out of your investment, it's worth it to take some time researching and considering the features.

3. Consider your price range.
Good treadmills start out at around $1500 and can go much higher than that. For most people, the range of $1500 to $3000 will give a quality machine for a reasonable price. Anything below $1500 probably won't have enough power to give you a safe, effective workout or it will be more likely to break down within the first year. Most brands of treadmills have models that are medium to high end. Don't focus on brand, just focus on something that fits your price range.

4. Do your research.
These days it's fairly easy to get an honest opinion on different types of treadmills. Research the Consumer Reports database, online marketplaces and opinion sites for good models that are in your price range with your desired features. When you're researching online you can also find out about any rebate deals or sales that are going on. Sometimes you'll find comparable models and the only difference is that one has a rebate program and another doesn't. By taking the time to research you can save yourself a lot of money.

5. Look into extended warranties.
Most quality treadmills come with a warranty that last one to three years. If you've found a great machine that meets your needs, and it only has a one year warranty, it may be worth it to pay a little more for an extended warranty. Be sure to read the warranty agreement so you know exactly what is covered.