|
Author: James Smythe Article source: http://buyingadvice411.com/. Used with author's permission.
Home treadmills are becoming a common feature in many homes. Prices can be as low as $399 it is no surprise that many people decide to purchase one. It provides a great form of exercise, you don't have to pay monthly fees for a gym or have to work out in front of vein bodybuilders.
However when buying a treadmill the prices can range from $399 up to thousands of dollars. So what is the difference between a treadmill that costs a few hundred or one that costs a few thousand? This articles aims to answer some of the questions you may have before buying a treadmill and give you the confidence to go out and know what you are buying.
Horsepower
One of the main factors in buying a treadmill is what horsepower to go for. "Horsepower" is applied to two different ratings--"peak duty rating" and "continuous duty rating." The peak duty rating is advertised on a treadmill tag. The continuous duty rating is stamped directly on the motor and is the rating that determines its quality and duration.
In general, the larger and heavier the motor is, the cooler it will run and the longer it will last. Penn State Sports Medicine Newsletter recommends purchasing a machine with at least 1.5 continuous duty horsepower--higher if you weigh more than 185 pounds or plan to run on the treadmill. (But be sure to check the voltage. Some treadmills with heavy motors are 220, which won't work in most homes.) A brief guideline of what horsepower to aim for is below.
Your workout Your workout Recommended horsepower
<180 lbs Walking/light jogging 1.5 + hp (1.25 minimum)
Up to 220 lbs Walking/light jogging 2.0 hp
Above 220 lbs Walking/light jogging 2.5 hp
Any weight Speed training 2.5 hp
Construction.
The thickness of the walking deck and the size of the walking track should also be high on your list of priorities. The thickness of the deck affects the comfort of the legs and feet with prolonged use. Choose a treadmill that has a deck thickness of at least 3/4 inch, or one inch if you plan to do both walking and jogging.
The walking track needs enough length (at least 48 inches) and width (at least 17 inches) for you to walk comfortably without stepping off the track. If you plan to run on your new treadmill, you may want a longer track. Test it while you are in the store.
The "buzz" feature these days is definitely shock absorption. To provide effective cushioning for the legs, feet and back, the treadmill's suspension must be directly under the walking deck. (Some treadmills may have "shock absorbers" on the legs of the treadmill so you can see the frame bounce while you are walking. This is not effective shock absorption!) The padding can be made of foam or rubber. Foam is softer and more compressible than rubber, but requires more time to return to its original thickness after impact. Rubber instantly recovers to full thickness and is better able to maintain its energy absorption level. Again, test the machine yourself.
Extras.
These are less important features of a treadmill and really only depend one what your budget is. The less expensive treadmills have the basics: speed, distance, incline, time and calories. The more expensive treadmills also have a range of special preset exercise programs that automatically alter speed and incline, varying high-intensity effort with lower-intensity effort. Some treadmills even measure your heart rate!
Service and Warranties
Ask the dealer about delivery and setup. Sometimes this is included in the price--and other times, it's not. Also, check out the service and warranty policies.
The minimum warranty on a fairly good treadmill is 90 days parts and service. The better treadmills will carry a three-year warranty on the motor and two years on the drive train. As for who will be responsible for servicing a treadmill when it has problems--the store you purchased it from. So if the store offers a good guarantee, chances are the machine won't need servicing very often!
If you choose a quality electric treadmill, it will last for years and provide great versatility for your cardiovascular program. Find a good specialty equipment store in your area that can help you find the treadmill you need.
Article written by James Smythe
Find out some the latest information on treadmills at JustTreadmill.com http://www.justtreadmill.com
Power at your Fingertips
It is just amazing. Power right at your fingertips. It feels good to have access to such a powerful thing. In one click you can make thousands feel the power y...
5 Sizzling Tips to Creating a Money Making E-book
Want to know how to create a money-making e-book ? 5 sizzling tips to ignite your creative juices and help you understand the simplicity and power of this money...
Review: Coheed and Cambria - Second Stage Turbine Blade
Emo/Space rockers Coheed and Cambria's debut release, what happens when you mix Dashboard Confessional and Rush? Well, some say Coheed and Cambria.
How to Make a Seductive Chili
Dedicated Chili cooks always seem to be looking for an amazing recipe for a blow-you-out-of-the-water chili. Wouldn't it be exciting to UNLEASH your chili and r...
Leverage Your Writing to Increase Your Affiliate Income
Writing can help you achieve targeted traffic, credibility, an internet profile, referrals, sales and more. This article addresses ways to leverage your writin...
Obtain Maximum Results For Your Small Business Through Better Time Management
Most small business owners are faced with so many responsibilities and an unbelievable workload throughout the day. Mainly because of the many different roles ...
Nothing To Celebrate
Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 12, 2002 I came across your column by accident. Boy, was it impeccable timing. I am sitting here writing you ...
Will My Child Ever Out-grow His Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at some point you will be asking the question, "Will my child ever outgrow it?" Here is what you...
The Natural Beauty of Havasu Falls
Three major cascades at Havasu Creek create a landscape that is both beautiful and entertaining. At the base of these falls, one of which is Havasu Falls, is a ...
Thirty Minutes of Exercise a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
"Exercise is good for you!" If you had a dollar for every time you heard this statement uttered, you'd be rich by now, right? Well, proponents of everyday physi...
Cialis and Viagra: Two Pills Necessary in Our Times
Two centuries ago, if anybody had proposed or stated that in the future the erectile disorder of men will be taken care of by Cialis and Viagra, probably that t...
Four Obstacles to Exceptional Leadership--Part 1
Every day leaders are faced with challenges to expand their thinking, overcome obstacles and embrace potential growth. It is my belief that leadership hinges u...
Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art
If you don't have at least one piece of fine art in your home, then you just have no idea what you are missing out on..
Powerful Tips for Increasing Your Childs Self-Esteem
Effective strategies and approaches for improving your child's self-esteem.
Upgrading Digital Cameras: Should I Do It? (Part 1)
For those of us who have been around the block in reference to camera ownership, you're very familiar with the upgrading game. In fact, if you're reading this a...
Moms Need Me Time
Rest and Relaxation are two things for sure a mom needs to make sure they put into their daily schedule. This not only rejuvenates a mom, but also makes for a s...
Wedding Loans Because Wedding May Be Made In Heaven But They Are Certainly Not Made For Free
This Article explains the pros and cons of wedding loans.
Ideas On Promoting Your Home Business Opportunity
Simple and even FREE ways to promote a home business opportunity. Learn tips that you can put in effect today to begin to build your business...
Major Depression and Its Serious Complications
Those who ignore and don't do anything run the risk of developing the serious complications of depression. Like any medical disorder, untreated clinical depress...
Bad News is Good News
For weeks, no, months we have been bombarded with nothing but negative news about the economy in general and thousands of individual companies. The stock market...
Article Marketing Keyword Parrots and Linking Fanatics in Web Content
Article marketing is being abused by overzealous keyword parrots, linking fanatics and copywriting hired guns. The effective use of instructive and entertaining...
Your Job
There are so many kinds of work that needs to be done and you are doing one of those jobs right now - unless you are one of those two and a half million that ha...
The Truth About Vinyasa Yoga
When used for personal health maintenance, Vinyasa Yoga is the ultimate cross training system, with low impact movement, aerobic, and muscle toning benefits. Y...
Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent
Baby Sling Carriers have been around since the ages, but lately made a tremendous comeback in our society. They are very convenient but even or more important ...
|
Print this page