Woman running on a treadmillTreadmill Buying Guide


If you are typically an outdoor runner and find yourself running less during the colder winter months, an investment in an indoor treadmill may be something to think about. Cardiovascular fitness can be lost rather quickly if you put off training for too long. Having a treadmill on standby may be just the thing to keep you in shape year round!

Should I buy a Treadmill?

OK, now that I've got you thinking about the advantages of using a treadmill, you're probably wondering whether or not you should buy one. Buying a treadmill depends on several factors:

  • Will you use it? Running on a treadmill can be boring, some people never get used to using one. If you're not going to use it at least once a week, join a health club, YMCA or gym and run indoors there. Keep in mind however that during their busiest hours most workout facilities limit the time you can use cardiovascular equipment, usually to thirty minutes.
  • Can you afford it? A good treadmill is expensive; expect to pay several thousand dollars. On the other hand, it may end up being less expensive than a health club membership that you never use. After all, if the weather is so bad that you can't get to the health club, having your own treadmill will pay for itself over a few winter seasons.
  • Do you like to run alone? Running on a treadmill is a lonely endeavor. If you prefer running with a group, join a health club where so you'll have company on the exercise equipment.
  • Do you live in an area where there are few, if any hills? If you want to increase your strength and endurance, but you live where there aren't hills, a treadmill provides a training edge. On a treadmill you can run all the hills you want!
  • Are you a competitive runner? If you are, you may want to invest in a treadmill so you won't miss any training days if the weather stays nasty for several days in a row. You can also use a treadmill to practice racing, do speed-work and hill workouts (without having to run back down hill!)


What to Look for When Shopping for a Treadmill...

If you decide to buy your own treadmill, look for the following features.

  • The miles-per-hour setting should go up to 10.0, which is equivalent to a 6:00 minute mile. Even if you'll never run that fast, you still want a treadmill with a motor that's strong enough to handle that pace. If you're a competitive athlete you'll probably want a machine that you can set even faster.
  • The incline setting should go to ten percent.
  • The belt should be wide enough that when you're standing in the middle, you have at least two inches on either side. The belt should be a minimum of eighteen-inches.
  • The treadmill should feel sturdy. It shouldn't feel wobbly. The belt should move smoothly beneath your feet and you shouldn't feel any jerking or catching motion.
  • Health club quality machines are obviously the best, as they're designed to handle considerable wear and tear. They're also the most expensive, but in this case you do get what you pay for.
  • Don't buy a used treadmill from a retailer that specializes in used sporting goods equipment. It may be true that the machine was only used only twice, but if you don't know for sure, don't take the chance. Besides any guarantees and warranties usually don't transfer to a new owner.

Starting a new exercise routine is going to be one of the best decisions you make for your health, but like every important life decision, it's important to do your research. Studies have shown that walking is one of the easiest ways to increase your heart rate and reach the fat-burning stage of exercise. However, many people don't have the ideal time or place to walk outside of their home, which is why treadmills have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Treadmills can be found at many local stores at various prices, and you can be assured that you don't have to spend a fortune to obtain a quality machine. However, you do want to make sure your new treadmill will give you all the benefits you need, so carefully study a machine before purchasing it. There are a few key things you should be looking for when selecting a treadmill.

Make sure the treadmill will be comfortable for you to use. The average person should use a treadmill with a belt at least 18 inches wide and at least 48 inches long. If you are taller than average, be sure to buy a treadmill with a larger belt to ensure you will be comfortable using it. Also, make sure the rails are sturdy and easy to reach from a comfortable position while you are using the treadmill.

Try out the treadmill's display panel. All of the controls should be easy to read and use while you are working out. Push-buttons are generally the easiest types of controls to use during your work out. Most people find it useful to have a treadmill with a built-in heart rate monitor. This will help you monitor your work out and help you adjust your level of exercise accordingly.

Most treadmills now offer incline options, but the specific incline ability of each treadmill varies widely. Incline can help give your routine variety and will also improve your work out, so make sure the treadmill you choose has the incline abilities you desire.

 

Finding a Treadmill

Finding the best treadmill for your needs and your budget can be confusing. If you do not know what you are looking for you may not get the best piece of fitness equipment for the money. Studies have shown that people will get much more use out of a treadmill than any other piece of fitness equipment. It is natural to walk or run and you are more apt to continue a fitness program that is natural and comfortable. Rather than buying your treadmill brand new from a retail store, its not a bad idea to first check the classifieds. Many people will buy high end fitness equipment with good intentions, but never actually get any use out of it and eventually sell them for a fraction of the original cost. If you are lucky enough to find what you need, you may find yourself able to afford a much higher level of treadmill than you could have afforded otherwise.

 

Workout Features

Long periods of boredom can kill your treadmill workouts quickly. If your budget allows, always choose a treadmill that has programable workouts that will aloow you to mix up your treadmill workouts and keep it interesting. The incline and speed should be easily adjustable from the console. A pulse monitor is good. A water bottle holder and book rack are essential for me. Some models plug into a VCR, CD, or internet for new workouts. Books or videos can get you going in the right direction.

 

Manual VS Motorized
Due to the difference in cost, many people are tempted to buy a manual treadmill instead of a motorized treadmill. But manual treadmills have many drawbacks vs. their motorized cousins. They are often difficult to get moving without using an extreme incline, and once moving you can't change the incline. The low price also often means less sturdy construction.

Getting Started
The first few sessions on your new treadmill should be taken slow. You will most likely feel a little uncomfortable running on a belt at first. Not too worry, your body and balance will adjust accordingly once you get going.

  • Start out walking. Even if you always run a 9:00 mile in training, don't set the speed at 6.6mph (the equivalent of a 9:05 road mile) and start running. You need to acclimate yourself to the feeling of your foot being pulled beneath you on the belt. Set the speed instead at 5.0 (the equivalent of a 12:00 road mile), so you can walk/jog for ten minutes or so until you begin to feel comfortable.
  • Don't hold onto the handrails once you've started running. Initially you may feel more comfortable if you lightly touch the handrails during your warm-up walk, but don't get into the habit of relying on the handrails for support.
  • Focus on the control panel until you feel comfortable enough to look up. Try to avoid looking down at your feet, it makes some people dizzy. Once you're feeling sure of your technique, begin looking up for a few seconds at a time, then back down again. Eventually you should be able to do your entire workout looking ahead, either watching a TV, looking in a mirror or watching other people. (Hint: avoid watching the feet of other people running on a treadmill as well. It can also make you dizzy.)
  • Don't swing your arms out to the sides. Running on the treadmill is a good way to work on your form. If you have a tendency to swing one or both arms out from the elbows when you run, once you've hit them against the handrails a few times, you'll soon learn to run with them closer in!
  • Stay in the center of the belt, don't let yourself drift too far to the left or right. Don't try to "push" against the belt, let yourself stay in the air while the belt runs out from underneath you.

When you step off the treadmill, you'll feel a little off-balance for a few minutes. It's also a normal reaction. Use that time to stretch out and acclimate your body to being back on solid ground.