Although it is difficult to absolutely determine quality from the price of the product, it is still the best way to separate the quality levels of treadmills. This method makes sense, since the manufacturer has to spend more money to build a better quality machine; so they sell to the consumer at a higher price as well.
You need to know your budget before you do anything, but there are certain price ranges that can help you determine what you are getting for the money. Each increase in price range should be considered a step up in quality.
If you will be the sole user of the equipment, you weigh over 200 pounds, and you will use the machine for about 90 minutes a day, then you probably need to buy within the $1000 - $1500 range. There are many variables to consider but the three main variables you must consider when purchasing a treadmill are the user's weight, workout time, and how many users will exercise on the machine.
The weight of the users makes a difference in how the treadmill runs. Many machines have trouble when user weight goes much over 200 pounds.
For every 50 pounds of weight over 200 pounds of the heaviest user, go up one level in quality. For instance, if the heaviest user is 350 pounds, select a treadmill that is three levels above the bare minimum, or in this case it would be in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range.
A normal user will exercise on the machine for about 30 minutes per day. For each extra 30 minutes of use per day, go up one level in quality.
So if the heaviest user is less than 200 pounds but the total use per day will be two hours, the minimum quality treadmill you need is up two levels in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. The number of users is the third critical area to consider.
Two people is considered normal, and for each additional person using the treadmill, go up one level in quality. So if the heaviest user is less than 200 pounds and the amount of use is less than one hour per day but you have three people using the machine, you will need a machine at least one step up in the $500 to $1,000 range.
The drive system of your treadmill is the most important item you should consider. If you do not make the right selection on this point, you will lament your choice for eons.
The strength or impairment of any treadmill is its drive system. The drive system is the motor control, motor, belt, and deck.
If these components are well-engineered then they can make for or even cover up other components that are of lesser quality. The actual parts are important but engineering is more important in this area.
For instance, one manufacturer uses greatly underpowered components but often times gets away with it because their engineering is so good. There are also examples of manufacturers who have fantastic components but poor reliability due to poor engineering.
To determine the good from the bad you can check if the transfer of power feels smooth. You should not hear the motor having to really work to keep the pace, nor should you have a great lag when you step on the belt.
The horse power ratings are not so much of a concern; besides HP ratings are so convoluted, you cannot always believe the rating. Some people or websites will tell you to look at motor horsepower or if they really think they know what they are doing you will be told to look for continuous duty horsepower.
The truth is there is no accepted standard for rating treadmill motors and so continuous duty to one company is different than another company. Many motors are hardly the size of a can of soda rated at 2.5 HP while motors that are 5 times the size rated at 1.5 HP.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is a personal trainer and has authored hundreds of articles relating to physical training and treadmill. He has been a health expert and physical trainer for over 15 years.
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