Treadmill Buying Guide
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The treadmill is a kind of exercise machine meant for indoor use that lets individuals stay or become fit by jogging or running in place. Majority of these machines are generated by electricity but there are models out there that are made for manual use as well. It is a regular gym and fitness club machine but they can also be bought for home use.
Most models today are equipped with an assortment of functions which includes speed and slope options so individuals can personalize their workout according to their routines. It is also an excellent equipment to use during bad weather and on places without outdoor running tracks.
Brand | Heart Rate Monitor | Display | Features | More Information |
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Sole F85 | Yes | 9-inch LCD | 6 standard programs 2 custom programs 0 to +15% incline 0.5-12 MPH cooling fans MP3 sound system | Click Here |
LifeSpan TR4000i | Yes | 6-inch LCD | weight loss, healthy living, sports training workout programs 2 custom programs 2 My Zone heart rate control programs 15 incline levels 0.5-12 MPH cooling fans iPod / MP3 sound system Easy folding with EZfold | Click Here |
ProForm Pro 2000 | Yes | 7-inch LCD | 32 workout apps -3 to +15% incline 0.0-12 MPH cooling fans iPod / smartphone sound system Easy folding for storage | Click Here |
Weslo Cadence R 5.2 | No | Yes, LCD | * Budget treadmill * 6 workout apps 2 incline levels 0.0-10 MPH cooling fans Easy folding for storage | Click Here |
Precor 445 Precision Series | Yes | 7-inch LCD | 23 standard programs 16 custom programs -2 to +15% incline 0.5-12 MPH 4 user IDs iPod / Apple comp. sound system | Click Here |
Sole Fitness F65 | Yes | 7.5-inch LCD | 6 standard programs 2 custom programs 2 heart rate control programs 0 to +15% incline 0.5-12 MPH cooling fans iPod / Smartphone / MP3 sound system Easy folding for storage | Click Here |
Precor 211 Energy Series | Yes | Yes, LCD | 6 standard programs 0 to +15% incline 0.5-12 MPH | Click Here |
ProForm 505 CST | Yes | 6-inch LCD | 18 workout apps 0 to +10% incline 0.5-10 MPH iPod / MP3 sound system Easy folding for storage | Click Here |
Gold's Gym Trainer 720 | Yes | Yes, LED | 18 workout apps 0 to +10% incline 0.5-10 MPH iPod / MP3 sound system Easy folding for storage | Click Here |
Kinds of Treadmills
The motorized or electricity-powered treadmills are the most common, as seen on majority of gyms and fitness clubs. They are heavy and not travel-friendly but are considered as one of the best exercise equipment out there. A treadmill that’s motorized has a motor in which once turned on, will make its belt operate.
It has an adjustable speed which individuals can customize according to their liking. It has a control panel where one can either slow down or increase the speed during his or her run training.
Motorized models are usually equipped with an electronic heart rate monitor so that users can see that he or she is achieving the looked-for routine. Several of these monitors can be clipped on the user’s ear or draped on the chest or wrist.
High-end ones are designed wireless and has alarms so that the individual will know whether his or her heart rate drops or elevates past the pursued range. If either one happens, the belt will be slowed down or its speed will be increased to maintain the desired routine.
Most treadmills nowadays can be programmed with different inclination angles to pretend running uphill (or even downhill) and making the exercise more exhausting. Especially for athletes training for an upcoming running/triathlon event in the mountains or hills this functionality can be very helpful. For all other athletes this is more a gimmick but can make the running exercise more interesting and demanding and therefore more appealing.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill
Purchasing your own treadmill is a great investment since you can use the equipment at home and you won’t have to go to the gym or fitness club for workouts. Here is a small list of things you have to think over if you have plans to buy one.
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Price
There are different brands today with varying prices; there are budget brands, mid-range and high-end treadmills which present an assortment of features and functions. If you are a jogger, you might go for the mid-range priced kind while those who are serious athletes should invest on something that’s similar to the brands used by gyms and fitness clubs.
Buying a cheap treadmill can be tempting, but at the end of the day, purchasing the best model there is at a higher price point is a better investment. You can steer clear of having to buy expensive replacement parts or even buying a new one once it conks out.
If you are on a tighter budget, you better consider a high quality budget treadmill instead of the low quality treadmills. At least these will last a long time, are stable and will make your running exercise a lot nicer.
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Motor
The most recommended horsepower ranges from 2.5 to 3, at continuous duty. In addition, you should go for a motor with a warranty that will give you at least 1 year.
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Stability
Sports utility stores usually let their customers test workout equipment. On the day of your shopping, wear clothing and shoes that you usually wear during workouts. If a certain model gives a wobbly or uncomfortable ride, look for another model or brand.
The hand rails should be sufficiently strong enough to support your weight and positioned in such a way that it can be grasped easily. To add, one should also think through factors like length and size of the belt. For an individual of normal height, ideal belt length is at least 50 inches.
Taller folks should opt for a belt that’s longer than usual because anything shorter can affect their walking or running gait, and it can lead to tripping and falling.
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Noise
An excellent treadmill is quiet. Usually, those with DC or direct current motors are less unobtrusive. If you are the type who watches television or listens to music while doing your running or jogging routines, then you need to hear your stuff over the noise of the treadmill.
Although the motor might be reasonably quiet, running on a treadmill might cause noises for your neighbours. If this is the case, you can easily put a noise-reducing mat under the treadmill.
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Console and Display
A good model will provide users with a clear, easy-to-read LCD display panel. The data provided by the display panel like the time and distance of your workout must be noticeable and must be shown without pressing on several buttons. High-end brands have models with heart rate monitors and some even have little televisions installed in them.
Lastly, an ideal model must feature a panic button and switch itself off mechanically once the user falls off. Most models nowadays have this possibility with the use of a clip on a string that you connect to your shirt. In case you wil fall, the string will set the emergency stop.
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Additional Features
If you are the type who easily gets bored with your workout routine, then you must get yourself a model with additional features that will make those workouts more enjoyable. Pick a model that features a variety of pre-programmed and programmable workouts.
The speed and the incline of the model must be adjusted without any burden from its console. A model with a heart rate monitor is good news while there are some with added features like bottle holders and tablet/book supports.
The heart rate monitor interface comes with touch sensors on the bar on cheaper treadmill models, while the more expensive models have a wired heart rate chest belt or even a wireless heart rate chest belt. Of course the (wireless) heart rate monitors are more comfortable to run with than having to keep your hands on the bar while running.
Most standard and expensive treadmills have the possibility to set an inclination of the running belt. You can set the incline from 0% (flat) to up to 15% uphill and some models you can set to downhill (-2%) so you can have a more interesting ‘track’ you run. Especially for training for an event in the hills or mountains this functionality is of great use!
A lot of the better treadmills have a sound system included. Most of them have the possibility of an AUX-in or cable connector for iPod, smartphone or MP3 player.
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Warranty
A great buy must come with a 90-day warranty but better ones should include a warranty that will last for a year.
Keep these suggestions and tips in mind before a purchase and you will be able to employ your gear for a long time. However, like all devices, it needs care and proper maintenance too. In order to maintain its functionality, make sure that you give your exercise equipment the required tending it needs so you can enjoy its benefits for years.
With a treadmill there is no excuse anymore for not to train! Even in poor weather, winter or darkness, with a treadmill you can keep on running exercising in your own home for the next upcoming triathlon event!
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