| Whether you are a fitness buff or a complete | | | | Frame |
| exercise beginner, a treadmill can be a wise | | | | Treadmill frames should be composed of a steel or |
| investment. But with the hundreds of companies out | | | | aluminium material. Over time, these frames are known |
| there selling treadmills, there is an array of options to | | | | to be much more durable then plastic or wood frames. |
| choose from. | | | | Durability is the key, so only select a frame that can |
| In this article, I will discuss four of the most important | | | | take a pounding without breaking. |
| items that you should look for, when shopping for a | | | | Console |
| treadmill. | | | | The final factor to consider is the console. This is the |
| Motor | | | | one section where treadmill retailers overwhelm |
| When shopping for a treadmill, the most important | | | | consumers with a bunch of jargon and cool sounding |
| consideration is the motor. | | | | gadgets. |
| The majority of treadmills operate on a DC electric | | | | When you shop for treadmills, the important item you |
| motor that provides an easy to control electric current. | | | | should look for is a control panel that will display your |
| Quality treadmills use a power output anywhere from | | | | speed, time, pace and distance. Anything beyond that |
| 1.5 to 5 horse power (Hp). Obviously the larger Hp will | | | | is your personal preference. While many people love |
| be more expensive. | | | | extras, you can get by with just these items. |
| If you are using your treadmill for your home and for | | | | So if you have a little more in your budget, you can |
| only a few people, then 2 Hp is all you need. | | | | look for some factors such as: |
| Running Deck | | | | · Programmed workouts |
| Since you will be doing your exercise entirely on the | | | | · Incline settings |
| deck of the treadmill, it is very important that you find | | | | · Maximum speeds going up to 12 mph |
| one that will fit your frame and provide comfort. | | | | · Safety features that allow for quick turning off |
| Usually running decks on most treadmills come with | | | | of the machine |
| two rollers on each end, which help operate the belt. | | | | · Heart rate monitors that can be clipped to your |
| The deck is generally composed a wooden or fibre | | | | chest, ear or finger |
| board that provide some level of spring every time a | | | | · Entertainment functions that can help distract the |
| foot impacts on it. Shock absorbance is important to | | | | user |
| preventing injury. | | | | Buying a treadmill can be confusing because of the |
| When shopping for a deck you should primarily look | | | | technical terms and jargon. By understanding the |
| for decks that can maximize the impact of your legs. | | | | basics of what you need, then you can ignore all the |
| In addition, look for at least a 60" length and 20" width. | | | | fancy sounding names and focus on what is important. |
| This will provide enough room for the average | | | | When you understand the basics of a quality treadmill, |
| person's running stride. If you are bigger, then you might | | | | then it will be easy to find one that is perfect for your |
| need more room. | | | | home and budget. |