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So you have decided to
buy a home exercise treadmill but you need to know where to start. In
all things where money is involved, my first suggestion is to do your
homework.
Figure out where you
want to put the treadmill and measure how much room you have. When
you go to the store or website, you can rule out all those that are
too large right away and narrow your search.
Next, ask yourself how
much you are willing to spend. Treadmills can run anywhere from $100
to over $5000. Make a note that spending a whole bunch of money does
not mean you are getting the best treadmill for your needs. It just
means you are probably independently wealthy and have it to spare.
Really, though, the
money you spend will have a profound effect on your health and well
being. The features you want may be available in a model that costs
less than you think, so shop around a bit and see whats out there.
Usually, people will
spend somewhere right in the middle-about $1000 or so and this
provides sufficient features for their individual needs.
Now figure out where
you want to put the treadmill and measure the space. This way, when
you do your shopping, you can narrow the field of choices
significantly by these two areas alone (price and size).
Consequently, if you have an area that is 65 long and 48 wide,
you cannot have a machine that is 70 x 50. You need to be able
to access the treadmill comfortably and swing your arms freely while
using it.
Features are HUGE here.
Do you need a folding model for storage? Do you want to monitor your
heart rate? Need a speedometer? Handrails? Foot rails? Motorized belt
or manual? How about an incline?
There are many
questions to answer here so go in prepared and ready. If you are a
serious trainer and want to monitor all your bodily functions for
safetys sake, theres your answer.
If you are simply a
casual walker, heart patient or elderly, you have different needs. It
is all a matter of personal, individual need and only you know what
is absolutely right for you.
Some models even come
equipped with a laptop holder, towel rack or a drink holder now. Are
those considerations for you?
By way of suggestion,
there must be an emergency stop button at the very least, in case you
are working out alone and stumble or fall. I would also suggest
handrails and a speedometer. Some models now have a heart monitor
that operates by you holding onto a handle. This is very helpful to
let you know if you are overdoing yourself.
Other features you will
see are variable speed motors (higher speed motors last longer with
less maintenance) for the belt and computerized control panels. Some
even have pre-programmed exercise routines in them from the factory.
So all of these are
considerations for the home treadmill buyer and which ones you want
is a matter of individual need.
As always, consult your
doctor before starting any exercise program. He/she can help you
tailor make an exercise routine that works best for you. |
