Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-Three

Belt Size

I was just talking to someone who had just purchased a treadmill and they were complaining that they have to watch how they walk, because the tread was to short and they had to alter their stride. After all, the last thing you need to do during your workout is to have to alter your stride. You will need to make sure that the treadmill you choose has a tread that is at least a 50-inch in length and 18 inches in width. If you are tall or have a large stride, try to find a machine that has a 55-60 inch length and 20-22 inch width. The belt itself should consist of a two-ply construction of polyurethane as the top layer and a nylon-polyester weave as the under-layer.

Snapshot

• Length: Min: 50 inches Preferred: 55-60 inches


• Width: Min: 18 inches Preferred: 20 inches

Construction

”A steel frame you will feel a more spring-like feel when your foot strikes the deck, and generally the steel frame lends itself to a tighter, quieter unit. Aluminum frames are strong and last just as long as steel, but those aluminum units have a deadpan feel which is really bad for runners (why?). Understand that companies that use aluminum rivet the frames, and that is just not as good as a unibody steel-welded frame.” ²

These are just a few of the main items that you should look for when purchasing a treadmill. For a more detailed analysis on some other components, please visit one of the sites below. I hope that this has given you an idea of what to look for when comparing machines. Good luck in your purchase and happy “treadmilling.”

See also:

Tips for Choosing a Treadmill: Part-1

Tips for Choosing a Treadmill: Part-2


^1,2http://www.smoothfitness.com/treadmill-buying-guide/treadmill_buying_guide-2.htm

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-Two

Warranty

There should be a warranty for the treadmill itself and another one for the motor (depending on the company, there may also be a one-year in-home service contract). The warranty for the frame and parts should be between 3 and 5 years. If the warranty is for 1 year or less, then you can be sure that the treadmill was not built to endure regular use. As a guideline, you can say that the longer the warranty, the better the machine. Ask yourself this question: If I build a treadmill that I know is not built to last, I’m I going to want to put a long warranty on it? If a company is going to build a treadmill and then back it up with a 3 to 5 year warranty, then you know you are getting a high-quality piece of equipment. The warranty for the motor is extremely important as well, this should be a minimum of 10 years. Again, the longer the warranty the better the motor.

Snapshot

Frame & Parts: min: 3-5 years
Motor: Min 10 years
In-Home Service: 1 year
Extended Warranty: Would not purchase

Motor

This is the heart of your treadmill, so let us choose wisely. First, look at the Horsepower of the motor. You will want one with a minimum of 2 HP, although 2.5 and above would be better. Here is a table that will help you to choose how many horses to get.

• Walking: 2chp +


• Jogging: 2.5chp +


• Running: 3.0chp +

If you weigh over 200 pounds, you may want to add .5 to the above values.

You will come across two terms, which can be confusing. They are Peak Horse Power and Continuous Usage Horse Power or Continuous Duty (CHP).

• The Peak HP is the maximum horsepower that the treadmill can reach.


• Continuous Horse Power is the measurement that is consistently delivered during heavy usage over an extended period of time.

When you are comparing different treadmills, make sure you find out what the CHP is for each machine and use that number for your comparisons. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard with regards to horsepower. The measure of the horsepower of any particular motor is determined by the manufacturer itself so I would also advise you to choose a manufacturer that has a good reputation and know you can trust. (the length of the warranty offered can be your best gauge as to this question). ¹

Next time: Treads and Belt Size.

See also:
Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-1

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-3

¹http://www.smoothfitness.com/treadmill-buying-guide/treadmill_buying_guide-2.htm

Tips on How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-One

I know what you’re thinking, “What can be so hard about choosing a treadmill. Just find the cheapest one you like and then buy it.” Unfortunately, this is exactly what my sister-in-law did and I must say, they regret it. Before you venture out into the shark-infested waters of eager sales people and second-rate equipment, you need to ask yourself: how serious are you about actually using the treadmill?

Strange question to ask, isn’t it? Well, the reason I have you ask yourself that question, is even though you may be gun-ho about working-out on your treadmill in about six weeks, after the novelty has worn off, you may find yourself with a very expensive clothes hanger. If you have it in mind that you just want to have one for the occasional workout, then you may be better off with a less expensive alternative. However, if you are serious about your commitment, then be prepared to shell out between $700 and $3,000, for a quality machine.

I realize that this sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but you have to remind yourself that you will be buying a machine that will last for many years. The less expensive machines are good for the occasional user, but for something that will be used on a regular basis, you need to invest the money for a top-quality treadmill. Now, I’ve wasted enough of your valuable time, so let’s get to the root of the matter: how do you choose a quality treadmill?

Next Time: Warranties and Motors.

See also:

How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-2


How to Choose a Treadmill: Part-3