Treadmills tone every muscle in your lower body--glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. Getting your large muscles moving consistently and rhythmically sets the stage for a challenging cardio workout, getting you closer to the American Heart Association's recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five times weekly, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise, three times weekly. But not all treadmills are created the same.
Manual vs. Motorized
Most higher-end treadmills are motorized--the motor controls the belt speed while you run or walk to keep up. This is by far the easiest and most convenient exercise option for most treadmill users, but exercisers who are in particularly good shape may still get a good workout from a manual or non-motorized treadmill, where your feet provide the impetus that moves the belt.
Consumer Search advises looking for a treadmill motor of at least 3 horsepower, at a bare minimum. The treadmill should have a top speed of at least 5 mph if you plan to use it only for walking, and up to 11 mph if you're a runner.
Cost
You can get a quality non-motorized treadmill for under $1,000, as of early 2010. Expect to pay a minimum of $1,000 for a decent motorized treadmill, with increases in cost if you expect a heavier-duty motor or a treadmill built to withstand frequent use--if you're training for a marathon, plan to pay for quality--or use by a heavy individual.
Adjustments
Most contemporary treadmills feature push-button adjustments for both speed and incline. You may still encounter manual adjustments on a few lower-end models, especially non-motorized treadmills; you'll usually have to twist a knob to adjust resistance on the treadmill belt, and you may need to dismount and adjust the machine, possibly even turning it on its side to do so, in order to adjust its incline.
Electronics Console
A quality treadmill will have a large, easy-to-read digital readout that displays distance traveled, time spent, calories burned and current speed. Some models will also feature pre-programmed workouts; just push a button and the machine adjusts its speed and incline for you as you work out.
Storage
Some home treadmills fold up for easy storage. Either the handlebars/front console fold down to the deck or, in some cases, the deck hinges up in the middle to decrease the treadmill's footprint. The heavier-duty the treadmill is, the more space it will take up and the less likely it'll fold, so take into account whether you want it to become a permanent fixture in your home before you buy it.
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