Treadmills and heart health are close companions. In the 1950s, Dr. Robert A. Bruce became the "Father of Exercise Cardiology" by developing the cardiac treadmill test.* Over the years, this cardio machine has made its way into homes. There are two basic treadmills: motorized and manual. Manual models, at around $150, require your legs to provide power. Motorized models provide power to move the belt, yet they are investments, priced anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Begin with a look at your budget and plan for frequency of use. The more often you use it, the more quality you need. Treadmill shopping means wearing comfortable clothes and knowing your space. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) reports the average treadmill measures 64 inches long by 28 inches wide.** Compact, folding treadmills are light enough to be wheeled away. Traditionally developed more for walkers, some folding models are now marketed to runners. With any model, consider the motor, belt, deck and controls when shopping.
What to Look for
Will you be walking or running? You may be a walker now and a runner later. Choosing a motor rated 2.0 horsepower (HP) for continuous operation will keep options open. If you weigh 180 lbs. or more, buy the 2.0, and if you have the budget, consider additional power. Manufacturers set the HP number, so make sure it matches what you feel. Walk or run at a fast pace. If the motor can't keep up, this is not the treadmill for you. Proper cushioning on the treadmill "deck" helps the body because the deck absorbs the force. Sample the impact on your feet at various paces. Check for a stable frame that supports the deck properly. Excessive belt wear means treadmill trouble. Belt length should measure about 49 to 52 inches long by 17 to 18 inches wide. A tall runner with longer strides should try a longer belt. ACE recommends at least a two-ply belt.
Of course, you pay for extras on that control panel. You probably want basics such as speed, incline and time. Incline options are capped at a maximum, so you may see a range listed as 0 to 12 percent. The more programming software, the higher the cost, but for around $900, you can have computerized racing competitors.
Common Pitfalls
Once you've narrowed your choices down, think about the little things. You don't want your arms bumping into rails or the motor pounding your ears. Is it designed so you can safely exit the back without tripping over a cord? Is the emergency stop convenient? If you're not really a cleaning fan, remember, a treadmill requires care -- from dusting and lubricating to checking alignment. With your doctor's OK and a study of the owner's manual, you can hit your best stride.
*University of Washington, Office of Research, "Pathbreakers," 1996. http://www.washington.edu/research/pathbreakers/1963a.html
** "What You Need to Know to Purchase a Treadmill-- Fit Facts," http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts_display.aspx?itemid=66
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