According to the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, treadmills consistently rank as the most popular choice for home aerobic exercise equipment. Since we spend so much time walking, it only makes sense that a machine which simulates such a familiar movement would be a good choice for exercise. You will find treadmills in almost every gym, but what factors are important to consider if you want to purchase a treadmill for your home use? There are a few important features to consider when looking for the best-quality treadmills.
The Motor
The first thing to consider, in the interest of longevity, is the type of motor and size. The size of the motor, or power, is measured as horsepower. You want to make sure that you find a treadmill that has a horsepower of at least 2 continuous-duty horsepower. Look for one that can handle more than your weight as well, as treadmills have weight limits. You will also find that there are AC and DC motors. AC motors, alternating current, can withstand more resistance over time with fewer maintenance problems, so look for a treadmill with an AC motor. The Smooth 9.35 HR treadmill has a 3 horsepower, continuous motor and is ranked as an excellent choice for home use.
The Deck and Belt
The belt on a treadmill should be two-ply, at least 17 inches wide and 49 inches long. The deck of a treadmill should flex underneath you, dampening the impact on your joints. Many companies use various technologies to reduce the impact on joints and finding one that limits this impact will save your body pain over time. NordicTrack uses Durastride technology on their upper-end treadmills and the results are excellent. The Durastride technology reduces impact on the body by 15 to 33 percent compared to running on asphalt, according to Treadmilltalk.com.
The Frame
A sturdy frame is more common in higher priced treadmills. According to ACE, treadmills that cost between $499 and $1,999 will typically have a steel frame, whereas treadmills with a price of $1,999 or higher often are made with aircraft aluminum frames offering additional flexibility for impact absorption. The aluminum frames are resistant to corrosion and they are lighter, which is helpful when you need to move them. The Landice L770 is made with high-grade aircraft aluminum materials, giving it a solid and light build.
The Warranty
Make sure you do not forget including the need for a great warranty. Many of the lower-end treadmills can often include limited warranties, sometimes only good for a year or less. Sole treadmills have a warranty of 30 years on the motors, and lifetime on everything else, with 2 years for labor. This warranty ranks among the best in the industry. If you struggle to find the money for a commercial-grade treadmill, consider finding a used one at a sporting goods resale store.
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