Exercising at your local gym can be an expensive, time-consuming adventure and sometimes the weather won't cooperate with your workout schedule. So why not bring the workout to your home? Treadmills consistently rank as the most popular home workout equipment because of their convenience and effectiveness, and investing in a treadmill for your home can be a good option for busy athletes. The best treadmill will vary based on your specific fitness goals and price range, but there are a number of things to keep in mind when selecting a treadmill for your domestic use.
Consider Your Needs
Think about how you plan to use your domestic treadmill. A treadmill that's best for walking can be different from a unit that's better for running and sprint workouts. Some models offer only basic functions while others have more "bells and whistles," like an attached television, MP3 player plug-in, noise reduction capabilities and programmable workouts. Get what you need, but remember that you pay for power and every extra feature.
Power
Power is important. Treadmills typically range from 1.25 to 4 horsepower and horsepower is typically the biggest factor affecting treadmill price. Still, it's something that you don't want to skimp on. Your model should have a motor with at least 2 horsepower in order to fulfill most workout demands and support more than 180 pounds. More serious athletes would want to consider a motor closer to 4 horsepower accommodate higher intensity workouts.
Size
Consider the size of both the treadmill and your workout space. The average treadmill measures 64-inches long by 28-inches wide, which is plenty of space to handle most running strides. A treadmill will generally take up as much space as a couch but there are fold-up models that can be stored in limited space and wheeled out when it's time to exercise. Set aside a sufficient amount of room in your home to get on and off your treadmill and to work out comfortably.
Safety
Safety is critical when buying a treadmill, especially for the home. It is important to use the emergency safety key, by clipping it on your clothing. Safety clips are standard with all units, but most treadmill-related injuries occur when users fail to use them properly. You should also look for an emergency stop button in any treadmill purchase. To protect young children, some units will not turn on unless a passcode is correctly entered into the system. You'll want a model with sturdy handrails to support you when getting on and off your domestic treadmill.
Warranty
The manufacturer's warranty will make sure that your investment is protected and also give you a clue as to the quality of a treadmill. Most treadmills will also offer an extended warranty option for an additional cost. Consumer Reports Health recommends 2 to 3 years of warranty coverage on major parts such as the motor and at least 1 year of repairs. The longer the warranty, the better treadmill.
Recommendations
Top-rated LiveStrong model: LiveStrong LS 7.9T
Entry-level model for walkers and new athletes: Gold's Gym CrossWalk 570 CKL
Mid-range model for versatile use on limited budget: Sole F80 Treadmill
High-end model with lots of features for serious runners: Landice L970 Club Executive
Fold-up model for smaller homes: LifeSpan TR200
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