While gym memberships are an excellent investment, there are times when home exercise is more convenient. Treadmills are a healthy and safe choice to fulfill a fitness program at home. According to the American College of Sports Medicine or ACSM, those who engage in exercise, such as 30 minutes of walking per day, live significantly longer. Treadmill quality varies widely, so when purchasing your unit for home use, do your homework.
Equipment Location
Before you leave on your treadmill shopping trip, decide where in your home it will be used. According to the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, the average treadmill size is 64 inches long and 28 inches wide. The back of the treadmill will need 6 to 8 feet of clearance from a wall or window for safety in the event of a fall. There should be a power supply nearby that allows you to site the cord where it will not trip anyone.
Minimum Requirements
Enjoyable and easy-to-operate equipment encourages frequent use. Shop for a unit that has a minimum 2 horsepower rating at continuous duty. Some will have a peak duty horsepower rating, which is not an accurate measure of the motor's ability to perform, according to the ACE. Be sure the belt is at least 17 inches wide and 49 inches long; smaller belts will impede stride and could cause falls.
Function
Once you have narrowed down the selection to a few units, test the operation of the treadmill. Look for a unit that runs smoothly and has a slow start. Speed range should be 0.1 to 8 mph, according to the ACSM. The incline should range from 0 to at least 10 percent. Some units will have a manual crank rather than electric. Either option should not wobble at higher elevation.
Features
Sophisticated electronic displays are available on more expensive units. It is a matter of budget and personal preference when considering which electronic display is best. Look for a unit that can run in manual mode if desired. Distance, speed, time and incline are the minimum display features you should look for, according to ACSM. The treadmill should have sturdy safety bars and an emergency shut-off system. The best switch consists of a tether that activates the shut-off mechanism if a fall occurs. A low-impact deck is another important feature for comfort and injury prevention.
Considerations
Before you make a final decision, consult your salesperson on the warranty and find out what it covers. Make sure you will be able to perform the recommended maintenance. Be sure the company you are purchasing from has a reliable reputation. Some final considerations before purchase are how the machine will look in your home, the noise level and readability of the display.
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