Buying a treadmill is a good investment. With a home treadmill, you can work out whenever you like, regardless of the weather. However, choosing unwisely can cost you a lot of money or even put your safety at risk. Avoid the common mistakes and you'll enjoy your new exercise machine for many years to come.
Don't focus solely on price
Fitness equipment, especially fitness equipment intended to bear the full weight of your body, is no place to be stingy. Treadmills absorb hundreds of pounds of force during use, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, and therefore need to be sturdy. The college recommends looking for a heavy belt and a laminated deck, which allows the belt to slide over it without scratching or otherwise damaging the belt.
Consider your unique needs
When buying a treadmill, consider your unique needs. The Consumer Reports treadmill buying guide recommends looking for a deck at least 60-inches long, long enough to accommodate most runners, even those with longer strides. Also, consider your ability level and personality. If you tend to get bored while exercising, you may want to invest in a treadmill that allows you to design a variety of workouts, advises the American College of Sports Medicine.
Safety first
Treadmills that lack basic safety equipment, or which are used improperly, can cause serious injuries. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends avoiding any treadmill that doesn't have an emergency shutoff key and side rails. If you have children, you might want to consider a treadmill that has a lockout procedure, so that your kids will not be able to activate the treadmill when you're not around. If you're looking for a folding treadmill, Consumer Reports also recommends looking for a sturdy lock, so the deck cannot fall on someone.
Warranty
Consumer Reports recommends looking for at least a two-year warranty. Treadmills are complicated pieces of equipment with many moving parts, and you don't want to be stuck with repair costs if something either doesn't work out of the box or breaks within the first few months of use. However, Consumer Reports also advises against buying special, extended warranties, as data does not prove such warranties cost-effective.
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