When looking to purchase a treadmill or recumbent bike, it is important to overlook the bells and whistles such as a state-of-the-art computer console or Wi-Fi capabilities. There are other major components to consider that will weigh heavily on the lifespan of your workout equipment more than a built-in cooling fan.
Warranty
A warranty gives you an insider look at the quality of the machine as well as the type of service provided by the manufacturer. Most treadmills and/or recumbent bikes manufacturers offer warranties that cover the motor, parts, labor or all three. If the treadmill or recumbent bike comes with a 90-day warranty on any of these components, chances are the exercise equipment will not be very dependable over a long period of time. Higher-end models tend to have warranties that last a year or longer, with some providing lifetime warranties. A longer-term warranty means that the exercise equipment will be dependable as well as low-maintenance.
Comfort
Though these two machines operate differently, comfort should be considered when choosing the right workout equipment for you. With treadmills, consider the length and width of the belt and running surface, whether the treadmill comes with adequate shock absorbers and the placement of the controls for the console. With a recumbent bike, consider features such as an adjustable seat and handlebars, adequate size and amount of padding, as well as the placement of the console controls.
Preprogrammed Workouts
Both treadmills and recumbent bikes may come with preprogrammed workouts. Not only does this help stave off boredom, but may also prevent your weight loss and fitness goals from hitting a plateau. A treadmill may provide weight loss and/or a cardio program as well as various challenging workouts like hill climbing, interval training or the option to create your own workout program. A recumbent bike may provide similar programs. Higher end models may come with 10 to 20 preprogrammed workouts with the option to download programmed workouts online.
Operation
When choosing a treadmill, look at the continuous duty horsepower capacity. Continuous duty horsepower is what you use on a daily basis and generally ranges between 1.5 and 3.5 horsepower. Lower continuous duty horsepower is fine for light activity, such as walking. Higher continuous duty horsepower supports jogging and running. An important operational feature on a recumbent bike is its resistance system. Some recumbent bikes use a tension belt while others use magnetic resistance. Magnetic resistance is the optimal choice because it is more durable and quieter than a tension belt, which is more likely to wear down and break with use.
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