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March 18, 2012

Buying a Treadmill


Treadmill Buying Guide.
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The treadmill is one of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment and yet it can be a difficult process to find the right treadmill for you.
Treadmills can be used to help with weight and general fitness levels and also to help with training for other sports activities.
Treadmill training offers a low impact and highly adaptable workout.

1. Motorised or Manual?
Manual treadmills can be a good purchase if price is the major factor when buying a treadmill, or if the treadmill may only be used infrequently.
Motorised treadmills offer a more gym like experience and are easier to start and regulate your exercise plan.

2.Treadmill Usage. Walking or Running?
If you are using the treadmill just for walking you can get away with a smaller output motor, a motor offering a continuous output of  1.0 horsepower (hp) or  1.5 continuous hp should be sufficient for walkers or light jogging.
For more heavy duty running a 1.5hp to 2.5hp should be  sufficient. for most, higher hp motors are available on the more expensive models.

 3.Belt Size.
Belt widths vary from 14" up to 22", generally a wider size is preferable.
A minimum comfortable width for someone who will be running on the treadmill is 20" but for someone who is just walking on the treadmill 18" is comfortable.
The belt length is again dependant on usage, a walker can have a smaller belt length (50"-54"), where a runner needs a larger length (54" minimum or 58" if you are a tall runner with a long stride ).

 4.Other Things To Consider.
If space is tight many treadmill can be folded up.
A powered incline feature can be a benefit in easily adjusting the incline during your workout.
The sophistication of the computer displays will be more or less important depending on the level needs of the individual.
The Amazon customer reviews are useful in guaging the quality of individual treadmills and are a great way of getting an independant consensus view of a treadmill.

 
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