Doing Your Homework With The Best Treadmill Reviews – Inform Yourself Before You Purchase

Professional trainers and fitness equipment reviewers rate treadmills as the best home exercise equipment to improve cardiovascular health. More than 60 million Americans have a treadmill set up in their home. They are easy to use – you simply step on the machine and start walking. Studies published in the best treadmill reviews have shown that these machines are more likely to be used by every member of your family than any other type of home fitness equipment.

Depending on a model’s sophistication, prices can range from around $500 for basic machines to well over $5000 for top-of-the-line treadmills. It pays to do your homework and compare treadmill ratings and reviews to find a model that fits your needs and budget. Publications such as Prevention Magazine and Runner’s World publish reviews and evaluations on treadmills and rate them according to their strict guidelines. The machines reviewed are rated by considering criteria such as cushioning, stability, pace accuracy and decibel rating for lowest noise level.

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Since treadmills have become so popular there are more choices available than with any other type of home exercise equipment. Start by reviewing manufacturers, treadmill brands and models – a company that makes equipment rated for commercial use is likely to make the best unit for home use.

Must Have Features To Review

• Frame – Top rated units are built around sturdy frames made from aluminum or even better – high alloy steel.
   
• Motor – Manual treadmills move only as fast as you walk. The best choice is a motorized unit using a motor with at least a 2 hp rating, a safe starting speed of 0.5 mph and a top speed of 8-12 mph.
   
• Belt – Consider the length and width of the treadmill belt. A minimum width of 16” is recommended. The taller you are the longer your stride and required belt length.
   
• Incline – Advanced models let you change the incline level with the push of a button. Basic units let you adjust the incline manually. Reviewers and professional trainers recommend a treadmill that automatically adjusts the incline to keep within your heart rate zone.
   
• Cushioning – Treadmill exercise can be hard on your joints. The deck should feel neither spongy nor like asphalt. Review manufacturers specifications providing evidence of why their cushioning system works.
   
• Electronics – Just about every treadmill has a console showing a display that lets you know how many calories you have burned, speed, distance and time. But the best rated models have built-in motivation: preprogrammed workouts for interval training.
   
• Safety Features – Invest in a machine that requires a safety key or code to start- especially if there are small children around.

These guidelines are a good place to start when you review treadmill ratings and consumer reports. Just remember, as with any purchase, the quality of the machine is in direct relation to the price. The online merchants featured below offer the best home exercise equipment at very competitive prices. Treadmills include the following brands frequently rated in consumer reviews: Cybex, Healthrider, Image, Landice, LifeFitness, Lifestride, Nordictrack, Precor, Proform, Quinton, Reebok, Smooth, Sole, Schwinn, Spirit, Stair Master, Stamina, Star Trac, Trotter, Tunturi and Weslo.

Treadmill Buying Guide

Smooth Fitness - Factory Direct Treadmills from $999 - Top rated by Runner's World.

Sole Fitness - Sole Folding & Non-Folding Treadmills. Lifetime warranty on frame and deck, 30 years on motor.

Amazon - Choose from over 2900 models! Free shipping on most items.

Top Treadmill Brands from WorkoutWarehouse - Shape up with the best equipment! Treadmills from Healthrider, Image, Nordictrack, Proform, Reebok and Weslo.

Also see: [ Elliptical Trainers ] [ Exercise Bikes ] [ Home Gyms ]