Before You Purchase a Treadmill
running. beginners. Written By Abuja Run Club
Buying a treadmill is a great investment for exercising when you don’t have time to hit a gym or you don’t have an open space around for a walk or run. But buying a treadmill is different than using one in a gym because buying a treadmill is not only expensive but also needs space at your home. We recommend considering these factors before you decide on buying a treadmill.
1. Belt Size
A treadmill will be used for running or walking. Hence, to be safe, it is important that the machine functioning is smooth and not rough. It is important that its belt size should at least be 48 inches long and 18 inches wide. For taller people (over 6 feet height) the belt size should ideally be 54 inches for comfortable running or walking.
2. Cushioning
If you plan to regularly run on the treadmill, you should purchase a machine that goes up to 10 mph or higher. The running bed should be able to absorb shock and the belt shouldn’t shift with each foot strike. What’s more, the quality of workouts directly depends on the horsepower of the drive motor. Hence, make sure you are well aware of the horsepower and motor specifications before you buy one. Go for at least 2.0 Horsepower if you or any member of your household is heavier than 135kg
3. Stability
The treadmill should be safe and stable. It should not rattle or shake when using it, because it can potentially harm the walker/runner. The treadmill frame should remain stable while exercising so that the run is smooth and easy.
4. Weight
This consideration is important because, if you are a larger person the treadmill should be sturdy enough to accommodate your weight. It is wiser to subtract 20 kg for a realistic figure while looking at the user weight rating. Home use treadmill motors can manage a capacity of up to 135 kilograms in weight.
5. Features
Check if the control panel is well within the reach and easy to use while exercising. Apart from this, consider if the treadmill has other features like adjustable speed and incline to add difficulty to a workout, a pulse monitor or a facility for an MP3 player!
6. Space and Size
A treadmill will take up a lot of space. Assessing the space at home before purchasing one is highly recommended. Folding treadmills are also available, but these too occupy space. Treadmills are heavy and hence cumbersome to move. Determining the right treadmill size depends on the space of your gym or home, your size and how you intend to use the machine.
7. Warranty / Delivery / Set-up
One can judge the quality of a treadmill by the manufacturer’s warranty. It is advisable to look for a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor or at least a minimum of 10 years or so. Generally, treadmill electronics come with a warranty of 5 years and parts and labor warranty for 2 years.
Enquire about the cost of delivery before purchasing as this will not be included in the machine cost. Assembling the parts will also require help hence make sure the same is included in the service. Furthermore, make sure you get after-sales service and readily available parts.
8. Budget
Once you consider all the above specifications, you need to consider how much you are willing to pay for a treadmill. It is important to get the highest quality treadmill at a reasonable rate and not be overcharged. Treadmills vary widely in price, and this is mostly due to the features they offer. Consider investing in a quality treadmill as it will not only be easy to use but will also last long.
Before you make that large purchase, test the equipment thoroughly and consider taking an experts advice. A treadmill is surely an effective workout regime than other exercise machines, so consider these points and make a smart purchase!
Abuja Run Club is a peak-performance running community growing out of Abuja, Nigeria.
We are empowering you to run, stay active and live healthily.
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