If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Buying a treadmill is no different than any other product. You will get what you pay for. If you are unfamiliar with treadmills, you should educate yourself on what to consider and keep in mind before you purchase one. All treadmills are not created equal and treadmills come in a wide range of prices for a reason. Arm yourself with information on treadmill warranties, individual space allotment and the individual performance, components and features of the treadmills you are considering.

Just like most other products, the more expensive treadmills are higher quality machines. Yes, it is easy to find cheap treadmills that are appealing to the wallet. But, most people end up wishing they hadn’t purchased them. Cheaper machines don’t live up to workout expectations, and they often break down. A high quality treadmill will cost at least $1000. While that may sound like a lot of money for a piece of exercise equipment, these high end machines give better workouts and are less likely to break down. Keep the following things in mind when you go treadmill shopping.

The warranty that comes with a machine is the tell all on whether it will last long term. If the machine you are considering only comes with a 90 day or one year warranty, realize that the manufacturer knows it will need repaired, soon. Manufacturers of high quality treadmills will offer a lifetime warranty with their machines.

Look for the differences in warranties. Does one offer in-home servicing? Are there loopholes in the warranty? Are there any hidden costs in the warranty? Be sure to read all of the writing on a warranty, even the small print.

If you are going to purchase a folding treadmill because of space allotment issues, make sure you test out how easy (or difficult) it is to fold the machine’s deck up. Avoid ones that are difficult to lift. If lifting is a health concern for you, consider purchasing a machine that will fold with the push of a button. Be sure you test out how easy it is to move the treadmill around, especially if you plan on storing it away between workouts.

You wouldn’t purchase a car without test driving it, why should buying a treadmill be any different? After all, a treadmill’s performance is crucial to whether you will be happy with it. Test out the treadmill before you purchase it. Put it through a workout and see if it meets your needs and expectations. If the motor sounds strained or make irregular noises, it is probably not powerful enough for you. In addition, know that some treadmills will go faster and incline more than others. If you are a runner, having a treadmill that will be able to keep up with your speed is crucial.

Learn all you can about the different components and features on treadmills. Become familiar with what to look for in tread belts, belt rollers, motors, decks and frames. Consult a buying guide to steer you in the right direction.

A great way to get insight on various models of treadmills is to visit a message board where people discuss exercise equipment. These places will give you an opportunity to meet people and ask questions about treadmills. These first hand accounts can go far in helping you decide which treadmill you should purchase, and which machines you should avoid.