First, decide whether a treadmill for you. Before you invest several thousand dollars in a treadmill only for them to end up like a coat hanger, one must consider a few things. With so many people buying exercise equipment that do not use, the market is full of fitness equipment used in excellent condition and some not so good conditions. Will address this in later paragraphs. Where to start? Check in your local newspaper for peopleSale of their equipment, real estate sales and flea markets developed. You can also find some real bargains from online sources like eBay and online ads. Many areas also have second hand sports shops, which are used to sell fitness equipment. Why not make a visit and see what they have to offer? The savings can be substantial.
Here are some good reasons to buy a treadmill:
1 The treadmill will save you time. You can schedule your training and you have no reason to worrystill early enough for a gym to find an open car, is always available.
2 No excuses, it's in your house, get off your ass and use it.
3 The treadmill will be new opportunities for your children to be present during the exercise. Your son or daughter can be a task or a coloring book work and there is no nursery or baby sitters to fear.
4 No gym fees. An investment in a treadmill at home means no more spending $ 25 to $ 30 a month in a gymRegistration only use their devices. Or worse every month and this money can not go.
First: History 101 Treadmill
Believe it or not, treadmills have not always been determined for human use. The treadmills were first invented in 1875. Called "power level" treadmill, they came in large or small, large ones were used by horses to power threshing machines, and the small selection of dogs and sheep were butter churns power. It was not until 1952 thatCardiologist Robert Bruce, with his colleague Wayne Quinton developed a treadmill designed for human use. Quinton eventually sold his interest in pitch and the rest was good, the story. You may have heard of Quinton treadmills. The world has shown that the human treadmill was a good idea to speak to its durability and popularity of books. Sears is reported to be worth over a billion dollars in a single year of treadmill retail. Association of Manufacturers of sports' claims thatConsumers spend more money on treadmills than any other fitness equipment designed for training at home. It has never been one year since its first commercial production, sales declined treadmill. If you need further proof, look at any gym. You will not find many of the devices around personal trainer late night infomercials. You can be surrounded by so much hype, but are not always as they seem to be so wonderful. And it usually is not a realExercise program. Treadmills are on the other hand, again and again their value and solid construction over the years, has demonstrated why they are the points in each training facility. Whether it's training area in a commercial gym or your local house, it is likely that you will find a treadmill.
According to a study at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, about sixty minutes on the treadmill, an average is performed to burn 705-865Calories - more than any other standard gym equipment such as rowers (at 606-739 calories per hour), cycling (595-604 calories), between different computers (595-678 calories) and step (637-746 calories). But this is only the beginning of the benefits of the treadmill.
The news is in and medical experts agree that walking is great exercise. Whether it's a daily walk around the neighborhood of energy or simply a walk around the block on foota good way to lose weight and gain fitness. Unfortunately the weather is not always together when it comes to exercise, we will need. If it's too rainy, too cold or too hot outside, it can be very difficult to keep up with the aim to be as good exercise program. This is perhaps why a treadmill can capture so much, and why treadmills are so popular pieces of sports equipment. A quality treadmill has a number of important advantages over many otherTypes of exercise equipment.
They are good for any fitness level. Whether you are just starting your exercise regimen or an old pro, you can use a speed setting that gives you a great cardiovascular challenge.
They are adjustable. Perhaps you feel that you only need a light workout or two or three times a week with a treadmill, you can vary the intensity accordingly.
They are very versatile. Technology has made it possible to predict treadmill today for a variety of ways.You can choose programs that focus on cardiovascular or fat burning. You can work to improve your speed. You can simulate running uphill. There are pre-set programs, or you can combine different pitch and speed. We also recommend that your training program.
They are low impact, but to no effect. You are not your goal of cardiovascular fitness, exercise if you can not, and you can not exercise when it got hurt. Run (or walk) on a treadmill is a safe bet. Their surfaces absorbEffect and reduce pressure on joints criticism much better than running on concrete or asphalt. The chances of injury are greatly reduced low-impact exercise. Most of the treadmill is a key to the security or the security system shut down in case you must go down, which will end immediately.
They are comfortable. Is it raining? It's snowing? Blistering heat wave? No problem. Treadmills are used in all weather conditions, so that you do not get a rain jacket or sweater to use. In addition,Most treadmills on the market now places to keep your water bottle, towel and reading material. On some of the new treadmills, you can connect your MP3 or iPod in the console treadmill. Some are equipped with TV and internet on it. And, of course, always fit in a workout program. For example, when you get home from work, it's already dark, and do not feel good to walk alone, you can always get on the treadmill. No more excuses!
If you're in the marketfor a treadmill, you may be confused (and surprised!) by the different types and terms you'll encounter. There are residential home treadmills, light commercial and commercial treadmills. Folding ones, motorized and non-motorized it's enough to make a novice want to buy a pair of running shoes and hit the road. Let's break it down a bit and compare the ins and outs of each.
Motorized vs. non-motorized. On a non-motorized, or "manual," treadmill, your feet do all the work. If you slow down or stop, so does the treadmill. Manual treadmills can be difficult to get started, and if you desire a change of incline during your workout, you have to stop the machine, get off, adjust the incline level, and get it started again. In a nutshell, there's really no advantage to buying a manual treadmill as opposed to a motorized one. The reason cited most often is the cost. Manual machines are much cheaper than their motorized counterparts, but it's important to remember that they're not usually constructed as well, either. If it's cost-effectiveness you're concerned with, it isn't hard to find slightly used motorized treadmills for a fraction of what they'd cost brand new. We'll discuss this at more length in a minute. Think of all the people who buy treadmills then never use them and are willing to part with them just to get them out of the way! My thought is if you are looking for a manual treadmill just walk outside or inside and save yourself some time and money.
Some other considerations that you must address before purchasing any exercise equipment would include number of users, maximum weight of the users, and frequency of use. Also know that all treadmills are rated for a maximum user weight. A user exceeding the maximum weight rating chances cracking the walking deck or at worse burning out the moving parts rather quickly. Lower end models generally are rated at a maximum of 250 pounds. It is also recommended that you purchase a treadmill with a CHP (Continuous Horsepower) motor as opposed to a THP (Total Horsepower) motor. Lower end treadmills will have a DC powered motor, while many commercial treadmills may have AC powered motors.
Also check the application of the treadmill, most residential treadmills are labeled for "In Home Use" only. The warranty will be void if used in a gym or other commercial type setting i.e.: condominium or apartment workout rooms. Most residential treadmills will use a regular 110 volt outlet, while most commercial treadmills may use 220 volt outlet. If you're confused about which type of motorized treadmill to buy, it pays to do a little research and comparison. Ideally, you'll want to purchase a machine that has 1.5 - 2.5 CHP motor.
OK, after all this you still want a treadmill?
1. Before You Head Off To Make A Purchase
Take into account how much space you have available. Obviously, if you live in a small apartment or have a limited amount of space, you're not going to want a large treadmill. You need to know how much space you have to store and use the equipment. Fortunately, there are pieces of fitness equipment available that you can fold and easily store. If you're pressed for space, these can be an excellent alternative to bulky equipment. You must realize that most full size treadmills will take up a foot print (floor space) of 3 feet wide by 6 feet long. Most ICON Fitness treadmills do fold, you will find these treadmills at your big box retailers like Sears, Costco and Wal Mart. Also at specialty retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority. They are sold under many of the following brand names, Nordic Track, Pro Form, Weslo, Weider, Epic, Healthrider, Gold's Gym, Free Motion, ICON, Reebok, Body Fit, IMAGE, iFit.com, Sears, Horizon, Ironman and Smooth, just to name a few. As a side note in 2007 some of the manufactures also starting making ellipticals that fold, but that is a totally different subject.
2. Consider The Expense Of The Appropriate Treadmill
This sounds like a no brainer right, the cheaper the better. But you need to consider how much would the treadmill you "need" cost new. When I say "need" I mean, "runner vs. walker", "Usage vs. number of users". Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish. Not every less expensive treadmill is a good deal. The phrase "you get what you pay for" most certainly applies to exercise equipment. If you are a serious exerciser or runner you will need to spend more money to get a model that will last and offers features that most runners expect. If you want a treadmill and you are a serious runner then a budget for a new treadmill might be in the $ 1500.00 to $ 3,500.00 dollar range. This would be considered a Light Commercial Treadmill. If you are a walker, a few times a week, for only 30 minutes at a time then your new treadmill budget might be in the $ 700.00 to $ 1,500.00 dollar area. This is considered a Residential Treadmill. So if you are a serious exerciser the new treadmill average would be $ 2,500.00 dollars. On the other hand a purchasing a used light commercial treadmill you might consider spending in the $ 800.00 to $ 1,500.00 dollar range.
If you are a walker your new average treadmill budget would be $ 1,000.00 dollars. Then you should consider spending $ 400.00 to $ 700.00 dollars for the used residential treadmill. No one says you have to have the fanciest equipment in order to meet your fitness goals. Even if you're on a tight budget, you have lots of available options. A few sets of dumbbells may be all you need to build and tone muscle and something as simple as a jump rope can give you an excellent cardiovascular work out. Don't underestimate these simple solutions! You may want to give them a try before investing in a treadmill that takes up space. After all, who wants to spend money an elaborate treadmill that may become a clothes hanger?
3. Establish Your Exercise Goals
This should always be a high priority. Exercise goals should be clearly thought out before considering the purchase of any type of fitness equipment. You don't know how many customers I ask, how often do you use the treadmill? They will tell me at great length the amount of usage the treadmill is getting and then I will check the "hours used" function on the treadmill, only to find out that after 5 years of ownership, the treadmill has less than 100 hours usage. Is your goal to achieve better cardiovascular health or is it to build and tone muscle? If cardiovascular health is your primary goal, a treadmill, stair climber, elliptical, upright bike or a recumbent bike might be the best option. If you want to tone or build muscle, choose a machine that allows you to do resistance training, preferably with weights. This could be a cable system, free weights or resistance bands.
4. Features, Features, Features
Decide what's important to you. What is the maximum speed? Does the treadmill incline? If so, how high of a percentage? Do you need programs? Do you want to make your own programs? How about items like fans, TV's, orthopedic walking belts, large console displays, book holder. Does the treadmill only have front rails or does it also have side rails? Heart monitors, did you need this feature for medical reasons? Do you want a model with a wireless heart rate detector? If so, is the treadmill capable of this feature and if it is, will this be an additional expense?
5. Ok, Ready Set Shop
Hit the used exercise equipment stores, if you need to feel and touch your purchase. Some areas have "Play It Again Sports" stores which specialize in used equipment. Check the Yellow Pages. But you may find better discounts on-line. Just like shopping for a new car, the best time for purchasing a used treadmill is when the new models start coming out for the Christmas shopping season. The Christmas to New Year's Eve time is the "season" for retailers of exercise equipment. This is due to the fact that most exercise equipment buyers find a need to get in shape for the holidays, with company parties on the horizon, and New Years resolutions right around the corner. They may want to trade up to a better model and you may get a great deal on a used one at this time. Purchasing a used or reconditioned treadmill from a dealer can definitely be a smarter purchase. The exercise equipment dealer will usually have done all the maintenance and replaced any needed parts. They will clean the treadmill and make sure it is safety ready for its new owner. The dealer will usually offer delivery, setup and some type of limited parts and labor warranty. You may have to pay a little more money to purchase from a reputable exercise equipment dealer, but the added expense may well be worth it. Especially if they include a warranty, delivery and setup all for one price. Can you purchase an extended warranty? I've always believed that extended warranties are money well spent, especially since treadmills can be expensive to repair.
Always be cautious on purchasing a used treadmill from a private party. Have you heard of "Buyer Beware"? Well if that saying ever was appropriate it is here and now. Do you know that most consumers when purchasing a treadmill whether new or used only "test" it for an average of 30 seconds? That's right; they walk on the treadmill for 30 seconds and make a major decision. Large manufactures have timed customers without them knowing and this is a proven fact, 30 seconds. Now, why do I mention this, because treadmills tend to take a beating, and one of the biggest technical problems a treadmill can have is that it will shut down after 30, 40 or 60 minutes. It's over heating, it may have a bad motor, worn walking belt or other electrical problems. So will your 30 second test run tell you that this "Great Deal" of a treadmill won't be such a great deal when you get it home and it shuts down during your first workout? Treadmills can be big and heavy, not for the average person to be lugging around.
You may have to pay a little more money to purchase from a reputable exercise equipment dealer, but think of the time and effort you may save. Are you shopping on eBay, Craig's List or some other internet sites? Check closely, many internet deals are for "Local Delivery Only". Do you have to pick it up and set it back up once you get it home? How will you get it home? Do you know how to un-assemble the treadmill and re-assemble it without breaking it? You may have to un-assemble the treadmill just to get it thru doorways. How old it the treadmill? Even though you may be hearing that it was only used once by my grandmother, beware, especially if it's over 10 years old. Personally, I wouldn't purchase a treadmill over 10 years old, so be careful. And of course no matter where you are buying the used treadmill from negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.
Bottom line, if you've decided that a treadmill is for you, you must remember that not every less expensive treadmill is for you and it may not necessarily be a good deal. It pays to be well educated with well defined fitness goals before making a purchase of an expensive piece of fitness equipment you may never use. After all, do you really want to look at that abandoned clothes hanger for a treadmill every time you go home? But you can get a "Great" deal with a little education and patience.
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