Treadmill Review: Pay Attention To What The Experts Say

Treadmills continue to be the fastest-growing home exercise equipment. Why? Because novice and pros can use treadmills and medical research praises both running and walking. Also, more and better treadmills are being produced, as manufacturers turn to surveys on what runners want and incorporate it into their machines.

Naturally you'll want to get it right when you buy a treadmill. Treadmill reviews abound in several magazines and websites that offer product reviews. Each year Consumer Guide and Consumer's Digest publish their ratings for treadmills. Another good treadmill review source is Runner's World. The premiere running magazine publishes a consumer review every other year. All of these treadmill reviews inform consumers with their pick of the best in the market by their own panel of testers, ranging from non- exercisers to running aficionados.

Runner's World use performance factors for their treadmill reviews: 1) Cushioning - The relative softness or firmness of the ride, how well the treadmill absorbs the shock of foot strike. 2) Stability - The steadiness and solidity of the treadmill's structure, how well it resists vibration, jiggling and flexing with every stride. 3) The user-friendliness (position and feel) of the buttons you use to start the treadmill, change modes and adjust speed and incline. 4) Display - The layout, visibility and runner-relevance of the digital readouts showing time, pace, distance, incline and other data. And 5) Overall - Testers gut feeling about the whole treadmill how well it meets their runner-specific needs. Answers the question: Would they buy it and use it?

Basically, treadmill reviews focus on what the machine offers and how well they deliver these features.

MAXIMUM SPEED AND INCLINE - Among the treadmill reviews, top speed ranges from 10 to 12 miles per hour. Starting speed is an important issue and treadmill reviews recommend a speed of 0.5 mph or less. It's not that you will be walking that slow, but starting speeds of a mile per hour are often too fast for runners and may result in the sudden jerk of the belt, says treadmill reviews.

CUSHIONING - Most treadmill reviews suggest a moderately soft ride. Not only does it feel good but also it can lessen the stress on the joints and muscles, minimizing soreness and fatigue. However, treadmill review varies in this aspect.

STABILITY - A treadmill with good stability has a solid feel and doesn't vibrate or shake excessively when you run on it. Treadmill reviews take this as an important factor when buying a machine.

MOTOR - Treadmill reviews states that, in theory, a bigger motor will run cooler, more efficiently and cope with heavy leads better. In general, look for a rating of 2 horsepower continuous duty. Other treadmill reviews recommend a horsepower rating of at least 1.5.

FRAME, DECK AND BELT - Treadmill reviews says manufacturers use different materials and designs for these components. Frames constructed of high alloy steel are more stable and durable than aluminum. Treadmill reviews advise that the steel frame of your treadmill has a coat against rust corrosion. Quality decks should need no substantial maintenance, other than the occasional dusting. When it comes to the belt, treadmill reviews suggests that it can easily be adjusted.

CONTROLS AND DISPLAY - A treadmill's console is your control station. Treadmill reviews recommend large data numbers and are easy to read. Since all treadmills have different consoles, it is up to the user's preferences on which one works best for them. Treadmill reviews advise one that has simple commands and readouts that are easy to find.

Aside from the mentioned features, treadmill reviews also take into account the price of the machine. Depending on your budget, treadmills can set you back $3000 to $5,000 for the new models. However, you can go online and surf the Internet for second-hand units that costs a fraction of that price with treadmill reviews from the websites.

Although there are manual treadmills in the market, treadmill reviews advise against it. Manual treadmills, in theory, will burn more calories since you provide the power. In reality, it may be very difficult to use causing you to workout less. The action of your feet against the deck moves the belt but it can stress your joints, says treadmill reviews. With motorized treadmills, the motor moves the belt so you don't have to strain to start it. You can also adjust the speed and incline while you are still walking or running. The biggest motivation for buying a manual treadmill, according to treadmill reviews, is the low cost. But you can often find a good used motorized treadmill for a discount.

So before you consider buying a treadmill for your home, refer to treadmill reviews. Not only do they serve as a guide on what to look for in treadmills but ultimately, they help you find the best value for your money.

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