Treadmill Buying - Simple Money-Saving Tips

The great attraction of a home treadmill is being able to exercise whenever you want, regardless of the weather. With a home treadmill you can still manage to have an extremely effective workout regardless of the weather outside. Treadmills are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercise - walking, jogging and running.

For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight. A few treadmill models, which have rollers, are powered by the user rather than a motor.

One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. Most treadmills come with an electronic console that displays workout feedback such as speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out, and calories burned.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill.

The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest.

If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money. Check out the level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation; something that many buyers overlook. You may want to spend less money if you're not really sure you'll continue using it.

Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels.

You might want to bring your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they'll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health.

Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important. Buying fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years.

It's best to buy a treadmill that has at least a one-year warranty. Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online with several different manufacturers.

The lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises.

To get even more workouts, think about making your treadmill into a walking, working office by adding a mini-platform to the side rails. As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running.

Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which models are best for you. Buying a treadmill over the Internet doesn't have to be intimidating when you've done your homework. Spend some time shopping around, work out exactly what you need, and then shop online and offline for the best price.

For more information on saving money on treadmills and best buy shopping for treadmills online and offline go to http://www.Best-Treadmill-Tips.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in treadmill tips, advice and resources, including information on treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Hecker

I Want A Proform Treadmill - Are They Any Good?

The Proform treadmill is possibly one of the best-known names in exercise equipment. Produced by that behemoth of fitness equipment manufacturing, Icon Fitness, the Proform treadmill is often seen as synonymous with sturdy construction and reliability. While many treadmill experts do indeed rate the Proform range highly, for every positive Pro Form treadmill rating you will find, it seems there is a corresponding review that reports consumer dissatisfaction with the Proform treadmill line.

Some quick research will reveal many a positive treadmill rating for the Proform range. The construction of the Pro Form treadmill range is considered by those in the know to be excellent, and these treadmills are also deemed to offer a good motor. The electronic readouts that they provide are consistently clear and easy to use. As a company with a relatively long history in treadmill construction, Proform treadmills have developed many innovations, such as the adjustable deck cushioning that is available with some treadmills, and the likes of the scissor type arms included in Pro Form’s CrossWalk treadmill, which provides the user with the same upper body workout that is afforded by an elliptical machine. These innovations have helped distinguish Proform treadmills from their treadmill competition. But are these factors enough to secure a top-notch treadmill rating?

It would seem that this is not necessarily the case. Despite the many exercising advantages offered by the Proform treadmill, it is not difficult to find many a consumer treadmill rating that reports great disappointment with a Pro Form treadmill purchase. There exists an apparent consumer treadmill rating consensus that Proform treadmills lack the punch that was expected of them, and long term users report myriad reliability problems and poor customer service. Some users have even reported safety concerns with using a Proform treadmill, and even though certain issues have been resolved by the company by adding extra safety features to their newer treadmills, the older models remain as they were, so caution is recommended when purchasing a used Proform treadmill.

Overall, the Pro Form treadmill offers a good package of features, including a range of innovative designs not available with other treadmill brands. Proform are not, however, deemed the most reliable make of treadmill available in today’s fitness equipment market place, and with relatively short warranty periods and questionable customer service, the treadmill ratings tell us that a Proform treadmill might not be the wisest investment for the serious exerciser.

To find out more about Treadmills visit Peter's Website Treadmill Answers at http://www.treadmillanswers.com and find out about Cheap Treadmills and more, including Smooth Treadmills, and the Best Treadmill

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The Horizon Treadmill – The Cheap and Cheerful Choice?

The Horizon treadmill company are probably best known for producing a good treadmill package that is easily affordable by even those would-be exercisers on a tight budget. With a range of features that you might expect to see on higher priced fitness equipment, a Horizon treadmill offers you a great treadmill workout without breaking the bank to achieve it.

The Horizon treadmill is available in a range of models, with price tags that range from well under a thousand dollars right up to the two thousand dollar mark. Consumers who have enjoyed the budget end of the Horizon treadmill range might think about investing in a higher spec model, to try to match their treadmill workout to their ever improving fitness levels, but reviewers would advise against such a switch – the Horizon treadmill is a favorite in the budget category, but treadmill ratings suggest that if you are looking to spend a little more to achieve the treadmill workout you want then another choice might be more appropriate. Though the features offered on the lower price Horizon treadmill type are second to none for a budget treadmill, the experts say that the improvements you might expect to find on a more expensive Horizon treadmill simply aren’t up to scratch.

So what do you get with a Horizon treadmill? A range of features, including an easy fold system, shock absorption technology and a fan to help keep you cool while you avail of one of the pre-programmed or customizable treadmill workouts the Horizon line have to offer. But as reviewers are quick to point out, it is not the features included in the Horizon treadmill that are under scrutiny – these are almost uniformly agreed to offer a great treadmill workout to anyone who purchases a Horizon. Rather it is the possibility of what might be sacrificed in the Horizon treadmill to offer these features at a budget price, namely the quality of the Horizon parts and the long-term durability of the treadmill as a whole.

The upside to this criticism of the reliability of the treadmill workout offered by a Horizon machine is that consumer reviews rate the customer service offered by the Horizon team as exemplary. Speedy and courteous, it seems that dealing with any flaw in the Horizon treadmill is not as fraction as painful as consumers frequently report their dealings with other treadmill manufacturers.

So if you are looking for a budget treadmill workout with all the trimmings, then a Horizon treadmill might just be the way for you to go. But if you want to upgrade down the line, choose another treadmill brand.

To find out more about Treadmills visit Peter's Website Treadmill Answers at http://www.treadmillanswers.com and find out about Cheap Treadmills and more, including Smooth Treadmills, and a suggestion for the best Treadmill Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Clark

Runners CAN Train on a Treadmill

If you're a runner, training on a treadmill can be a beneficial part of your training. No, it isn't perfect! Nevertheless, a treadmill does have some advantages.

A positive aspect of using a treadmill to work on your running skills is that you are training in a sheltered, controlled environment. The weather won't interrupt your treadmill training. You can train any time of day or night, without having to worry about your personal safety. You can even catch up on the news or watch a movie as you train!

For beginning runners, a treadmill may be the ideal way to train. If you throw a beginner in with more experienced runners, they will likely feel intimidated. Training on a treadmill in the beginning will allow a novice runner to gain experience, build endurance and speed, and improve self-confidence before joining more advanced athletes in the sport.

When training on a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, you can easily judge and adjust your running intensity. Also, a good treadmill will display your speed, distance traveled, pace, incline level, and calories burned. These indicators are great for monitoring each workout and areas of improvement.

With a variety of training programs to choose from on a treadmill, the runner may choose a desired workout program. Or, the runner has the option of manually controlling speed, distance, time, and incline level, thus, designing a workout that practically mimics one that the runner would experience outdoors.

Training on a treadmill greatly diminishes the chance of a running injury. Because a treadmill workout is done on a smooth running belt that reduces impact and eliminates obstacles that could get in the runner's path outside, there is virtually little or no risk of injury to knees, back, and joints.

Additional advantages of treadmill training include:

A treadmill provides a good opportunity for the runner to work on his/her running form...without having to worry about stumbling over obstacles in the path, uneven surfaces, or any other outdoor distractions.
Training on a treadmill makes it more convenient to have plenty of fluids on hand during the workout, as well as having the convenience of a bathroom nearby.
A treadmill allows for a consistent workout. It eliminates the guesswork concerning how fast you are running, how far you've run, the consistency of your pace, and so on.
On the con side, a treadmill workout fails to provide wind resistance, such as you would encounter when running outdoors. After all, you are running in place on a treadmill...indoors, out of the wind. When you run outdoors, you run through the air, creating resistance. The faster you run, the greater the wind resistance affects you.

Although you can adjust the incline level on a good running treadmill, the treadmill still doesn't provide the changes in terrain that you might encounter when running outside. You're certainly not going to stumble over a stone or be hindered by soft sand when running on a treadmill.

When you run outdoors, you depend solely upon your own power to carry you along. A treadmill has a moving belt, however, that helps propel you along. It is questionable as to whether the runner is fully using his/her potential when running on a treadmill.

Training on a treadmill can be boring! It takes discipline to run in place, going nowhere, all alone, for any length of time. So, although treadmill training may be great for developing dedication, self-discipline, and self-motivation, it may seem quite tedious as compared to running outside.

Additional disadvantages to training on a treadmill include:

The runner's stride may not be the same on a treadmill as it is outdoors.
The runner may be tempted to hang onto the handles or side rails of a treadmill for support during a workout.
The runner may lean less on a treadmill rather than focusing on forward momentum.
The availability of a treadmill could be an issue. The runner either would have to buy one (which could be quite costly), join a gym, or know someone who owns a treadmill that could he/she could use regularly.
You may be a beginning runner or a more advanced athlete. Either way, training on a treadmill just may be the solution to your training needs!

Cyndi Schoenhals is a certified personal trainer and author of the I Hate Diets Approach to Weight Loss. Learn how to lose weight without starving yourself. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cyndi_Schoenhals

Treadmill Reviews - Helping You Find The Best Treadmill For YOU!

With a multitude of different treadmills available today, it can be extremely difficult to know which one might be the best one for you – it can be so overwhelming that you simply don’t know where to start! If you go to one of the wide variety of treadmill manufacturer’s websites, you will be greeted by a whole array of different models that include a variety of features and characteristics that simply boggle the mind, and inevitably enough, each manufacturer is going to say that theirs is better than all the rest. What you need to help you navigate your way through the overabundance of information is a helpful and unbiased informer, and thankfully, help is not too far away. Treadmill reviews. Treadmill reviews are here to help you make the right choice for you.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned treadmill user, it is difficult to see beyond the blurb put out by fitness equipment manufacturers. It is, after all, their job to sell their equipment to you, so they are going to put their best foot forward! Treadmill reviews can help you see beyond the advertising copy. Treadmill ratings are a mixture of the expert opinion of fitness professionals and of ordinary exercisers just like you, and these combine to help you evaluate a treadmill both in terms of the quality of it’s components and how well it actually fits into the average exerciser’s fitness regime.

Choosing a Treadmill – Where to Start?

The right treadmill is a highly individual choice, so before you consider any purchase it is wise to consider what your own personal expectations are, something that unfortunately cannot be found in treadmill ratings! Think about your own fitness goals, and how you intend to reach them – these will have an impact on which treadmill will be most suitable for you. So before you consider searching out the ratings on treadmill, make a list of things that are priorities for you. This will help narrow down your search, and help you use the home treadmill reviews that you come across in a more meaningful way.

There are two distinct types of treadmill reviews available – the evaluations of professionals, and treadmill consumer ratings, which are put together based on the information given by ordinary exercisers just like you. Both of these types of ratings are useful.

Professional reviews, such as those that might comprise magazine ratings of treadmills, are carried out by people in the fitness industry, who have expert knowledge on many aspects of treadmill construction and performance. They will have a good understanding of what it is that makes a treadmill safe and effective, and will undertake investigations on aspects of treadmill construction and longevity that is neither possible nor practical for the layperson to undertake. They will put together ratings on treadmills that will evaluate the component parts and the way in which they are assembled, and will have the background knowledge that will enable them to make comparisons with other treadmills that are available. With a broad understanding of treadmill development and technology, professional treadmill reviewers can evaluate a particular treadmill in an unbiased way, and provide you with a clear picture of how it measures up to the other models that are currently available.

On the other hand, treadmill consumer ratings are comprised of the practical opinion of the non-professional exercisers who have purchased a piece of fitness equipment for their own personal use – these are perhaps the people best qualified to provide reliable home treadmill reviews. Consumer ratings will provide you with more practically based information than is presented in professional treadmill reviews, and will give you a real impression of what a treadmill is actually like to use. Non-professional ratings will typically cover things such as how easy the treadmill is to put together and to operate, how quiet the motor is, and how much space the treadmill takes up when open or folded. While consumers will usually provide little information on the quality of construction of a treadmill, they will be able to provide first hand experience in reliability, comfort and ease of use, and will also usually be able to provide information on customer services.

There are a wide variety of both types of review available in sporting magazines and on the internet, so before you purchase a treadmill, be sure to check out some of these reviews. In combination, professional and consumer reviews will give you all you need to make an informed decision, and find the treadmill that is best for you.

Find out more about Treadmill Reviews as well as Treadmill Maintenance cheap treadmills, used treadmills and folding treadmills at Peters website, Terrific Treadmills

© 2005 Peter Clark Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Clark

Treadmill Buying Tips - 3 Key Buying Tips Most Shoppers Don't Know

If you're buying a treadmill, chances are you've done lots of research already. You probably know exactly what makes up a high quality treadmill and have an idea of which features you want in your unit.

But even with this knowledge many people still fall prey to slick treadmill deals that end up costing them in the long run. In order to keep that from happening to you, here are 3 essential treadmill buying tips to make sure you choose the very best treadmill for your needs.

#1) Not All Treadmill Brands Are Created Equal

I recently had a gentleman e-mail me asking for some treadmill buying advice. He had narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Choice #1: Brand A: 2.5 HP motor $999

Choice #2: Brand B: 1.75 HP motor $899

Choice #3: Brand C: 2.0 HP motor $1099

He asked me which treadmill he should choose. He was clearly leaning towards Choice #1.

This was the natural choice for most people and it makes sense: get the most for the least. Or get the most motor power for the least amount of money.

However, my answer surprised him. I told him if it were my choice, I would go with Choice #3: Brand C for $1099. Here's why:

Although the motor power is lower than Choice #1 and the price is higher, Brand C makes an overall better treadmill. Why?

Brand B has a reputation for making high quality treadmills and backing them up with extensive warranties, including 30 years on the motor. It can afford to give such lengthy warranties because it knows that it makes a quality product that probably WON'T break down - even in 30 years.

Brand A on the other hand offers a 90-day motor warranty. What does that tell you about the quality of parts?

Although motor power is a good feature to consider when buying a treadmill - you have to be careful. Look at it in the context of the whole treadmill - including the brand.

Not all treadmill brands are created equal. Some treadmill brands use extremely high quality materials. Others well, don't. Make sure to look beyond just the bare numbers when choosing a treadmill. Look at the whole picture to find the best treadmill for you.

#2) Don't Always Believe What The Salesperson Tells You

Get it in writing. This isn't to put down any salesperson - but they are human. They do make mistakes, and sometimes this can end up costing you.

I had another lady e-mail me asking for advice on buying a treadmill. She'd narrowed it down to several and was leaning towards one in particular (let's call it Treadmill X).

She had been told by a salesperson in the store that this Treadmill X (for $899) came with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

This lady was smart. She was looking at the whole treadmill picture. The price was excellent. The motor power was average (1.75 HP). And who can pass up a lifetime motor warranty?

But wait a minute. I was fairly familiar with this treadmill brand and knew something was off.

This particular treadmill brand never gives lifetime motor warranties - ever. Not even on their commercial treadmills. So why would they offer a lifetime motor warranty on one of their economy units?

I voiced my concerns to her and wasn't surprised to hear back a couple of days later that the salesperson had actually been mistaken about the lifetime warranty.

If she had bought this treadmill simply based on what the salesperson said, she might have gotten a nasty surprise - especially since this particular treadmill brand is known for being extremely costly to repair.

Don't always trust what the salesperson says. Make sure to get it in writing before you buy!

#3 Forget the Price Tag - Look at the REAL Price Of The Treadmill

Price is probably one of the most important factors when buying a treadmill. But sometimes the price of the treadmill can be misleading.

For example, let's say you're looking at Brand A in a store with a price of $799. Pretty good price right?

A much better deal than Brand B - sold online - at $999.

But look closer at Brand A. Brand A only comes with a 90 day parts and labor warranty so you need to buy added warranty coverage. You pay $50 for a 2 year extended motor warranty.

So Brand A's total cost is now $849 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty already included)

Overall, you figure that Brand A is still the better deal since it's cheaper.

But look closer. You need to pay shipping costs for Brand A. Shipping costs from most stores usually run you about $150.

Brand B, since it is sold online offers free shipping (most online treadmill sellers do).

So Brand A's total cost is now $998 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

With Brand A, $799 has gone to buy the treadmill, $50 has gone to buy the warranty and $150 has gone into shipping.

With Brand B, $999 has gone to buy the treadmill (warranty included).

So which treadmill do you think actually gives you the most value for your money?

So when comparing treadmills, make sure to consider the TOTAL COST of each treadmill before you buy.

By keeping these 3 treadmill buying tips in mind when purchasing a treadmill:

- Not all brands are created equal

- Don't believe what the salesperson tells you - get it in writing

and

- Look at the REAL price of the treadmill

you'll be well on your way to choosing the best treadmill investment for you.

Looking for more treadmill buying tips?

Treadmill Review offers you unbiased Treadmill Brand Reviews [http://www.treadmillreview.net/Treadmill_Brand_Reviews.html], Best Buys [http://www.treadmillreview.net/besttreadmillbuys.html] and money-saving links to save you hundreds of dollars on your next treadmill. Visit [http://www.treadmillreview.net] for more information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_ONeill

Is A Treadmill The Best Exercise Equipment For You?

The #1 fear people have when buying a treadmill is that they won't use it. (That's the #1 fear when buying any piece of exercise equipment). They know that a treadmill can help them lose weight, get fit, burn extra calories and reach their fitness goals.

But that's only if you use it. A treadmill is a large investment to make and you want to be sure that it is the best exercise equipment for your needs.

How do you know if a treadmill is the best piece of exercise equipment for your personal exercise needs? How do you know if it would best fit your lifestyle?

If you're thinking about buying a treadmill, here are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is the best exercise equipment for you:

#1 Do you prefer to exercise alone or in groups?

Walking on a treadmill is not a group activity (it could be - but that's a little dangerous). If you prefer to exercise with other people, say for example in a group sports situation, a treadmill might not be the best choice for you.

Of course a treadmill can add another side to your exercise options if you do get most of your exercise from social or group sports. But if you absolutely hate exercising by yourself, you might not want to invest in a treadmill.

On the other hand, some people enjoy exercising on their own - it's a sort of getaway or escape from the constant social buzz surrounding them every day. A treadmill would be great for someone looking for this kind of exercise 'retreat'.

#2) Do you prefer to exercise outdoors or indoors?

Some people prefer to exercise outdoors. They take hikes to enjoy the beauty of nature or rollerblade down the sidewalks to take in the fresh air. If you prefer to be outdoors to exercise then a treadmill probably isn't for you.

And if you live in all-year-round sunny, warm weather, you may not need a treadmill (then again, you may prefer an air-conditioned workout.)

However, if you happen to live in seasonal climates where it rains, snows or both, a treadmill can be a handy tool to maintain your fitness regimen during the bleak weather months. A treadmill can help you fight winter weight gain and even stave off those nasty winter blues (as exercise is one of the best ways to lift your spirits).

#3 Do you enjoy walking, jogging or running?

Walking is an exercise that everybody can do. It's simple, doesn't require a high level of coordination, and can be a great way to deal with stress. Anyone can do it, regardless of fitness level - from absolute beginner to elite athlete.

There are also people who enjoy the rhythm and routine of jogging or running. Running or jogging is also one of the best all-round ways to burn fat. Again, it's fairly simple to do and doesn't require complex coordination.

While the benefits to walking, jogging and running are numerous, some people just don't like to exercise this way. They like the challenge of a box-aerobics class or mastering a complicated martial art. If you fall into this category, a treadmill will not meet your exercise preferences and it probably isn't the right equipment for you.

So those are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is right for you. With our busy lifestyles and lack of time, the home treadmill also offers several other unique benefits over other types of exercise equipment, which you might want to consider:

#1) Exercise Convenience

With a home treadmill you can jump on it at any time day or night. You don't have to waste time driving to the gym. You don't have to work around your gym's hours or schedule your workout around those 'peak times'. You don't have to rush to sign up for a treadmill at the gym. It's all yours. Workout whenever you want - and for however long you want.

With our jam-packed schedules these days, time is at a premium. While you may not have a long period of time to carve out for exercise, experts tell us that 'mini-workouts' give us the same benefits as long workouts. So instead of doing 30 minutes straight, with your own treadmill you can do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night.

There's a third convenience to having a home treadmill - you can wear what you want. No worrying about if your hair is staying under your baseball cap. No rushing to find the right T-shirt for the gym. While this may seem trivial - it can actually make a difference in how much you exercise!

#2) Exercise Comfort

With a home treadmill, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. No worrying about the rain, snow or sleet that's pouring down outside. You can jump on your treadmill with your favorite sports drink, turn on your favorite show and burn away those calories.

No worrying about winter weight gain or holiday pounds - because you have the tools at your disposal to easily work off any extra calories.

#3) More Calories Burned = More Weight Lost = A Better Body

Because you can exercise when you want, for how long you want, regardless of weather or even busy schedules, you'll use your treadmill much more. And when you exercise more, you burn more calories, lose more weight and achieve a better body. This is always a benefit!

Home treadmills continue to be the best exercise equipment in terms of popularity today. They offer convenience, comfort and more opportunities to enjoy getting in shape.

If you decide that a treadmill is right for you, know that you'll be investing both in a great exercise machine and a better, healthier body!

Kathryn O'Neill is a treadmill enthusiast and writes for http://www.TreadmillReview.net, a consumer oriented website focusing on home treadmills, brand reviews and product ratings.
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