Choosing the ideal treadmill can seem to be overwhelming you. There are dozens of renowned treadmill brands and hundreds different types of treadmills out there. You can spend hours and hours on research but you'll only get more confused. For those of you just starting the research process there's this Treadmill Buying Guide to help you out.
If you're looking for a LifeSpan treadmill, check out our LifeSpan treadmill comparison guide.
Things to consider before buying a treadmill:
How much do you want to spend on a treadmill?Drafting a budget is wise but keep in mind that your ideal treadmill can be more expensive than you've anticipated. So you better not hold on too tight to your budget. As it comes to treadmills you really get your money's wort. No manufacturer or reseller can afford to overprice their products if they wish to stay competitive. If you want a solid treadmill you can use safely and effectively at home you're in a price range between £1,100 - £2,000.
If you're looking for a treadmill suitable for semi-professional or professional use, physiotherapy and rehabilitation you're looking at a price range between £2,000 - £4,500. Entry-level treadmills are sufficient for one or two users who plan on walking or jogging a few times per week. If you've a higher budget you can find a more high-quality treadmill built to handle heavy use.
How much does the heaviest user of the treadmill weigh?
A general rule of thumb is that you need a treadmill with a maximum user weight which is 33-44 pounds higher than the weight of the heaviest user of the treadmill. That way you can train safely and effectively, even at high speeds and with high angles of inclination and get the most out of your investment.
Are you going to use the treadmill for walking, jogging or running?
If you're training for a marathon you obviously need another treadmill than if you're an avid walker or jogger. If you're planning on using the treadmill for running or sprinting make sure you pick a treadmill with a maximum speed of 12 MPH or higher with a length of at least 55". If you want to take on intervaltraining you best pick a treadmill with a continuous Duty AC motor. Duty AC motors can deal with quick changes in speed settings much better dan Duty DC motors. If you just want to walk or jog you can suffice with an entry-leven treadmill with a low maximum speed and a short length. These treadmills are cheaper than the above mentioned ones.
How much room do you have for a treadmill?
Do you have additional space to place the treadmill, a home gym, or do you have to place it in your living room or bedroom? If you have enough space you may not need to go for a space-saving treadmill or one you can fold. When considering brands look for the overall width and length of the treadmill and take some measurements to make sure the treadmill will fit comfortably.
Do you want to keep track of your treadmill training data?
Most manufacturers offer some sort of app or software integration for treadmills equipped with WI-FI or Bluetooth. Some companies offer free use of their software, while others charge a subscription fee (up to 100 euros per year). Before buying a treadmill it's advisable to do research and read the fine print if this feature is important to you.
What is the manufacturer's warranty?
Over the years the manufacturer's warranties have improved a great deal. Manufacturers promise you a lifetime warranty on the frame and the drive motor, a warranty of 3 to 7 years on parts and a warranty of 1 to 2 years on labor. But be aware of hidden terms and conditions that are only mentioned in the owner's manual. This is only in the manufacturer's best interest because you won't read those terms and conditions until you've bought the fitness equipment. Try to look up the owner's manual online to make sure the warranty looks sufficient.
What is the seller's return policy?
You don't buy a treadmill with the intention of returning it but being aware of the return policy in advance can be useful in choosing where to best buy your treadmill. Treadmills are heavy and it's expensive to ship them so it's standard procedure manufacturers have the customer pay for a return shipping, a restocking fee or a combination between the two. Once the costs for return have been added up the return may cost up to half the sales price of the treadmill. That's why we recommend you to carefully read the return policy and costs or return before purchasing a treadmills.
We hope this Treadmill Buying Guide has helped you on your way to finding the perfect treadmill. Should you have any questions or if you're in need of advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
