How to Compare Treadmills

You have your heart set on a new treadmill. Perfect. Now you have to narrow it down to a brand and model. There are a lot of factors to consider and we hope this guide will help you choose a treadmill that best fits your lifestyle and needs.

Start with Your Budget

Don’t even bother looking at treadmills until you’ve set a budget for yourself. Treadmills can vary from a few hundred dollars for very low-quality models to thousands for higher-end and commercial pieces. It will be a lot easier for you to narrow down your choices if you know your minimum and maximum budget ranges. Stick to those numbers.

Search Online and Offline

While you may use the internet to compare treadmill features, make sure you look both offline and online when comparing prices. Some models will be cheaper in stores while others will be cheaper on line. A lot of online marketplaces offer “internet only” prices to try to edge out the stores while others are simply less expensive because they’re selling older models. Even better if you can find a treadmill in a store to try but find a cheaper price online.

Treadmill Features

Of course, treadmill features are incredibly important. There are four main components you’ll want to consider:

• The motor is basically the core of your treadmill. Most experts recommend at least 1.5 or 2.0 HP. The more you plan to use it, the higher you should aim for in order to avoid burning the motor out.
• The treadmill’s stability features control whether or not it will shake or move around while you are using it.
• Cushioning is important because it determines how well the treadmill can absorb your step. Higher cushioning features mean less impact on your joints. The worse the cushioning, the higher your risk of injury. This is especially important to consider when looking at lower-priced models.
• Does the treadmill come with a warranty? Some sort of warranty should be included in the price – not charged extra. You’re making a significant investment and should receive at least a year or two of peace of mind before having to worry about costly repairs.

Review the Reviews

People who are serious about fitness also tend to be serious about their fitness equipment. That means you are likely to find your fair share of both good and bad reviews online. Check the reviews on various fitness websites – not just one- and make sure you read them carefully. Be objective, especially when reading bad reviews. Remember that people tend to write bad reviews more often than good, so compare the comments you’re seeing and keep them all in mind when you go to a store to try the treadmills you’re considering.

Try Them Out

That brings us to our last point – try those treadmills out. Walk into a fitness equipment store like Push Pedal Pull and ask to be shown the brands and models you’re considering. Take your sneakers, hop on, and try them out. How do they feel? Is the cushioning what you expected? Is the machine stable enough for your level of intensity?

We want you to be happy and confident in your choices. Feel free to call or stop in with any questions you have as you compare treadmills!