Treadmills remain the most popular choice for home exercise. More than 45 million people use a treadmill, either at home or in a gym, according to the annual consumer survey of the Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association.

It is recommended that you find a specialty retailer as your provider for a treadmill. In general, the staff is more qualified as exercise specialists and service techs.

This can be one of the most confusing purchases you will ever make, but only if you let it be. The facts are simple, you get what you pay for. Try not to compare a department store treadmill to a commercial quality.

Department store treadmills are generally manufactured and designed by one company, Some of the brands they make are: Proform, Reebok, Weslo, Image, Nordic Trac, and Healthrider. You will usually find these treadmills in department stores, sporting good stores, wholesale clubs and sometimes the Internet. They will range in price from $300 to over $2000. Traditionally these treadmills will last the average user 1 to 5 years.

Crossover/hybrids treadmills can be found at some department stores, some specialty retailers and other fitness type stores. Some names to be considered for this level of quality are Athlon, Schwinn and Trimline. Traditional prices range from $800 to $2500. Life expectancy would be 5-10 yrs. You can expect to see average quality over all with a generic motor usually imported from China or other Asian country.

Commercial or fitness grade quality are primarily sold in fitness specialty retail stores. Some name brands you will see here include; Bodyguard, Cybex/Trotter, Landice, Life Fitness, Precor, Pacemaster, and Vision Fitness (9400 and up). Prices can range from $1800 and go as high as $5000. The motor and frame are designed for heavy usage and will last upwards of 10-20 years. American companies like Baldor and Pacific Scienetic design the motors. These are motor manufacturers that put their products in commercial treadmills.

Make sure you read the fine print and details of the warranty. Make sure you try the product and ask a lot of questions about the company and the services they provide. For example: delivery and service. Some companies provide an in home trial period, but make sure and ask if there is a re-stocking fee.

Treadmills are excellent tools for getting an aerobic workout indoors. One obvious point is that it provides a great training experience for runners. If you are training for a marathon or even a 10k, and you don't want to go outdoors too often during the months, you are certainly better off with a quality treadmill.

Treadmills

Save on The Tony Little Gazelle

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or dietitian. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

EZDietsolutions.com © All rights reserved