There are a hundred great reasons to buy a treadmill, from wanting a safe and controlled workout to valuing your privacy. And for every reason to buy one, there's a feature to satisfy it. By thinking about what kind of workout you want, you'll narrow down your search into a very manageable list from which to choose.
Lost in Space
It's the last thing people think of, and the first thing they mess up. Before you shop, decide where the home treadmill will go. Treadmills can take up a surprising amount of space, and what looks like a big bare spot in your home will fill in a hurry. Don't eye-ball it. Get out your tape measure and write down available dimensions.
We Fold
Many folding treadmills are also portable treadmills, so you can move them out of the way when not in use. It's very handy, but comes at the cost of frame strength. Some fold up to make more room, which is a great compromise. If you have the space, a solid frame treadmill is your best bet, for simplicity, stability and endurance. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, stick with a solid frame treadmill. They hold up better and are more stable.
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Does Your Belt Match Your Shoes?
While you're thinking about size, note that the running belt comes in different widths, lengths, and even thicknesses. Wider 22-inch belts take up more space but provide a sense of security and comfort, as you worry less about tripping on the edge. A narrow belt, in the 16-inch range, forces good form and makes for a lean exercise machine that takes up less room. Same for the shorter, 45 inch lengths. Besides space savings, some runners find that a shorter belt length forces a quicker pace, and a shorter stride is both more intense and easier on the knees. It's perfect for walkers and easy joggers, but most runners will need room for a longer stride, as will anyone with long legs, running or not.
When you test drive your Weslo treadmill, pay attention to how the belt feels. Some are more cushioned, which eases stress on joints. A cushy belt is also a little harder to run on, just like running in the sand. Some runners prefer to use cushy shoes and a harder belt. It's up to you, but avoid belts that feel bouncy - they can throw off your stride.
Consider your room, your intentions, and your body size, then let belt size narrow your choices.
Motorized
Some treadmills are people-powered: they use your weight and effort to spin a flywheel, which has variable drag to make the job more of a challenge. These manual treadmills are usually light and portable, and they appeal to people who want to burn their body's energy but not their house's. These are simple, low-maintenance, and carefree.
Other people prefer to have a motor set the pace. Like a stern coach, it forces you to keep up. You may be surprised at the difference this makes, as your body can't slow down little by little as you get tired. You can adjust the speed as you need to, but now you're setting goals as well as speed.
Pick a motor size appropriate for you. Basically, bigger people need bigger motors. But a motor too big is like a diesel engine on a scooter: it's heavy and wastes electricity. If you weigh less than 150 pounds, a 1.5 continuous horsepower treadmill is sufficient and efficient. Between 150 and 250 pounds, look in the 1.75hp range, and if you are more than 250 pounds, choose a motor with at least 2 horsepower. Remember, compare "continuous" horsepower, not "peak" horsepower. See our discussion of continuous versus peak horsepower ratings for a complete and useful explanation.
Need for Speed
Don't forget to check how fast she'll go. Walking treadmills run in the 3-6mph range, but runners need more speed, up to 10mph. Make sure your treadmill has the right settings for you.
Are You So Inclined?
Most home treadmills offer the option of inclining the belt, so that you run a little uphill. Or a lot uphill. It's a great feature, letting you work harder so you don't have to work longer. Shorter, more intense workouts build strength while avoiding wear and tear on knees, hips, and feet. Hikers and climbers might want an incline trainer, which ramps up to an amazing 30% incline. In the winter, it can double as a sledding hill.
Consider manual versus automatic inclines. To change a manual incline you have to get off and move the setting. Motorized inclines can be adjusted even on the run, and some will vary the incline automatically while you work out, according to a present plan, to shake up your trip.
Talk Back
Some people just want to run. They don't want to think, communicate, or be told what to do. Many EPIC treadmills have clean, simple designs, free of clutter, with nothing but a cupholder or maybe a convenient magazine clip.
Other people like to sweat the details. Would you like a computer that tells you how far you've gone? What your pace was? Your heart rate? Calories burned? Some even provide a preset workout regimen, while others let you log your results, so you can prove your progress over time.
Computer panel displays vary greatly, and mostly it's a matter of taste. But if your room is dark or has lots of sunlight glare, LCD displays (like the numbers on a digital watch) may be hard to read. LED displays (the kind that light up) avoid this problem, and are great for people who like blinky things.
Emergency shutoff switches are a handy option. If you lose your footing, they protect you from nasty chafes in the most embarrassing places. You can even get commercial treadmills with a starter key. Why? Kids and pets - if you have them, you don't need any more explanation.
If You Build It ...
Ask whether the home treadmill comes assembled. It's usually far cheaper to deliver a home treadmill in pieces, but not if you spend that savings in anger management therapy. Some people love building things; some would rather go to the dentist. Many home treadmills come ready to run.
Bells and Whistles
Performance aside, there's no reason your home treadmill can't express your personality. Cupholders, magazine and book supports, music player stands, theater systems, and a world of decorations await you. Be all-business and industrial if it suits you, or strap on a pink wicker basket filled with daisies. It's your home treadmill.
