Treadmills are the most popular home exercise machines. It’s easy to understand why; not only can you exercise in the comfort of your own home – and by comfort I mean warm, dry, watching television and the kids in your daggyiest workout gear- studies have shown that people get more out of a treadmill because it is natural to walk or run. Therefore it’s the machine least likely to become a clothes rack, right?

Treadmills can be very expensive. Not to mention complicated. So here’s our guide to finding the best.

Price

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. The price will be an indication of the quality, and a good place to start your search. Generally, for home treadmills the price ranges generally break down to lightweight (<$1000) basic ($500 to $1,500), intermediate ($1,500 to $3,000) and premium ($3,000 and up). There are often significant sales and discounts to keep your eye out for.

Life span

On average a treadmill should live for about 10 years. Dust and belt friction are the primary killers of treadmills. Once a week, wipe the treadmill of any dust. Also, vacuum the area around and under the treadmill on a regular basis. Check the manual to see where you need to lubricate.

Horsepower

The horsepower (HP) ratings can be confusing. The figure you want to look at is the “continuous power rating” and shop for 1.5 to 2.5 HP “continuous power.” The “peak power” rating tells you the motor’s maximum power before carking it, so although the number looks impressively large it’s less important for now. The stronger the motor, the heavier a person the treadmill can carry, and the faster you can run!

Stability and Smooth Ride

Test treadmills wearing your workout shoes and clothes. A shaky or jerky ride is unacceptable. The hand rails should feel sturdy enough to support you and be in a good position to grip easily and not block your arm motion. The belt must be wide enough and long enough for your stride.

Console Features

The main reason you’re likely to give up on the treadmill? Boredom. Choose a model that has the most pre-set and programmable workouts to vary pace and incline. The incline and speed should be easily adjustable from the console. Features that are essential are running time, distance, speed, incline and heart rate. A water bottle holder and book rack are desirable and some models plug into a video or audio player or the internet.

Noise and Space

The treadmill needs to work in your space. How noisy is it? If you plan to watch TV or listen to music, you need to be able to hear those over the treadmill itself. A model that looks small in the shop or online can turn into an elephant in your spare room. Check its size when folded or stored and test how easy it is to move.

Manual vs. Motorised

Due to the difference in cost, many people are tempted to buy a manual treadmill instead of a motorised treadmill. They are often difficult to get moving and the low price also often means less sturdy construction.

In addition to our suggestions, the internet and the advice of family members and friends can be quite valuable when it comes to finding the best treadmill for your money.

Krissy Hacker is a wife and SAHM of 2, mad gardener, crafty lady, confectioner and fabulous cook. She loves reviving old school ways of doing things and would do anything to get out of housework!