Treadmill Reviews - Choosing The Best Model For Your Home Gym

Treadmill reviews written by fitness experts consistently rate treadmills as the best home exercise equipment for cardiovascular workouts. It’s easy to understand why. Treadmill running burns more calories than working out on stationary bikes, rowers, stair climbers or ski machines. If you are serious about reaching your fitness goals, consider adding one of the better rated models to your home gym. Purchasing a treadmill is a big decision, so before you go out shopping, inform yourself by reviewing the best treadmill ratings on the most popular brands.

 Adding a treadmill to your home gym is a big investment. Review these facts before you go cyber shopping for a treadmill: You get what you pay for. It’s better to stay away from cheap models found in department stores. The best rated models can cost anywhere from $1500 to well over $3000 and they are more likely to withstand the rigors of a regular workout. Reviews found in better publications such as Runner’s World rate treadmills according to criteria such as cushioning, stability and decibel testing. Consider some of these variables to arrive at an informed buying decision:

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Features to review:

• Frame – Top rated treadmill manufacturers such as Smooth Fitness, Life Fitness and Precor use welded frames. Bolted frames lead to fatigue and failure.
   
• Motor – The best motors are DC motors with a 1.5 to 2.5 hp rating.  Look for a motor that runs smoothly and quietly.
   
• Speed – Review the starting speed of the treadmill motor. A safe starting speed is 0.5 mph with a top speed at least 4-5 mph and 8-10 mph for running.
   
• Belt – The length and width of the running surface must match your height and stride length. The best rated treadmills feature belts with a surface area of at least 17” x 52”. Look for a two-ply polyester/PVC belt for durability.
   
• Cushioning – There should be some cushioning in the treadmill deck for less impact and comfort.
   
• Rollers – Look for rollers of at least 2” diameter for longer wear on the treadmill’s belt, deck and roller bearings.
   
• Incline – Reviewers give high ratings to models featuring a separate, worm-driven elevation motor allowing you to change the incline while exercising. An incline of 10-15 percent adds variety to your workouts to keep you motivated.
   
• Electronics – It’s almost a must to have a heart rate monitor. Treadmills made by Smooth Fitness will adjust the belt’s speed so you stay within your heart rate range.
   
• Safety – Prevent unauthorized use, especially if you have little kids in the house. Review treadmills that require an access code to start the motor or at least a safety lock.
   
• Warranty – The best manufacturer’s warranties cover parts and labor for at least one year, 1-5 years and even 10 years. These warranties are offered in various levels on frames, motors, parts and service.

By reviewing the above specifications you can compare and shop for the best rated treadmills in your price range. The merchants listed here for your shopping convenience offer a large variety of brands and models often rated in consumer magazines and home exercise equipment reviews: Cybex, Healthrider, Image, Landice, LifeFitness, Lifestride, Nordictrack, Precor, Proform, Quinton, Reebok, SciStride, Smooth, Sole, Spirit, Stair Master, Stamina, Star Trac, Trotter, Tunturi and Weslo.

Treadmill Buying Guide

Smooth Fitness - Save up to 45% on Factory Direct Treadmills. Top rated by Runner's World.

Sole Fitness - Sole Folding & Non-Folding Treadmills. Lifetime warranty on frame and deck, 30 years on motor.

Amazon - Choose from over 2900 models! Free shipping on most items.

Workout Warehouse - Great selection of the most popular brands and models.

Also see: [ Rowing Machines ] [ Used Exercise Equipment ] [ Dumbbells ]