How to Buy a Treadmill for Your Home Gym

A home treadmill is a convenient way to reach your fitness goals without overworking your budget. In the long run, a home treadmill can save you money if it means avoiding a costly gym membership or using gasoline to get there. You can also save time because you will avoid having to wait for a machine to become available (unless, of course, your family members enjoy using it, too) and you won't have to spend any time in traffic to get to your treadmill. You can use a treadmill no matter what the weather or time of day or night. Regardless of fitness level, most people who are able to walk unassisted can use a treadmill. Convenience, ease of use, and relatively low cost are some of the reasons treadmills are among the most popular items found in many home gyms.

When deciding whether to purchase a treadmill, you will want to consider several factors:

- How often will you use it?

- Where will you use it?

- Will you want to stow it when not in use?

- What features do you want?

- How much are you willing to spend?

Once you decide a home treadmill is right for you, you should decide how much you want to spend. Knowing your price range before you begin to shop will help you see what features, brands, levels of quality, and type of treadmill you can afford. If you are on a very tight budget, you may have to opt for a manual or a used treadmill (more on used treadmills later). Manual treadmills are usually under $200. Some advantages of manual treadmills are that they are fairly lightweight, easy to store, and don't require electricity in case you have a power outage or need to workout where outlets are not available. The main disadvantages of manual treadmills are that you must do all of the work to keep the belt going and set the pace and that they usually do not come with a lot of extra features.

Many people prefer electronic treadmills because the continuously-moving belt encourages the exerciser to keep moving. Electronic treadmills range from around $400 for very basic models with few features up to several thousand dollars for professional-gym quality models. When purchasing a new treadmill, you will also want to decide if you want to purchase a warranty or service plan. Don't forget to include delivery and home set-up costs in your budgeting. Treadmills are heavy and complicated to assemble, but you will save a lot of money if you can do it yourself.

When researching treadmill options, make a list of important features such as:

- type of incline (electronic, manual, or none)

- heart monitor

- pedometer

- calorie counter

- workout programs

- peripherals such as fans and iPod docking stations

Extra features often add to the cost of the unit and you may find that you would not use them much anyway, or that you can find lower-cost alternatives. For example, if your favorite treadmill at the gym has a built-in fan, do you really need one on your home treadmill? At home, you can set up an ordinary desk or floor fan to cool you off, or you can lower your thermostat or open a window to keep cool. If you want a heart monitor, you can buy one from a drug or discount store and you would be able to use it any time you work out, not just on the treadmill.

Many online stores allow you to search by cost, features, brand names, and treadmill ratings and you can read treadmill reviews, but try to visit a brick-and-mortar store and test a few models before buying. This way, you can determine how the treadmill feels and get an idea of how much room it will take in your home. Do not limit your search to sporting goods stores; many discount stores, wholesale clubs, and department stores sell treadmills. Treadmills are a common sale item, so be sure to check sale ads.

Ordinary treadmills can accommodate individuals up to 250 lbs. If you are a larger person (whether because of weight or weight training) or if you plan to do a lot of running, you may want to purchase a treadmill with a wider belt and a stronger motor. If you are very tall, you may want to consider a treadmill with a longer belt. Again, an in-store visit can help you determine which treadmill is best for you, even if you decide to purchase the treadmill online.

If you find you cannot afford a new treadmill or if you just prefer to buy used, you're in luck! Used, treadmills are commonly sold at yard sales, thrift stores, and posted in newspaper classifieds or on websites like craigslist. A used treadmill is not necessarily a "bad" treadmill as many people purchase this type of item in hopes of getting fit, but do not follow through on their commitment or simply decide to pursue other fitness alternatives. One disadvantage of buying a used treadmill is that your choices may be limited. For example, if you have your heart set on a high-end NordicTrack, you may not find a used one for sale in your area. However, this does not mean that you can't have what you want. An online search can help you find a quality used treadmill in your price range.

You can save a lot of money buying a used treadmill, but you don't want to purchase something that will quickly break down. If possible, ask the seller turn the treadmill on and check for the following:

- slipping belt

- noises

- non-working buttons

- malfunctioning display

When the treadmill is off, check for:

- fraying on the belt edges and along the seam

- signs of hard usage or abuse

- dangling wires and loose components

- excess dirt

Ask the seller if he or she knows how the treadmill was stored. If it sat in a bedroom and served as a place to drape dirty clothes, that is probably not a problem. If, on the other hand, it has been kept in an outdoor shed, dust could have harmed the motor and other components and extreme temperature fluctuations could cause the belt and wiring to deteriorate.

A broken treadmill is not necessarily a deal-breaker, however. If you are able to get one for very cheap or even for free (be sure to check Freecycle!), you might be able to have it repaired for a lot less than the cost of a new machine. Be sure to do some research first as it may be impossible to get replacement parts for some models.

Enjoy your workout!