Treadmill Trouble Shooting

Hello again from the Far East on the West Coast, and greetings from the DOJO. This week, before I get in to the nuts and bolts of the treadmills and the ellipticals I work on, I’m going to start with a quick guide to how to choose a treadmill — well, how to choose a residential / home grade treadmill.

Choosing a commercial treadmill tends to be a bit easier — go Star Trac, Matrix, Landice or Life Fitness and, in spite of their great ellipticals, avoid Precor treadmills. Precor is a great company, they just don’t quite have treadmills down as well as the other companies. With the commercial treadmills it’s kind of like choosing between a BMW, a Mercedes and a Lexus. It’s all about bells and whistles more than performance…they’re all great machines and we’ll talk about them another time.

Home treadmills are a tough sea to navigate for most buyers — there are so many different brands and they all look alike to outsiders. Luckily, over the past 20 or so years, I’ve had to repair just about every treadmill ever made. In other words, my pain will be your salvation!

My first piece of advice is: avoid anything and everything from Icon Health and Fitness. They’re the manufacturer of the units you’ll find at places like Sears — nothing against Sears, but the treadmills they sell tend to be on the lower end of the quality scale. Their treadmills seem to have specs that are too good to be true for their cost and, truth be told, they are.

The old proverb, “you get what you pay for” comes in to play with them. Small motors with high RPMs to give them a perceived higher horsepower (most of their motors should really be rated at under 1.5 HP regardless of what they tell you — a motor the size of a soda can should not be powering a full sized treadmill!), lots of plastic pieces, tiny rollers, and generally unstable machines are par for the course for the Icon brands like Proform, Weslo, Healthrider and Image. Just stay away from them! There are better treadmills even at the more affordable prices that Icon tempts the unlearned consumer with.

On with translating the arcane lore that is treadmill purchasing for the lay person.
Let’s start with the motor. The first thing you want to do is make sure the motor is rated with “Continuous Duty.” Any sales person or manufacturer who gives you a “Peak” rating is trying to sell you a bag of magic beans. Peak is best described as the maximum a motor will perform at before it breaks down. What’s more imporant is: how the heck is that motor going to perform when you’re actually using it?

Another thing a shady salesperson might mention is that a common home circuit (120v/15amps) will only let you run about 2.5 HP and any motor larger than that is a waste of money. Technically that is true (about the amps vs. HP, not the waste of money), but the larger motors will tend to last longer as they are not running at the higher RPMs of a smaller motor. And, if nothing else, the larger the motor, the smoother the “ride.” A bigger motor will allow you to run or walk on it without slipping.

The next thing to look at is the size of a treadmill’s rollers. The bigger the rollers, the longer your belt will last and the better the running experience. Next, and this is my favorite thing — especially when recommending cardio equipment to my in-laws — the warranty. Like anything else, the better the warranty the more piece of mind you will have. The 5 year parts warranty on Spirit treadmills, for example, is one of the best in the business. For me, the more faith a manufacturer has in its own product (i.e. the warranty), the more faith I have in that product. Of course, doing repairs I absolutely love the lower end warranties as it means more paying work for me!

What’s next? The weight and stability of the machine. There is nothing worse than getting on a treadmill and having it move back and forth, or shake, or, even worse, creak as you run on it. The heavier the unit the longer it will last. If you’re used to running on a treadmill at your local gym and then get on most home units, you’ll immediately notice the difference. You don’t want to be running around on something that feels like it is going to fall apart now do you? Don’t answer, that was a rhetorical treadmill question.

The tread and the deck are where most problems for treadmills happen. When the friction from your running builds up between the deck and the tread, the badness begins. Stick with the 4-ply belts/treads that help to reduce the amount of friction, and look at units with reversable, phenolic wax coated decks. Reversable decks let you flip over your running surface to use the opposite side when the original wears down. It’s like having a free second deck if you wear out the first one.

Programs. Don’t be fooled by this. Most people only wind up using 3-4 programs. If the treadmill has 20, that’s cool, but you’ll rarely use them. If you do heart rate training, then heart rate control is great. If not, it’s just an extra you’ll never use…like the clock you’ve never set on your VCR.
Speed and Incline are worth talking about. Most treadmills can go up to about 10 miles per hour and a 10 degree incline. Don’t let speed or incline become a deciding factor unless you’re doing a lot of high speed or high incline training. Obviously, electronically controlled speed and incline are the way to go. If those feature are manual just move on.

Finally, test out the shock absorbtion. You want to make sure you aren’t running on a hard surface. This is a “feel” thing more than a “scientific” one. If the deck is bouncy, move on. If the deck feels like running on concrete, move on. If the deck moves from side to side, move on. You want to find a deck that feels good, with just enough give and little to no lateral motion.  Beyond that fans, speakers, cup holders, magazine racks and even television sets on the treadmill’s console are all just icing on the cake. It’s better to get a good treadmill without a fan or TV and spend $50 to buy your own than to get a crappy, fully loaded treadmill which will eventually just become an expensive coat rack for dirty clothes.

Now, I know I alread typed “finally” but there is one last piece to consider: PRICE. You can only get what you can get but don’t be fooled into buying a lemon. There are decent (and some downright Great) treadmills at just about every price point. I’ll go over some of the best, at least in my experience, treadmills in the under $1000 range in the next week.  Don’t despair, there is a good treadmill out there you can actually afford

Treadmill maintenance is important and helps users to maintain their treadmill in proper condition. A quality treadmill should not require frequent treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance includes periodic dusting and infrequent belt lubrication. To keep the treadmill running smoothly and efficiently, treadmill maintenance schedule should be followed frequently.

Treadmill maintenance includes detailed instruction provided by treadmill manufacturers on how to take care of and maintain treadmill. Treadmill maintenance helps users to keep the treadmill free from dust and dirt accumulation. Regular treadmill maintenance and good selection of treadmill parts help to extend the life of treadmill machine. Treadmill maintenance can be performed with kits designed to improve the overall performance of the treadmill unit.

The treadmill maintenance kit will prevent the excessive repair bills and are recommended for lubricating treadmill motors, parts, belt adjustments and minor repairs. Treadmill maintenance kits are designed for treadmills that require cleaning before lubrication and are recommended by leading treadmill manufacturers. Treadmill maintenance includes numerous points that users should follow periodically in order to keep their treadmills in good working conditions and extend the life of their treadmills.

Treadmill maintenance keeps treadmill clean and dust free. Treadmill maintenance includes weekly dusting between the belt and deck which ensure long life of the treadmill machine. Treadmill maintenance keeps the deck dry and free of debris. The area where the treadmill is placed is kept dust free during the treadmill maintenance schedule.

Treadmill maintenance includes the process of tightening treadmill belts. Treadmill belts slip or stretch slightly since most treadmills provide the user with easy access to belt tracking and hence adjustments to the belts are required. Treadmill maintenance includes adjusting belt tracking as per the user guide of the treadmill.

Adjusting belt alignment is another point which is performed during treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance ensures that proper belt tracking reduces the load on belt guides and ensures that the front and rear rollers are parallel. Treadmill maintenance process must follow the manufacturers directions on belt tracking to keep from misaligning or over stretching the belt.

Treadmill maintenance involves level adjustments to avoid squeaking sounds and belt mistracking of a non-level floor. Treadmill maintenance checks if the treadmill is leveled with the floor.

During treadmill maintenance care is taken to ensure that the power cord is free from the incline mechanism. Treadmill maintenance ensures that the belt and deck are kept clean, dry and dust free to ensure long lasting life of the treadmill. Do not wax a deck until it is recommended by the manufacturers.

Treadmill maintenance ensures low friction between deck and belt. A high friction between deck and belt will result in damage to the motor electronics. Treadmill maintenance process should follow the treadmills manufacturers guidelines fro proper deck and belt maintenance.

Treadmill maintenance also involves replacing circuit breaker fuses with the correct fuse. It is generally not recommended for users to replace blown fuses in the motor or motor controller. If blown fuse is discovered users should contact the treadmill dealer for proper replacement.

Treadmill maintenance checks that the treadmill consoles are grounded to an AC wall outlet to avoid console crashes. Computer defects will result in loss of control to incline and speed, and the treadmill may not even start at all. To help ensure against crashes, plug treadmill into a grounded AC outlet. If user treadmill computer console experiences repeated or frequent crashes, then it may need to be replaced.

Treadmill owner’s manual provides detailed instructions on treadmill maintenance. Treadmill maintenance includes procedures along with troubleshooting guidelines and instructions on repairs. Treadmill maintenance helps to keep the treadmill in good working condition and ensure long life of the treadmill.

Buying a treadmill? There are so many brands and features to choose from. How do you know which treadmill is best for you?
This treadmill buyers guide will tell you exactly what to look for when buying your treadmill. Knowing this will help you choose the best treadmill for your fitness needs (and it might even save you some money!)
So here’s what to look at when choosing a treadmill:
Motor:
The motor is the heart of your treadmill. Motor power is measured by horsepower – HP. Unless your treadmill has a strong motor (at least 1.5 horsepower) you can quickly wear it out, even if only moderately walking.
When looking at motors and horsepower, there are two different ratings:
- Continuous Duty (which is the rating for steady, continual 24 hour motor use), and
- Peak Duty (which is the maximum power potential, however it cannot be maintained).
When looking at treadmills you want to know the Continuous Duty motor power. It’s recommended that you go with at least a 1.75 HP continuous duty (CD) motor (preferably higher).
For runners or those planning heavy use of their treadmills, experts recommend at least a 2.5 – 3 HP continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn’t quickly burn out on you and end up costing you in expensive treadmill repairs.
Tip: Many cheaper treadmill brands will often give you the Peak Duty motor power (since it’s always higher than the Continuous Duty rating) just to impress unsuspecting buyers. Make sure you know the continuous duty rating when comparing units.
Frame:
There are two types of frames: aluminum or steel (NEVER plastic!). Steel is heavier than aluminum which potentially increases stability. However steel may also rust or corrode from sweat (unlike aluminum).
So there are advantages and disadvantages to both and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. One thing to keep in mind however is that aluminum is more expensive than steel so it may be built into the price of the treadmill.
Belt:
Average treadbelt widths range from 17″ to 22″ and lengths from 51″ to 61″. Never go below a belt width of 16 ” and make sure that the belt is long enough to accomodate your stride.
If you are tall and/or have long legs, it’s better to go with a longer belt (54″ or more). Make sure you also consider anyone else who will be using the treadmill and their height as well.
Cushioning:
Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Better cushioning means lower impact on your joints and ligaments. Cushioning is extremely important as poor cushioning can cause injury and muscle strain.
Many quality treadmills have their own form of cushioning system to protect you. Make sure your treadmill has a quality cushioning system to protect your joints over the long run.
Stability:
According to Runner’s World, stability is the most important quality in a treadmill. Stability is how smooth a ride the treadmill provides you. There should be no shaking or wobbling when you start to run.
Generally with treadmills you get what you pay for. For a high stability, high quality treadmill you should be willing to spend at least $1000, and definitely more if you plan on using it heavily. There’s no use spending $500-600 on something you’re scared to use.
Console/Display:
Consider both the layout and user-friendliness of the information displays and controls. This is largely a matter of personal preference since some people want to see a constant display of calories burned or miles covered,etc.
For safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach.
Heart Rate Monitor/Control:
Again, this is largely a personal preference whether or not you want to monitor your heart rate. A heart rate monitor simply shows you at what rate your heart is beating while you work out.
Some people like to take a step up and get a heart rate control which can actually adjust the treadmill pace to keep you in your target fat-burning zone.
Warranty:
Treadmill warranties vary across the board and again, you usually get what you pay for. Don’t waste your money buying an added warranty when most quality treadmills include a good warranty in the price already.
Tip: The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of parts used in building the treadmill (ever wondered why those cheap department store brands only offer you 90 day warranties?).
A quality warranty will include at least 10 years on the frame, 3 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. (Keep in mind that the motor is usually the most expensive to fix).
Price:
A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at least $1000. The quality of treadmills (cushioning, construction, parts, quality) drops substantially once you go below $800.
According to expert Gregory Florez, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, “Just about anything under $900 is not made to be used over the long haul.”
There are ways to save on your treadmill of course (buy direct, online wholesalers, etc.) but the bottom line is that a treadmill is an investment in your health. It will last you 10 years or more so you really want to invest in a quality unit built to last.
Where to Buy A Treadmill:
There are a number of options here but they mainly fall into 2 categories:
1) Store
2) Online
- Store Advantages: You can actually try out the treadmill.
- Store Disadvantages: You’ll probably pay more for the same treadmill you can get online simply because the store has overhead costs and salespeople to pay. Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery and you’ll also pay sales tax.
- Internet Disadvantages: You can’t try out the treadmill
- Internet Advantages: You can save a lot of money buying direct from the manufacturer, sometimes $600 or more. You can usually get free shipping and save on sales tax too. Plus you have a larger selection of treadmill to choose from so you may be able to find a treadmill that is more suited to your needs.
It really comes down to what you’re comfortable with.
So that’s it! You now know what to look for when buying a treadmill. Just remember to take your time and select a treadmill that fits your fitness goals. And you’re guaranteed to find the best treadmill for you.

Treadmills are made much better than they were just a few years ago. You can expect a new one to last a long time. Treadmills do have a lot of moving parts, though, you can extend their lives significantly with some regular maintenance.

The first step is to read your owner’s manual. There are some basic differences in treadmills that mean that one set of maintenance procedures do not apply to all treadmills. Don’t do something to your treadmill just because your friend did it to theirs! The best example is lubrication of this principle is the tread belt. Lubricating those belts that don’t require it, or lubricating with the wrong kind of lubricant, can permanently damage your machine. The wrong kinds of lubricant include motor oil and cooking oil. The right kind is typically petroleum-free and designed specifically for treadmills. By applying lubricant to the tread belt, you reduce the friction on it and extend its life. Be careful not to get any lubrication on the outer belt surface as this would make it slippery and difficult to run on.

Tread belts stretch over time so often need to be adjusted to prevent or correct slipping. Proper alignment of the front and rear rollers reduces the stress on the belt and extends its life. Your owner’s manual will tell you how to align and tighten the belt. Typically, you can adjust the belt’s lateral position and tension with an Allen wrench on the bolts at the base of the treadmill. A knocking sound while running on the machine may be the belt not tracking correctly. It could also be a defective roller.

To further reduce uneven stress on the treadmill and the possibility of the belt becoming unaligned, place it on the most level floor you can. If your floor is not level, using a carpenter’s level and shims can correct for this.

A leading cause of treadmill problems is dust. A dusty belt can increase strain on the motor and reduce its life. Therefore, keep dust out of your workout room and remove it from your treadmill when possible. Vacuuming between the belt and frame, or just wiping with a damp cloth, can extend the life of your machine. If you unplug the treadmill and rotate the belt to a different position before vacuuming again, you will as much dust out as you can. You can also take off the motor cover and vacuum inside, but be careful not the touch the static-sensitive electronics.

Putting a rubber mat under your treadmill not only protects your floor, but can prevent the treadmill from drawing dust into itself while it’s running. Plugging the treadmill into a surge protector will prevent damage to the console of the treadmill in an electrical storm. Plugging into a grounded outlet will help prevent electrical shocks.

Your treadmill will be fine!

Buying a treadmill? There are so many brands and features to choose from. How do you know which treadmill is best for you?
This treadmill buyers guide will tell you exactly what to look for when buying your treadmill. Knowing this will help you choose the best treadmill for your fitness needs (and it might even save you some money!)
So here’s what to look at when choosing a treadmill:
Motor:
The motor is the heart of your treadmill. Motor power is measured by horsepower – HP. Unless your treadmill has a strong motor (at least 1.5 horsepower) you can quickly wear it out, even if only moderately walking.
When looking at motors and horsepower, there are two different ratings:
- Continuous Duty (which is the rating for steady, continual 24 hour motor use), and
- Peak Duty (which is the maximum power potential, however it cannot be maintained).
When looking at treadmills you want to know the Continuous Duty motor power. It’s recommended that you go with at least a 1.75 HP continuous duty (CD) motor (preferably higher).
For runners or those planning heavy use of their treadmills, experts recommend at least a 2.5 – 3 HP continuous duty motor so that your motor doesn’t quickly burn out on you and end up costing you in expensive treadmill repairs.
Tip: Many cheaper treadmill brands will often give you the Peak Duty motor power (since it’s always higher than the Continuous Duty rating) just to impress unsuspecting buyers. Make sure you know the continuous duty rating when comparing units.
Frame:
There are two types of frames: aluminum or steel (NEVER plastic!). Steel is heavier than aluminum which potentially increases stability. However steel may also rust or corrode from sweat (unlike aluminum).
So there are advantages and disadvantages to both and it really boils down to a matter of personal choice. One thing to keep in mind however is that aluminum is more expensive than steel so it may be built into the price of the treadmill.
Belt:
Average treadbelt widths range from 17″ to 22″ and lengths from 51″ to 61″. Never go below a belt width of 16 ” and make sure that the belt is long enough to accomodate your stride.
If you are tall and/or have long legs, it’s better to go with a longer belt (54″ or more). Make sure you also consider anyone else who will be using the treadmill and their height as well.
Cushioning:
Treadmill cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Better cushioning means lower impact on your joints and ligaments. Cushioning is extremely important as poor cushioning can cause injury and muscle strain.
Many quality treadmills have their own form of cushioning system to protect you. Make sure your treadmill has a quality cushioning system to protect your joints over the long run.
Stability:
According to Runner’s World, stability is the most important quality in a treadmill. Stability is how smooth a ride the treadmill provides you. There should be no shaking or wobbling when you start to run.
Generally with treadmills you get what you pay for. For a high stability, high quality treadmill you should be willing to spend at least $1000, and definitely more if you plan on using it heavily. There’s no use spending $500-600 on something you’re scared to use.
Console/Display:
Consider both the layout and user-friendliness of the information displays and controls. This is largely a matter of personal preference since some people want to see a constant display of calories burned or miles covered,etc.
For safety concerns, make sure the speed and incline controls are prominently displayed and easy to reach.
Heart Rate Monitor/Control:
Again, this is largely a personal preference whether or not you want to monitor your heart rate. A heart rate monitor simply shows you at what rate your heart is beating while you work out.
Some people like to take a step up and get a heart rate control which can actually adjust the treadmill pace to keep you in your target fat-burning zone.
Warranty:
Treadmill warranties vary across the board and again, you usually get what you pay for. Don’t waste your money buying an added warranty when most quality treadmills include a good warranty in the price already.
Tip: The warranty gives you a good idea of the quality of parts used in building the treadmill (ever wondered why those cheap department store brands only offer you 90 day warranties?).
A quality warranty will include at least 10 years on the frame, 3 years on the motor, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. (Keep in mind that the motor is usually the most expensive to fix).
Price:
A quality motorized treadmill is going to cost you at least $1000. The quality of treadmills (cushioning, construction, parts, quality) drops substantially once you go below $800.
According to expert Gregory Florez, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, “Just about anything under $900 is not made to be used over the long haul.”
There are ways to save on your treadmill of course (buy direct, online wholesalers, etc.) but the bottom line is that a treadmill is an investment in your health. It will last you 10 years or more so you really want to invest in a quality unit built to last.
Where to Buy A Treadmill:
There are a number of options here but they mainly fall into 2 categories:
1) Store
2) Online
- Store Advantages: You can actually try out the treadmill.
- Store Disadvantages: You’ll probably pay more for the same treadmill you can get online simply because the store has overhead costs and salespeople to pay. Stores will also charge you for shipping and delivery and you’ll also pay sales tax.
- Internet Disadvantages: You can’t try out the treadmill
- Internet Advantages: You can save a lot of money buying direct from the manufacturer, sometimes $600 or more. You can usually get free shipping and save on sales tax too. Plus you have a larger selection of treadmill to choose from so you may be able to find a treadmill that is more suited to your needs.
It really comes down to what you’re comfortable with.
So that’s it! You now know what to look for when buying a treadmill. Just remember to take your time and select a treadmill that fits your fitness goals. And you’re guaranteed to find the best treadmill for you.

Sooner or later your Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44 will need repair. You’ll want to be able to fix it quickly and without having to spend a lot of money.
I’m going to help you diagnose, solve and repair your treadmill problems with some simple do-it-yourself tips. And, I’ll also give you some tips to avoid future problems with your Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44.
Your Treadmill is as Good as its Warranty
Almost all treadmills, after the expiration of the warranty period require replacement and repair so that it keeps functioning well. That’s why your treadmill is only as good as its warranty.
Hopefully you’ve kept your manufacturer’s guide – as the Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44 warranty has a short life span. But that’s what you get when you buy a cheapo treadmill. You shouldn’t worry though – just yet. I’m going to give you some do-it-yourself tips for fixing your jalopy of a treadmill.
Tell Tale Signs of Trouble in Treadmill Paradise
Do you have an awful burning smell coming from your treadmill? A burning smell means there is something wrong with your motor. Some type of friction is occurring.
The first thing to do is UNPLUG the treadmill and DO NOT turn it on again. Open the deck. Usually, if you open the deck and readjust the belt, that will fix the problem.
If that doesn’t work, you have 2 options:
1) Replace the motor
2) Upgrade
Replacing the motor yourself is very easy. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s manual and make sure you purchase the correct replacement motor.
Now if your treadmill is a cheapo piece of junk (like the Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44) it may self-destruct by cooking itself to death from the insides. In that case, you’ll have to purchase a totally new one. But this time, it would be wise to invest in a high-end, high quality treadmill by Landice or Nordictrack.
Your Treadmill Stops When You Get On It
If your treadmill stops functioning as soon as you step on it, that totally defeats the purpose. Do you agree? Okay. Nine out of ten that means your belt is worn or old.
If it is a brand new treadmill, the manufacturer is responsible for replacing it. But you must make sure your warranty covers it. Still, it’s an easy problem to fix.
Always refer to your owner’s manual before doing any repair work. Remember to always unplug your machine first. Go under the hood that’s on the deck with a screwdriver. Once it’s opened, loosen the belt with your screw driver and slip it off gently. Replace it with a new belt.
Put the new belt on the same way you took off the old one but do it in reverse. This will make more sense when you read your owner’s manual. Landice makes quality treadmills and quality motors for their treadmills.
Is Your Treadmill on Steroids?
If your treadmill gets tempermental, meaning it vascillates between speeds without you touching the controls, dusty speed sensors are usually the cause of vascillation between speeds. That’s also an extremely easy problem to solve.
Dusting off your treadmill regularly, opening it up and dusting inside of it will help keep dust at bay.
The Importance of Treadmill Maintenance
Treadmill maintenance is very important, especially if you buy an inexpensive brand like the Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44.
But you need to have your treadmill serviced regularly. If you can’t afford it or don’t have time, then it’s critical for you to perform service on your own.
If Only You Would Have Purchased a Landice…
The most important parts of your treadmill are the motor, the belt, and the deck. Since the motor is the be all and end all of your treadmill, it really makes sense to purchase a high quality treadmill with a high quality motor – like a Landice L7.
Belt
If your Weslo C44 belt becomes worn you may have to replace it depending on how worn it is. The alternative is to constantly apply grease to the chain that supports the belt. Keeping it oiled will increase the lifespan of the treadmill’s chain.
Deck
Your deck needs to stay lubricated because the more you use your Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44, the more worn out the deck becomes – as with any treadmill.
Your treadmill belt then starts to lose its centeredness. The belt either gets tracked towards the left or the right. The belt needs to be centered at all times.
A ratchet or screw driver will remedy this problem for you and re-center it. Read your manufacturer’s guide. It provides you with basic troubleshooting procedures.
Given that the Weslo Cadence Treadmill C44 is not one of the top-of-the line treadmills, but rather, one of those treadmills for money conscious people who just need to incorporate some type of movement in their day, you’re Weslo C44 motor is likely to give out on you before your warranty expires. My suggestion? Look at my resource box and visit my treadmill review site to find the best, high quality treadmills.

Buying a Treadmill? Read this First

Looking for suitable treadmill quipment can be downright confusing. With the huge variety of makes and models  on the market trying to make a sensible choice can send your head into a spin. But there is no need to give yourself a headache. By asking yourself a few pertinent questions you can narrow your choice down until you have targetted the treadmill that most closely matches your budget and your fitness requirements.

Are you considering buying a treadmill? The enormous variety of models on the market can make the task of choosing one overwhelming. To the first time buyer the bewildering range of models can lead many into information overload and make the task of selecting a suitable treadmill more difficult than it really is. But by asking your self a few simple questions you should be able to make an informed choice regarding your treadmill purchase and end up with a treadmill that most closely matches your requirements. Ask your self the following questions in order to guide yourself through your decision making process:

How much are you prepared to spend?

Treadmill equipment can vary in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. A low budget powered treadmill can be purchased from around $500 but it would be naive to assume that this would be capable of performing the same kind off duty as a model costing $5000. As with any other consumer item the price is going to give some measure of it’s capability and quality. A treadmill can take a lot of punishment and should be expected to last several years so it is best to spend as much as you can afford taking into account some of the other factors listed below.

What is the treadmill going to be used for ?

This may seem a rather curious question to ask but people have many different reasons for owning and using a treadmill. These could be training to run a marathon, lose weight or just to keep fit. You need to give careful consideration to this question as not all treadmills will be suited to your intended use. If you are a serious runner and looking for a treadmill to use in the winter months when it is too cold or wet to run out doors you need to consider treadmills with large motors, strong decks and long tread belts of 55″ or greater length. Most treadmills suitable for running are priced at £1000 and upwards, while the most sub $1000 treadmills are only really suitable for walking and jogging.

How tall are you?

Another apparently strange question but as your height is proportional to your stride length, the taller you are, the longer your stride will be. This is important as a person with a longer than average stride length will require a longer running area than a person with a shorter stride. This is particularly true when someone is running on a treadmill. Most domestic treadmills have a running surface that is around 55″ in length, but if you are a taller user – 6′ 3″ or taller in height then you should really consider purchasing a treadmill with a running surface of at least 60″. You will still be able to use a treadmill with a shorter running surface but you will be restricted and when running at full pace there will always be a concern that you may come of the treadmill altogether.

How much do you weigh?

This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a treadmill as one size (or weight) most definitely does not fit all. Most manufacturers will state the maximum user weight recommended for a particular model and the golden rule is not to exceed this weight limit. Exceeding the weight limit will not only alter the way in which the deck absorbs the users foot impact but may also lead the deck to break. Using a treadmill that has not been designed to support a user’s weight may also lead to the motor and the motor control circuitry over heating and the possibility of premature failure of one or both. The take away from this is always to choose a treadmill with a user weight that is greater than your actual weight.

How much room do you have?

Give some consideration to where you will store and or use your treadmill. If you have plenty of room in your home or a dedicated room that can be used to both store and use your treadmill then a non-folding treadmill is the obvious choice. But if you are restricted on space or will have to site your treadmill in your main living area then a folding or “space saver” treadmill may be the way to go. These treadmills have decks that pivot and allow the running deck to be raised to an almost vertical position so that the treadmill then occupies a much smaller floor area. There is a common misconception that folding treadmills are somehow weaker or inferior to non-folding treadmills but this is not necessarily the case. This notion has arisen because most non-folding treadmills are expensive commercial treadmills used in gym or health club environments where the ability to fold the treadmill up to save space is not a consideration.

What additional features do you require?

Modern treadmill equipment comes loaded with a confusing array of additional features. The manufacturers tend to compete with one another on the basis of how “feature rich” they can make their machines and it is pretty difficult to purchase just a “plain vanilla” treadmill. A popular feature on many machines is a heart rate monitor that can be used to display your pulse. This can be measured by sensors on the handlebars or via wireless chest strap on some models. Other features center around the programs built into the treadmill’s computer. These programs are designed to help you with a specific type of workout and will take control of the machine, changing both the speed and incline and in some cases providing audio prompts to provide encouragement. In addition to the pre-programmed workouts some machines offer the facility to design your own or purchase programs on memory cards such as the iFIT system.

Do you need to be entertained?

Increasingly people are looking to be entertained whilst working out on a treadmill. Pounding away for long periods of time can become boring and many manufacturers now offer some form of entertainment on their treadmill equipment. This can range from an inbuilt speaker system with music port to connect an iPOD or other type of MP3 player to a flat screen TV. Some of the top of the range models even have displays that will display a virtual running environment so that the user is given the impression that they are running through woods or up a hillside.

By giving careful consideration to the questions above you should have a better idea of what to look for when purchasing treadmill equipment and stand a better chance of ending up with a treadmill that meets both your budget and your fitness requirements.