Treadmill Buying Guide: What You Need To Know Before Purchasing

The following treadmill buying guide will help you find the best device to incorporate fitness into your life. After all, you don’t need to follow strict or complex workout routines to become healthier. What’s best, a treadmill makes it easy to avoid being seated all day, especially if you work from home.

If you’re interested in adding a treadmill to your home gym equipment, you should know that you’re not alone. According to statistics, treadmill sales rose like a rocket before 2020.

After you follow the treadmill buying tips we have in store for you, you’ll be able to follow a few wellness challenge ideas to keep your physique and mind in optimal condition. So, if you’re interested in learning how to choose a treadmill for home, jump to the next section!

How to buy a treadmill for home

You can't just enter any store and purchase the first treadmill to see. There are a few elements to take into account. It can be difficult to do it for the first time, especially when you can find so many models and brands that offer different things and designs. Therefore, if you don't know anything about treadmills, the following aspects are crucial in your election.

1.   Evaluate how much space you have available.

Treadmills come in different shapes and sizes. Thus, the first step is to determine how big your new treadmill should be based on the size of the room you’ve chosen to use it. Also, it’s important to evaluate how much storage you have available – especially if you’re considering a folding treadmill.

It's not challenging to determine how much space you'll need for a treadmill, especially because its dimensions are usually published online or available in the packaging.

Additionally, please consider the treadmill belt size, both wide and length. Averagely, runners need a 22 inches wide belt, while those that prefer walking would only need a 20-inch-wide treadmill belt. On the other hand, a 50-inch-long belt works best for walkers, while those who prefer to need a minimum of 50 inches. If you're over 6 feet tall, you'll need a minimum of 60 inches instead.

2.   Aspects included in the treadmill.

Now that we've discussed the size and space available, there are a few other elements to consider: connected features, adjustability, and ergonomics.

• Connected features

Many treadmills out there include several extra features that make the device more convenient. These features range from USB ports to wireless internet connectivity, but they don’t leave behind Bluetooth connectivity and even docks for your phone. Some features are included in the average, while you will only find others in fancier models.

• Adjustability

Averagely, treadmills can range their speed from 10 to 12 mph. If the treadmill has been designed for walking, you'll find it at lower prices, but they will only be able to run at around 4 or five miles per hour.

In addition, we recommend taking into account the inclination degree, which is typically around 10-15%. You can find many models out there that have a better offer, though.

• Ergonomics

It’s essential to consider how comfortable you feel while you’re utilizing the treadmill. We’ve already discussed the deck length above, but it’s necessary for the treadmill to accommodate your stride. We recommend selecting a treadmill that looks appealing to you aesthetically and makes you feel comfortable while you’re using it.

3.   Assembly

Some treadmills come completely assembled, while others require you to build them before you start using them. Besides that, some of them are bigger than others, which can make it quite complicated to get started with it.

If you’ve already identified the treadmill model you’d like to add to your home, please consider whether the product comes assembled, if you have to build it yourself, or if there’s the possibility of paying an extra fee for the assembly.

4.   Warranty

What is the warranty offer that the company has available? When it comes to treadmills, it is essential to take into account devices that have at least three years of coverage for the parts. As for the labor, it’s recommendable to find a model that has a minimum of one year in warranty.

It’s not uncommon to find treadmills with a lifetime warranty for the frame and the motor.

5.   Return policy

Another crucial aspect you must consider before purchasing a treadmill is the store’s return policy. Please consider aspects like restocking fees or paying an additional fee to the company to retrieve it.

If you’ve purchased your treadmill on the web, please try to get as much information as possible about the return shipping.

6.   It’s time to define your price.

If you’re ready to leave your office chair exercises and start walking as part of your fitness routine, then the next step in this treadmill buying guide for home is to determine how much you are willing to spend. But, again, there are prices and sizes for everyone.

• Less than $500

Yes, it’s possible to find treadmills for less than $500 – even for less than $400. However, please note that you need to be especially careful if this is your budget. While these treadmills are pretty good for sporadic walks or jogging, you may end up damaging them if you use them too frequently.

• Less than $800

There are a few treadmills for about $800 with excellent reviews, such as the Treadly 2 Slim Treadmill is also available as a treadmill desk. Although they can last longer than the previous price range, please note that you’ll need to be careful while choosing. Thus, it’s important to ensure the material’s durability and the usage you can give it.

• Less than $1000

If you're willing to spend about $1000 on a treadmill, you'll get a better deal. In addition, you'll often find pretty good machines with other integrated features, such as LCD monitors, AUX ports, Bluetooth, and wireless connectivity.

It’s also possible to find treadmills beyond $1000, which often provide you with better, enhanced features and an impress along with an impressive performance. However, if what you want is occasional walks or running, it's recommendable to keep your budget below this gap.