One of the most popular pieces of workout equipment available is the exercise treadmill, and with good reason. These work-horses can be used by people of virtually every fitness level depending upon whether the user walks, jogs, runs or designs a custom exercise program. The beauty of a treadmill workout is that the exercises are so easy to vary simply by slowing down or speeding up the treadmill’s setting. Many people also invest in an exercise treadmill as an alternative to running outdoors on days when the weather is inclement, thereby getting rid of the tired excuse of “the weather was too bad.”

Once you’ve decided to purchase a home treadmill for your daily workouts, you shouldn’t rush right out and buy the first good-looking piece of exercise equipment you see. This can not only hurt your pocketbook, it can hurt you. Finding the best treadmill for your workout regimen requires some research and plenty of comparisons so that you don’t get burned. Check out sites that have treadmill reviews and compare features before buying. Some of the best sources of treadmill ratings can be found at sites run by trainers or gym owners.

There are four basic questions you should ask yourself when you shop for an exercise treadmill:

•What are my specific exercise needs (what do I need/not need)?

•How good are the parts and construction of this treadmill?

•What price range can I afford?

•How good is the warranty on this treadmill?

Understanding your exercise needs is as simple as knowing what you really expect to be doing once you get your exercise treadmill home. Be honest – not everyone works out by running a mile every day, and many of us shouldn’t! It will be primarily used to walk a few miles at a leisurely pace. If you weight 130 pounds, your needs will be different than a 275 pound man who will be running at top speed or creating a varied workout each day. Do you need a console that provides a dozen custom exercise programs, or simply a heart rate monitor?

Not all parts are the same

Next, look at the treadmill’s parts. Key features you should look for in treadmill reviews include:

•The Motor – A motor of at least 1.5 horsepower is essential. The higher the horsepower, the cooler the motor will run and the longer it will last.

•Flywheel - Smooth treadmill motion means a solid flywheel for your workouts. You don’t want to jar your knees while exercising.

•Treadmill Deck - Good shock-absorbing materials in the treadmill deck. Also check the deck for a weight limit if you are a larger individual. Size matters. The wider and longer the deck, the less likely you are to trip or fall while working out.

•Overall Construction – Is the treadmill frame sturdy, with solid welds?

•Console - Does the console have a reliable shut-off system for emergencies? Can you monitor your treadmill exercises by keeping track of the time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate at the same time?

•Warranty - The warranty on any exercise treadmill should be at least ninety days. Some will have a separate warranty for motor, moving parts (such as the belt) and the frame. If you can find out this information, it can help you make a decision on another consideration – cost.

An exercise treadmill should help you get in shape without destroying your budget. With prices for treadmills ranging from $400 to over $3,000, be sure to consider what you do and don’t need for your treadmill workouts. The guidelines above will make you a savvier consumer when you check out online treadmill reviews because you’ll know what information to look for so that you will get everything you need for your workouts – and nothing you don’t.