Checking out treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews are an absolute must. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins. There are two types of frames - aluminum and steel; steel is heavier than the more expensive aluminum, which potentially increases stability but steel (not aluminum) may also rust or corrode from sweat. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.

A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout. The more expensive treadmill models will offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines.

A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout.

Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation.

It's definitely possible to find a good model that's not very popular, but is still a good buy. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. If you're planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you're not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine.

Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it.

Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they'll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you're looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for.

When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range.

When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who'll be using your treadmill. When your equipment is up and running, get the right lubricants and cleaners to take good care of it.

As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to assist your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging or to running. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.

Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises. Treadmills are known to provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness.

By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. No matter what your reasons are for buying a treadmill, be sure to find one that fits your needs and the needs of your family. Buying a treadmill is an excellent investment for getting into shape, understanding of course, that you actually use it.