Of all the different types of home exercise equipment that have come and gone, the home exercise treadmill has lasted throughout the years. The quality and features of any treadmill is reflected in the price. Basic treadmill models can start at $100 and can go up to $5000.

A treadmill consists of a wide belt that's stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers. For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action. 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.

Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you're walking not running. The console indicates the belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, miles per hour, and distance. 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.

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. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. People, who don't have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage.

A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.

The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important.

You might want to bring your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores.

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. Warranties can last for ninety days or a lifetime, read the fine print. 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.

A major consideration when buying a treadmill is how the machine is constructed. Buying a treadmill online has become the way to go for most people; it'll save you both time and a lot of money.

Noise from the smallest repetitive sound can drive you nuts over a period of time and give you another excuse not to exercise. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward physical fitness. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises.

And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill. By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment.