Treadmills are one of the best ways to get yourself on the road to cardiovascular health and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. While they come with a variety of prices and features, they are definitely NOT all created equal.

Buying a treadmill is a fairly big investment, so it is important to know what you want, how that particular product has been reviewed by consumers who have purchased it, how much you are willing to pay, and what type of quality and features you are looking for.

There are several factors you should consider when shopping online or in-store for a treadmill. There are also several brands that make treadmills. Reebok, ProForm, Horizon, New Balance and others are some of the top brands on the market today, and they usually can be counted on for quality and durability. For the sake of simplicity, I'll list the features to consider when shopping for a treadmill and briefly discuss their importance.

Treadmill Features

1.) Motor - Preferably a 2.5 horsepower or more. Any less than this quite frankly will be a disappointment as far as performance and product lastability.

2.) Space saving option. In other words, does it fold up for easy storage if this is what you want?

3.) Console display features.

4.) Speed control. Can you go up in speed in increments, or little by little. If it's the latter, this can be frustrating.

5.) Magazine or book holder for easy reading while you're walking or running.

6.) Non-slip belt.

7.) Belt padding, otherwise known as shock absorption. This is very important, as it will protect your joints and help to avoid soreness and muscle fatigue. It reduces the risk of injury in runners as well.

8.) Incline position control.

9.) Noise control. No one wants a noisy machine. It's distracting and annoying.

10.) Additional statistical data such as heart rate, calories burned and special interactive fitness programs.

11.) Good warranty.

12.) Spacious walking surface.

13.) Helpful hint: If you spend $200 or less, chances are you may be disappointed in the product's performance and sturdiness. Most reviews of the cheaper treadmills are very negative, and most consumers state they wish they'd invested a little more to get a higher quality product. The phrase "you get what you pay for" is definitely applicable in the purchase of a treadmill.

Sandy sold her $1,500.00 boat she had for over 5 years to Ross who was willing to pay $1,000.00 more than the value of this boat. Sandy was joyous to off load her aged boat for $2,500.00. But, there was a catch. Ross was willing to pay $50 a month for 50 months until paid. Sandy thought she pulled off a good deal. But, was it?

Why Ross wanted to pay only this amount? The answer lies in the Present Value of a Dollar.

You see, a dollar today is worth more than the same dollar, years down the road. The dollar today will have less purchasing power as time passes, especially when it is a long time from now. But, Sandy did not know that, and thought that she was getting a very good deal. Instead she was going to be paid with a declining dollar.

Likewise, your health can be regarded as having a higher value today than in the future. The more you care for your body today, the more it will serve you well tomorrow. Your longevity would be more promising in the future if you do not live carelessly today. I have seen 40 year old bodies looking like 60 year olds, mostly because of abuse.

It is all well and good to exercise and get flexible, eat well, and sleep well, to stay in good health But, that alone may not be enough to melt the fat accumulation you body may be prone to be... For this, you’ll need specialized training and fitness equipment, dumbbells, weight training devices, or decide that you want to be private so you get a home gym etc.

But, would you be cutting yourself short buy accepting declining dollars to maximize your body’s health?

Would you look for the bottom of the line equipment –cheap ones --or the very best built ones that cost a little more? Exercising with a cheap flex machine can bust a strand in the middle of the stretched position and snap back like a rubber and damage your ligament. This may take a long time to heal or never heal and you’ll have to live with a deformity, perhaps for life.

And, as with any other exercise equipment, the nuts that hold the weight together can become loose causing a weight to fall off and smash your toes; a machined part might break off because of a poor weld at a joint on the machine causing you too strain your back or muscle that leaves you crippled for life. And, could you imagine what pain and agony you would have to endure forth rest of your life when these mishaps occur to your body because you thought it was prudent to buy cheap exercise equipment?

If this is your thinking, then you are not taking full advantage of the principles of the Present Value of a Dollar---you are not taking full advantage of the Present Value of your Life.

Your life is worth more today than many years down the road. You must do all your can for your body today to keep it in tip top shape so you’ll enjoy your life more now and continue to do so as times passes.

If you are serious about purchasing a quality treadmill, and not some toy that will break down in a short period of time, then there are a number of considerations to think about. One of the most important is the quality of the motor.

A treadmill motor is one of the most significant components to consider when buying a treadmill. It is what drives the treadbelt that you walk or run on. Depending on the quality and power, it can make the difference between a smooth running machine and a loud noise-maker that struggle to run. In most cases the larger and heavier the motor the better. But that is not always the case. The quality of the motor can make a big difference, even if it is smaller. In other words not all treadmill motors are equal.

When comparing treadmill motors you want to go by the horsepower of the continuous duty, not peak horsepower. Peak horsepower is the maximum horsepower a treadmill can reach. Continuous-duty horsepower is a measure of sustained power during regular use. The continuous motor power is what is consistently delivered during heavy usage over an extended period of time.

Since peak horsepower is usually significantly higher than a motor's continuous capability, continuous horsepower better helps you determine which treadmill will accommodate your intended exercise use. Generally speaking, the larger the motor the more powerful it can operate at a continuous rate

Continuous duty is the standard in comparing horsepower. Unfortunately there is no official standard rating and often treadmill manufacturers will exaggerate the actual continuous duty horsepower. Regardless, the continuous duty horsepower rating will give you some guideline, but it is not an absolute.

An indication of the quality of the motor will often be reflected by the extent of the warranty. A 90 day warranty will suggest lack of quality. A warranty of 5 years or more tells you that the motor is built to last, or otherwise the company would go broke having to replace them. In fact, there are a number of treadmill manufacturers that offer lifetime warranties on the motor.

Choosing the right equipment for your workout can be a very difficult decision. Used gym equipment may be right for you. Picking exercise equipment can be complicated since it has gotten increasingly important and popular in society, however, picking the best equipment for you can be important for a variety of reasons.

It can be complicated because there are so many different types of equipment to choose from. Everything from treadmills to ellipticals can be purchased at every single fitness store. Complicate that fact with the influx of new reports coming out suggesting what is the best exercise to engage in as well as the incessant late night television commercials for different pieces of exercise equipment, and you have one very hard decision on your hands.

One of the most important decisions in the mix is whether to buy used gym equipment or new equipment. Used gym equipment, sometimes a leftover from a commercial facility, can save you an excess amount of money.

What Should I Look For?

First, decide what your goals are in terms of your exercise program. Do you wish to lose weight? Are you looking to add muscle or endurance? Whatever your goals, knowing and understanding them will both narrow your choices and help keep you from being disappointed with whatever you purchase.

Next, consider your financial constraints. The best fitness equipment for you should not break the bank. You can spend anywhere from less than one hundred dollars to several thousand dollars on the fitness equipment of your choice, so you should carefully decide what fits best within your financial needs. Used equipment is an excellent choice to fit within your budget.

Another thing you need to think about is your desires. Consider what activities you like to engage in versus the activities you despise. For example, if you hate walking or jogging as an activity, you probably should not purchase a treadmill. One last thing to remember is that you should try the equipment before you purchase it. If possible, ask the outlet to use the equipment. It may even be possible to purchase used gym equipment from your local gym where you, personally, may have used it before.

If you are buying online then make sure that you can find a number of good customer testimonials about the gym equipment your thinking of purchasing. If you are trying to save money by buying used or second hand equipment then you should at least buy a reliable trustworthy brand.

Finding and purchasing cheap treadmills can be an excellent start to your fitness program. Treadmills are a great way to exercise. They are an excellent piece of equipment most people add to their home gyms.

Treadmill Benefits

Because the two most popular forms of exercise are running and walking, treadmills are designed to accommodate both. The speed and incline controls on a treadmill were designed to let the user control the machine to fit his or her needs.

Treadmills also offer you the same workout despite the excruciating heat of summer, bitter cold of winter, vicious wind of spring, or incessant rain of fall. The consistency of workout is one of the reasons people succeed in an exercise program.

Treadmills also offer a low impact workout. Their deck surfaces are designed to reduce pressure on your joints and absorb the impact of your feet as they repeatedly hit the surface. Most treadmills offer some variety as well.

Depending on the model you purchase, many treadmills offer different programs to vary your workout speed and level of difficulty.

Things To Think About

Before you invest in one of many cheap treadmills, though, there are many things to consider.

First, consider the horsepower. Weaker motors wear out easily. If this is a piece of equipment you intend to own for some time, you do not want something that will wear out. Do not confuse this with peak horsepower. You are looking for continuous duty horsepower.

Second, consider treadmill speed. They are built for either walking or running, usually not both. Buy one that fits your activity needs. Next, decide whether or not you want a treadmill with a program. This works for some people, and others really hate it. Go with whatever fits your needs, because if you do not want one, don't spend the extra money for it. You also want to think about belt size, the durability of the deck, the type of incline you desire, and the hand rail options you want.

How To Go Cheap

If you want to buy cheap treadmills, you essentially have three options. First, you can buy used equipment. While it may not be new to you, it still gets you the equipment you need.

Second, you can skimp on the options. This is a good decision for people who just care about the machine itself.

Finally, you can buy reconditioned. This equipment is usually like new when you get it without the high price tag. It often comes from a gym that is updating their equipment. Some online companies offer a reconditioned equipment as well.

Ahh the holidays - time for family, good cheer and of course, those not-so-good, pesky extra pounds. Naturally exercise equipment becomes a hot item as the year draws to a close, and many will give it as a gift for Christmas, anticipating the recipient’s need for it in the New Year. Although it’s highly recommended to use a little tact when presenting fitness equipment as a Christmas gift to your spouse or significant other, this article provides other essential information that will help you in choosing quality products that will save you money while sparing your ego.

Tips for buying home treadmills

Treadmills are perennial favorites when it comes to cardio equipment. The benefits they offer include improved cardiovascular fitness, movement and function. The disadvantages may be that they can be difficult to get used to initially and can be high impact for grossly overweight individuals or those with joint or bone pain.

• Go with a brand name you have heard of like Smooth, Keys, Nordic Track, Reebok or similar.

• Quite often with cardio equipment you “get what you pay for” so be willing to spend about $1000.00 + dollars for a lifelong fitness investment.

• Check the warrantee – most quality manufacturers should offer a lifetime warrantee on the frame, (up to) 10 years on the motor, 1 year on the parts and 90 days on the labor.

• Check the motor, aim for at least a continuous duty 1.5 HP or higher motor – a continuous duty motor ensures that regardless of pace, the output remains the same.

• Consider the space you have available – most treadmills intended for home use fold up but some do not, check before you buy.

• Consider the running surface area you will need too: if you are tall or some of the intended users are tall, then their stride length will be longer and you will need a longer belt (56 “).

• Check the options you want like pre-programmed workouts like interval training, hills, fat burn etc. and for heart rate monitor compatibility if you plan on using one.

Tips for buying elliptical trainers

Elliptical trainers have become very popular lately and for good reason. Ellipticals offer a zero impact, full body cardio workout and are very user friendly too.

• As for treadmills, aim for a well-known brand with a good warrantee (lifetime frame, 2-3 years parts and 1 year labor).

• Be prepared to spend about the same for a good elliptical as you would for a comparable quality treadmill.

• Test it out if possible, an elliptical needs to feel “right” – does it suit your stride length, is the movement smooth and not jerky, is it easy to mount and dismount and will it fit in your allotted space?

• Take into consideration that handles requiring you to push and pull will greatly increase caloric expenditure – so if you plan to use the elliptical machine to lose weight or get fit faster, this an important option.

• Consider other options like: adjustable incline, pre-programmed workouts and heart rate monitoring.

Tips for buying home strength training equipment

While in the past it may have been standard advice when purchasing home strength training equipment to buy a multi-station gym, the latest concept in the fitness industry however is functional training and functional training equipment.

Functional training is a method of exercising that when it is performed results in increased human function. For example, performing squats with a pair of dumbbells in each hand will transfer and benefit functional activities and make activities such as getting out of a chair or car and lifting objects easier.

Functional training equipment is hot stuff and includes items like adjustable cable columns, exercise/stability balls, medicine balls, adjustable dumbbells, rubber tubing and balance training products. All these products are extremely versatile and fun to use, making them an even greater value for money.

• A stability ball is possibly one of the best and least expensive fitness gifts to give this season since they’re so versatile (use them as an exercise bench or chair) and also help to strengthen your core muscles, which are essential for improving posture and stabilizing your low back to prevent and permanently treat pain.

• Adjustable dumbbells have become very popular too; their use for home strength training is limited only by your imagination; plus depending on your choice of model, allow you to select a weight anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds with the turn of a dial or a flip of a switch.

• Balance training products are forecast to be the best sellers of all functional training equipment – items like foam balance pads, beams and rollers, wobble boards, inflatable discs and BOSU balls are fun to use and allow you to train your sense of balance and core muscles in functional positions like standing and lunging.

• Medicine balls are a great value too – like dumbbells their use for strength and core training is limited only by your imagination but are also ideal for increasing sports specific power for the golfer or young athlete in the family. Some medicine balls bounce like a basketball while others have molded handles and even ropes attached to them making them even more fun and challenging.

• Rubber bands and tubing are excellent for the budget-minded gift giver, since they are a portable source of resistance, incredibly versatile and simultaneously train core and limb strength.

• Adjustable cable columns are a little expensive ($ 1 100 +) but are well worth the investment. The compact design and adjustable pulley allow for limitless sport-specific and functional exercises using “real weight” (not “bending rods”) that normally would be impossible with traditional home exercise equipment.

If after reading this article you still feel more comfortable purchasing a multi-gym type piece of equipment, then keep in mind the following tips:

• Aim for a quality brand name and check the warrantee – remember, “You get what you pay for”.

• Test it out first if possible for user friendliness and movement feel – a quality piece of weight stack/cable equipment will feel comfortable and have a smooth and consistent resistance throughout - not jerky or stiff.

• Consider purchasing a multi-gym piece that has a high and a low cable pulley, as this will allow for more exercise variety and enable some functional standing exercises like those available on the cable column.

• Consider purchasing exercise equipment that uses your own body weight moving on a slide (e.g. Total Gym).

Be leery of the “As Seen on TV” products

While some products promoted in infomercials are effective and a good value (e.g. Total Gym), be cautious of purchasing products that seem “too good to be true”, make exercise “a breeze” or that you only have to do 2 minutes a day to experience “huge” results.

A classic example is abdominal exercise equipment. Everyone wants the sleek, sexy six-pack abs for the summer but don’t want to work for it - so savvy marketers (most who haven’t the vaguest idea about exercise anyway) think up clever ways for you to part with your hard-earned money to buy an essentially “useless” product.

No ab roller, electric muscle stimulator, ab lounger chair or rubber band crunch board will ever provide the abdominals you desire - in fact using them exclusively may make any posture and back problems even worse. Nothing works more effectively to strengthen the abdominals than a sit-up or crunch performed with good technique. It may be that you already have a defined six pack concealed under several pounds of fat. The key is to lose the fat covering your six-pack to ‘reveal” your abdominals.

No matter how many ab rolls/lounges and board crunches you do or how many electrical stimulations you use, you will never be able to “spot reduce” fat only off your stomach and hips. The myth of spot reduction is amazingly alive and well and marketed to the full extent when it is in fact, a physical impossibility.

The best advice when leaning towards TV advertised fitness products is to use some common sense and do some homework. There is no magic pill or exercise machine available that will provide results without some work and sacrifice. Also know that if these products were all they were cracked up to be the whole population would be beautiful and slender and not predominantly overweight.

The options of universal home gyms are endless, and in order to determine the right one to purchase for your home, you need to define your goals and consider the type of stations that can help you reach those goals.

All too often homes are littered with unused universal home gyms that substitute for clothes hangers. To avoid this, choose affordable home gyms with the stations that will give you the right kind of workouts.

Is your goal to lose weight, build strength or just maintain your current muscle tone? It pays off to do your homework and read what muscle group each station will workout.

Multi station home gyms offer you a complete strength building workout for the entire body. Depending on the model, some universal home gyms with multi stations allow for more then one person to workout at once.

This is ideal for a couple or a family that realizes the importance of keeping fit. The multi station home gyms are designed to offer a full body workout in a compact design.

You still need to consider placement of universal home gyms so you will have plenty of room for your workout. Designing a Home Gym offers some good tips on considerations of your home gym location.

Universal home gyms offer you health club quality strength training in the comfort of your own home. If time is a factor they are an ideal way to stay in shape.

The important thing to remember when choosing universal home gyms is to get the right one so you will work out regularly and reach your fitness goals.