Form many years; high-quality treadmills were only available to health clubs and sports medicine specialists. Recently it has become possible for the average person to buy a treadmill that has all of the same performance and characteristics as the professional models at a reasonable price. If you are interested in walking, running, or jogging, having a treadmill in your home can save you time traveling to the gym, save you money on expensive gym memberships and allow you to get your exercise when the weather is not so great. Here are a few important points to keep in mind when you are considering a treadmill.

• Long lasting treadmills use driver motors that are rated for continuous use. You should only consider a motor with this rating, as it will save you headaches later. Also, look for a treadmill that is rated with at least 1.5 hp.
• You should look for a treadmill that has high torque at low RPMs. This will ensure smooth operation when you are walking. This is especially important if you weight more than 150 lbs.
• You want a treadmill with easy to use controls and a smooth motor control. This will avoid accidents and injury due to belt jumping. Also, look for a treadmill that has speeds from 0 – 10 mph so you can use it to jog or run if you desire.
• Look for a treadmill that as at least a 48” long belt surface that is at least 17” wide. This will comfortable accommodate most strides and provide plenty of room for recoverable miss steps. You should only consider treadmills with at least a 2” inch diameter roller.
• Look for all aluminum construction for the frame. It will not rust and will be much lighter when you need to move it around. Also, make sure the frame includes sturdy handrails with an emergency stop located either on the handrail or on the control panel.
• You should expect to pay between $700 - $1200 for a new treadmill. You can also look for a used one online, but you will not have a warranty if something breaks. Most new treadmills include a 2-year warranty on moving parts.