Treadmills are often used in the home to save time and avoid the expense of going to a gym. You can easily read a book or watch over the kids while you work out on your home treadmill. Basic treadmill models can start at $100 and can go up to $5000.

Always choose a belt width that's at least of 16 " ands long enough to accommodate your stride. Treadmill cushioning absorbs the force of your step; get good cushioning to lower the impact on your joints and ligaments. Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment, small house or condo.

One feature that is absolutely necessary in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. 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. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest.

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. Less expensive treadmill models require you to manually change the incline, which can be very frustrating if you want to make adjustments midway through a workout session.

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. The console indicates the belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, miles per hour, and distance. 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.

You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. When your equipment is up and running, get the right lubricants and cleaners to take good care of it. You'll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that's strong enough to support the heaviest runner who'll be using it.

Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to see how sturdy it is. Before buying, make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise in comfort and the belt should work smoothly without slipping or sticking. Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version.

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. Buying a treadmill online has become the way to go for most people; it'll save you both time and a lot of money. Your club commercial machine may be may be a good choice in a home version; you're already familiar with its features and probably are comfortable using it.

When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who'll be using your treadmill. Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online with several different manufacturers.

Any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be avoided. Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. If you have severe problems with your legs, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you.

Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. The lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors.

Spend some time shopping around, work out exactly what you need, and then shop online and offline so you can compare for the best price. Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which models are best for you. By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you.