Tips on buying a low-cost treadmill

Although experts say that serious exercisers should look at treadmills priced at $1,000 and more, treadmills costing less than $800 may be adequate for a beginner, or the casual exerciser who wants an inexpensive machine for occasional walking or very light jogging. Manual treadmills are the cheapest; they have no motor, which means you must use your feet to push the belt back with every stride. Although manual treadmills are available for $200 or less, experts say that even the cheapest motorized treadmill is a better bet. Manual treadmills can be uncomfortable and awkward to use, since you must grasp the handrails for balance and leverage.

Motorized treadmills that cost $500 or less are an option for casual walkers who exercise a few times a week. Compared to their more expensive brethren, low-cost treadmills have weaker motors (often less than 2 horsepower), small walking areas and short warranties. If you can spend a little bit more -- between $500 and $800 -- you can often find higher weight capacities, larger belts, stronger motors and more generous warranties. In addition, experts recommend you keep the following in mind when shopping for a budget treadmill:

  • Get the strongest motor you can afford. Opt for a continuous-duty rated motor whenever possible. Recommendations for walkers range from 1.5 to 2.5 continuous horsepower; runners are typically advised to purchase at least a 2.0 to 3.0 continuous horsepower motor. Most low-budget treadmills have motors of 2.25 horsepower or less, and if they aren't rated for continuous duty, there's no way to know how long they can maintain that power output. This is fine for casual walkers, but daily users will want to have a stronger motor. 
  • Aim for a belt that's at least 18 inches wide and 50 inches long. If your potential treadmill has a smaller belt (and many inexpensive treadmills do), test it out in the store to make sure you can walk comfortably in the middle of the belt, without having to crowd forward against the console or walk on the back roller. Rather than grasping the treadmill handles, swing your arms naturally to help you maintain a more natural stride.
  • Test the treadmill's stability at your intended workout speed. Units costing less than $800 sometimes have stability issues, since they aren't as heavy or durable as pricier models. They often shake or feel unstable when walking or running at high speeds. This is another good reason to try out a treadmill in the store before you buy.
  • Make sure the display is easy to read. The display should show basic information such as speed, distance covered, incline and time elapsed, ideally all at the same time. Get a backlit display if you can; we saw several complaints that non-backlit displays can be hard to read.
  • Don't assume that incline adjustments are automated. Many treadmills priced less than $500 have manual inclines, so you have to stop the machine, dismount and manually adjust the incline whenever you want a change. You can find an automated incline on treadmills costing more than $500, although most top out at a 10-percent maximum grade.
  • Read the fine print on the warranty. Budget treadmills often don't have long warranties, and you'll want to make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. On the lowest-cost units, parts and labor are often covered for only 90 days. If a manufacturer isn't willing to back its product with a warranty, you might not want to depend on that treadmill for regular exercise.
  • Consider buying the extended warranty. Experts don't normally recommend extended warranties, but it might be a good investment if you buy a treadmill with a 90-day warranty. Units with short warranties often receive numerous complaints about durability, so an extended warranty could save you from frustration and repair bills down the road.
  • Maintain your treadmill regularly. Cleaning your machine can help prolong its life. Experts also recommend placing a treadmill mat beneath the unit to keep dust and dirt from getting into the motor. Most treadmills require regular lubrication to keep the belt and deck in good working order, and failing to perform the required lubrication or basic maintenance may void your warranty; check your user guide for instructions.
  • Check the delivery policy. In many cases, delivery companies will take the treadmill only to your curb or front door; you may have to pay extra if you want it brought inside. (This is known as "inside delivery.")

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