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- Introduction
- Best Manual Treadmill{1 mention}{5 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Cheap Treadmills under $500{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Treadmills $500 to $800{2 mentions}{1 mention}{4 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
See Also
Research is the key to purchasing the best budget treadmill.
This report covers budget treadmills priced at less than $800. All other treadmills are covered in our full report on treadmills.
A treadmill is just one option for exercising at home. If you want more cardio choices, ConsumerSearch has separate reports on elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and stair steppers. See our reports on dumbbells and yoga mats for more options for your home gym.
TreadmillDoctor.com is a great resource for treadmill buyers. We particularly like the "Treadmill Selection Guide Checklist," which helps consumers determine how much they should spend on a treadmill.
ConsumerReports.org has a useful print and video buyer's guide to treadmills, which includes a rundown of what to look for when choosing among common treadmill features. Unlike much of ConsumerReports.org's content, the guide is free for non-subscribers.
Wendy Bumgardner, the walking guide at About.com, has an article on the pros and cons of using a treadmill for walking. She also lists several walking workouts, a point-by-point comparison of manual vs. motorized treadmills, and tips for avoiding common mistakes while walking on a treadmill. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Arthritis Today magazine has a useful article on how to safely get started and get the most out of walking on a treadmill.
Fitness magazine offers numerous treadmill workouts that accommodate a variety of fitness goals, whether you want to lose weight or finish a 5K.
How much energy do treadmills use? Slate.com provides an interesting article that breaks down the energy requirements of popular fitness equipment.
Getting your money's worth out of a budget treadmill can mean a lot of walking. The Walking Site offers tips on how to choose walking shoes, how to break them in and when to replace them.
The Smooth Fitness treadmill buying guide provides detailed recommendations about what to look for when buying a treadmill. Their observations on horsepower ratings are particularly interesting, and the caution to use a motor's warranty as a gauge of its quality is especially relevant in the budget treadmill price range.
Consumer.org.nz offers subscribers a helpful list of things to consider when buying home fitness equipment.
The American College of Sports Medicine, long considered the gold standard in fitness certifications and research, provides a series of brochures on selecting and effectively using various types of exercise equipment. The treadmill brochure doesn't differentiate between price points, but does offer tips on what to look for, where to place your treadmill and how to use it safely.
A recent poll by ConsumerReports.org found that the majority of treadmill owners polled are happy with their purchases.
Treadmill brands
You can find detailed treadmill specifications and features at manufacturers' websites:
Gold's Gym, Weslo and ProForm brands are all made by Icon Health and Fitness.
