Choosing A Treadmill For Home Use

What To Look For In A Treadmill

Many people find the idea of exercise less than appealing. Some people just don’t like it – period. For others, they may find it difficult to find the time (or the energy). Some people just don’t like the idea of going to the gym.

They may not fancy getting all hot, sweaty and out of puff – or they may be a little self conscious. The idea of squeezing your wobbly bits into skin tight Lycra can be off-putting, especially if you’re surrounded by all of the beautiful people who (you imagine) hang around the typical gym.

Exercising at home is a good option if any of the above sums up how you feel about exercise. You can try DVDs and workout videos – but you might also consider getting some home exercise equipment.

Exercising in the comfort of your own home can be a very good idea for many people. It can save you time, since you don’t have to trek to the gym or the park, and it can save you money as there will be no monthly fees.

Exercise videos and DVDs are very popular for just that reason. However, you might want to consider getting some home exercise equipment. Exercise bikes, elliptical trainers and treadmills are popular choices.

Treadmills are, in my opinion, a good first choice. Walking is one of the most natural activities for most people – and although it has many well proven benefits, it is a low impact exercise technique which has a very low risk of injury.

Of course, you could just go for a walk in the street or the park – but some people may not enjoy that for a variety of reasons. Personally speaking, I bought my first treadmill some years ago when I lived in Brazil. It was too hot for me to walk around outside – and my wife had concerns about her personal security (largely unfounded I hasten to add).

Since then, I have returned to the UK – and I bought a new treadmill. There’s not quite the same problem with excess heat these days, but when the rain is bouncing off the ground I can still get a few miles in on the treadmill.

Buying a treadmill, or any other home fitness apparatus for that matter, is not something to be taken lightly. You will want to get the best treadmill for the money available to you – and that means that you will need to do a little research.

Here are a few pointers when it comes to choosing the treadmill that’s right for you:

What will you use your treadmill for?

Will you walk, jog or run on your treadmill? Choose a treadmill which has a range of speeds appropriate to your needs – but don’t pay more for features that you don’t want or need.
Do you have enough space?

Many treadmills aimed at the home market fold away for storage. Make sure that you have enough room to store your treadmill – and also enough room for when it’s in use.
How much are you prepared to pay?

Fitness equipment isn’t cheap – but if you compare it to monthly membership fees at the gym or health club, you might find that you actually save money. However, you should definitely set yourself a budget and stick to it.
What track angle do you want?

Many home treadmills can have their track set at an angle so that you can walk uphill if you wish. Decide if this is something that you are prepared to pay extra for or not.
Stride length.

Make sure that the length of the track is enough for your stride length. Also choose a track width that allows you to walk safely and securely.