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A Perfect Fit: Tread lightly and make educated addition to home gym
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Anonymous user Wed Jul 19, 2006 16:28:04 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments It’s safe to say the treadmill is still “queen of the jungle” when it comes to home fitness equipment.

No doubt weights are still “king,” if you will, but the treadmill remains the most requested piece of exercise equipment of all time. I know this will be of great surprise to my hardcore elliptical training friends and probably more of a surprise to the dying breed of stairclimber fanatics, but sometimes the truth is difficult to accept.

One of the reasons that the treadmill is still on the top of the list is that the learning curve just doesn't exist: get on and walk. A second reason is that even if you have difficulty walking, treadmills are available that can go as slow as one-tenth of a mile per hour, making them usable in spite of most walking disabilities. Treadmills are great for rehabbing back, leg and foot injuries, burning body-fat, increasing endurance, cross-training for most sports, helping to reduce blood pressure (yours truly),and just plain staying in shape.
 
There are downsides to “treadmilling,” such as boredom and monotony. I use a treadmill at least three times per week in between my training days at the gym and I just turn on the stereo and go. It is a great way to start a day without having to go out into our beautiful air in the Central Valley.

So how to choose one? Thought you would never ask.

A decent treadmill, built to last and operate smoothly, is not a cheap investment, or at least it shouldn't be. According to most fitness publications, you should spend at least $1,200 for a basic treadmill. If you are not willing to spend this amount, then I would encourage you to consider a quality stationary bike as an alternative. Expect to spend about five to six hundred dollars minimum for a good cycle. Spending that amount on a treadmill is oftentimes a poor investment, while at that same price you would get a fairly good quality stationary bike.

Notice I wasn't talking about what you could afford, instead I was referring to what you would be willing to spend. Over the years I have found “willingness to spend” more of an issue than “able to spend” when it comes to exercise equipment in general. I think a lot of that has to do with prioritizing our lifestyle. That is, how important is your health to you as compared to other things?

The following list should help you make an educated decision if you decide that a treadmill is right for your home gym:
1)    Heavy gauge steel or aluminum frame for sturdiness even if you do not run.
2)    Will it fit into your room? Should it fold? (not as in easy to store … if you put it away, statistically it will stay put away.) Most treads fit into a 3x6 or 7 footprint.
3)    Should have a cushioning system that feels good to you, not the salesman. YOU will be the end user. Always try before you buy.
4)    Comfortable, wide belt of at least 20”. Some commercial grade treads have wider belts (which are not needed by any standard by the way), but for home use, 20” is fine.
5)    Large belt rollers, at least 2” in diameter, will reduce belt and drive system wear.
6)    Motor: Minimum 2hp, continuous-duty horse power rating. Not to be confused with “peak” horse-power. These are not the same and it can be a bit confusing. Just trust me on this one.
7)    Warranty. Most quality companies offer up to three years on parts including the motor. Vision Fitness is a brand that offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor with five years on all other parts. This is a first-class warranty.
8)    Who takes care of the service when you have a problem? Notice I didn't say “if” you have a problem. Treadmills are machines that need service on occasion. Does the place you are purchasing from provide in-home service? AND do they service even if they no longer sell the brand that you purchased? What if you buy it over the Internet? Will that company send someone out? All promise they will, very few actually do. (I speak from tons of experience here.)

A few other concluding things to consider:
* Noise, maintenance, program options, heart rate control and user weight capacity.
When all is said and done, remember, you are going to be the end user and the treadmill you decide on should be something that you are comfortable with. That way, you will be more inclined (no pun intended) to use it.

And remember, you will only fail if you quit.  

E-mail Ken at: ken@wheelersfitness.com
 

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