Treadmill Buyers Guide – What To Look For
June 8, 2009 by
Filed under Fitness Equipment, Treadmills
Treadmills or Running/Walking Machines – they are both the same thing really are one of the most popular types of home gym equipment and have improved in quality in the last 10 years. With gadgets, programmes and features to help you get in to you stay in shape. One the most appealing factors of owing a treadmills is that they can be used in the privacy of the home. People self-conscious about their weight or appearance are often put off from attending the gym out of embarrassment. A home treadmill provides a straight-forward solution in that they can be used without anyone else having to see. Here we have put together a little guide to buying a Treadmill, to help you make the right decision. However, first we will just take a quick look at the leading brand names of Treadmills. We have linked to a main page for each brand. so you can find out a bit and compare UK online prices.
Treadmill Brands
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Well known sports brand with a small range of treadmills built to a high standard. | Reebok Treadmills |
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V-Fit offer Treadmills at a entry level which go up to mid range. There is nothing really flashy with these. | V-Fit Treadmills |
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York is well known sports brand that have know put there name to treadmills. Again these are entry level and mid range models. | York Treadmills |
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A Premium range brand with a high emphasis and design and excercise programmes. | Tunturi Treadmills |
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These are high end running machines which are built to the same standard and quality as those you would find at a premium gym. These are the Ferrari of Treadmills designed for commercial use. |
Precor Treadmills |
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Bremshey Treadmills are engineered in Germany to a very high standard. They have been designed to be easy to use and represent good value for money. | Bremshey Treadmills |
Whats Your Treadmill Budget
Treadmills are generally a sizeable investment, and it is commonly accepted that the more you spend the higher the quality of the machine. Unfortunately, spending a few thousand pounds on a treadmill isn’t going to be a feasible option for everyone, so it is important to know which features you can save money on and which you absolutely must invest in. As with any piece of machinery, if you spend money on sturdiness and smart design your treadmill will be more likely to last.
What To Look For In A Treadmill
The motor, frame and deck are the most important components that makeup a treadmill – if any of the three were to fail, the machine would need to be repaired or have parts replaced. If the treadmill is electric-powered, as most of the medium to high range machines are, then it is vital to check that the motor has at least 1.5 continuous duty horse power. Don’t be tricked by machines that advertise a ‘peak’ horse power rating, this the marketing mans lingo to try and make the product sound better than it really is. Also look for a motor that has high torque at low revolutions, as some treadmill motor designs are unable to cope with prolonged slow speeds – which would very important if you are buying the Treadmill for walking.
Just as important to the build process is the frame of the Treadmill – without a strong, sturdy structure the whole machine could fall apart or become dangerous. Look for either steel or aluminium, remembering that if you are using the machine in a humid climate you will also want to be careful of rust.
Also look to buy a Treadmill which has a bolted build, as they are less likely to come loose with continuous use. Look for a running machine with a strong deck/platform (check the weight capacity of the brand you go for). Most Treadmills will now include shock absorbers or cushioning for the platform. This will prevent not only prevent injury to the user, but will also prevent damage to the machine. Check that the deck isn’t made out of particle board or cheap plastic, as this can fail relatively easily.
The belt on the running machine should run smoothly when in use regardless of the speed or whether you are walking or running. If the treadmill is well designed it will usually include a microprocessor which senses foot-fall on the belt and will regulate the speed to avoid jerkiness or slacking. The rollers which move the belt should be sturdy and solid, allowing the belt to move over the inner roller’s entire surface.
Expensive V Budget Treadmills
If you are looking for an affordable treadmill, perhaps the easiest way to cut back on the overall cost is to sacrifice the computer control panel features which make the more expensive treadmills so attractive. Control panels usually come in either LCD or LED displays, with LED tending to be more costly. Control panels may be programmable and may have savable user settings, but again, these models tend to be more expensive. Heart rate monitoring, distance and time programming and a large inclination range are other features which, if avoided, may lower the price you have to. Pretty much Treadmills will include functions and programme even some of the most basic of running machines will have these to stop you getting bored. If you are in a position where money is not a issue, you can Treadmills packed with features and programmes which are built to a Gym standard
Check the Treadmills Warranty
Regardless of the amount of money you spend on your treadmill, it is absolutely crucial that you purchase a model that comes with a suitable warranty. Try to find a brand or company that gives a lifetime warranty on the frame, as well as two or more years on the motor, computer and moving parts. Look out for warranties that do not offer home-repairs – many will have a ‘return to base’ clause that requires you to pay for the shipping of the treadmill or it’s parts. Finally, aim to purchase a brand that is well-known – this means that you are likely to have your warranty upheld regardless of the ongoing status of the retailer you purchased the treadmill from. Some manufacturers will offer warranties lasting up to 15 years – please note you should not expect this service with the basic models. This sort of service requires you to spend thousands, rather than hundreds on your running machine.
Best York Treadmills & Running Machines
June 8, 2009 by
Filed under Fitness Equipment, Treadmills
York have for a long time been a leading brand in fitness equipment and offer great quality products at very affordable prices. With a York Treadmills you will have a easy to use and read console display, and the large LCD screen displays a range of workout details such as how fast you are going and the distance you have run, as well as theoretical calorie burn. The integrated professionally designed 9 workout programs will target your training needs and keep you motivated while you are training. York Running Machines are compact, super sturdy and reliable treadmill with features and variation for every user and ability level. The more you pay the more functions and features you will get on your York running machine.
Compare York Treadmills
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