Treadmill Buying Guide Part 3: Extra Features and Warranties

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While it’s important to focus on your budget and the important components of the treadmill, it is also a good idea to look into the extra features and warranties that can come with it. Often, these features affect how often you use the machine. They will give you more incentive to work out and use the machine! The warranties will help you easily determine the overall quality of the equipment. Let’s first take a look at the features you may want to consider in a new treadmill…

Extra Features

Console Programs. The console is the electronic system at the top of your treadmill. There has been a surge of popularity for extra programs to make workouts more interesting and challenging. If having a variety of workout programs is important to you, be sure to find out how many programs a treadmill has and what types of programs they are. For example, most treadmills have a “cross-training” program where the treadmill has automatic intervals of low-resistance and high-resistance phases. Another program might automatically adjust the incline throughout your workout to challenge you. Be sure the treadmill you are considering has enough programs to meet your needs.

Heart Rate Monitor and Programs. A good way to tell if you’re working out hard enough is to look at your heart rate. The best treadmills have sensors that check your rate. The sensors are usually located inside the handle bars of the treadmill where you grip the handle bars and the heart rate is measured through the pulse in your hands. Some treadmills will come with wireless heart rate monitors where you place a strap around your chest and the sensor rests in the center of your chest. Your heart rate is then transmitted wirelessly from the sensor to the treadmill. These are usually more accurate and are more convenient because you don’t have to grip handle bars in the middle of your workout, which can be awkward and break your rhythm of motion.

In addition to heart rate monitoring, some treadmills have heart rate monitor programs. These programs will adjust the speed and incline of your workout to raise or lower your heart rate. This maximizes the results from your workout.

Folding Treadmills. Most people don’t have a lot of space in their homes. If this is an issue for you, consider a folding treadmill. When not in use, it can be folded to take up a lot less room. Folding treadmills are usually less expensive than their non-folding counterparts and with the advancements made in treadmill construction, they are usually just as stable as non-folding treadmills.

Other Features to Consider. There are a variety of other features that you’ll find on treadmills today but the ones discussed here are the most common and probably most important. Other features that you’ll want to consider if they are important or not are things like built in cooling fans, speakers and mp3 players, TV’s, water bottle holders, magazine/book holders, etc. These features are self-explanatory but you should take a personal inventory to determine which of these features, if any, are important to you as you make your treadmill comparisons.

Treadmill Warranties

Treadmill warranties may be one of the most important things to pay close attention to when buying a treadmill. The types of warranties on the treadmills you are considering say a lot about the equipment itself. A treadmill with only a 90 day warranty on the motor and 90 days on parts and labor means that the treadmill wasn’t built to last. If it was, the warranties would be for a much longer period of time.

Contrast that with a treadmill with a lifetime warranty on the motor and 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor. Which treadmill do you think is the higher quality treadmill that will last longer and give you fewer repair headaches? The answer is obvious. Before you make the final decision on any treadmill, be sure you know what the warranties are. That “perfect” treadmill may not be so great when you realize the motor has a limited warranty and parts are only covered for a few months.

As you can see, buying a treadmill requires a little research before you buy. By doing the necessary research, you’ll be able to find a treadmill that meets your needs and that fits within your budget. So before you invest your hard earned money on a treadmill, be sure to shop around, read treadmill reviews, and get opinions from those you know that already own a treadmill. Then once you’ve narrowed down your selection, keep your eyes open for the best deals and then make your purchase!

Click Here for Part 1 of the Treadmill Buying Guide: Determining Price to Set Your Budget