NPTI Personal Training

4 Key Features a ‘Must Have’ in a Home Treadmill

In this fast pace modern lifestyle, it becomes difficult to visit a gym to stay fit. To overcome this problem people often resort to a home gym. Treadmill is a great fitness equipment provided you have the right one.

With so many different options available in the market, people get carried away by the “goodies” that a treadmill offers to the extent that they miss out on the essential requirements in a treadmill that make it a quality product.

There are 4 basic quality requirements that one must look for while buying a quality treadmill.

1. High Powered – Well built motor: Since a motor is the most important and most expensive part of a treadmill, a good motor is what you must have. Look for a treadmill that has a motor power of 2.0 HP or higher. A 1.5 HP motor will have to work twice as hard as a 3.0 HP motor and is sure to wear out faster. Another important aspect of a treadmill motor is the brand name. A reputed brand always uses quality parts and also offers a long motor warranty.

2. Excellent Cushioning: A proper cushioning on a treadmill helps protect the ligaments, joints and the back while exercising. A poor cushioning can result in an injury and pain. People have had serious injuries after using ill-cushioned treadmills; some even find it difficult to walk on it. In order to avoid such injuries and pain, it is important to make sure that the treadmill is properly cushioned, especially when you’ll be running.

3. Extensive Warranty: A treadmill is a great fitness investment. To protect this investment a strong substantial warranty is a must. A good treadmill usually covers about 30 years for the frame, at least 5 years for the motor and about a year for other parts and labor. You’ve got an excellent warranty if you get anything above that. A warranty isn’t just about protecting your investment. It speaks a lot about the quality of the product. The longer the period of the warranty, the better is the quality. A 10 year warranty will ensure that there won’t be any problems with the unit for at least 10 years, owing to the quality parts used in it. On the other hand a warranty of just 90 days has a different sorry altogether.

4. Quality Brand Name: Some brand names have a reputation of making high quality treadmills. The companies that manufacture treadmills under these brand names use quality parts and ensure they maintain all the quality standards to retain their reputation in the market. Some brands do not necessarily have a good reputation. A little research will give you a clear idea of the names that keep coming up as good quality brands. It is advisable to stick to these brands than be sorry.

So now that you know the essentials of a good home treadmill viz.: