Goals
The most imporant thing to do when starting out fitness regimen is goal setting. Once you set your goals you’ll be able to find a treadmill that suits you. For instance, we reccomend Landice Treadmills for long distance runners and anything from the Horizon Fitness line for those who primarily plan on walking on their treadmill.

Running Area
If you plan on running on your treadmill you’ll need a large running area. I recommend going with a length of at least 55”, but don’t go below 50”, even if you only plan on using your treadmill for walking.

Horsepower and Reliability
Navigating the Treadmill seas is a little difficult with so many manufacturers out there offering so many different types of treadmills. You’ll probably be tempted to gauge the durability of a treadmill by its warranty and horsepower. This is a huge mistake! The best way to gauge the reliability of a treadmill is to look at the track record of the brand of the treadmill you’re choosing. I can tell you right away that any treadmill you buy from Horizon Fitness, Tunturi, Landice, Spirit, or Sole is going to last for years with few or no problems at all. You should also avoid anything by ProForm, unless you’re eccentric and want an interesting coat rack.

Heart Rate Monitoring and Heart Rate Control
A heart rate monitor is a device that tracks your heart rate. Tracking your heart rate allows a person to gauge how hard their body is working. Heart Rate Control uses a heart rate monitor to adjust your workout settings according to your heart rate. This allows two important things: First, over time a workout will become easier and easier, this will be indicated by a lower and lower heart rate during your workouts, the treadmill computer will sense this and make you work harder. Second, heart rate control allows more effective workouts by keeping you at a target heart rate, which can increase fat burn, weight loss, etc.

Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is a good way of gauging the durability of a machine. We suggest getting a treadmill that has a weight capacity of at least 50 lbs. more than your body weight. This prevents the motor from working too hard and increases the longevity of your treadmill.

Programs
Fitness programs help you target a specific goal such as weight loss and endurance training. They are most effective when they work in unison with heart rate control. The typical treadmill includes 10 – 15 programs and high-end treadmills offer 20 – 30 programs.

Folding Treadmills
Folding treadmills are a great way to save space. The effect on frame stability is negligible, though more serious trainers may prefer a model that doesn’t fold.

Safety
Most models include safety keys that shut off the machine when a user trips or can’t keep up with a high speed.

Shock Absorption
Shock Absorption reduces the stress on joints associated with cardio workouts. If you plan on a rigorous exercise routine you’ll want a high end treadmill with a well designed shock absorption system. Treadmills with good shock absorption allow trainers to run longer and harder with fewer injuries.

Warranty
Parts and labor are the only things you should consider when gauging a warranty. Labor makes up 50% - 90% of repair cost and parts pick up the remainder. In our 10 years in business, we have never heard about a defective frame. So companies that offer 6 months labor and lifetime frame warranties are generally less reliable than companies that offer a 10 year frame and 5 year labor warranty.