Buying a cheap treadmill is a feasible option for people who are interested in reaping the benefits of a good workout. In this FitnessVigil article, we tell you the features that make a treadmill expensive, and which features you can ignore to snag a cheap one.
Buying a treadmill can be a wise investment. A dedicated exercise regime will definitely ensure that good health and weight reduction are not distant goals to be revisited only every new year’s eve. Treadmills are great for cardiovascular workouts. The sale of treadmills in the last 20 years has surpassed the sale of machines with similar health benefits. A treadmill doesn’t necessarily have to be costly. The price that one pays depends on the features that a treadmill offers. However, one does not need all the features for a great workout. Depending on individual requirements one can eliminate the unnecessary features, and buy a relatively cheap treadmill that provides a good workout.
Finding a Cheap Treadmill
The best way to get treadmills for cheap is to focus on what one requires and do away with features that one doesn’t need.
Purpose―Walking or Running
Depending on the manner in which the treadmill is going to be used, a person can choose between a motorized and a manual treadmill. A motorized treadmill can be used for both running and walking. A non-motorized treadmill, on the other hand, is good for a person who is mainly interested in walking or jogging. Most motorized treadmills allow a person to adjust the incline automatically, while a manual treadmill would require a person to pause for a few minutes in order to adjust the incline. Nowadays, most treadmills are motorized. However, there are a few companies that manufacture manual/non-motorized treadmills. Obviously, a manual treadmill is much cheaper than a motorized one. In fact, one can buy a manual treadmill for as low as USD 100 as against the cheapest motorized treadmill which would cost about USD 400.
Storage Space―Folding or Non Folding
A folding treadmill is useful for a person who is unwilling or unable to allocate the space required for a treadmill. A folding treadmill is more expensive than a comparable non-folding one, but, however, has a greater chance of wearing out. Hence, unless a person has space constraints, it would be sensible to opt for the cheaper non-folding version.
Weight―Strong Motor and Good Quality Belt Deck
A strong motor and a good quality belt deck are a must for a person who weighs more than average. Additional motor warranty would also help. For others, a bit of compromise on the motor’s horsepower (HP) may not make a great deal of difference. A motor HP of 2.25 and a warranty period of 1 year would mean USD 400 compared to USD 2,000 for a machine with a HP of 3 and a lifetime motor warranty. A person weighing 250 lbs or less can go for the cheaper option.
Wireless Heart Rate Control
This is a great feature which allows a person to control his workout by specifying the heart rate zone that he desires to maintain. For instance, healthy heart zone, temperate zone, aerobic zone, anaerobic zone, and the redline zone are some of the heart training zones that people with heart trouble should focus on. The wireless heart rate control feature is available on expensive treadmills. A person can, however, choose a machine without heart rate control if he is young, in relatively good shape, and intends using the machine for general workout.
A Used Machine
In case one needs a treadmill which has a strong motor, can be folded, and has wireless heart rate control, it would be best to consider a used good quality machine which has all the necessary features, and would be cheap as well.
There are a number of other features which have to be evaluated before buying a treadmill. However, buying a treadmill is useless if a person does not commit to an exercise program. Buying cheap exercise equipment is a feasible solution provided a person is willing to spend time and research on the type of equipment that is best suited for him.
