Going out and buying a treadmill does not have to be a chore. Treadmills are for sale everywhere. You can go to an athletic supply store and spend several thousand dollars for a machine that does everything except wash and dry you dinner dishes or you can get a machine that is uniquely suited to your exercise needs and still get a cheap treadmill. The main use of treadmills is to get a good aerobic cardio workout without having to travel outside the home to get the job done.
The first thing to consider is what kind of treadmill you want. Manual devices are significantly less expensive than electric treadmills and give the same work out. Some experts say that the manual treadmill actually gives users a better workout because there is no electric motor to give assistance. You have to get it started and keep it going with your own power will raises the bar on expectations.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a cheap treadmill is the size of the equipment. Some treadmills can be folded and stored easily and some cannot be folded at all. This is especially true of electric treadmills that do not normally allow easy storage. You will also want to make sure that you have ample free space around the equipment. When you go to the store wear loose comfortable clothing so you can actually try the treadmill out in the store and get a feel for what conditions will be when you are working out.
Another important thing to consider, if you are buying an electric treadmill, is the size of the motor. The larger the motor the treadmill has the longer it will last. Sports medicine experts recommend at least a 1.5 horse power machine and 2 hp or more is ideal. You also want one with a thick enough deck to handle work and wide enough running surface to make your workout comfortable. For a complete workout, both walking and jogging, you need at least a 1” thick deck and a 48” running track.
