Fitness Equipment

Hi all, with Christmas coming up and the inevitable New Year fitness resolutions many people will be thinking about buying fitness equipment. This is a good thing, especially when they are combined with our fitness podcasts!!

So here are a few things to think about when purchasing a treadmill:

The most important areas to look at when buying a treadmill are; quality of motor, the running deck, the tread belt, the frame and the warranty. The best treadmills will have the best of all these.

The most, and we mean the most, important thing to look at is the motor.

The best treadmills all come with excellent motors that have the strength to handle speed and weight and are durable. Some manufacturers will give you sleek lines and control panels that are designed to impress, but to save money they will install an inferior motor. You dont want your treadmill conking out because you are using it 24hours a day like we know you will be! ;)

Others will tell that their motors are big and boast about the hp rating. But be careful and learn to understand what kind of motor you'll actually be getting. Engines are measured in horsepower and there are two ratings; peak duty rating and continuous duty rating. Many treadmill manufacturers boast of the hp of their motor, but what they usually state is the peak duty but it’s the continuous rating, stamped directly on the motor that really determines its quality and durability. The best treadmills will always have the highest continuous rating; so find out what it is before you buy.

A hint: a manufacturer confident in the motors they install will give the longest warranty!

Everything else is superfluous when it comes to determining whether or not a treadmill is among the best on the market. Some manufacturers give you lots of features like flashy consoles that help motivate the user. Others will put a lot of effort into the overall 'look' of the treadmill.

But don't let things like that deceive you. The best treadmills are about motor, running deck and belt, frame and warranty provided.

So there you, go a few tips on buying a piece of equipment that could give you a lifetime of fitness!! Good Luck!