Buying A Treadmill - 3 Essential Tips

If you're buying a treadmill, chances are you've done lots of research already. You probably know exactly what makes up a high quality treadmill and have an idea of which features you want in your unit.

But even with this knowledge many people still fall prey to slick treadmill deals that end up costing them in the long run.

In order to keep that from happening to you, here are 3 essential buying tips to make sure you choose the very best treadmill for you.

#1) Not All Treadmill Brands Are Created Equal

I recently had a gentleman e-mail me asking for advice on which treadmill he should buy. He had narrowed it down to 3 choices:

Choice #1: Brand A: 2.5 HP motor $999

Choice #2: Brand A: 1.75 HP motor $899

Choice #3: Brand B: 2.0 HP motor $1099

He asked me which treadmill I would buy. He was clearly leaning towards Choice #1.

This was the natural choice for most people and it makes sense: get the most for the least. Or get the most motor power for the least amount of money.

However, my answer surprised him. I told him if it were my choice, I would go with Choice #3: Brand B for $1099. Here's why:

Although the motor power is lower than Choice #1 and the price is higher, Brand B makes an overall better treadmill. Why?

Brand B has a reputation for making high quality treadmills and backing them up with extensive warranties, including 10 years on the motor. It can afford to give such lengthy warranties because it knows that it makes a quality product that probably WON'T break down - even in 10 years.

Brand A on the other hand offers a 90-day motor warranty. What does that tell you about the quality of parts?

Although motor power is a good feature to consider when buying a treadmill - you have to be careful. Look at it in the context of the whole treadmill - including the brand.

Not all treadmill brands are created equal. Some treadmill brands use extremely high quality materials. Others well, don't.

Make sure to look beyond just the bare numbers when choosing a treadmill. Look at the whole picture to find the best treadmill for you.

#2) Don't Always Believe What The Salesperson Tells You

Get it in writing. This isn't to put down any salesperson - but they are human. They do make mistakes, and sometimes this can end up costing you.

I had another lady e-mail me asking for advice on choosing a treadmill. She'd narrowed it down to several and was leaning towards one in particular (let's call it Treadmill X).

She had been told by a salesperson in the store that this Treadmill X (for $899) came with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

This lady was smart. She was looking at the whole treadmill picture. The price was excellent. The motor power was average (1.75 HP). And who can pass up a lifetime motor warranty?

But wait a minute.

I was fairly familiar with this treadmill brand and knew something was off.

This particular treadmill brand never gives lifetime motor warranties - ever. Not even on their commercial treadmills. So why would they offer a lifetime motor warranty on one of their economy treadmills?

I voiced my concerns to her and wasn't surprised to hear back a couple of days later that the salesperson had actually been mistaken about the lifetime warranty.

If she had bought this treadmill simply based on what the salesperson said, she might have gotten a nasty surprise - especially since this particular treadmill brand is known for being extremely costly to repair.

Don't always trust what the salesperson says. Make sure to get it in writing before you buy!

#3 Forget the Price Tag - Look at the REAL Price Of The Treadmill

Price is probably one of the most important factors when buying a treadmill. But sometimes the price of the treadmill can be misleading.

For example, let's say you're looking at Brand A in a store with a price of $799. Pretty good price right?

A much better deal than Brand B - sold online - at $999.

But look closer at Brand A. Brand A only comes with a 90 day parts and labor warranty so you need to buy added coverage. You pay $50 for a 2 year extended motor warranty.

So Brand A's total cost is now $849 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty already included)

Overall, you figure that Brand A is still the better deal since it's cheaper.

But look closer. You need to pay shipping costs for Brand A. Shipping costs from most stores usually run you about $150.

Brand B, since it is sold online offers free shipping (most online treadmill sellers do).

So Brand A's total cost is now $998 (with a 2 year motor warranty)

Brand B is still $999 (with a 10 year motor warranty)

With Brand A, $799 has gone to buy the treadmill, $50 has gone to buy the warranty and $150 has gone into shipping.

With Brand B, $999 has gone to buy the treadmill (warranty included).

So which treadmill do you think actually gives you the most value for your money?

And don't forget that many online treadmill stores don't charge sales tax. The store that sells Brand A does. That technically makes Brand A MORE expensive than Brand B.

So when comparing treadmills, make sure to consider the TOTAL COST of each treadmill before you buy.

By keeping these 3 tips in mind when purchasing a treadmill:

- Not all treadmill brands are created equal

- Don't believe what the salesperson tells you - get it in writing

and

- Look at the REAL price of the treadmill

you'll be well on your way to choosing the best treadmill investment for you. Good luck and have fun!

Kathryn O'Neill is the chief editor for Treadmill Review, a website focusing on the home treadmill market.

For more buying tips, and brand reviews,visit http://www.treadmillreview.net

---

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are... Read More

7 Essential Reasons You Should Have a Home Gym

The home gym is an amazing resource that you should... Read More

Treadmill Comparison: 3 Things You Must Know

Buying a treadmill? You'll probably be making several treadmill comparisons... Read More

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know... Read More

Treadmills ? Ideal For Home Exercise

Treadmills are ideal for exercising from home. They can be... Read More

Benefits of Online Fitness Programs

There are many benefits of choosing an online fitness program... Read More

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing a Treadmill

With the advancement in the treadmill industry, quality machines could... Read More

Cheap Clearance Elliptical Trainers

Purchasing a cheap clearance elliptical trainer can prove to be... Read More

Developing a Fitness Attitude - A Healthy Weight Loss Program Approach

Exercise is Not a Four Letter WordIt's obvious that the... Read More

Remanufactured Elliptical Trainers ? Are They a Good Deal?

There are on-line distributors of fitness equipment who offer both... Read More

Life Fitness Treadmills Reign Supreme in the Ratings

One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life... Read More

Used Treadmills ? Save Pennies and Shed the Pounds!

If you're looking to get fit but don't want to... Read More

What To Do Before Buying A Treadmill

Considering buying a treadmill? There are several factors to consider... Read More

Sheep Treadmills

The term sheep treadmills refers nowadays to the exercise devices... Read More

Is A Heart Rate Monitor Right For You?

Exercise equipment, like Bowflex, Body by Jake etc., has advanced... Read More

Elliptical Exerciser

Several years ago elliptical exercisers were introduced to the fitness... Read More

How to Buy A Treadmill - Key Points

Finding the best treadmill to buy shouldn't be a difficult... Read More

Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?

Deciding on a home fitness regime is one that will... Read More

Tenderizing Meat and Other Uses For Home Exercise Equipment

Almost everyone has bought home exercise equipment at some point... Read More

6 Features Found in All the Best Treadmills

Are you just plain fed up? If you have spent... Read More

Choosing A Home Exercise Equipment

Technology in the 21st century has made life much easier... Read More

?So You Want To Build A Home Gym?

I walked into the commercial gym yesterday after a long... Read More

Deciding on a Fitness Center: Tips for Choosing

Joining one of the many fitness centers in your area... Read More

Steam Bath or Sauna ? Which Is Better?

There is sometimes confusion between the terms 'steam bath' and... Read More

The Benefits of Home Gyms

If it's a struggle for you to get to the... Read More

Proform XP 590s Treadmill

The Proform XP 590s Treadmill - Storage Is XPedientThe Proform... Read More

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, it can be confusing... Read More

Treadmills Prove Health Concerns Are No Longer An Excuse Not To Exercise

Walking has long been praised for its health benefits. It... Read More

Want To Compare Treadmills? Have You Done Your Homework First?

Buying a treadmill can be daunting experience. Aren't there a... Read More

Try A Landice Treadmill

Landice treadmills receive rave reviews from consumers and exercise magazines.... Read More

Best Home Gyms Tips

Best home gymsIt isn't always easy to find the best... Read More

Treadmills ? Keep On Running

There are benefits to the use of treadmills as part... Read More

Treadmill Best Recommended List

Runner's World Magazine conducts an evaluation, to come up with... Read More