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The Best Treadmills

HOW TO CHOOSE = Reviews indicate that when buying one of the best treadmills, you should consider the following : look for a motor of at least 2.5 horsepower to avoid break downs and inferior workouts.

The belt should be 2-ply, at least 18” wide and 50” long. A shorter belt will force you to shorten your stride.

The display panel should show speed, distance covered, incline and time elapsed. Some displays show it all at the same time, while others will rotate the information.

Push-button controls are easier to deal with while running than dials or switches. Beginners should look for an incline of 10%, while accomplished runners should look for 15 %.

Walkers need a speed capability of 5 mph and runners need 8 to 11 mph. Starting speed should be slow, to avoid injury.

Get a unit with a safety key if you have kids. Children and pets should not be able to start the machine accidentally. On some models, refrigerator magnets can start machines with magnetic keys.

Get a machine with a panic button or automatic shutoff of some sort. If you slip, the power should cut off instantly by means of a button or a tether attached to your clothes. Check the warranty carefully.

The frame should have a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Other components should have one to three years for parts and labor. Avoid 90-day warranties.

Make sure you can return the treadmill if it isn’t right for you. Don’t bother with extended warranties. They are likely to cost more than the repairs.

TIPS: Keep your treadmill clean. Dirt and dust are the primary early causes of problems with treadmills. Lack of regular at-home maintenance can also void your warranty, even on the best treadmills.

If you’re getting the treadmill delivered, check the retailer’s delivery policy before signing to make sure they bring it to the house and not just to the curb.

THE REVIEW = The Best Budget Treadmill is the Golds Gym 450, which sells for about $375. Owners write better reviews for this treadmill than others in its price range, but several complain that it’s noisy.

Its walking surface is the minimum recommended at 18” by 50”. And it only has a 90-warranty on parts and labor. This does not indicate a very durable product.

Other top performers include:

Best Value Treadmill = Golds Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 @ $600.

Best All-Around Treadmill = Sole F80 @ $1,500.

Best price found in Dec., ’09 = for Golds Gym, go to WalMart.com.

For other models, go to Amazon.com Marketplace. Once you are at Amazon, go to the search bar at the top of the page and type in the model you want. The appropriate page will appear.

Free Shipping & No Sales Tax on Fitness Equipment. Shop Today!

Anything else you'd like to ask regarding best treadmills, click here.

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