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Doing accurate treadmill comparisons means you need a working knowledge of the treadmill... that's all there is to it! :-)
As you're probably already aware, good quality treadmills provide a fantastic means of getting a high quality aerobic workout. They're incredibly easy to use and convenient. They can provide various levels of workouts - for the seasoned runner, or a beginner trying to get into shape. The motion of the workout itself is natural, and , depending on the model you choose, you should be able to get a low-impact workout.
They're efficient calorie burners as well, so they're ideal for any weight loss program.
If you're in the market for a treadmill, the problem you're most likely to face is...
What model do I buy? What brand? How much do I spend?
And so on. If you're going to perform accurate treadmill comparisons the first step is determining the price you're willing to pay for one. As usual, the more money you spend, the higher quality machine you get. There are two main types of treadmills...
1) Non-Motorized - very simple and self-explanatory. The belt turns under your own power. Obviously, the benefit these machines offer is that there's much less to go wrong - there are no major mechanical parts to worry about. And of course, they're much cheaper (from what I've seen, this seems to extend to quality of the product as well).
On the other hand, you're somewhat limited with what you can do with your workout. For instance, if I hop on a treadmill, and set the speed at 5 miles an hour, I have to stay at 5 miles an hour, or risk being flung through my back wall. On the non-motorized machine I'm less likely to push myself.
2) Motorized - in this case, a motor turns the belt you walk or run on. If the model has an incline option (this will increase the intensity of your workout), another motor may power this feature. And in this case, the quality of the motor is your major concern - it's what makes or breaks your treadmill! If you're looking at the motorized models, here's what you need to know...
Engine power is most often measured in...
Peak Horsepower - the maximum power an engine can generate for short bursts, or...
Continous Horsepower - the power at which a motor can operate continually without drop-offs.
I recommend you use continuous power as the benchmark for your treadmill motor, as it's much lower than the peak rating, and a more accurate representation of what you really need. As far as power goes, more is generally better. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. If you're a seasoned runner, you'll probably need a machine that generates 2hp of continous power. For those who simply plan to walk, anywhere between 1 and 1.5 hp should be sufficient.
Other issues for consideration as you continue with your treadmill comparisons......
Belt size - length and width. Basically, this comes down to you. If you happen to be 6'5, don't buy a treadmill with a short belt. Obviously, your stride is considerably longer than someone who happens to be 5' tall. Give some thought to the belt width as well. This will be a contibuting factor to comfort and ease of use. You'll find belt widths ranging from 16 to 22 inches, and length from 45 to 60 inches.
Gadgetry - up to you here. As far as I'm concerned, it's more stuff to go wrong. Options include heart rate monitoring, distance travelled, calories burned, and the length of your workout. In some cases, you can even save your workout to improve upon next time!
There... now that you have the facts... you can get out there and do some serious treadmill comparisons :-)
If you're interested in purchasing online, have a look at Smooth Treadmills...
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