Choosing a treadmill can be a tricky process, but according to local fitness equipment experts, the key factor is how the machine will be used.
"First of all, you have to find the product that's going to fit your needs," said J. Jackson, general manager of Physique Fitness Equipment, Inc., in Chattanooga.
Mr. Jackson said there are three basic categories of treadmill: models built for walking, light jogging and running. Prices vary depending on the intensity of the workout expected on the machine, he said, with treadmills for running the most expensive.
"On a quality treadmill, you're going to spend at least $1,000 in the intro market, and that's mostly your walking and light jogging treadmills," Mr. Jackson said. "If you're going to get into some jogging and running, you're going to be over $2,000. If you're doing a lot of running, you're definitely going to be well over $3,000."
CHOOSING FEATURES
More goes into a treadmill decision than simply whether you plan to walk or run, said Chad Wengert, a certified trainer at Dick's Sporting Goods.
"The first thing you want to be sure of is that it has a continuous horsepower motor," he said.
A continuous horsepower motor allows the treadmill to continually operate at an even pace, Mr. Wengert said. It enables a person to easily go from walking to running, even if they are heavier, he said.
Mr. Wengert and Mr. Jackson each said horsepower, deck size and warranties are the main drivers of price.
"The more expensive it is, the more programs you're most likely to get with it," Mr. Wengert said.
Length of the treadmill deck varies depending on whether it will be used for walking or running, as well as a person's height, Mr. Jackson said. If you're not interested in programs and plan to use the machine simply to supplement a gym membership or for light walking, he suggests staying in the low-cost to mid-range treadmill market.
English Rockholt, 30, and her husband Carlos Torres, 35, were looking to do just that when they bought a mid-level treadmill last week.
"I don't like programs, I just like to go," Ms. Rockholt said. "We were just looking for something to run on."
Teresa Wade, director of operations for Sports Barn downtown, said treadmills are the most common pieces of equipment used at gyms and sometimes features can make a difference in the way a person conducts a workout.
Though gym treadmills tend to be more expensive than what is needed for the everyday person, Ms. Wade suggests looking for features like the incline ability, which can be a beneficial training tool.
MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP
The lifespan of a treadmill varies depending on the manufacturer, what it is used for and where it is kept, experts said.
"You want to hope that it's going to last you 10 to 15 years," Mr. Wengert said. "But do you get that a lot? Not really."
More commonly a treadmill will last from six to eight years if used regularly and maintained correctly, he said.
"Most treadmills will tell you when it's time to do maintenance," Mr. Jackson said. "But as a general rule of thumb, you'll want to monthly or bi-monthly according to usage."
Mr. Jackson said maintenance should include checking to make sure bolts are secured tightly and ensuring the belt is attached correctly.
"You can tell when the belt is loose, you can feel a little bit of slipping," he said. "There are take-up rollers in the rear that you can use to adjust the belt. It's a fairly straightforward process."
If a treadmill is kept in a carpeted area, there is slightly more upkeep required, Mr. Wengert said. Carpet creates more dust, which can get into the motor, making it important to clean out the hood every six months, he said.
When it comes to the more expensive maintenance, Mr. Wengert said that is where a warranty is essential. He said warranties vary from 90 days to five years, depending on the manufacturer.
Mr. Jackson said heavy-duty repair costs are the main reason he would encourage people to buy new treadmills instead of used.
"Unless it's a certified pre-owned piece of equipment that is certified pre-owned by a manufacturer, I would dissuade people that are actually going to use a treadmill on a regular basis from buying a used treadmill," he said. "Usually your value is not in your dollar when you're talking about used equipment."
IF YOU'RE WALKING ...
* Plan to spend about $1,000.
* Look for a smaller deck.
* Get a continuous motor in the 2-horsepower range.
* Expect not to get as many features.
IF YOU'RE JOGGING ...
* Plan to spend about $2,000.
* Look for a mid-sized deck.
* Get a continuous motor between 2 and 3 horsepower.
* Feature options will vary depending on model and price.
IF YOU'RE RUNNING ...
* Plan to spend about $3,000.
* Look for a larger deck, which is more suited for long strides.
* Get a continuous motor in the 3-horsepower range.
* Feature options will vary depending on model and price.