HOW TO PICK A TREADMILL FOR YOUR HOME GYM?
There is nothing better than losing weight from the comfort of your own home. For this, you need the right kind of exercise equipment to aid you in the journey of getting fitter. The treadmill is considered one of the easiest exercise machines which can be used to lose weight correctly, bring fitness into your life, and enjoy exercise without an instructor. Undoubtedly, it is a great way to stay in shape and fit.
With so many options available in the market, buying a treadmill for your home gym can be a little perplexing. Therefore, knowing which features and attributes are needed to get a good treadmill machine is essential. Which brand to pick, what features to consider, the size, the technology? All these and more questions will come to your mind while picking up a treadmill. If you pick a treadmill wisely, there are more chances that you will be utterly satisfied with your purchase and will get the expected results.
Coming back to features, if you are unaware of how to look for the best treadmill, then worry no more. Here's a guide that will assist you in understanding the features and making an informed decision.
Power Source
The first thing is to decide if you want a manual or an electric treadmill. Manual treadmills are the ones that do not require electricity to run; their power source is the momentum set by your strides. Although they are much cheaper, they have very limited features and program options. In fact, the inclination is also set manually. On the other hand, electric treadmills come with numerous programs and features and are sturdier as compared to manuals. Being sturdier makes them suitable for walking, jogging, and running, whereas manual treadmills are best suited for simple walks.
Running Surface
The running surface of the treadmill's moving belt is essential to consider when buying one. If you are a big person, you will definitely need a wider belt which ranges from 16 to 22 inches, and if you take longer strides, you will need a longer belt which ranges between 45 to 60 inches, depending on different brands and models. The comfort also depends on the thickness of the belt. The thicker the belt, the more it will be cushioning and comfortable to walk. The costlier and higher models come with built-in cushioning, which provides better shock absorption and comfort.
Weight Capacity and Size
The weight capacity of a treadmill also decides the maximum capacity it can bare, that is, the weight of an individual and how sturdy the machine is. A heavier machine can take more weight and stay sturdy while you do a heavy workout like running. Considering your need and the people using it, decide which weight-capacity treadmill is best for you. But make sure you are a few kgs less than the actual capacity of the treadmill for it to function correctly.
Make a note that heavy equipment will be bulky and larger. You might also find it challenging to find a place to keep it. If you have a dedicated home gym, it might take up a lot of space and leave none for other equipment. You may also wonder that a heavy machine may be difficult to move around if needed. These days treadmills can be folded and kept in small spaces like under the bed or behind the closet. If this could be your concern, you should pick the one that folds.
We recommend you do a little reiki of the available space in your home for the new treadmill to decide the size of the treadmill you should go for. You don't want to end up with a big machine and no space for it to keep!
Technical Features
With the due advancements of fitness technology, these days, treadmills come with a lot of new technical features which, along with providing luxury benefits, also assist in exercising. Latest treadmills like Flexpad and Flextread come with wireless connectivity and apps which lets you perform better by looking at the assisting videos from experts. You can also play music connecting your smart device and groove along while walking.
Warranty & After-Sale Services
Treadmills are machines, and in unforeseen situations, they can break down. Warranties are critical, especially if you are investing in a costly treadmill. A good brand and a sturdy machine will offer you a reasonable warranty period and benefits compared to a cheaper one. Before buying, check the warranty features like coverage on the frame, motor, parts, and labor. A lot of brands offer warranties from 30-days to a year or a lifetime.
We also recommend you check the after-sales services. You may need these for getting the treadmill serviced at the time of breakdown or for fixing any part.
Price
Coming to the last yet most important factor, you need to consider while purchasing a treadmill for the home gym is the price. It is evident that a piece of sound equipment with the latest features and design will cost you more. You should analyze the features, specifications, and benefit it offers at the given cost, then decide if it is worth it. Not just this! Before making your decision, ask yourself if you will be using the treadmill features you are spending extra. The usefulness will only be proven if you benefit at best from it.
Some brands, like Flexnest, offer no-cost EMIs to buy the latest technology treadmills and other equipment. This is a smart way to invest in a good exercise machine that provides you with all the valuable benefits and yet does not crumble your monthly budget.
