Treadmill Pros And Cons To Consider

Mid drive fluid motion quantum elliptical trainer. A mid drive crosstrainer has the driving cranks centered under the user. A front drive elliptical hsa the driving cranks located at the front of the unit and the rear drive has the cranks at the rear of the unit. Houston Texas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Treadmills have become ubiquitous when it comes to the home gym, but prior to deciding whether or not to buy one, it really does pay to review some of the major pros and cons of being a treadmill owner.

First of all, treadmills can be quite expensive. This is certainly true if you plan to purchase a sturdy machine that is likely to have greater durability and longevity. Solid treadmills of this type start at around the $1000 mark and go up from there. Investing in a cheaper model may seem wise in the short term, but the maintenance, repair and replacement costs that may arise make investing in a quality machine a smart move.

Electricity costs are another thing to consider when determining whether a treadmill is the right choice for you. It is important to think carefully about how much you are likely to be using your machine, and think about how that will translate on your monthly electric bill. If it seems to be too expensive, perhaps running outside is the budget-friendly option you ought to select.

Maintenance costs of treadmills can become a real negative, particularly if your machine is one that is prone to developing mechanical or other problems. Tread decks can get misaligned, motors can burn out, and many other things can happen that require you to spend money to get the treadmill working again. If expenses such as these will be hard for you to meet if they present themselves unexpectedly, a treadmill may not be for you.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of treadmills is that they afford owners the ability to exercise anytime, day or night, no matter the weather. This can be terrific for those with hectic schedules, family commitments and other things that would otherwise stand in the way of fitness. Folks just starting out with a diet and exercise plan may also be a bit too self-conscious to go running on the roads, and in those cases, treadmills can be ideal. They provide the privacy and safety necessary for many people to finally take that first step toward gaining a better level of health.

Running, while certainly a great way to exercise, also has its risks. The stress and strain it can place on vulnerable joints is famous for causing serious injuries to runners who may have started doing too much too fast. For that reason, if you do decide to buy a treadmill, be sure you do not take on more than you are ready to do. Treadmills can make it very tempting to embark on an aggressive fitness plan immediately, but if you lack the baseline fitness, observe caution.

Before investing money in a treadmill, it is wise to carefully assess your true fitness goals and determine whether or not a treadmill is the most effective way to reach them. If you want more definition and bulk in your upper body, and nothing more, treadmill running may not be the best choice. But, if you wish to improve your cardiovascular conditioning and improve your overall health, a treadmill can be terrific.

When comparing treadmills, it is always a good idea to test the computer functioning before selecting one. Measuring pace, distance and calories burned is one of the most helpful things a treadmill can do, but you need to be sure that the model you are considering does so in an effective, easy-to-use manner. Be certain that the buttons are easy to operate, even when you are in the middle of a run, and see if you can determine whether or not the measurements being registered are accurate. Being able to closely track your workouts on a daily basis will make your treadmill exercise better.

A treadmill's longevity is a key consideration on whether you should make the investment necessary to own one. It is important to get a good idea on how many years you can justifiably expect your machine to last, based on your projected level and manner of use. If you can find a treadmill with a long track record of reliability, it may be worth the extra outlay upfront. Spending more initially may provide you with a machine that will offer solid service for years to come.

Something that far too many treadmill shoppers overlook is that they need to carefully consider the space available in their home for a large piece of exercise equipment. They buy a treadmill with the best of intentions, only to find that the model they bought is way too large for their rooms and becomes something of an eyesore. Spend the time to take actual measurements of the space where the treadmill is likely to go and compare them against the specifications of the machines you are thinking of buying. That way, you will end up with just the right fit, should you decide that a treadmill is something you wish to buy.

The determination of whether buying a treadmill is a good idea is a very personal thing. Some people may enjoy treadmills for the ease of use and convenience they provide. Others may feel that they simply will not use one enough to justify the expense and will therefore be happy simply buying a gym membership instead. Either way, anyone seriously interested in improving their health and fitness should give treadmills a serious look.

To learn about treadmills and compare various models, many resources are available. Online running forums can be great places to get information, ask questions and refine the options in your price range. Retailer websites also provide detailed facts and specifications that can help make the decision process a bit easier. As with any other major purchase, knowledge is power.

If you take the time to think in detail about the benefits as well as the downside of being a treadmill owner, you should have everything you need to make an intelligent purchase and not have the unfortunate experience of having a huge piece of equipment taking up space in your house that you will never really use.