Cheap Treadmills: Getting the Most for Your Money

A treadmill is one of the best types of fitness equipment to consider if you are looking for something to help you shed a few pounds or tone your body.  They are simple to use, keep you in a comfortable upright position while walking or running, and allow you to easily watch TV or read a magazine while working out.

Of course, treadmills cost money.  Not surprisingly, a lot of people are looking to buy cheap treadmills these days.  Models are available in almost every price range imaginable.  You can buy a manual, no-frills machine for as little as $100, or spend thousands on top-of-the-line equipment.  As with most things, however, you generally get what you pay for.  Here are some things to consider when trying to find treadmills for cheap.

Check the treadmill console to see how easily you can manipulate the controls.  Also, they should be simple to use, so you are not always having to look things up in the manual.  Of course, the display needs to be large and provide enough contrast to be easily read while working out.  LED screens are generally better for this than LCD’s. 

Also, consider how much data you want to see at one time.  Many displays will scroll from speed to distance to calories expended, etc., while others will show all of this data continuously.  Lower-priced treadmills will usually show only the most basic information.

Ideally, it should not be at all difficult to set the incline and speed of your treadmill.  These controls should be within easy reach while using the machine, and should be electronic rather than manual to allow more precise adjustments.

Safety is arguably the most important thing to consider, especially when looking at cheap treadmills.  Any model on your short list should feature a stop button that can be hit at moment’s notice if you begin to lose your balance or for any other reason.  Some machines have a tether that connects you to the deactivating mechanism so that, if you begin to fall, the jerk on the tether will cause the belt to stop.  There should also be a key that must be inserted before the treadmill can be activated.

When trying out a new treadmill, pay attention to how smoothly the belt starts and stops.  Does it start at a slower speed, then gradually ramp up to the pace you have set it for?  Similarly, does it reduce speed smoothly at the end of your session?  Sudden stops and starts can be very dangerous, leading to serious injury from a trip or fall.

What about the size of the treadmill belt?  If you intend to use the machine for running, make sure that it is long enough to comfortably accommodate your full stride, and wide enough to minimize the possibility of stepping off the side.  This will vary depending on your height and so forth, but in general, any treadmill with a belt less than 50 inches long or less than 18 inches wide is not going to be a good choice for you. 

Walkers do not have to be as concerned with belt size, although they may want to consider it, as they want to increase the intensity of their workouts in the future.  Regardless of whether you will be running or walking, however, a well-padded belt surface will help minimize injury if you do take a tumble, as well as having the added benefit of reducing the noise level while exercising.

The least expensive treadmills may not have a motor, meaning that your leg power will be required to make the belt move.  Settling for one of these machines will save you a ton of money, and they could be considered safer, since the belt will stop when you stop.

The biggest knock against cheap manual treadmills, however, is that you can become easily discouraged and give up on your fitness plan.  If you have spent most of your time on the couch eating chips and watching TV, your leg muscles may not be prepared for the effort it takes to get that belt moving.  Also, a motorized treadmill will force you to keep a consistent pace, leading to a more effective workout in the end.

If you’ve decided on a motorized treadmill, horsepower now becomes an important consideration.  The larger you are, the harder the belt motor will have to work, so it pays to look for one with at least 2 horsepower.  Be careful when researching this, however, and make sure you are checking the continuous duty specification.

When you start shopping for treadmills, you will likely be tempted to look at used models.  You can find cheap treadmills for sale in the same way you would search for any other used item: newspaper classifieds, Craig’s List, EBay, etc.  This is not a bad route to go, but you need to be careful, and should approach it in the same way you would shop for a used car. 

Ask why the current owner is selling it.  Has it become an expensive clothes rack because they never use it?  Do they need the money?  Do not buy the treadmill sight unseen!  Personally check everything very thoroughly to make sure the machine is still in good working order, from the belt to the console to the folding latch.  Take it for a “test drive” to see how stable it feels while you are using it. 

Remember, you won’t have a warranty or guarantee with a cheap used treadmill.  All the same, if you take a few precautions, you can find get a model you will be happy with for a great price.

Speaking of intensity, the ability to adjust the incline is a great feature for pumping up your exercise session.  While this function may not be available on most cheap treadmills, it should be considered a big plus when reviewing your options.  Many models can be adjusted to as much as a 15% grade, which would definitely take your workout to a new level.

A treadmill that folds up to store vertically against a wall, or flat to slide under a bed, can be a great convenience if your bedroom or den is doubling as a home gym.  Again, you may not have many choices if your budget is limited.  When considering this type of model, be certain that there is a latch or pin to secure the ramp in the folded position to prevent accidents.

You should now be ready to go out a make a good decision when shopping for a cheap treadmill.  Take your time, consider your needs and options, and I am sure you will find exactly what you are looking for.  Best of luck!