Okay, so you still want a treadmill after all of this?
- Before you go to make a purchase
Consider how much space is available. A large treadmill is not the best choice if you have limited space or live in an apartment. It is important to determine how much storage space you need for the equipment. There are pieces of equipment that can be folded and stored easily. ICON Fitness treadmills are folded at major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Sears. You can also find them at specialty retailers.
- Take into account the cost of the appropriate treadmill
This seems like an obvious decision. The cheaper the treadmill, the better. It would be best to consider how much a new treadmill would cost. When I refer to “need”, I mean “runner vs. walker”, “Usage and number of users”. Don’t be too penny-wise and dollar-stupid. A treadmill that is less expensive than the one you have will not be a great deal. Exercise equipment is no different. You will have to spend more money if you’re a serious runner or exerciser.
There is no reason to think you need the most expensive equipment to achieve your fitness goals. There are many options available, even if your budget is tight. You may only need a few dumbbells to tone and build muscle, while a simple jump rope can provide a great cardio workout. These simple solutions are worth noting! These simple solutions may be worth a try before you buy a larger treadmill. You don’t want to buy a complicated treadmill that could become a clothes hanger.
- Establish Your Exercise Goals
This should be a top priority. Before buying any equipment, it is important to define your exercise goals clearly. It doesn’t matter how many people I ask about using the treadmill; you need to know how many. I’ll ask them to tell me how often they use the treadmill. Do you want to improve your cardiovascular health? Or build muscle tone? A treadmill, stair climber or upright bike is the best choice if cardiovascular health is your main goal. A machine that allows resistance training is best for those who want to tone and build muscle. You could use a cable system, free weights, or resistance bands.
- Features
Decide what is important to you. What speed is the maximum? Is the treadmill inclined? What percentage does the treadmill incline? Do you need programs? Are you interested in creating your programs? You might also be interested in fans, televisions, ortho walking belts and large console displays. Is the treadmill equipped with only front rails, or do they have side rails? Do you require heart monitors? Are you interested in a treadmill with a wireless heart rate sensor? Is the treadmill equipped with this feature? If not, what is the cost to add it to your purchase?
- Okay, Set up Shop
If you want to touch and feel your purchase, visit the used equipment stores. “Play It Again Sports” shops specialize in used equipment. Look in the Yellow Pages. You can find better deals online. The best time to buy a used treadmill is during the Christmas shopping season. For exercise equipment retailers, the Christmas-New Year’s Eve period is their “season”. It is because exercise equipment buyers need to be in good shape for the holidays. There are company parties and New Year’s resolutions. You can get a great deal on a used model if they want to upgrade to a more powerful one. A dealer selling a used or reconditioned treadmill can be a better option. The dealer will perform all maintenance and replace any damaged parts. The dealer will clean and prepare the treadmill for sale. The dealer will typically offer delivery, set up and a limited labor and parts warranty. Although you may need to spend more to buy from a trusted exercise equipment dealer, it may be well worth the extra expense. You will save money if you get a warranty, delivery, and set-up. You can purchase an extended warranty. Extended warranties are wise investments. Treadmills can be costly to repair.
Be cautious when purchasing a used treadmill from someone else. You’ve heard the phrase “Buyer Beware”. If ever there was a time when that saying was relevant, it’s now. Did you know that most treadmill buyers, new or used, only test it for 30 seconds on average? They walk 30 seconds on the treadmill before making a decision. Large manufacturers have been known to time customers without their knowledge. It is 30 seconds. Why do I mention this? Because treadmills can take a beating and will stop working after 30-40 minutes. You may be overheating, wearing a walking belt, or having other electrical issues. Your treadmill will not start after 30 seconds. Treadmills are heavy and bulky, so they’re not something the average person should carry around.
Although you might have to spend a bit more to buy from a reputable Sydney Fitness Equipment dealer, think about the time and effort you could save. Is it necessary to pick up the item and set it up when you return it? How do you get it home? Are you able to disassemble and reassemble the treadmill without damaging it? To get the treadmill through doors, you may need to disassemble it. What age is the treadmill? Even though it may seem like it was used only once by my grandmother, it is still worth checking, especially if the treadmill is more than 10 years old. A treadmill that is more than 10 years old would be considered dangerous. No matter where the treadmill is purchased, negotiate, negotiate.
The bottom line is that even if you decide that a treadmill is right for you, not all treadmills are equal. Before you spend money on expensive equipment that you won’t use, it pays to be educated. Do you want to see that old clothes hanger as a treadmill every time you go home? With patience and education, you can still get a “Great Deal.”
