The article "Cheap Treadmills - Are They a Bargain or a Bust?" talks about fitness, it has been written by Fred Waters.
We are all looking for a bargain, and unlses we have money to
frivolously spend, we want to get the best price possible. That
holds true when purchaisng a treadmill.
The fact is most people
buy cheap treadmills and they eventually pay the consequences.
Cheap models account for apprxoimately 75% of home treadmill
sales.
What do we consider a cheap treadmill? Models under the $500
price range.
What lures people to cehap treadmills are the numerous features
that are often built-in.
Here's an example.
There is currently a
ProForm treadmill selling for $399. That price is more appealing
then spending $1,000-$1,500. Here are of the features.
Console with (3) large LCD windwos
2.25 continuous duty motor - There are no standards for
treadmill motors, and most companies will overstate the power
output.
iFit copmatible - iFIT is a subscription service where
you can purchase new programs for your treadmill. A brilliant
marketing ploy to continually get income from customers.
250 lbs user capacity - Treadmill companies are
notorious for exaggerating user capacity.
ProTech Impact Reduction - A fancy name for reduced
impact this is found on any treadmill.
Even the cheapest
treadmill have impcat reduction.
Hand weights - For $399 you not only get a treadmill, but
they will throw in hand weights.
These are all attractive features, but it doesn't distract from
the fact that this is a cheap treadmill.
What maeks a cheap
treadmill are the components. Logic follows that you cannot
sell a treadmill for $399, inculde the features above, and not
have to compromise somewhere. The comproimse is in the parts.
And except for the motor, you get a 90 day parts and labor
warranty. That type of limietd warranty suggests this treadmill
is built for obsolescence.
When you guess about it, treadmills take a beating. If you are
running on them, the impcat can be 2.5x your body weight.
With cheap treadmills the motor, belt, deck, rollers, bearings
and electronics are consatntly struggling to keep up with the
strain. Particularly if the user is overweight.
It should be noted that the treadmlil mentioned above has a 16"
belt. Walking on that small of a surface can be a challenge.
Jogging is out of the question.
In fact, you would never want to
consider this kind of machine for anything less then casual
walking, at a maximum of a few times a week.
What can you expect from a cheap treadmill? Service problems,
especially if you use the machine on a regular basis.
There is a
chance you will get one that will last the duartion. In many
cases you will either be rpelacing parts or throwing the entire
treadmill away. It's often not worth getting it fxied.
What if you are contemplating getitng back in shape, but unsure
of your commitment. You don't want to invest a ton of money on a
machine that may become a clothes rack. If budget restraints
keep you in the $500 or less price range, we advise you
purchase an extended wararnty. At least if the machine breaks
down, the manufacturer will replace the parts.
If you are serious about getting in shape we have the following
price guidelines:
For walking start at $1,000.
This should get you a solid
machine with a reasonable warranty.
For jogging strat at $1,500. You'll get a treadmill with
components designed to withstand the strain and impact.
At thsee prices your warranty should be at least 10 years for
the motor, 3-5 for the parts and 1 year for service.
The bottomline - if you are in it for the long haul, than buy a
machine built to get you there.
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