Shopping for exercise equipment, including a treadmill, can be similar to shopping for any other home appliance. Coming in many sizes with numerous choices in features and potential benefits it may be hard to decide where to begin.
Treadmills over the years have evolved into elaborate pieces of machinery that can either store data or simulate walking and running uphill. Hopefully after you decide that it won't become a clothes rack in your bedroom; and before you decide to make an impulse buy; you will consider researching the subject.
Probably the biggest consideration one would have in choosing a treadmill is if you want a fold-up treadmill or a stationary treadmill.
Generally fold-up treadmills come in two categories; power-folding (or shock assisted) and manual folding. The power-folding treadmill is where at one push of a button the treadmill folds up for you; or if a shock assisted folding treadmill you get a little assistance with minimal effort on your part. It is similar to lifting of the trunk of your vehicle. Manual folding is where you do all the work to fold it up.
The pros of having a fold-up treadmill mostly have to do with how much space you have. If you are an apartment dweller or live in a small home a fold-up treadmill is probably on your wish list if you are shopping for a treadmill. If you look for one with wheels it might slide into a closet or a built in cubby. It could be easy to dust around; as dust is a major factor in the duration of life in a treadmill you want it to be easy to maintain.
There are a few cons to owning a fold-up treadmill. The biggest concern has to do with stability. Treadmills have stability ratings which generally indicate how well they handle the activity they are intended for in relation to the user (this is not a safety rating). Some fold up treadmills lack in this arena in that they are not preferred for running or heavy use. As an example; you will note that if you go to the gym the treadmills are stationary. They can handle running, jogging, walking, and continuous use nearly everyday. If you looking to purchase a folding treadmill always purchase one that has a top rated brand name, this way you will know that your treadmill will be stable and is secure for heaving jogging and running.
Another con is although it is great for space you have to consider if you can lift and fold the treadmill on your own. If you have a disability of some type; are elderly; or just don't want to lift and lock the item you might consider the power-folding or shock assisted model if saving space in your home is still the goal; however you will pay more for this feature.
If space is not a consideration or if you are a really heavy user; either someone in training or you prefer running or jogging to walking perhaps you are more likely to consider a stationary treadmill. The pros of a stationary treadmill include the stability factor. It is like bringing the gym home. They are heavier and studier; but can take more abuse than a fold-up. The cons are obvious space and price; however, if in doing the math taking into consideration the reasons why you want or need a treadmill you are contributing greatly to your health. Can you really put a price on health?
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