All About Fitness, Inc™
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How to buy a treadmill.
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What To Look For When Shopping

I.              Two types of motors:

                A.            continuous duty (This is a preferred motor since it runs more efficiently and colder.  A colder-
                                running motor produces longer-lasting motor units.) 

                                1.  1.5-2.0 CHP (continuous horsepower for walking)

                                2.  2.0-3.0 CHP (continuous horsepower for running)

                B.            peak duty (runs on higher temperatures and subsequently causes unit failure) 

II.            Three types of frames:

                A.            steel (This construction allows for the most stability and shock absorption for a person’s joints
                                and is most recommended by our company.)

                B.            air-craft aluminum (provides little shock absorption, little stability, but does not rust).  This
                                anti-rust material is recommended for shoreline areas of the world.

    C.            regular aluminum (warps/bends, provides almost no shock absorption and stability, is found
                    in most department store models, and is least recommended by us)

III.           Two types of decks:

                A.            stable (creates non-movement of underlying running surface, therefore protecting the users’
                                feet, ankles, shins, knees, and back).  We and many health-care professionals recommend
                                this type of deck.

                B.            floating (creates an unstable walking/running surface, making it responsible for foot, ankle,
                                shin, knee, and back damage)

IV.           Three types of belts:  (plies refer to the thickness of the belt)

                A.            four-ply (most recommended for running since the thicker the belt, the longer it lasts and the
                                more shock it absorbs)

                B.            two-ply

                C.            one-ply

V.            Three types of rollers:

    A.            semi solid steel sealed bearing rollers (most recommended for either running or walking).  It rarely needs repair
                                because it helps motor to rotate belt, causing less stress to electrical components.

                B.            hollow steel (lasts longer than aluminum but usually needs replacement by the third or fourth
                                year of the treadmill life)

                C.            hollow aluminum (least recommended since it has a tendency to collapse (fold in) causing
                                many repair costs  --  this type is primarily found in department store models)

General Recommendations

  We recommend you use the information in this report to help find the best treadmill for your needs and lifestyle.  The most important decision to make, however, is whether you will use the treadmill for running or for walking.  Another important point to keep in mind is that the deck can be coated with wax or silicone. The most expensive brands (those costing approximately $1,595.00 and up) are usually the ones made with wax impregnation.  We do not recommend running on silicone treadmills.  Following are suggestions on how a customer can maintain the deck at home to subsequently extend the life of the treadmill.   The wax and silicone products can be obtained from the treadmill manufacturers, and silicone can also be found at most automotive stores.  Wax treatment is recommended three times a year for running and twice a year for walking.  Silicone treatment should be done every other month because this material evaporates quickly.   These methods will allow the decks to last longer, take very little time to apply, and no tools are required.  Remember that running on a treadmill places more stress on the machines’ components and the joints of the user.  Even if the machine is made for running, the wear on most units will be greater, and the customer should take responsibility for minor deck maintenance (following the above frequencies). Treadmills made for walking may cost slightly less than the running models.  Look for the frame weight to be lighter than the ones used for running.  (Walking units weigh 140 pounds or more; whereas, the average running unit weighs approximately 200 pounds or more.)  In the less expensive models, the belts are normally thinner, and rollers may be hollow.  Hollow rollers will most likely need to be replaced often.   No matter which treadmill you choose, however, make sure to buy one with the continuous duty motor for long-lasting service.  Good luck in your buying venture.  If you are interested, other reports are available on individual treadmill brands and models.  

Conclusion

  We hope this report has provided you with helpful information in making your fitness equipment purchase.  If you need any further assistance or have any comments/questions, please EMAIL us at your convenience.  Thank you for your business. 

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This report was designed for receivers’ knowledge only.  All About Fitness is not responsible for any information changes or typographical errors.  The sole intention of this information is to aid the customer in fitness equipment buying and is not meant as a bargaining tool in any transaction.  This document is the legal property of All About Fitness and may not be reprinted or used by another party without the permission of the company stated above. Copyright Ó 1998.