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Cheap Treadmills - Are They a Bargain or a Bust?

We are all looking for a bargain, and unless we have money to frivolously spend, we want to get the best price possible. That holds true when purchasing a treadmill. The fact is most people buy cheap treadmills and they eventually pay the consequences. Cheap models account for approximately 75% of home treadmill sales.

What do we consider a cheap treadmill? Models under the $500 price range.

What lures people to cheap treadmills are the numerous features that are often built-in. Heres an example. There is currently a ProForm treadmill selling for $399. That price is more appealing then spending $1,000-$1,500. Here are some of the features.

Console with (3) large LCD windows

2.25 continuous duty motor - There are no standards for treadmill motors, and most companies will overstate the power output.

iFit compatible - 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 that is found on any treadmill. Even the cheapest treadmill have some impact 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 doesnt distract from the fact that this is a cheap treadmill. What makes a cheap treadmill are the components. Logic follows that you cannot sell a treadmill for $399, include the features above, and not have to compromise somewhere. The compromise is in the parts. And except for the motor, you get a 90 day parts and labor warranty. That type of limited warranty suggests this treadmill is built for obsolescence.

When you think about it, treadmills take a beating. If you are running on them, the impact can be 2.5x your body weight. With cheap treadmills the motor, belt, deck, rollers, bearings and electronics are constantly struggling to keep up with the strain. Particularly if the user is overweight.

It should be noted that the treadmill 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 duration. In many cases you will either be replacing parts or throwing the entire treadmill away. Its often not worth getting it fixed.

What if you are contemplating getting back in shape, but unsure of your commitment. You dont 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 suggest you purchase an extended warranty. 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 start at $1,500. Youll get a treadmill with components designed to withstand the strain and impact.

At these 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.

Fred Waters has worked in the treadmill industry for a number of year and is author of the Treadmill Rating and Review site. Check out the latest reviews on over 75 of the most popular treadmills, and get important buying tips from the Treadmill Buyers Guide.

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