Do your research.
It's important to know what you want before you begin shopping around. This can help you to not be pressured by salespeople, and it will also help save you time if you already know what you're looking for. Take into consideration the features you want your treadmill to have. Do you want a fancier model, with different workout options, heart rate monitors, and all the bells and whistles? Or do you want a basic treadmill to walk on every morning? Research different brands before shopping, so you know where to start.

Always test them out.
Even if you purchase a treadmill online, make sure you go into a store to test it out first. Things to look for include:

• Start and stop. Does the treadmill start and stop smoothly, or is it jerky or does it start suddenly? You want a gradual, smooth start and stop.


• Noise. Is the treadmill noisy? Will you be able to listen to music or watch TV over the noise it makes, or is it quiet?


• Stability. Stay away from treadmills that shake or have rattling parts. This indicated poor quality.


• Ease of use. Even though you will eventually get used to the programming and controls, make sure they are easy to read and understand.

Check the length of the belt.
Generally speaking, the wider and longer the belt, the better. A longer belt will allow you to take a longer stride, perfect for walkers as well as runners. Shorter belts can be more dangerous as well. Most experts recommend a belt that is at least 17 inches wide. Some people may want a wider belt, as the belt size is equivalent to your walking space. Try it out. If it seems too narrow, or if your feet seem to be going off the back edge, you may want to find a larger belt.

Get a warranty
A treadmill is made of many parts, and like all machines, these parts start to wear down after awhile. For this reason, you should always make sure your treadmill comes with a warranty. Things you may want to ask the salesperson include: How long is the warranty? Does it include parts and labor, or just parts? Can I get an extended warranty? What are the limitations? Make sure you understand what the warranty entails before you purchase.

Know where to buy.
The best place to buy a treadmill is from a place that specializes in the sale of treadmills. Purchasing from a department store is alright, but generally the salesperson doesn't know much about the product and is only telling you what you can read yourself on the brochures. It's best to purchase from a place that has a knowledgeable sales staff who will answer your questions without pushing.

Purchasing a treadmill is a big investment, so make sure you take the time to do your research before buying.