Before you even begin your shopping for your treadmill, there are a number of different points that you need to think about. Only you can decide what your preference is on each of these different factors, but they're definitely something that you need to consider: belt size, horsepower, speed, displays, and deck cushioning.

1. Horsepower When you are looking at treadmill motors, ignore any labels that say something like "treadmill duty" and/or "peak horsepower." These terms are just advertising gimmicks. What you really want to focus on when you are looking at the power of a treadmill motor is the continuous-duty rating. This continuous-duty rating will give you the real horsepower of the treadmill's motor. No matter what, you are going to want to buy a treadmill whose motor has at least 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower. Otherwise, you will wear out the motor in no time, even if you aren't using your treadmill for anything more strenuous than moderate walking. If you are heavier than 200 pounds, then you might want a motor with even higher horsepower. If your motor is always working at its maximum capacity, then it will wear out faster. So you want a stronger motor with higher horsepower.
2. Motor electronics
   There are other motor functions that also ensure that your treadmill will work well. You need to get a good treadmill that has a microprocessor that will sense how much weight is on the treadmill belt and tracks your steps so that the motor can be constantly making the necessary adjustments to make sure that the treadmill continuously runs smoothly. Good electronics will be more important than a huge motor when it comes to a smooth running treadmill.
3. Treadmill speed
   It is important for you to buy a treadmill that will match your speed, whether you are a slow or a fast walker. You need to purchase a treadmill-no matter what your own pace is-that has a safe starting speed of no more than 0.5 m.p.h. Otherwise, you may end up with a jerking motion when the belt starts. Don't worry-that low of a starting speed doesn't mean that the treadmill can only go that slowly.
4. Belt
   When you are shopping for a treadmill, you need to purchase one that has more than enough room on the belt for your longest stride. Avoid narrow belts or short tread belts because that will result in high friction. Make sure that your belt is somewhere around 17 inches by 48 inches. It should be no less than 16 inches wide. If you purchase a low quality belt, then it will need to be lubricated often.
5. Deck
   Purchase a treadmill deck that requires no major maintenance on your part. You will want a deck that is made of special materials, in multiple layers so that the deck will hold up over time. You will want a permanent wax compound rather than compressed fiberboard.

Basic quality treadmills begin pricing around $1,000. In many cases, you will get what you pay for.