Treadmills consistently rank among the top-selling pieces of home fitness equipment. It’s easy to see why: Not only are they easy to use, but they provide fitness enthusiasts with versatile workout options. So whether you’re looking to get fit or you’re a runner training for a marathon, buying a treadmill can help your achieve your fitness goals. But before you buy a treadmill for your home, there a few things you need to know.

Treadmill Belts and Motors
The treadmill’s belt is the moving rubber surface and runs over a support deck that’s powered by the treadmill motor. Look for treadmills that offer two-ply belts for the most durability. You’ll also want to consider the belt length—runners and people who have long strides will need longer belts to workout comfortably. Walkers should look for belts that are at least 52” while runners will do better with 54” and people over 6” tall will want 58” or more.

Belt width is also a factor: You need to be able to stride on the treadmill as you do naturally, with the ability to swing your arms freely. Belts that are narrower than 18” will feel cramped for most people. Look for belts with support decks that are at least ¾” thick; if you want to minimize the impact your treadmill workout has on your joints, consider cushioned decks or those that have built-in shock absorption.

Pay careful attention the treadmill’s motor—it’s the hardest working part of the treadmill, so both power and durability are important. Look at the treadmill’s continuous duty horsepower rating which measures the power of the motor with sustained, regular use. You’ll want a rating that’s a minimum of 1.5 hp or, if you log serious miles on your treadmill, between 2.0 and 3.0 hp.

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