To make sure you are going to purchase the kind of treadmill that will have quality, last for years, and perform all of the functions you want it to, it is important to understand each of the parts that make up your treadmill. Only by knowing and understanding all of the parts can you make sure you are getting the kind of product you deserve.

To begin with, a treadmill is made up of the following components. There is a moving belt that you walk or run on, a flywheel and rollers that make the belt move smoothly, the motor that powers the flywheel, Brand Viagra the deck that holds the belt, the frame and handrails, and your treadmill might also have a console with a display unit.

There are mainly two different types of frame materials, with standard treadmills having steel frames, and newer and premium treadmills having aluminum frames. Aluminum frames will hold up better if you are planning on keeping your treadmill for several years, or if you are close to the weight capacity of the treadmill.

The treadmill rails, also called bars or grips, should be used for stability when you are starting or stopping the treadmill. Or, if your treadmill is equipped with a grip heart monitor, this is where you will take your heart rate measurements.

Rails are not meant to be held the entire time that you are using the treadmill, so be sure that they are in a convenient, yet out of the way location. You also want the grips to be comfortable and easy to reach for when you do need them.

Next, if you are planning on purchasing a motorized treadmill, then the motor will be one of the most important features to compare. While many people just compare the horsepower of the motor, you should actually be looking at the type of motor in addition to the horsepower.

When a treadmill lists 2.5 horsepower, that is the top horsepower that the treadmill will reach, but will not usually be sustained at. This comes into play when you vary the speed of the treadmill for short bursts of power.

If a treadmill lists a 2.5 chp (continuous horse power), continuous duty, ultra-high torque, commercial motor or heavy duty motor, then it is more powerful than a standard 2.5 hp motor and can sustain higher speeds for the duration of your workout. Often a 2.25 chp can be as powerful as a 2.75 standard hp motor.

Always take the type of motor into consideration when checking horsepower. Once you have decided what kind of motor you want, it is time to look at belts.

The treadmill belt size is an important feature in your treadmill if you are planning on running or jogging on your treadmill. If you are planning on walking, the belt size is not as important.

Standard belts run 19″ wide by 50″ long-although this sounds like a good width and length, you must remember that the belt goes on to a deck, which includes part of the frame and your console. So even though your belt is 19 x 50, your running space may only be 16 by 45.

Note that some treadmills will not list the belt size, just the belt material, but will list the deck and running sizes. It’s the running size that is the most important.

Many decks on newer treadmills are cushioned or allow you to set your own cushion level. This is an important feature as it will help to make impact less jarring to your joints. Many treadmills can cushion up to 24% of the impact, with 12-14% being the average.

Lastly, the console, depending on your treadmill model, is where you can see how many calories you have burned, the distance that you have traveled, your heart rate, the incline and speed that you are walking or running, how far into your workout you have progressed, how much longer your workout is and often even more information. There are also treadmill models that have a built in television, iPod deck to plug in your Mp3 player, water bottle holder, and cooling fans.

The minimum readouts that you want your console to have really depends on how you are going to use your treadmill. If you are using it mainly for fat burning you will want to see your heart rate and calories burned .

Understanding all of these parts, and many more, can help you to walk into a retail store and tell the sales person exactly what you want. This will guarantee that you will get what you are paying for, and not be taken for a sucker.

Author Bio: Ignacio Lopez is a personal trainer and author of numerous articles relating to physical training and treadmills. He has been helping others find a greater fitness level since the 80’s.

Contact Info:
Ignacio Lopez
IgnacioLopez09@gmail.com
http://www.freemotionfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category_-1_10001_17851_59501_Y

Category: Fitness/Equipment
Keywords: treadmills