Thinking of Buying a Used Treadmill - Are You Crazy? Do Not Make These 5 Stupid Mistakes

First things first, decide whether a treadmill is for you. Before you spend a few thousand dollars in a treadmill just for this to become a clothes hanger, you've got several things to think about. With so many people purchasing exercise equipment they don't utilize, the market is full of exercise equipment in excellent condition and a few in not so exceptional state. We are going to address this in later paragraphs. Where do you start? Consider checking your regional newspaper for people selling their equipment, lawn sales, and estate sales. You can even find some real bargains via online sources like online classifieds and eBay. Many places also have second hand sporting goods shops that offer used gym equipment. Why not pay a visit and see what they have to offer? The savings can be significant.

Here are the some Fantastic reasons to buy a treadmill:

1. The treadmill will save you time. It is possible to put your fitness program and you do not have to worry about getting into a gym enough to find an open machine, yours is constantly available.

2. No excuses, it's in your home, get off your butt and put it to use.

3. The treadmill will create opportunities for the kids to be present while you're exercising. Your child may work on a homework assignment or coloring book and there's no daycare or babysitter to be concerned about.

4. No more gym fees. Purchasing a treadmill at home means no longer spending 25 to $30 per month on a gym membership just to utilize their gear. Or even worst spending that money every month and NOT going.

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First Things First: Treadmill History 101

Believe it or not, treadmills were not always intended for human usage. The very first treadmills were invented in 1875. Called "level power" treadmills, they came in either large or small, the large ones were utilized by brothers to power threshing machines, and the more compact number had been used by dogs and sheep to power butter churns. Quinton eventually sold his interest Stairmaster and the remainder was, well, history. You may have heard of Quinton treadmills. The world has proven that the human treadmill was a fantastic idea, its longevity and popularity speak volumes. The Sporting Goods Manufacturers' Association maintains that consumers spend more money on treadmills than any other fitness equipment designed for home exercise. There has never been one year since their first commercial production that treadmill sales have declined. Take a look at any gym, if you need proof. You won't find lots of the bits of equipment peddled by private trainers on late-night infomercials. They may be surrounded by much hype, but are not necessarily as glorious as they claim to be. And usually cannot take a true exercise regimen. Treadmills, on the other hand, have always proven their usefulness and strong structure through the years, which is the reason why they're staples in every workout center. Doesn't matter if it's a commercial fitness center or the regional apartment building work out area, chances are you will see a treadmill.

But that is only the beginning of the benefits offered by the treadmill.

The news is in, and medical specialists agree that walking is great exercise. When it's a daily power walk around the neighborhood or only a stroll round the block, walking is a great way to shed weight and gain fitness. Unfortunately, but the weather does not always cooperate when it comes to receiving the exercise we need. When it's too moist, too cold, or too hot out, it can be very difficult to keep up with even the most well intentioned exercise regimen. That's why a treadmill could be such a great buy, and why treadmills are these popular pieces of exercise equipment. A quality treadmill has a lot of important benefits over a number of different types of exercise equipment.

They're good for any fitness level. Whether you are just beginning your workout regime or are an old pro, you can discover a speed setting which will give you a fantastic cardiovascular challenge.

They are adjustable. Perhaps you feel that you need just a moderate workout or a couple of times a week with a treadmill, you can change your intensity accordingly.

They are versatile. Technology has made it possible for today's treadmills to offer you a variety of alternatives. You can work to improve your rate. There are preset apps, or you can combine varying levels of speed and incline. You might also want to program your own workout.

They are low-impact, but maybe not affect free. You won't accomplish your objective of cardiovascular fitness in the event you can't exercise, and also you can not exercise if you are injured. Running (or walking) on a treadmill is a safe wager. Their surfaces absorb impact and reduce pressure on critical joints much better than working on asphalt or concrete. The chances for injury are considerably diminished with high-intensity exercise. Most treadmills have a security key or safety shut down system just in case you must fall, they will turn off immediately.

They are convenient. Raining? Snowing? No issue. Treadmills can be used under any weather condition, so you'll not need to receive a rain jacket or sweater so as to use a single. Plus, most treadmills available on the market these days have areas to maintain your water bottle, towel and reading material. On a number of those new treadmills you can plug your MP3 or iPod right to the console. Some have TV's and the internet on them. And, needless to say, a workout will always fit into any schedule. For instance if you buy home from work, it is already dark outside, and you do not feel comfortable walking alone, you could always jump on the treadmill. No excuses!

If you're in the market for a treadmill, you may be confused (and surprised!) By different types and terms you will encounter. You will find residential house treadmills, light commercial and industrial treadmills. Folding ones, motorized and non-motorized it is sufficient to make a newcomer wish to buy a pair of sneakers and hit the street. Let us break it down a little and compare the intricacies of every.

Motorized vs. non-motorized. Manual treadmills can be tricky to begin, and if you desire a change of incline during your workout, you have to stop the machine, get off, adjust the incline level, and get it started. In a nutshell, there's really no benefit to purchasing a manual treadmill rather than a motorized one. The reason cited most frequently is the price. Guide machines are a lot less costly than their motorized counterparts, but it's important not to forget that they are not usually assembled too, either. When it's cost-effectiveness you are worried about, it isn't hard to find somewhat used motorized treadmills for a fraction of what they'd cost new. We'll discuss this at greater length in a moment. Think of all the men and women who purchase treadmills then never use them and are ready to part with them just to get them out of their way! My thought is if you're searching for a manual treadmill just walk outside or inside and save yourself time and money.

Some other considerations you have to address before purchasing any exercise gear would consist of number of consumers, greatest weight of the consumers, and frequency of usage. Additionally know that all treadmills are rated for a maximum user weight reduction. An individual exceeding the highest weight rating chances cracking the walking deck or at worse burning the moving parts rather rapidly. Lower end models generally are rated at no more than 250 pounds. It is also strongly suggested that you buy a treadmill using a CHP (Constant Horsepower) engine rather than some THP (Total Horsepower) motor. Lower end treadmills will have a DC powered motor, while some commercial treadmills may have AC powered motors.

Also assess the application of this treadmill, many residential treadmills are labeled for "In Home Use" only. The guarantee will be void if used at a gym or other business kind setting i.e.: condo or apartment workout rooms. Most residential treadmills will utilize a regular 110 volt socket, while most commercial treadmills may use 220 volt socket. If you are confused about which type of motorized treadmill to purchase, it pays to do a bit of research and comparison. Ideally, you will want to purchase a machine that has 1.5 - 2.5 CHP motor.

OK, after all this you still want a treadmill?

1. Before You Head Off To Make A Purchase

Take into account just how much space you have available. Obviously, if you reside in a small apartment or have a limited amount of space, then you are not going to want to have a large treadmill. You need to know how much distance you have to store and use the equipment. Fortunately, there are bits of fitness equipment available that you can fold and readily store. If you're pressed for space, then these may be a superb alternative to bulky equipment. You have to realize that most full size treadmills will take up a foot print (floor space) of 3 feet wide by 6 ft long. Most ICON Fitness treadmills do fold, you'll find these treadmills in your large box retailers like Sears, Costco and Wal Mart. As a side note in 2007 a number of the manufactures also starting making ellipticals that fold, but this is a totally different subject.

2. Think about the Expense Of the Right Treadmill

This sounds like a no brainer right, the cheaper the better. However, you have to consider how much could the treadmill you "want" price new. Not every less costly treadmill is a good deal. If you are a serious exerciser or runner you will have to spend more cash to acquire a version that will endure and provides features that many runners anticipate. If you want a treadmill and you are a serious runner then a budget for a new treadmill might be in the $ 1500.00 to $ 3,500.00 dollar range. If you are a walker, a few times each week, for only 30 minutes at one time then your new treadmill funding might be in the $ 700.00 to $ 1,500.00 dollar area. This is considered a Residential Treadmill. Therefore, if you are a serious exerciser that the new treadmill typical would be $ 2,500.00 bucks. On the other hand a purchasing a used light commercial treadmill you might consider spending in the $ 800.00 to $ 1,500.00 buck range.

If you are a walker that your new average treadmill budget will be $ 1,000.00 dollars. Then you should consider spending $ 400.00 to $ 700.00 bucks for the used shuttle. Nobody says you have to have the fanciest equipment in order to satisfy your fitness goals. Even when you're on a tight budget, you've got lots of available options. A few sets of dumbbells could be all you need to build and tone muscle and something as straightforward as a jump rope can provide you an excellent cardiovascular work out. Do not underestimate these basic solutions! You might choose to offer them a try before investing in a treadmill which occupies space. After all, who wants to invest money an elaborate treadmill which might become a clothes hanger?

3. Establish Your Exercise Goals

This should always be a priority. Exercise goals should be clearly considered before considering purchasing any kind of gym equipment. You do not know how many customers I inquire, how frequently do you use the treadmill? They will tell me at great length the amount of use the treadmill is getting and then I shall check the "hours used" work on the treadmill, only to find out that after 5 decades of ownership, the treadmill has less than 100 hours use. Is your objective to attain better cardiovascular health or would it be to tone and build muscle? If cardiovascular health is your primary goal, a treadmill, stair climber, elliptical, upright bike or a recumbent bike might be the best option. If you would like to tone or build muscle, pick a machine that lets you do resistance training, rather with weights. This may be a cable system, free weights or resistance bands.

4. Features, Features, Features

Decide what's important for you. What is the maximum rate? Does the treadmill incline? In that case, how high of a percentage? Would you want apps? Would you want to produce your own applications? How about things such as fans, TV's, orthopedic walking straps, big console screens, book holder. Does the treadmill just have front railings or does it have side rails? Heart monitors, did you want this feature for medical reasons? Do you want a model with a wireless heart rate sensor? If so, is the treadmill capable of the attribute and if it's, is this an extra cost?

5. Ok, Ready Place Shop

Hit the used exercise equipment shops, if you need to touch and feel your purchase. Many places have "Play It Again Sports" shops which specialize in used gear. Assess the Yellow Pages. However, you may find better discounts on-line. The same as shopping for a new automobile, the best time for purchasing a used treadmill would be as soon as the new versions start coming out for the Christmas shopping season. The Christmas to New Year's Eve time is the "season" for retailers of exercise gear. This is a result of the simple fact that the majority of exercise equipment buyers find a necessity to get in shape for the holidays, with business parties around the horizon, and New Years resolutions right around the corner. They may want to trade up to a better model and you may find a whole lot on a used one at this time. Purchasing a used or secondhand pedals from a trader can definitely be a smarter purchase. The exercise equipment trader will often have done all the upkeep and substituted any needed parts. They'll clean out the treadmill and be sure that it's security ready for its new owner. The dealer will usually offer shipping, setup and some form of limited components and labour warranty. You may have to pay a bit more cash to purchase from a reputable exercise equipment dealer, but the added expense may well be well worth it. Especially if they include a guarantee, delivery and setup all for one price. Can you obtain an protracted warranty? I have always believed that extended warranties are money well spent, especially since treadmills can be expensive to fix.

Always be cautious on purchasing a secondhand treadmill by a private party. Well if that expression was appropriate it is here and now. Do you know that many consumers when purchasing a treadmill if new or used only "test" it to get an average of 30 minutes? That's right; they walk on the treadmill for 30 seconds and create a significant decision. Large manufactures have unsuspecting clients without them knowing and this is an established fact, 30 minutes. But why do I mention that, because treadmills have a tendency to take a beating, and among the greatest technical issues a treadmill may have is that it is going to shut down after 30, 40 or 60 minutes. It is over heating, it may have a bad engine, worn out walking belt or other electrical problems. Treadmills can be large and heavy, not for the average man to be lugging around.

You may have to pay a bit more cash to buy from a respectable exercise equipment trader, but think of the time and effort that you may save. Are you shopping on eBay, Craig's List or another internet websites? Check closely, many internet deals are for "Local Delivery Only". Do you need to pick this up and set up it as soon as you get it home? How are you going to get it home? Have you any idea how to un-assemble the treadmill and re-assemble it without breaking it? You might need to un-assemble the treadmill simply to get it through doors. Even though you may be hearing it was only used once by my grandmother, recall, especially if it's over 10 years old. As for me, I would not buy a treadmill over a decade old, so be careful. And of course no matter where you are buying the used treadmill out of negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.

Bottom line, if you've determined that a treadmill is for you, you must remember that not every less costly treadmill is for you and it might not necessarily be a fantastic deal. It pays to be well educated with well defined fitness goals prior to making a purchase of an expensive piece of fitness equipment you may never use. After all, do you really wish to check at that abandoned clothing hanger to get a treadmill each single time you go home? But you can get a "Great" deal with a small patience and education.