There is quite difference in the quality in treadmills, and cheap treadmills in particular. Some are only made to handle the most basic of workouts, as some don't have the power to cope with heavier people and higher incline rates.



Here are some things you need to look for in order to find the top. One of the most important is the horsepower available. The less powerful ones won't last as long, as they can't handle more powerful workouts.

Also don't get duped by peak horsepower claims. The continuous duty power amount is the most important number, so make sure you don't purchase a machine before finding this out.

The truth is, the less power a machine has, the less time it will work for, and it will give out soon after. Most of the cheap models simply don't have the horsepower to stand up to faster and longer workouts.

Also, make sure you think about how fast the cheap treadmill can go. Most are either designed for walking or running, but not either/or. Therefore, consider which exercise you plan on doing the most of, and make your purchasing decision accordingly.

Think about whether you want one that comes with a workout program preinstalled or not. Some are able to access the internet and actually download a program for you based on the information you give it, and track it right from the machine itself.

However, this is just overkill in my estimation, and just tracking your progress via spreadsheet is often times good enough. The added expense isn't warranted.

Where can you find the top cheap treadmills? First off, getting pre-owned treadmills is certainly a smart option, and this isn't groundbreaking news, but all too many people don't consider this when getting treadmills, so don't forget about his option.

In addition to getting used, I would strongly steer you towards refurbished models, which, as I've laid out in other articles, are basically used machines that have been completely fixed up, and are sold in practically brand spanking new condition, but without the brand new price tag.

Also, don't worry about all the gadgets, regardless of the model, as the main thing you are going to be doing is working out.

Finally, try and stay away from Icon Fitness cheap treadmills. This is the most known company in the industry, and are responsible for making a number of different popular brand names.

Check every brand before you buy it, and if Icon Fitness is behind it, it's a good rule of thumb to just avoid it and keep shopping. Sure, there are a few exceptions, but in my estimation, just staying away from them altogether is the way to go.

The truth is, buying treadmills can be expensive, and you obviously want to save money. However, don't buy a machine just because it's inexpensive.

What constitutes a cheap machine?

Anything that retails for less than five hundred dollars for a new model. Don't even both with cheap treadmills under this price, as it will simply be more trouble than it's worth.