While other home exercise fitness equipment and infomercial gimmicks gather dust, treadmills continue to gain more popularity and get the results people are looking for. A treadmill can be set up in front of the television or plug it into your headphones. There are many competing models of treadmills, from inexpensive to expensive, to choose between.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins. The word treadmill originally designated a type of mill which was operated by a person treading steps of a wheel to grind grain. For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action.

People, who don't have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. A heart rate monitor is a very good, useful feature to look for on a machine.

One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. Less expensive treadmill models require you to manually change the incline, which can be very frustrating if you want to make adjustments midway through a workout session.

Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill.

Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. Make sure to add the cost of shipping when buying a treadmill online; quality models can be heavy and shipping will cost more, but some manufacturers do offer free shipping. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily, start it up, step on it and test it out before you buy, if possible.

Check out the level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation; something that many buyers overlook. Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to see how sturdy it is. Buying fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years.

If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health. Your club commercial machine may be may be a good choice in a home version; you're already familiar with its features and probably are comfortable using it. Before buying, make sure the deck area provides enough space for you to exercise in comfort and the belt should work smoothly without slipping or sticking.

You may want to spend less money if you're not really sure you'll continue using it. You'll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that's strong enough to support the heaviest runner who'll be using it.

If you're planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you're not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine. Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises. If you have severe problems with your legs, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you. Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs.

For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment. By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. Besides spending your money on a treadmill make sure you spend time on it!