Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children. Today, fitness equipment manufacturers are trying to meet the high demand for home exercise treadmills. Today's best rated treadmills can do anything your training demands, such as hills, intervals, tempo, long distance, and anything else you can do on a treadmill.

Choose a longer treadmill belt of 54" or more if you or a family member has long legs. There are two types of frames - aluminum and steel; steel is heavier than the more expensive aluminum, which potentially increases stability but steel (not aluminum) may also rust or corrode from sweat. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.

Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone. 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.

The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. 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.

Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame, which are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you're walking not running.

Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. Any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you walk or run should be avoided.

It's best to buy a treadmill that has at least a one-year warranty. The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. The taller a person is the longer their stride so you'll need to choose a treadmill with a longer and wider belt.

When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. 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.

Do your research; treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it's not right for you, you don't want to find out after you've set the treadmill up at home.

Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print; this is important. If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money.

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. Be aware the better quality treadmills can cost as much as $5000 and have a lot of bells and whistles you don't need.

The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout and you'll be likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. The lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill slightly easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation grade outdoors.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Whether you use a treadmill to walk, jog or run, the units are very effective at burning calories, raising heart rate and developing aerobic capacity.

Spend some time shopping around; work out exactly what you need, and then shop online and offline for the best price. By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. A treadmill is a good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit.