Buying a treadmill is no different than any other product. You will get what you pay for. If you are unfamiliar with treadmills, you should educate yourself on what to consider and keep in mind before you purchase one. All treadmills are not created equal and treadmills come in a wide range of prices for a reason. Arm yourself with information on treadmill warranties, individual space allotment and the individual performance, components and features of the treadmills you are considering.

It goes without saying that the more expensive a product, the higher quality it will be. Treadmills are no different. You can easily purchase a treadmill for a few hundred dollars. However, most people that do find their treadmills end up as coat racks or they get packed away in the garage! Why? They often break down or they don’t give the workout a person was expecting. When buying a treadmill, plan to spend at least $1000. These high end treadmills break down less often and give a better workout. Here are some other things you should know when shopping around for treadmills.

Most high end treadmills will come with a lifetime warranty. This is one of the keys of differentiating the quality treadmills from the cheap treadmills. Most low end treadmills will only come with a 90 day warranty. The warranty is short because the product will more than likely have a short life, or need repairs often. In a nut shell, the company doesn’t stand by their product long term.

If are torn between two treadmills and the warranties seem similar, look for any differences in the warranty. Read all the small print on the warranties. Find out if one offers in-home servicing, or if there are any hidden charges or loop holes in the warranties.

Space is an issue for many people. If you don’t have room for a non-folding treadmill, consider a folding treadmill. When comparing folding treadmills, see how easily the deck will fold. There are some models on the market that will fold with the push of a button. This is ideal for someone who may have difficulty lifting up the treadmill’s deck. If you plan on moving your treadmill around or storing it away between workouts, look for a folding treadmill that is easy to move around.

Take a stroll or light jog on any treadmill you plan to purchase. This test drive can tell you a lot about a machine. Listen for any irregular or strained noises in the motor. Is the motor powerful enough to keep up with your routine? Does the machine incline and go as fast as you would like?

Treadmills come with different components. Be sure you note which models have which components. Reading the treadmill buying guide is a great way to become familiar with the key components to look for in a treadmill such as the motor, deck, frame, the tread belt and the belt rollers.

A great way to get insight on various models of treadmills is to visit a message board where people discuss exercise equipment. These places will give you an opportunity to meet people and ask questions about treadmills. These first hand accounts can go far in helping you decide which treadmill you should purchase, and which machines you should avoid.