+ They increase your bodily strength



+ They build stamina so that you can exercise more and longer

+ They don't usually take up much space

+ They are easy to use and require little, if any, instruction

+ They aren't damaging to the body the way jogging and pounding aerobics can be

Unfortunately, treadmills can also be quite expensive - ranging up to a staggering $6,000! However, there is an alternative to these awesome prices ... the world of both discount treadmills and used treadmills.

Checklist for buying a discount treadmill:

You want to minimize the risk of buying a discount treadmill, so beyond the brand, model name & number and the price, consider the following ...

1. Is there a warranty? Frankly, if there is no warranty, we strenuously advise against buying a discount treadmill. Even if the warranty is a puny 30 day one, insist on one - or walk out the door. Then use your treadmill very hard for the duration of the guarantee so you can locate any defects.

2. Read any and all reviews you can find on the treadmill you are considering. Especially valuable are online sites that allow comments from buyers who are not in the business of selling treadmills because you are much more likely to find an unbiased opinion. Keep in mind, though, that no machine fits everyone so even excellent machines absolutely will receive an occasional negative review.

3. Try out your machine personally before buying it. It might be too lightweight to be durable, for instance.

4. Are there any additional fees? Often a store will sell the discount treadmill at a great price - but not mention steep fees for delivery or setup.

Checklist for buying a used treadmill:

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, like reading reviews and understanding fees, consider these items when buying a used treadmill ...

1. Hours of service: you should receive an approximate number of hours that the treadmill has been used. This will determine how long you can expect your treadmill to last. so clearly, this is a critical number. Sometimes all you can get is the machine's age so be prepared for this response.

And if you discover that the used treadmill was previously owned by a gym or fitness center, run quickly for the door. The hard use of these machines makes them unfit for the next owner. You are only buying yourself enormous trouble.

2. How many owners has your used treadmill had? It is unwise to buy used treadmills from the second or third owner, even if they swear the machines are in perfect condition. The truth is that they have no idea what happened with the previous owners.

Most folks are not qualified to evaluate the condition of an engine and other internal parts, even if they think they are. You do NOT want to be stuck with someone else's problem.

The risks and advantages of discount and used treadmills

Naturally, there is a risk involved whenever we purchase second-hand products of any kind. We can easily notice if our used our discount treadmill is damaged or defaced in any way. Some kinds of wear aren't so easily spotted, though.

If you buy a heavily used, obsolete model, you might expect it to die soon after you buy it. If a treadmill is sold at any unbelievable discount, it's often because they can't pass a performance test.

The other side of the coin, though, is that you can sometimes purchase a higher quality, brand name treadmill for an enormous discount. Considering that treadmills should have a lifespan of at least five years, you just might get a fabulous deal. If you understand what you're looking for, you can minimize the risk and save a good deal of money on a discount treadmill.