Today, fitness equipment manufacturers are trying to meet the high demand for home exercise treadmills. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.

Treadmill belt widths generally range from 17" to 22" and lengths from 51" to 61". For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action. Check out the amount of horsepower (HP): HP determines how fast and hard the motor will work - the lower the number of the HP, the less the motor will be able to handle.

The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need. A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. 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.

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. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. 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.

One feature that is absolutely essential in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.

Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you're looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they'll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem.

Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. 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. Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers.

Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who'll be using your treadmill. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to 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. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range.

Check out the level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation; something that many buyers overlook. Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Treadmills are known to provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness. Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward physical fitness.

Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which models are best for you. For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment. So now you know just what to look for when buying a treadmill.