Treadmills can have an AC or a DC powered motor. The belt or deck is the area on which the actual running or walking takes place. A few treadmill models are powered by the user rather than a motor.

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. Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Many of the treadmills available have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, therefore increasing the intensity of a workout.

A heart rate monitor is another useful feature to look for. The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features. The console indicates belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, mph, distance, etc.

Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. Folding treadmills collapse to allow for easy storage and are ideal for people without enough room for a bulky exercise machine.

You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower. Most manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but they may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is the kind of use you need it for. 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. Noise from the smallest repetitive sound can drive you nuts over a period of time and provide you with one more reason not to exercise.

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. Treadmills are a very important investment, regardless of the price; if it's not right for you, you don't want to find this out after you've set the treadmill up at home.

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. Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version.

Once your equipment has been up and running, lubricants and cleaners can be used to take good care of it. If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health.

Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation.

Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward fitness. If you have severe leg conditions, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you.

Buying a treadmill online doesn't have to be intimidating when you've done your homework. For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment. A treadmill is a good investment for anyone who has decided to make a conscious effort to become healthy and fit.