Basic treadmill models can start at $100 and can go up to $5000. Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise equipment choice. There are many competing models of treadmills to choose between.

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.
A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy.

AC motors that are found in some treadmill units run at one continuous speed and rely on a transmission to regulate speed whereas units powered by DC motors use variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins.

A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. Most treadmills come with an electronic console that displays workout feedback such as speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out and calories burned.

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

Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill. The deck is the belt area on which actual running, jogging and walking take place.A heart rate monitor is another useful feature to look for.

The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features.Purchasing fitness equipment over the Internet has grown at a fast pace over the past few years.

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. Once you've decided on the treadmill that you think is right for you, make sure to compare prices online.

If you plan to use a treadmill purely for walking you are not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine. Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version. You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower.

Consider bringing your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. To make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily, step on it and test it out before you buy.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is the kind of use you need it for. If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money. Once your equipment has been up and running, lubricants and cleaners can be used to take good care of it.

It's best to get a treadmill that has a warranty that lasts for at least a year. 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.

Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward fitness. Be careful, any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints.

If you have severe leg conditions, a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment for you. Better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles, hips and lower backs.

And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill.

Take time to do your research, the same way you would any major purchase and buying a treadmill won't be difficult. Purchasing a treadmill can be overwhelming but with help from treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews you should be able to make an informed decision.