Choosing Your Treadmill A-Z

Accessory Station: Accessory stations on a Treadmill are a god-send for those who use water-bottles, walkmans and towels. The station gives you a place to put your accessories so that they will not get in the way of your workout. But, also provides you with easy access to them while you exercise.
Belt Size (L x W): Belt size is one of the most important aspects of a Treadmill. The Belt is the portion of the treadmill that you run on, so longer and wider belts tend to allow you more flexibility during a workout. The Length of Belt you'll need varies with how you plan to use your Treadmill. If you plan to focus on walking, then a shorter Belt is suitable. On the other hand, if you plan to focus on jogging and running, you will be taking longer strides and you should consider a Treadmill with a longer Belt. Belt Width is more of a comfort feature and is less related to the type of workout you favor. Wider belts have a dramatic impact on how comfortable you feel on a Treadmill. Whereas runners on a narrow Treadmill feel that they are running atop a fitness machine, runners on a wider Treadmill become much more engrossed in the running experience. Many top-of-the-line Treadmills are distinguished by exceptionally wide Belts.
Continuous Horsepower: Horsepower is the measure by which you can evaluate the power a Treadmill's motor. Depending on what sort of a workout you are seeking -- slow walking, power walking, jogging, or fast-paced running -- your Horsepower needs will vary significantly. If you will primarily use your Treadmill for slow walking and power walking, a Horsepower rating of 1.25 or above will suffice. If you intend to jog or run, you should look for a Treadmill with at least 1.75 Horsepower. As you evaluate your Horsepower needs, consider that a higher Horsepower means that your Treadmill will have to work less hard to achieve a given running speed. This translates directly to a longer life for your Treadmill. The less time your Treadmill spends at the upper reaches of its power output, the longer your Treadmill will last.
Cushioning System: All Treadmills are equipped with a cushioning system that absorbs some of the impact of your steps. These cushioning systems help prevent knee and back injury. Each Treadmill manufacturer typically has one or more of their own patented cushioning systems. A description of the Treadmill's cushioning system is included in the Features section of the page.
Foldable: Foldable Treadmill units are helpful for saving space. When not in use, the Treadmills fold up to give you greater maneuverability and storage options.
Folded Size (L x W): Many Treadmills fold for compact storage when not in use. All folding Treadmills work on the same principle: the deck is hinged at the base and swings up into a vertical position. Although the width and height of the Treadmill remain unchanged, the length is often shortened by over 50%. In recent years, the hinges on which the Decks swing have improved dramatically, and modern folding Treadmills generally are no less sturdy than stationary models.
Frame: The construction of a Treadmills frame is very important. You want to purchase a Treadmill that is sturdy and can withstand the test of time and usage. The more durable the Treadmill the greater the maximum user weight it can withstand. A Treadmill intended for running, needs to have a stable and durable frame to withstand the most intense workout regimen. A solid steel frame is the best.
Grade: We feature 3 grades of Treadmills for home use: commercial, light-commercial, and residential. The commercial grade Treadmills have been durably constructed to withstand multiple user environments and frequent intense use, while light commercial grade Treadmills have been designed with the structural integrity for use in apartment complexes or homeowner's looking for a well constructed Treadmill. Residential grade Treadmills have been constructed to fit the needs of a homeowner interested in exercising within the comforts of their own home.
Heart Rate Sensor: Many Treadmills are equipped with a Heart Rate Sensor that monitors your pulse and gives you digital feedback. Simply place your finger on the thumb sensor or grip the EKG bar and your Heart Rate is instantly detected by the Treadmill. Some machines also come with a chest strap that monitors your heart rate directly from your chest. Walkers and runners alike can use this Heart Rate information to tune their workouts for optimal calorie burning, cardiovascular fitness enhancement, and aerobic threshold training. The real benefit of Heart Rate training is that you can customize your workout to suit your own body's specific temperament.
Incline: Most Treadmills offer adjustable incline settings so that you can run on a flat or sloped surface. Walkers and runners alike enjoy the variety of workouts and muscle toning options afforded by adjustable Treadmills. For longer calorie-burning workouts, set the Treadmill to a flatter incline and cruise into the distance. For shorter buttock-toning walks or runs, set the Treadmill's deck at a steeper angle and climb your way to a sleeker figure. Entry-level Treadmills are manually adjusted, while more advanced Treadmills feature a button-controlled incline motor that enables you to change the incline while jogging.
Max Incline: The maximum incline on each Treadmill tells you what percentage incline you can use during your workout. Most of the Treadmills in the line have a maximum incline range of between 10 - 15%. Higher percentages mimic uphill walking or running to diversify your workout.
Max User Weight: It is important to abide by the maximum user weight suggested by the manufacturer for your Treadmill. Using a Treadmill for an extended period of time while exceeding the maximum user weight can cause your Treadmill motor to burn out quickly. If you have a non-motorized Treadmill, severe structural damage can occur.
Monitor Features: Most Treadmill Monitors provide a fairly standard set of features. These include time, distance (miles), speed (mph), calories per minute, total calories burned and pulse (if the Treadmill is equipped with Pulse Measurement). If the Treadmill features automatic incline, the level of incline will also be represented. If weight-loss is a key goal, you may consider a monitor that monitors Energy Consumption, as well as Heart Rate - these provide an effective fat-burning workout. Additionally, Treadmills with Programmed Workouts can be exceptionally effective because they promote consistency in your workouts.
Motor Rating: The motor rating is an indication of whether a Treadmill is motorized or non-motorized. Non-Motorized Treadmills, are powered by your steps. You drive the belt forward as you take each step, giving you complete control over the speed of your workout. Motorized treadmills on the other hand require an AC or DC power source to provide the Treadmill with power to maintain a certain pace. Offering a more natural motion and more workout options, motorized Treadmills are often more expensive due to the motorized electronic interface.
Pre-programmed Workouts: Treadmills today offer a variety of Pre-Programmed Workouts. Generally these programs are created with the help of a certified trainer, and offer several challenging workout levels. Pre-Programmed workouts automatically adjust the speed and level of incline of the Treadmill, offering you a more varied and more natural workout sequence. The human body has been shown to respond to varied workouts with greater fitness levels and higher calorie-burning potential. If you need something to keep you focused and motivated while working out, make sure to narrow your selection to Treadmills with more than a few Pre-Programmed Workouts. These will at minimum relieve boredom, and keep your working out longer without realizing it.
Top Speed: Treadmill speeds range from 0 to 12 mph. All motorized Treadmills can be set to run at any speed between 0 and the top speed. If you primarily use your Treadmill for walking, a maximum speed of 6 to 8 mph will be more than sufficient. On the other hand, if you are a serious runner, you should select a Treadmill with a 10 or 12 mph top speed.
Transport Wheels: For easy maneuverability around your facility, Treadmills have been equipped with transport wheels located at the front of the Treadmill. All you have to do is push or pull the Treadmill to a new location by lifting the back end of the Treadmill.

Comfort: Comfort while working out on any exercise machine is of extreme importance because you want to prevent any unnecessary injuries. Comfort has been taken into consideration with the design of the pedals and grip handles of the Treadmill. Exercising is an enjoyable and relaxing activity, and it is important to avoid repetitive strain.
Exercise Impact: The Treadmill allows you to experience the first workout machine that combines the best of low impact aerobics with great muscle toning capabilities. Low impact exercises create less physical strain on your body and helps prevent injuries associated with continuous high impact exercises.
Folded Size (L x W x H): The folded size provides you with the most compact dimensions of the treadmill. Knowledge of the folded size allows you to easily determine where the most appropriate storage place is for your unit, such as under your bed, or inside a closet.
Frame Construction: Frame construction is determined by the functional purpose of a piece of exercise equipment. However, there has to be a delicate balance between durability, stability and product weight, especially if transportability is an issue. Using a heavy duty steel frame construction allows the Treadmill to be both portable and durable.
Maximum User Weight: The maximum user weight is the manufacturer's suggested maximum weight a particular Treadmill can withstand for safe and trouble free operation. If you use a Treadmill for an extended period time while exceeding the maximum user weight, mechanical and structural failure can cause permanent damage to your Treadmill.
Monitor Battery Requirement: If your Treadmill is not powered by a transformer, batteries are required in the console in order for your monitor to display feedback or provide workout programs. All the battery operated consoles in the line require 'AA' batteries.
Monitor Features: The features located on your monitor keep you up to date with the status of your body and the functionality of the Treadmill. The computer feedback indicators enable you to keep track of the distance and pace of your workout and the way your body responds to the activity.
Power Source: Some of the higher end Treadmills we offer require a power source to fuel the magnetic resistance system and monitor electronics. Transformers are included with the purchase of the Treadmill and can be plugged into any standard outlet in your home. If your Treadmill does not require a power source, you are in luck. No power source means you can use your Treadmill almost anywhere.
Range of Motion: Range of motion is the secret to the success of the Treadmill. The Treadmill's freestyle range of motion means you use more muscle while exercising. The unsurpassed range of motion of the Treadmill provides a continuous workout that allows you to create a customized workout that best meets your needs.
Resistance: Resistance provides a force that ensures you get a full and challenging workout. Treadmills are unique in that the only resistance used is your own body weight. These exercises provide a low impact workout on your joints.
Stride Path: The stride path is the range of motion provided by Treadmills. The range of motion is determined by the size of the machine and your flexibility. Following a stride path much like skiing, the gliding arc motion is smooth and comfortable enough to allow you to increase your flexibility and strength at the same time.
Suspended Workout Height: The suspended workout height is the distance between the ground and the pedals when the Treadmill is in a neutral, resting position. The suspended workout height is the lowest height your feet will ever be during the entire range of motion.
Suspension: Suspension is important for creating a well-cushioned, low impact workout. The patented dual-action split suspension incorporated into the Treadmill provides a complete range of motion and freedom of movement for a low impact workout.
Type of Exercises: The Treadmill provides a wide variety of exercises in one excellent exercise machine. Exercise variation allows you to see results faster because of the total body workout the Treadmill provides. With the variety of exercises the Treadmill offers, you can tone your arms, back, biceps, butt, calves, chest, hips, waist, shoulders, and inner and outer thighs all at once!

Zippy - Well we had to put a "Z" in there!!