I can understand why there’s a growing number of Aussies who are looking at different treadmills to buy in Australia. Treadmills are wonderful machines. They are perfect for individuals who love to stay fit right in their homes. They no longer have to go outside to enjoy a good run.

But picking the right treadmill can be tricky. Since I am fortunate enough to have tried as many brands of treadmills in my own fitness journey, I am letting you in on a little secret of mine. Here are 5 questions you have to ask yourself before you buy a treadmill.

How Much is Your Budget?

Treadmills are very sophisticated exercise machines. They can cost you anywhere from a few hundreds of dollars to a few thousands of dollars. The good ones can cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

These will have more robust construction, more powerful motors, and more advanced exercise programmes. This also means that the treadmill will last many years.

There are also in the mid-range, often between $700 and $1,000. These can still give you a good exercise platform. You may have to give up some of the extras like extensive exercise programmes, personal entertainment, and the like.

As much as possible, avoid getting cheap treadmills as you’ll never be sure of their quality. If you’re on a tight budget, then getting a second-hand mid-range or high-quality treadmill is a good choice.

How Much Space are You Willing to Sacrifice in Your Home?

Asking yourself this question will help you determine the dimensions of the treadmill you are going to buy. The machine you see in the store may look small. But when you put it in your house, you’d be surprised that it is bigger.

I always tell my friends to measure the area where they intend to place the treadmill in their homes. With this information, they can ask the sales representative for the dimensions of the treadmill to see if it “fits”.

You might also be interested in folding models. These can give you the advantage of storing the treadmill when not in use. This will let you use the space that it occupies for other purposes. It is also a good idea to look for treadmills with wheels. This can make it a lot easier to move around.

Will it Be Just for You or the Whole Family?

If you live alone, then that solves it. But if you happen to share your living space with someone else, it’s important to consider this, too. The reason for this is simple. You would want a treadmill with a maximum weight rating that can accommodate the heaviest individual in your house.

Suppose you weigh 120 kilogrammes and you have a family member who tips the scale at 200 kilogrammes. This means that the treadmill you have to buy should have a maximum weight rating of at least 220 kilogrammes.

This will also help address the issue of how much horsepower the treadmill motor has to have. In general, the more frequently the machine is used, the higher should be its horsepower. You can always go for a minimum of 2.5 continuous HP. 

How Do You Intend to Use It?

If you intend to use the treadmill mainly for running, then you should consider the maximum speed settings. At the very least, you should get one with a maximum speed setting of 16 KPH. It is also important to look for a treadmill with a belt that has a length of not less than 155 centimetres.

It may also be wise to get a treadmill that has an incline and decline feature. This will help you simulate outdoor running conditions.

If this is for walking or jogging, then you can pick one with a maximum speed setting of at least 10 KPH. The length of the belt should also be at least 120 centimetres.

Do You Need Extra Features?

Many people love keeping track of their fitness levels. There are now treadmills that come with heart rate monitoring systems. There are also those that have incline and decline features. Exercise programmes and custom options are all excellent features to have.

Some can also provide you with personal entertainment modules. Keep in mind, however, that the more extra features you seek, the higher is the price tag of the machine. Buying a treadmill that’s right for you can be tricky. These questions will help guide you to the right treadmill machine to buy.