Part 2 – power rating, user activity & weight, lifespan, fold-ups, warranty, safety features, treadmill longevity, conclusion

Two forms of treadmill power rating exist at the moment for treadmills. One is the so called ‘peak duty rating’, the other is the ‘continuous duty rating’. The first is misleading to buyers in that it typically has a higher value than the continuous duty rating. Peak duty rating looks at the maximum horsepower the treadmill can put out at any one given time. The continuous duty rating shows the average amount of horsepower the treadmill can provide with a constant weight added to the machine, whilst anywhere in the region of its mid output to maximum output range.

With the added confusion to the consumer from various manufacturers revolving their motors at different speed to gain the best horse power values, it must be realised that at present there will be no accurate way of comparing treadmill horse power ratings. Continuous duty rating is basically only a start to the treadmill manufacturers moving the right direction.

Treadmills need to be able to support the activity and weight of the user. Three factors are important here, user weight, motor horse power and machine overall weight. Running places a lot of movement on the machine. What is recommended to bring stability to the treadmill when being ran on is its weight being at least 20% heavier than the user.

The lifespan of the treadmill motor depends on the degree to which it gets strained. The motor needs to meet the requirements of the user. Placing a beginners home treadmill would not last long if used in a health club since it would not be capable of constant use with a wide range of body weights. Factors such as heavy users and the amount of friction between the deck and the belt are especially prominent.

Treadmills that fold up are now no longer a bad idea. Fold-ups can be, at the top end, just as stable as non-folders. Fold-ups have the great obvious advantage that they can have a reduction in overall length by up to 50% when folded.

In terms of a warranty, spare parts are typically covered for the first two years use, required labour is usually only covered for the first year. More expensive machines tend to have increased duration with spare parts cover. The warranty for motors varies considerably and quite unpredictably, being anything from 3-30 years.

Typical safety features include a cord that is attached to a key/ magnet that sticks to the machines display. If users begin to get dizzy or faint the release of the key immediately stops the machine from working. Hiding the key when the machine is not in use is great for stopping small children from attempting to play around on it.

Price tends to dictate the longevity of a treadmill. The more you pay the greater the quality of the constituent parts, and therefore the more reduced the general wear and tear. Higher quality machines are generally of a more solid construction, producing less noise and feeling smoother.

Conclusion

No individual make and specific model of treadmill can be termed ‘the best’. What is suitable for you and your environment is what will work best. Machines will vary, many will be able to do what you demand of them, others won’t. Simply follow the advice here and have a good look around before you purchase. Good luck.

Back to part 1 of Fitness Gym Treadmills