How Much Does A Tread Mill Cost
As cliche as it may sound, exercise is an important factor in keeping our body fit and healthy. You can go to a gym or jog outside your house to have your daily exercise routine. However, in times when you can’t do those activities for some inevitable reasons, you can still workout if you have a treadmill – a machine with a large belt where you walk or run on it – inside your home. How much does a treadmill cost?
Based on the data presented by Consumer Reports, the average price of a treadmill is $1,900, having a range of price from $300 to $3,500. Apparently, the cost depends on what kind of treadmill you are planning to buy. It has three types of models and each category has its own price range.
Budget Folding Treadmill
Having a shorter running belt, treadmills under this model are good for people who love to walk as their form of exercise. Typically, they have a display that shows the time, distance, speed, amount of burned calories and a shelf with bottle holders. However, they do not usually come with heart-rate control monitors or programs.
Since they are budget treadmill units, they are constructed from light materials, which tend to become less stable. They are also not ideal for runners as they have shorter decks, making it difficult for running workout.
How much does a treadmill cost for this model? The average price of a treadmill is $785, costing from $300 to $1,270. Some budget folding treadmills are the following:
– Gold’s Gym Trainer 420 $399
– Xterra Trail Racer 3.0 $799.99
– Nautilus T616 $999.00
– Sole F60 $1,010.04
– ProForm Performance 400c $1,265.07
Folding Treadmill
Apparently, treadmills that belong to this group have more features than the budget folding treadmills. They include additional exercise programs as well as heart-rate adjustable setups. Other units even have an extra chest strap heart-rate monitor.
Unlike the first set type, folding treadmills are built from sturdier and more durable materials that make them suitable for occasional running exercises. However, the structure of the deck or frame on most units may still not be enough for people who have longer running strides.
If you want a treadmill that is more than the basic type but with an affordable price, then you can have this kind of exercise machine that costs between $840 to $1,855. Some of these models are:
– ProForm Pro 2000 $1,299.00
– Horizon Elite T7 $1,499.00
– LifeSpan TR4000i $1,850.55
Non-Folding Treadmill
More stable deck, sturdier frame, longer belt for more spacious running surface areas and have the longest warranties – these are the major features offered by non-folding treadmills that are evidently much better than the first two models.
This kind of treadmills is well-suited for frequent runners. They are built from heavy-duty materials, integrated with heart-rate control monitor and programs. Typically, they have steeper max inclinations higher max speeds. Furthermore, heavier individuals can use these treadmills for their exercise routine.
Despite their outstanding features, some non-folding treadmills are equipped with fewer built-in exercise programs. But how much does a treadmill cost for a non-folding type? Generally, the average price of a treadmill under this category is $2,550, ranging from $1,700 to $3,400.
– Spirit XT485 $2,848.50
– Precor TRM 211 $3,386.25
Factors in Choosing the Most Appropriate Treadmill
When you buy something that is of high cost, you must always weigh in a number of factors to avoid spending your money on unnecessary expenses. Since this is an exercise machine, set your objectives first. You can start by answering the question.
*Are you going to buy the equipment for your health and fitness? Or is it for keeping track and improving your athletic performance? Or for rehabilitation purposes?
The answer to the question can definitely help you in selecting which treadmill model would be the most appropriate to purchase.
The second thing to consider is, of course, the budget for the machine. If you want the latest and high-end type of treadmill that lasts longer, then you can have the non-folding model. But if your goals only require the basic features, then you can buy the cheaper unit.
Moreover, consider these factors as well:
*Treadmill Size. You need enough space to run or walk and ensure your safety while using the machine.
*Ergonomics. This means the design of the machine. Does it give you convenience while using it? Does it make you feel comfortable? As much as possible, select a treadmill that it aesthetically and ergonomically appealing to you.
*Adjustment Features. Basically, these will allow you to adjust the speed of the treadmills. They are also used to change the inclination of up to 15% grade, but there are other units that offer higher gradient.
*Advanced Features. There are a number of treadmills that are built with ports for iPods, USB and wireless connectivity.
Tips to Remember Before Finally Making the Purchase
Once you have set your eyes on your chosen treadmill, it is important that you try to use first. Consumer Reports suggests these guidelines before finally bringing the equipment to the counter:
– Do you feel comfortable while moving on with the running deck?
– Do your feet touch the motor housing as you run or walk on the equipment?
– Are you able to side-straddle while standing easily?
– Can you control and operate the machine with much ease and convenience?
– Can you easily read the things appearing on the display monitor?
When you are satisfied with the answers to those questions, find out if the store delivers and installs the treadmill. If they do, ask how much the additional costs for delivery and installation are.
Another thing to remember is the warranty. It would be nicer if you buy a unit with a warranty of three to seven years coverage just in case one of its parts will not work as well as one-year labor to fix the machine. Furthermore, the treadmill’s frame usually has a lifetime warranty and it should go the same with the motor.
