The Best of Treadmills for Running or Walking

I've had my treadmill since 2006 and I love it. I've done no mainenance and have had no problems. I'll reveal my model in just a moment, but here are factors you need to consider when choosing a treadmill for your home.

• Size - Some treadmills are compact and portable. Some fold up for storage and some of the smallest, simplest models can slide under a bed. The largest are comparable to what you would find in a gym and need quite a bit of dedicated space.
• Price - Treadmill prices increase with increasing size, functionality like the ability to add incline or choose programs and brand name. Prices have been decreasing over the past few years and there are some good values to be found.
• Function - If you are looking for a running machine that will take lots of pounding and have a lot of miles put on it, you will want a sturdier, more reliable treadmill. Treadmills that are adequate for just occasional walking are generally cheaper and smaller.
• Features - As expected, added features equal added price. Worthwhile features include water bottle holders and safety keys. Additional features to consider include incline settings, individualized programs, heart rate monitors with calories burned calculations and a fan.
  

The suspense must have been unbearable, so I went ahead and revealed that this is the treadmill I chose - the Bowflex 7 series. This running machine can handle it all...running, sprinting, inclined pounding, and of course, walking.

Is it right for you? Well let me tell you about it so you can decide.

• Size - This thing is pretty big. It does fold up to store but is still quite a presence in small rooms. That said, I have this in the laundry room and "close" it and it's really no problem. If you have space to dedicate, this won't be a problem. It is on wheels but is not that easy for one person to move. I have moved twice since I got this thing and it took a couple of strong firemen (my movers - poor me) to get this thing moved. It's a bit cumbersome and heavy (about 300 pounds) to move if you are not in your final place of residence. The size and weight though, are what make it so sturdy and tough too.
• Price - I bought this in 2006 and it's now at least $200 cheaper than when I bought it. It is still an investment at the current price point, but I couldn't be happier with my choice. If I had bought a cheaper model and it wasn't still working as well as the day I bought it, it would have been a waste of money and I may have had to replace it by now. The Bowflex 7 series is one of tne of the more expensive models, but worth it, without a doubt. Treadmills may be one of those things where you get what you pay for.
  
• Function - I would say my treadmill gets moderate use. My mom walks on it and I walk and run at least 3 to 4 days a week in the wintertime. It doesn't get used as much in the summer, so moderate use every year for the last 4 years. I haven't even oiled the belt (I know, bad on me) and it's still working perfectly.
• Features - I'm a sucker for features. I like gadgets and I like convenience.
  

1. This treadmill has two water bottle holders. I use one for a water bottle of all things, and the other to hold my ipod.
   
2. There is incline adjustment up to 12% and more programs (15) than I can figure out what to do with.
   
3. There are sensors that you hold on to for heart rate readings and calorie expenditure.
   
4. Don't like to hold on when you run? No problem, there is a heart rate monitor strap that is read by the machine
5. The cooling fan has three speeds, and although it is positioned a little high for me (I'm all of 5'3"), I still feel the breeze.
6. Large deck surface makes workouts easier and holds a max weight of 300 pounds.
7. Company states that its Strike Zone deck provides the right cushioning and "spring" for comfortable running (I can attest to this as I broke my foot a couple months ago and cannot yet run on pavement but have no discomfort from the treadmill)
   

These treadmills also get great reviews from users. All are great for walking and most stand up to running workouts as well. They are the best of both worlds as they are able to be stored in a smaller space but are still motorized and have some nice features!

Lifespan has older models available on Amazon as well, which get very good reviews.

The Merit Fitness model seems to get either stellar reviews or horrible ones, so check it out for yourself and see what you think.