Commercial treadmills can accommodate persons of most body weights; home models are typically built to withstand body weights not greater than 250 pounds. If you presently walk and are planning to eventually run on the treadmill, a minimum horsepower of 1.5–2.0 is recommended. Be sure to ask the salesperson whether the machine has incline capability. Being able to vary the incline gives you more variety in the type of workouts you can do (or progress to doing).

Noise is difficult to detect on a showroom floor, but listen for it anyway. Compare the store surroundings with those where you will put your machine. If it seems a bit noisy in the showroom and you plan to put the treadmill in a small room with little insulation, expect that it will be even louder at home.

Take measurements to make sure you have enough room for the treadmill you are considering, and for safety purposes, avoid positioning the treadmill with its back close to a wall. One small misstep and you could be thrown with an unplanned back injury—as well as finding yourself in need of some home remodeling.

Safety Features

You absolutely want an emergency pull/stop mechanism (“kill switch,” which stops the machine). In the event that you unexpectedly fall (or move more than a few feet from the front handle of the treadmill), a light emergency cord connected to the treadmill control panel would disengage and instantly stop the motor.

Some people prefer to wear this chord clipped onto their clothing; others prefer that it rest within reach on top of the treadmill. Either way, this mechanism is an effective and valuable safety feature.

Another safety feature preferred by many people is a treadmill railing. Front rails are best; side rails are steadying but for some can get in the way during exercise. If you aren't sure which you prefer, this is another reason to check out several treadmills and feel the differences between models.

Deck, Speed, and Other Features

Deck flexibility makes a difference in how your bones and joints feel in response to the treadmill's impact. There is no standard word to describe how flexible the deck is, but you need to inquire whether the treadmill you are considering has such a system. Good treadmills have some type of flexible deck system.

You also want a smooth belt action, which means that the machine can pull its own weight (and yours) without hesitation or knocking. Ask what the maximum speed and maximum elevation of the machine are. If you consistently run a blazing 6-minute mile or faster, some treadmills cannot match your speed, and therefore you would not want to buy them.

The control panel displays such measurements as your distance, speed, calories burned, elevation, and heart rate, as well as your programmable workouts. The more components you want to see displayed on the console, the higher the price. But do not let that discourage you. Envision yourself walking and running on the treadmill for years to come and think about how much enjoyment and motivation you will derive from knowing how you perform in those seemingly trivial areas that the console displays.

Finally, note which creature comforts (if any) are important to you, such as cup and magazine holders. Make a list of questions and bring it with you when shopping so all your concerns are addressed before buying.