The Treadmill buying guide can help you save a bundle, but there is a hitch.

This Treadmill buying guide is your guide to a niche market that is finding its ranks shredded by the current economic situation. Question is, who will survive?

Some predict 40% of the retail stores will close and 25% of the manufacturers will go out of business.

So here’s the rub, if you go to a specialty store you can find excellent products, good prices, with good customer service. But, the specialty store may not be there next year.

So, you should consider the retailer that you are buying from and the company that makes your treadmill as much as you should consider the model.

You want to make sure one of them (hopefully both) will be around tomorrow if you have any problems or questions about the treadmill.

You’re going to need parts and service in the coming years to keep that machine running and you burning fat.--CLICK ON THE ORANGE RSS BUTTON (upper left) to subscribe to Gigi's FREE Weekly Tips and Recipe Ideas for: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner & Snacks Make sure you get the machine that can take the workload you plan on. Usually the higher the original price, the better the engineering, the better quality of components, the less repairs. Any treadmill buying guide will tell you a high priced machine, when looked after, will take all you can dish out. But if all you're going to do is walk on it, it's way over engineered and a waste of money. A cheap $500 treadmill that receives proper maintainence and very light use will do you just fine.

-------Treadmill buying guide tips to help you along the way-------

1. Beware used treadmills. If you know the person and they have maintained the machine, you got a shot at a great deal. But if you don’t know the history, it could be a very expensive mistake. You could end up spending more on treadmill repairs than if you’d just bought a new one in the first place.

2. Beware buying on the Internet. Of all the treadmill buying guide tips, this is the one to never forget. Sometimes companies void the warranty when you buy over the Internet. Also if you are an unsatisfied customer and want to return the product it could cost you another 2-3 hundred bucks to ship it back. Plus you’ll never get the service you’d get from a local dealer.

3. Shopping for treadmills. A specialty dealer will bargain with you (especially in this economic environment) and get you the best product and service at the best price. With bigger mass-market stores, you’ll have to wait for a sale for a discount. Plus you won’t get the personalizes service.

4. Treadmill motors. Putting together our treadmill buying guide we found there is no standard to rate motors. Each company can put up pretty much what ever they want. But if the company has been around for a while it’s because they produce a quality product. I’d lean towards them.

5. Treadmill decks. A treadmill with a ¾" deck is fine (and cheaper) if you’re just going to walk on it. But it can break with the constant pounding of a runner. So if you think you’re going to be running, spend the extra bucks and buy a machine with a 1" deck.

6. Treadmill rollers. Truth is; big rollers, small rollers, it really doesn’t make a difference if the over all quality is not there. Check out the reviews and quality rating, that’s more important than the size of the rollers.

7. Orthopedic belts. Don’t get one. They hold in heat which shortens the over all life of your treadmill. Besides, a good pair of shoes will give you more cushioning.

8. Treadmill home location. Be sure to keep your treadmill in a climate and dust controlled environment. #1 reason for problems is dust, and excess heat or cold (which inhibits the lubricates). Take care where you place your machine or you’re gonna have problems.

9. Treadmill use. If you can handle it, use a few degrees of incline whenever you use your treadmill. This puts a bit more effort into the workout for you, but this incline allows gravity to take a lot of the strain off your machine. This along with proper maintenance will make your treadmill last much longer.

10. Treadmill care. Read the maintenance instructions and follow them. A cared for treadmill is a well-lubricated, smooth running machine. But a neglected one can give you nothing but headaches.

Hope these treadmill buying guide tips help get you into and onto the treadmill of your dreams. Let the fat burning begin!

Smiles…Gigi

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