- 1). Turn on the treadmill and listen to the noise it produces. Stay off the walking belt during this step. Consider a high rating if your treadmill is very quiet. If you can turn on your television and still hear it at a regular volume, this is a good noise level for the machine.
- 2). Walk on the treadmill at a leisurely pace between two and three miles per hour. Compare the sound of the machine while you use it to how it sounded on its own. Cheaper, lower rated machines will be much louder when someone is using the treadmill. Use the television volume trick this time as well. You shouldn't have to turn up your television too much while only walking on the treadmill. Also consider how the belt moves while walking. Has it slowed down each time you step down on the belt? If so, it deserves a lower rating.
- 3). Run on the treadmill at a leisurely pace of about six miles per hour. Note whether the treadmill belt slows or skips during this step. Does the treadmill seem rickety when you run? Inexpensive treadmills may not be able to handle a lot of heavy running. If the treadmill seems like it could break while you run, note that in your review and lower your rating accordingly. Conversely, raise the rating if the treadmill is working well and seems sturdy.
- 4). Use the programming on the console. The more options a treadmill has, the higher the rating. At the basic level, a treadmill should track the speed and distance of a workout. Higher quality treadmills will also have motorized incline and feature multiple programs for distance running, hills, fat burning and more. Treadmills need water bottle holders, so note if yours doesn't have one.
- 5). Rate the warranty of your treadmill. Long warranties will increase the rating. A 90-day warranty is the bare minimum, and any less than this is a warning sign that the machine may not have enough quality to warrant a purchase.
previous post