Tread lightly by Mike Mejia M.S., CSCS

Choosing the right treadmill isn't a decision that should be rushed into.

As the largest category in the fitness industry, with more choices available than any other type of equipment, the treadmill is undoubtedly the king of all cardio machines. Yet despite its widespread popularity and accessibility, choosing the right treadmill can be an extremely daunting task. Besides the myriad of other factors you'll need to consider (which I'll address in detail below), price will likely play a key role in helping form your decision. Although perfectly understandable; this can also set you up for a whole host of problems. Because when it comes to treadmills, it's like the saying goes- “you get what you pay for”.

So, just how much can you expect to spend? Assuming we're limiting this discussion to the motorized type (non-motorized versions only provide a good enough workout if you're fit enough toget the belt moving at a decent speed), treadmill prices can be classified into three distinct categories:

Basic: these range from around $300.00 to $700.00 and include a 10 mph top speed and 10 percent maximum incline. Although easy on the wallet, these bargain types usually aren't incredibly durable.

Mid Range: For $800.00 to $1800.00 expect better construction than your basic models, as well as a heart rate monitor and computerized workout programs. Serious runners however, will be left wanting more.

High End: $2000.00 and up will get you a much sturdier deck and frame as well as a more powerful motor. Needless to say; the more extras you want, the higher the price is going to be.

In addition to price, a reputable manufacturer with a strong track record of customer service is also worth considering. Some of the best names to look for in this regard include Landice, Life Fitness, Precor, Noramco and Body Solid.

Be prepared to foot the bill.

One of the biggest reasons not to skimp on price when selecting a treadmill is that you want something that's both built to last and able to provide your body with the support and stability it needs. If all you plan on doing is some basic walking, then you can probably get buy with one of those bargain models you see on sale every week in the Sunday paper. If you're a runner though; you'll need a much more durable machine- one capable of absorbing a force of nearly five times your actual body weight, each time your foot strikes the belt. And, speaking of the belt, the taller and heavier you are, the longer and wider you'll want it to be to accommodate your body's size.

Then of course, you also have to consider things like horsepower, whether you want a floating, or non-floating deck and what types of electronic programming options you have available to you. Not to mention a little something known as the “coefficient of drag” that exists between the bed and belt and why it's such key factor in determining how long your machine will actually last. Granted, this may seem like an awful lot of information to take in all at once, but by taking the time to familiarize yourself with these factors now, you'll be able to make much more informed decision once you are ready to buy.

To help aid in your decision, we've put together a list of some of the most important factors you'll need to consider when making your selection. Take a careful look at each and see which one's you deem most important based on your budget and needs.

Motor:The most important thing to pay attention to in regards to the motor is whether it's rated in “continuous duty horsepower”, or “peak duty horsepower”. The former refers to the average power capacity of your motor, while the latter is less valuable since the motor will not be able to sustain that intensity for any length of time. In most instances, a 1.5 to 3.0 continuous duty horsepower motor is all you really need. Although, you may want to stick near the higher end of that spectrum since a larger motor will tend to last longer. Because you'll be using a smaller percentage of the motor's actual capacity, it will run cooler- thus reducing the amount wear and tear. A larger motor will also feel smoother because you won't notice any of the hesitation that is sometimes associated with the smaller motors.

Shock Absorption: As mentioned previously, when you're running the force of gravity becomes amplified to a substantial degree. Even though your actual body weight doesn't increase, the fact that you're propelling yourself forward and landing on one limb at a time sure makes it feel that way to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. The last thing you want to do is increase this orthopedic stress by running on a surface that offers little, if any give. Nor on the other hand do you want something that's too soft and spongy, as this can also lead to potential problems down the road. That's why you're better off opting for a treadmill that offers a floating deck- where the deck isn't bolted to the frame. With these, the treadmill floats on special springs that dramatically decrease the amount of impact stress to your joints.

Friction: One of the biggest problems you'll face over the time period that you own your treadmill is the amount of friction that builds up between the belt and the bed. Look for a treadmill that offers a 4-ply belt that uses a high-density polyester weave on it's underside to provide low friction and less wear. This will result in a lower coefficient of drag and greatly extend the life of your treadmill. While you're at it, if at all possible, try and get a machine with a reversible deck. This way, when it's time to replace the belt all you have to do is purchase a new one and have the deck flipped over- thus saving you the cost of shelling out for a new bed to boot.

Electronic Programming Features: Depending on how much you're willing to spend, the types of electronic features that are available to you are practically limitless. You can do everything from having your heart rate monitored to storing your personalized workout history for easy referencing. In most cases however, a digital readout that displays your speed, incline, time and distance, along with a selection of several different pre-programmed workouts will do just fine.

Safety Features: A safety key with automatic shut-off and a belt speed that starts and slows in small, manageable increments are pretty much must haves.You also want to make sure that the handles are easily accessible, but don't get in your way when you're exercising.

Warranty:Most treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame, but make sure you also get 1 year of labor and at least 1-3 years coverage on parts. Specifically, make sure the warranty covers the motor, deck and belt and all electronic components.

As you can plainly see, choosing a treadmill is a bit more involved than it seems. It's not as simple as just picking a machine that looks good and has long list of features. Knowing what those features are and how they'll affect both your body and the longevity of the treadmill, will help determine how much usage you ultimately get out of it. The bottom line is; buying a treadmill is a serious investment and needs to be treated as such. It may even end up costing a little more than you initially wanted to spend, but if you do your homework it's a decision that will pay huge dividends in the long run.

*Mike Mejia is a certified strength and conditioning specialist based in. The author of several successful fitness books, including The Men's Health Better Body Blueprint and Scrawny to Brawny:The Ultimate Guide to Building Muscle the Natural Way, he is also a columnist and contributing editor for Men's Health Magazine.