How Much Does a Treadmill Cost?

If you wish to stay in shape by running or walking, you may find it hard to find time or you may not have an available walking area, especially during the winter season.  Joining a gym can be costly and inconvenient, but purchasing a treadmill for your home can be a great way to stay in shape on your own terms.  Treadmills allow you to exercise while watching television, in a comfortable temperature, and at any time of the day.

How much is it?

• While most treadmills are automatic, manual treadmills can still be purchased for $100-$200.  For example, the manual treadmill by Cory Everson will cost about $150.
• Automatic treadmills, those with a moving track for your feet, will cost between $300 and $2000.  This large price range is due to all of the different brand available and the different features on each brand.
• For example, some treadmills fold up so that they do not take up so much space in your home.  The LifeSpan Fitness LS-FT is a folding treadmill that will cost about $500.  Some treadmills are only made for walking and have a top speed of 5 or 6 mph.  This can be seen in treadmills such as the Paradigm Walking Treadmill and will cost about $320.
• Many treadmills have an incline option, making it seem as though you are walking or running up a small hill.  The Horizon Fitness T101 has this option as well as many other features and costs $600.  There are many treadmills which offer the fold-up option, higher speeds (up to 12 mph) for faster running, multiple pre-set fitness programs, options to form your own fitness program, ability to store past workout information, etc.  These more complex machines will cost between $1000-$2000.  For example, the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill will cost $1300.
• A manual treadmill that doesn’t require any power can range anywhere from $90 to $200.  These treadmills can have many of the other features that automatic treadmills include such as mileage and calorie count.  These type of treadmills also have an incline option as well.

What is going to be included?

• All treadmills will come with a owner’s manual with instructions for use.
• Most treadmills come with some type of limited warranty.  Some also have options for extended warranties for an extra cost.
• Most treadmills have a safety feature which turns the treadmill off in case of a fall.

What are the extra costs?

• While there is not much cost for upkeep on a treadmill, it is suggested that you keep the belt oiled.  LifeSpan Fitness offers a cleaner for $15.

Tips to know:

• Take a look at what the treadmill is going to be used for.  What kind of features do you want?  There are many types of features out there that can include simulated map runs and more.  Usually, the more you pay, the more you’re going to get in terms of features.  Check the weight restrictions and take a look at your height.  Longer people tend to need longer treadmills.
• Be sure to measure the space that you have to work with.  Treadmills are larger and can take up a good amount of space.
• While most treadmills will come with incline settings, be sure to look at what kind of inclines that these treadmills can offer.  Cheaper treadmills may only offer 2 types of inclines.
• Check with the warranties with the treadmill.  Make sure that there’s a warranty because problems can occur the minute you bring it home.  A one year minimum in terms of parts and motor should be more than enough.

Top brands to consider:

• Bowflex
• Horizon
• Life Fitness
• Proform
• Trimline

How can I save money?

• Most companies have sales on treadmills at the end of the year, a time when new models come out as well as when new years’ resolutions are made.  Watch the weekly sales ads for special deals.
• Used or refurbished treadmills can be purchased through services such as Amazon, eBay, and Craig’s List.

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