A fit mind in a fit body is the principle of today’s generation. People are conscious about the factors that contribute to degradation of health and the importance of exercise. To fulfill the need of this health-conscious generation, the market today supplies a number of gadgets and advertises numerous fitness programs. Also, many fitness equipment commercials project newer gadgets which boast revolutionary technology to miraculously get you in shape and help you lose pounds with a minimal effort. Believe me, this is all hype! If you want to look great and be in shape, you have to work hard for it, and vigorous exercise is the only way. The one kind of equipment that still rates as a major contender for weight loss is the exercise treadmill.

In the last few years, there has been a substantial growth in the market for a home treadmill. Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise choice. Treadmills are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercise: running and walking, along with other training demands like hills, intervals, tempo, and long distance built into the design. The treadmill is in the true sense a runner's best friend.

The most interesting part of using a treadmill at home is that you can use it while watching the TV or keeping an eye on your kids, without worrying about heat, cold, wind, ice, cars, darkness, potholes, mean dogs or scary people.

The market has a variety of treadmills to satisfy people's needs and concerns. It is important to buy a correct and efficient treadmill. Treadmills made for commercial use are strong and built like tanks, but home versions are a different story. The commercial treadmill has a constant daily usage of about 10 hours a day on average, while those for the house run for about several hours a week. Secondly, people prefer to save space in the house. They are equally conscious of the price involved. So buying a treadmill is an important decision with a few important things buyers think about while shopping.

The home fitness market offers folding as well as non-folding treadmills. Though folding treadmills help with easy storage and save space, most folding treadmills are only suitable for walking. For those who are focused on running, a non-folding treadmill is the best buy. It is advisable that you set the unit in a basement or on the first floor of a home where you can dedicate the floor space needed.

The market has a variety of ranges of treadmills to choose from and you can go for the one that suits your budget. While buying a treadmill, the user’s height and weight should also be considered. A 2.5 HP continuous duty motor machine costing approx. $1000 is available for walking and a variety of activities. If you are taller (over 6’2”), you should consider stepping up to something in the $1,500-$2,000 price range. If any of the users in your family weigh over 225 lbs., you should consider spending a bit more for a stronger motor and higher grade belt and deck combination.

Finally, and most importantly, while buying a good treadmill, look out for warranties since it they are extremely important for protecting your bottom line. As a general rule, you should always go for a machine that gives a three-year warranty on all key components like the motor, electronics, belt, deck and rollers. Some manufacturers give longer warranties on some important components. A ten-year warranty on the motor is evidence of the manufacturer’s confidence that the choice of components will stand the test of time.