Equipment Buying Tips

When buying a piece of equipment look for the following:

  1. Treadmills
    • Manufacturer's warranty - minimum of 2-3 yrs on parts & 5 years on the motor (high quality manufacturers have five year to lifetime warranties on all parts)
    • Motor - horsepower should be a minimum of 21/2 HP to 4 HP & continuous power and quiet
    • One year free service by the selling dealer and guaranteed by the manufacturer
    • If you're a walker 300 lb weight capability
    • If you're a jogger or runner 400 lb weight capability
    • Treadmill must feel sturdy & comfortable when you're on it with good shock absorption
    • Noisy treadmill usually means a smaller motor, less quality

  2. Ellipticals - Bikes - Steppers (Stairmasters)
    • Manufacturer's warranty - minimum 2-3 yrs parts
    • 1 year free service by the selling dealer
    • Elliptical must feel sturdy & comfortable when you're on it
    • Smooth, quiet, easy to use

  3. Weight Machines
    • Warranty - at least 2 yrs parts, 1 yr labor
    • Do at least 6-10 different exercises on the machine without having to make a lot of changes

  4. General
    • Shorter warranties translate to lower quality