04 Jan What should I know before buying a treadmill?

By AARON DORKSEN – 3G Cardio Fitness Editor

Buying a treadmill is a lot more complicated process than many people realize.

Once you start doing some research and shopping around, you’ll quickly understand that treadmills come in a huge variety of styles, prices and warranties.

So what should you know before buying a treadmill?

Before you even start the process, here are the top four things you need to know:

1. Know the price points – If you plan to jog, stay away from the cheap department store treadmills. You can still buy a $1,000 treadmill at a high-end specialty fitness store. Here are some general price points for what to expect as you move up the scale:* $1,000-$1,500 – Walking – light jogging
   * $1,500 – $2,500 – intermediate use, average running
   * $3,000 – $5,000 – unlimited home use/commercial use. Full running/training and marathons.
   * $5000 and up – full-blown commercial use

2. Don’t under-buy your treadmill – Not all treadmills are made for the same amount of use, or even size of runners.Did you know some treadmills aren’t really designed to be used by someone who weighs over 200 pounds running on them on a regular basis?Make sure you talk to a qualified sales associate, or thoroughly research online in order to get the treadmill that will fit your needs.

3. Check the warranty! – One of the biggest things to consider is the warranty. There can be a huge difference in this.Basically, some companies undersell the competition, but they know full well that seven years or so down the line people will be coming back to them to buy replacement parts and/or service and often wind up spending another $500-700 on replacement belts or electronic boards. (There goes the initial “good deal” out the window.) There can be a huge difference.

4. Consider the review source – When reading treadmill reviews online be careful. Many of the online reviews are put up by people working for the specific companies.

3G CARDIO MEASURES UP WITH THE BEST

The award-winning 3G Cardio treadmill lineup consists of 3G Cardio Pro Runner Treadmill and 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill.

There is a treadmill to fit just about any budget or exercise needs.

*The 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill features a DC 4.0 hp motor, an oversized belt and can be used by people weighing up 400 pounds. It has an assembled weight of 386 pounds and an outstanding warranty of 10 years on parts and two years on labor. This 3G Cardio Elite Runner feels like the top models at the club to run on. It’s is a treadmill you’ll want to use! It’s rated for use by someone who weighs up to 400 pounds.

Residential Warranty: Lifetime motor, lifetime frame, 10 years parts, 2 years in-home labor.

Commercial Warranty: 5 years motor and frame, 5 years parts, 1 year in-home labor.

*The 3G Cardio Pro Runner has a DC 3.0 hp motor with heavy duty belt and can accommodate users weighing up to 350 pounds. It has an assembled weight of 216 pounds.

The 3G Cardio Pro Runner and 80i can be folded up and stored away. They are ideal for people who don’t have a lot of room in their living space, but still want to have access to a treadmill to walk and-or run on. It has great stability. It’s rated for use by someone who weighs up to 350 pounds.

Residential Warranty: Lifetime motor, lifetime frame, 5 years parts, 1 year in-home labor.

REVIEWS

The 3G Cardio lineup of treadmills, vibration training machines and exercise bikes has won a plethora of awards and garnered a long list of recommendations from respected reviewers.

Click here to see some of our many reviews »