An exercise treadmill, with its superior cardio workout capacity, is a training ally with a knack for keeping you trim and toned. This gym without the joint-jarring jolt of road running, has been shown to be more effective in weight control than many competing fitness machines. Add to that the convenience offered by a home treadmill, and it easily tops other training devices.

The heart of your exercise treadmill is its motor. If you are serious about training, choose at least a 2 CHP continuous-duty motor, rather than opting for the lesser HP rating. This will give you the power and robustness you need for long-term, low-maintenance performance.

Steer clear of an exercise treadmill that is likely to cramp your style! The treadbelt should accommodate your stride comfortably, with measurements of at least 17"x55", to a generous 20"x60". If you have little fitness fans at home, make sure that the exercise treadmill's safety features have been given careful consideration, including a treadbelt that locks into place when not in use.

Jilting road running for the joint-cushioning comfort of an exercise treadmill, is a sensible decision if you are injury prone. A superb shock absorption system used in the engineering of the deck, is a vital component for continued enjoyment of exercise on a home treadmill. There is a fine balance between enough give to ensure comfort, and the necessary stability needed for a confident trot.

Once you have established a relaxed rhythm, interruptions are a no-no. Look for an exercise treadmill with an incline adjustment range of 1% to 15%, flaunting an arm-rest control. Speed adjustment is usually from 0 - 10mph. By having these buttons within easy reach, changing pace no longer equals changing gear.

Exercise treadmills sport state of the art consoles, with user-friendly features. Tracking progress is straightforward, with feedback on speed, incline, time, pace, and distance. Some treadmills even crunch calorie and carb numbers, complementing weight control programs.

An exercise treadmill is only as good as its programs. A productive training session needs to be challenging. By focusing on incline and resistance training, a strength element is introduced. Programs that target heart rate are excellent for cardiovascular fitness. Hand pulse grips, and a wireless chest strap, monitor your heart rate while you put your home treadmill through its paces.

Opt for an exercise treadmill with one or two programs you can customize according to your personal needs, and training goals. This is an important factor in keeping your routine interesting. Some models also accommodate iFit interactive training through the internet. This avenue brings you in contact with a valuable source of motivation, and expertise.

The most luxurious exercise treadmills even add entertainment in the form of music or television! Magazine racks and water bottle holders are standard equipment on most models.

The only drawback is that all the usual training excuses, such as snow and showers, and dogs and pot-holes, become obsolete once you purchase your exercise treadmill!