If you don’t know exactly you can end up paying $2000 for a treadmill when in fact a $1000 machine will be more than enough for you. Or you can spend some money on a treadmill that is not adequate and that cannot be use for your training sessions.

Before thinking how much money you will spend you have to consider things like the number of persons that will use this machine. More users imply a solid frame and powerful motor.

Another question you should get the answer before the actual purchase: “How thin or tall are the persons that will use it?” If the machine will be used by a tall person then you need to consider a longer belt. If the persons that will use it have a weight problem then you need to consider a machine with a powerful motor and wide deck.

If the treadmill will be used in 30 minutes session by single persons a lighter and cheaper machine can be a solution. In case the treadmill will be used in heavy running session then is clear that you need to buy a solid and expensive machine.

Many treadmills come with nice entertainment features like TV in console, sound systems or mp3 & iPod Docks. The question is: do you really need these things? Yes they are nice and make the treadmill look like a high tech machine but do you really need to spend an extra $500 on them? You can put the treadmill in a room with a TV and a sound system and you just saved a lot of money. You can also drop the TV and go for a better model with no TV but a better motor.

The same thinking applies when is about the fitness tools and other gizmos. If you have a limited budget you should invest only in core components like motor, frame or belt.

Anther factor you should consider is your fitness level. If you plan to do only walking workouts then you don’t need to buy a treadmill with a top speed 15mph. You will never use it at full potential. So, save the money and chose model that will work for you.

Are you living in big house? If so you probably don’t have to worry about the machine’s size. But if you are living in an apartment you need to see if you have the necessary space In this case you may consider a folding one. This type can be fold and stored in closed or under beds. Check their dimensions before buying.

In many cases the budget may be real obstacle. That doesn’t mean you have to go for a cheaper model if that will not fully satisfy you. What is the purpose to buy a treadmill that will not challenge you? Is better to wait a few months and save some extra cash. Many dealers will offer financing solutions so you can consider this option also.

As you can see there are many things to consider before buying a treadmill. Take a pen and put all these things on paper. After you will finish writing all your thoughts you will have a better idea the treadmill you need to buy.

Meanwhile, the only pounding worse than the one on the floor is the one on your joints.

Your knees, your ankles, your toes, they all feel like they’re two centuries old. The agony is shooting furiously throughout every limb in your body.

Well, contrary to that silly slogan that seems a favorite among the fitness crowd, no pain does not necessarily translate into no gain. In fact, there are various other exercise alternatives that are completely merciful on your joints while providing you with the sound cardiovascular fitness you’re been striving for.

If you’re looking to boycott that step class and step up to a newer, more relaxing form of fitness, then kick out of the aerobics shoes for some of these wise choices.

CONTACT YOGA: No, there is no whacking, tackling, or hip checks here. But there is indeed plenty of contact in this newest form of yoga that’s about to reach fitness gyms throughout the nation. This is the form of yoga in which partners work in synch to provide each other with a stimulating workout and a soothing massage.

You are essentially providing your partner with resistance in these exercises as you are pushed and pulled throughout various motions. This is a great method for stretching and strengthening the body while you learn to move with grace and reduce your stress.

Generally practiced twice a week, contact yoga usually runs about $30 per session.

LOTTE BERK METHOD: It may look like a joke to you, but once you take on this strenuous form of toning and strengthening, you’ll hardly be laughing. If at first, the Lotte Berk Method looks a lot like a blend of ballet, calisthenics, and yoga, that’s because it is. Exactly.

The regimen hasn’t yet caught on heavily throughout the U.S. but it is rapidly growing in popularity in New York City. In fact, the only way to jump into a class is with a reservation.

While most of the movements are done through your own body weight – slow, regulated motions – there are some that require light weights used to sculpt the upper torso. Otherwise, the resistance is provided by your own body.

A Lotte Berk class will generally cost you $20 per session.

PILATES: You don’t need to be in total fitness reform to try this wildly popular activity but you will need an apparatus called the Reformer before your session begins.

The Reformer is the bizarre-looking device made up of cables and pulleys in which you’ll perform these graceful, rhythmic exercises, aimed at toning and elongating your muscles.

This method of fitness consists of long, flowing motions that will not only increase the definition in your entire body but will enhance your flexibility.

If you’re looking for a great cardiovascular exercise, this really isn’t it. Only the most advanced Pilates students can whip up a good sweat through the sessions.

Pilates is not cheap. Aside from attaining the Reformer machine, a private workout costs somewhere around $90 per session.

They know that a treadmill can help them lose weight, get fit, burn extra calories and reach their fitness goals.

But that’s only if you use it. A treadmill is a large investment to make and you want to be sure that it is the right piece of exercise equipment for your needs.

How do you know if a treadmill is the best piece of exercise equipment for you? How do you know if it’s suitable for the kind of exercise that fits your lifestyle?

If you’re thinking about buying a treadmill, here are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is the right piece of exercise equipment for you:

#1 Do you prefer to exercise alone or in groups?

Walking on a treadmill is not a group activity (it could be – but that’s a little dangerous). If you prefer to exercise with other people, say for example in a group sports situation, a treadmill might not be the best choice for you.

Of course a treadmill can add another side to your exercise options if you do get most of your exercise from social or group sports. But if you absolutely hate exercising by yourself, don’t buy a treadmill.

On the other hand, some people enjoy exercising on their own – it’s a sort of getaway from the constant social buzz surrounding them every day. A treadmill would be great for someone looking for this kind of exercise ‘retreat’.

#2) Do you prefer to exercise outdoors or indoors?

Some people prefer to exercise outdoors. They take hikes to enjoy the beauty of nature or rollerblade down the sidewalks to take in the fresh air. If you prefer to be outdoors to exercise then a treadmill probably isn’t for you.

And if you live in all-year-round sunny, warm weather, you may not need a treadmill (then again, you may prefer an air-conditioned workout.)

However, if you happen to live in seasonal climates where it rains, snows or both, a treadmill can be a handy tool to maintain your fitness regimen during the bleak weather months. A treadmill can help you fight winter weight gain and even stave off those nasty winter blues.

#3 Do you enjoy walking, jogging or running?

Walking is an exercise that everybody can do. It’s simple, doesn’t require heightened coordination, and can be a great way to clear your head and deal with stress. Anyone can do it, regardless of fitness level – from absolute beginner to elite athlete.

There are also people who enjoy the rhythm and routine of jogging or running. Running or jogging is also one of the best all-round ways to burn fat. Again, it’s fairly simple to do and doesn’t require complex coordination.

While the benefits to walking, jogging and running are numerous, some people just don’t like to exercise this way. They like the challenge of a box-aerobics class or mastering a complicated martial art. If you fall into this category, a treadmill will not meet your exercise preferences and it probably isn’t the right machine for you.

If you do like walking but still want a challenge or even a distraction, there are easy ways to do this, of course.

Treadmills are growing more sophisticated all the time offering numerous built-in workout programs, upper-body workout arms and even built-in stereo systems for you to plug-in your favorite CD’s.

There’s also the magazine rack so you can read your latest Time or People magazine. And of course, the most popular method: setting your treadmill up in front of the television (or buying a mini-television to mount above your treadmill).

You can always make your workout more interesting with your home treadmill – but if you don’t enjoy walking, jogging or running, you might want to steer clear of the treadmill.

So those are 3 ways to tell if a treadmill is right for you. With our busy lifestyles and lack of time, the home treadmill also offers several other unique benefits, which you might want to consider before buying:

#1) Exercise Convenience

With a home treadmill you can jump on it at any time day or night. You don’t have to waste time driving to the gym. You don’t have to work around your gym’s hours or schedule your workout around those ‘peak times’. You don’t have to rush to sign up for a treadmill at the gym. It’s all yours. Workout whenever you want – and for however long you want.

With our jam-packed schedules these days, time is at a premium. While you may not have a long period of time to carve out for exercise, experts tell us that ‘mini-workouts’ give us the same benefits as long workouts. So instead of doing 30 minutes straight, with your own treadmill you can do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night.

There’s a third convenience to having a home treadmill – you can wear what you want. No worrying about if your hair is staying under your baseball cap. No rushing to find the right T-shirt for the gym. While this may seem trivial – it can actually make a difference in how much you exercise!

#2) Exercise Comfort

With a home treadmill, you can exercise in the comfort of your own home. No worrying about the rain, snow or sleet that’s pouring down outside. You can jump on your treadmill with your favorite sports drink, turn on your favorite show and burn away those calories.

No worrying about winter weight gain or holiday pounds – because you have the tools at your disposal to easily work off any extra calories.

#3) More Calories Burned, More Weight Lost = Better Body Achieved

Because you can exercise when you want, for how long you want, regardless of weather or even busy schedules, you’ll use your treadmill much more. And when you exercise more, you burn more calories, lose more weight and achieve a better body. This is always a benefit!

Home treadmills continue to be the most popular exercise machines with buyers today. They offer convenience, comfort and more opportunities to enjoy getting in shape.

If you decide that a treadmill is right for you, know that you’ll be investing both in a great exercise machine and a better, healthier body!