The onwards march of technology combined with reduced manufacturing costs means that you can now buy a reliable home use treadmill with incline control, pre-set programmes and a running action that is absurdly close to commercial quality treadmills for under €1,000! And that’s great news, because running and hill walking are great forms of cardiovascular exercise and both are also effective for weight control and body fat reduction.

A good treadmill can provide a level of cushioning that makes even the most exotic running shoes feel like concrete flip-flops, and there’s none of the hassle of finding traffic and pollution-free routes, safety issues especially for women during dark winter evenings. However treadmills require more complex engineering than other types of fitness equipment such as Rowing Machines & Elliptical Cross Trainers, which means that there’s plenty to think about before rushing out and making that purchase.

• Overall dimensions - Check it will fit into your intended location (near a power point) with sufficient space to mount and dismount. If space is tight, consider a folding treadmill.
• Motor power - Should be rated at least 1.5 continuous horsepower and have good torque (at very low speeds, the belt should not slow when you step onto it).
• Treadmill cushioning and stability - What does the treadmill feel like to run on? A good treadmill should offer excellent cushioning, yet not shake, wobble, rattle or vibrate on each foot strike.
• Belt or Tread - Check that the treadmill belt is wide enough and long enough to accommodate your running style without feeling cramped and that it moves smoothly over the running deck, even when you’re walking at slow speeds.
• Maximum Speed - Ensure it’s at least 2mph higher than your regular running pace as treadmill motors used at near maximum speeds for long periods of time won’t last too long…
• Maximum Incline - Higher maximum gradients e.g. 12%+ are useful for walking workouts. Also check how quickly the gradient changes once the button is pressed!
• Console feedback and ease of use - How clear and comprehensive is the displayed information? How easy is it to access programmes (if there are any)? Are the buttons clearly visible and easy to use?
• Programmes – Many treadmills offer interval training, hill courses or allow you to create your own custom running/ walking courses. Some also offer heart rate control
• Noise - How noisy is the treadmill especially at higher speeds? Quieter treadmills usually indicate a better standard of construction and motor.
• Folding or Non Folding – Does the treadmill fold for compact storage?
• Standard of Construction - Welded frames are much better than bolted frames, (bolts can become loose under heavy pounding) and the treadmill shouldn’t visibly yield when you step on it (a sign of a flimsy build)!
• Warranty - Check what sort of motor warranty is offered, the motor is the heart of the treadmill and expensive to put right in the event of a failure. Many manufacturers now offer 10-year motor warranties and an extended warranty on the frame and parts