Here are 3 common myths that many treadmill buyers fall prey to. Steer clear of these myths and you'll make a much better buying decision.

Myth #1) 'It has so many cool extra features, it's obviously best buy.'

Not necessarily. While workout features like 30 workout programs, handweights and bonus workout CD's are great, they really don't tell you about quality of treadmill itself. If you buy a lemon, you'll be using it for a clothes rack a year later - handweights or no handweights.

Some treadmill manufacturers (not all) offer you these extra features to try and hide fact that essential factors of a quality treadmill aren’t there:

So what if it’s only a 1.5 HP motor – it comes with a free heart rate monitor! That 90 day only warranty doesn't matter – it gives you 30 workout programs!

FACT: Focus first on core essentials of a quality treadmill (solid motor power, good cushioning, etc.) - then enjoy goodies.

Myth #2) 'It has a 2.75 Peak Duty Motor - That's way better than other one with a 2.0 Continuous Duty Motor'

Some not-so-savory treadmill manufacturers will try to impress you with peak duty motor power. Wow, you think, a 2.75 hp motor. However, what they fail to tell you that there are 2 measures of motor power: Peak Duty Horsepower AND Continuous Duty Horsepower.

Peak Duty Horsepower is power potential of motor – highest power it can run at. However treadmill cannot sustain this power and it will soon start to overheat. So this measurement is essentially useless to you.

Continuous Duty Horsepower is a more accurate measure of motor power. This is power at which treadmill can continually, steadily operate for 24 hours without slowing down. So this is more accurate number to gage motor power.

This guide aims to educate you on what these marketing traps are and why you should avoid them. And as a result, you’ll be able to save money on treadmills you’ll be buying.

Extended Warranties

Some treadmill sellers will offer extended warranties on their treadmills. If this is case, I suggest you decline. Most quality treadmill companies cover their product long enough that there’s really no need for any extensions. Besides, this option would just cause you more headaches due to some dishonest warranty companies.

Program Choices

Another way to save money on treadmills is by choosing a machine with only a few built-in workout programs. Most people don’t really use these programs and if they do, they more often than not stick to just 1 or 2 programs. So buying a treadmill with tons of programmed workouts would be a total waste of money.

Heart Rate Straps