If you are in the market for a treadmill, there are a number of very important factors to consider, such as price, quality, motorized versus manual, warranty, motor size, incline, size and portability for storage.

The first thing most people think of when making a purchase is budget and how much they can afford. This is an important factor, but don't let your budget push you to get a low quality treadmill that you don't want to use. I recommend going to a good sports store and try a few treadmills out from various price brackets to get a feel for what you would be comfortable with. If the low price range treadmills are not sturdy enough, or don't have the features you need to get what you want out of your treadmill (for many years to come), save until you can get what you want. It will be worth it in the long run.

The next important decision is whether to get a motorized or manual treadmill. The motorized variety is more popular as you can change incline while running, and they are so much easier to use. The manual treadmills are difficult to get going, and once going you cant change your incline. You also don't have the benefit of a preprogrammed workout to offer any variety.

If you decide to get a motorized treadmill, you need to consider motor size. These are usually categorized by horse power (hp), and the most common are between 1.5 to 3 horse power. Larger motors go up to over 5hp. The quietest motors are direct current.

Next, look at incline. The incline is the amount that the deck can be raised to give you a more strenuous workout. In combination with this checkout the preprogrammed workouts that come with it. Even mid range treadmills these days come with preset workouts that change the incline, speed and intensity of your workout to provide variety. This is critical to spice up your workouts and keep you interested!

A lot of treadmills come with heart rate monitors built into the handlebars, so you can gauge your workout intensity based on your heart rate. Water bottle holders and book stands are also a nice addition.

Another important factor is size and portability. Is the treadmill too big for your needs, can it fold up, and does it have wheels to roll it out of the way? These are all things you need to consider when buying a treadmill.