The two basic types of treadmills on the market are electric treadmills and manual treadmills. Manual treadmills are generally less expensive and as such, many people are tempted to purchase one as opposed to a more expensive electric treadmill, especially if they are looking for a treadmill for sale. However, there are some disadvantages to a manual treadmill that should be considered before purchasing one. Because they are not motorized, some people can find it difficult to get them started, especially at lower incline levels. Additionally, while a motorized treadmill will allow you to change the incline, speed, resistance and other features while the device is in operation, manual treadmills cannot be adjusted once they are in motion.

When shopping for a quality electric treadmill, you will want to pay close attention to the motor and horsepower. The motor of a treadmill is generally one of the most important overall features, since it is this part of the device that does most of the work. Make sure the treadmill you choose has a continuous duty rating of 1.5 to 2.5 HP. You should also try out a treadmill before you purchase it, while wearing clothing and shoes that approximate what you would wear while actually exercising. The treadmill should feel steady and stable, without any sensations of jerkiness or shaking. The belt walking area should be wide enough to be comfortable and safe, and the hand rails should be in the proper position to grab if you need them, but not so close to your body as to block your arm movements as you walk. They should also feel sturdy enough to provide support. Although motorized treadmills do make noise, you should select one that is as quiet as possible.

Another advantage of an electric treadmill is the wide variety of workout features that are available. These programmable workouts can make walking on a treadmill much less boring, and provide a better workout.