subject: Treadmills Built For The Big Boys [print this page] It is well known that one of the best places to burn calories and lose weight is a treadmill. Even better is if that treadmill is in the home, sparing the user from having to go the gym to use the treadmill there. However, since treadmill manufacturers build most of their equipment for their typical buyer -- the average size person. Nonetheless, the heaviest people can buy a treadmill suitable for them. Here's how.
Gym treadmills are commercial treadmills. This means that they are built to withstand heavy use and abuse for most of the day. As a result, they are covered by warranties that anticipate this kind of use. Because these machines are heavily built, they can tolerate use by people weighing over 275 lbs. These machines cost at least $4,000.
Treadmills for home use cost less, from $500 - 2,000, but they generally are intended for people weighing under 275 pounds. These treadmills have smaller motors, narrower tread belts, and they are generally lighter. They work fine for most people, but are unlikely to withstand regular use by a heavier person.
Like with other things, you get what you pay for. However, a heavier person need not pay exorbitantly more than a smaller person if he or she knows what to look for. The simple way to narrow down the choices is to first find out the user weight capacity for the treadmill being considered. Big home treadmills typically have weight limits ranging from 300 to 500 lbs. It is unclear exactly how these capacities are determined, but the manufacturers probably don't have a room full of people running on treadmills until they break! The manufacturers' estimate is probably based on their desire to avoid warranty liability so it's probably a good guide for the buyer too.
That estimate often boils down to for a buyer is a stronger motor (probably at least 3.5 chp). "Chp" is an abbreviation for continuous horsepower, the power that the motor can produce over an extended times, not just at a given moment. The treadmill itself will also weigh more (at 250 pounds), due to a stronger frame. The tread belt will also probably be at least 20 inches wide in order to fit a wider person. Side hand rails also allow the bigger user get on an and off the treadmills and provide support while using it.
