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The treadmill was one of the first pieces of home fitness equipment appealing to walkers, joggers, runners and a wide range of people. Treadmills can be used in the home to avoid the difficulty of going to a gym. Treadmills are simple to use.

Treadmills can have an AC or a DC powered motor. The belt or deck is the area on which the actual running or walking takes place. A few treadmill models are powered by the user rather than a motor.

Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout. Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Many of the treadmills available have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, therefore increasing the intensity of a workout.

A heart rate monitor is another useful feature to look for. The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features. The console indicates belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, mph, distance, etc.

Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. Folding treadmills collapse to allow for easy storage and are ideal for people without enough room for a bulky exercise machine.

You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower. Most manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but they may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.