We all want to save money and buy at a discount. When it comes to treadmills getting the best value is particularly important when you consider the price. A treadmill can cost a small fortune. And if you are not sure it won't end up as an expensive clothes hanger, you want to be cautious on how much you spend.

Whether you buy online or in a retail store, you'll find just about any treadmill is marked down significantly from its list price. List prices have no basis in reality of the true value of the treadmill. It is no different than other products like cars, jewelry, furniture, etc. The problem becomes, what is the real value, and how does that compare to the discount price.

Having worked in the treadmill business for a number of years I know how companies manipulate the prices to give the illusion of value. You'll find some retailers suggesting their prices are reduced as much as 60%. That is absurd.

So how do you determine the true value of a treadmill, regardless of the discount price? By comparison shopping. There are three important factors to consider when buying a treadmill:

Features and Components

Treadmills have a number of features and components that are found on models. Examples are the motor, deck, running service, incline, programs, console and rollers. By comparing the various components and features you can determine how one model compares to another.

For example, you may find a treadmill selling for $1,000 that has a 18"x 52" running surface,