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Buying a treadmill? A treadmill is a large investment to make in your health (but definitely a worthwhile one.) However with everyone and his dog getting into the treadmill manufacturing business, it pays for you to be educated when buying your unit.

Here are 3 common myths that many treadmill buyers fall prey to. Steer clear of these myths and you'll make a much better buying decision.

Myth #1) 'It has so many cool extra features, it's obviously the best buy.'

Not necessarily. While workout features like 30 workout programs, handweights and bonus workout CD's are great, they really don't tell you about the quality of the treadmill itself. If you buy a lemon, you'll be using it for a clothes rack a year later - handweights or no handweights.

Some treadmill manufacturers (not all) offer you these extra features to try and hide the fact that the essential factors of a quality treadmill aren't there:

So what if it's only a 1.5 HP motor ' it comes with a free heart rate monitor! That 90 day only warranty doesn't matter ' it gives you 30 workout programs!

FACT: Focus first on the core essentials of a quality treadmill (solid motor power, good cushioning, etc.) - then enjoy the goodies.

Myth #2) 'It has a 2.75 Peak Duty Motor - That's way better than the other one with a 2.0 Continuous Duty Motor'

Some not-so-savory treadmill manufacturers will try to impress you with the peak duty motor power. Wow, you think, a 2.75 hp motor. However, what they fail to tell you that there are 2 measures of motor power: Peak Duty Horsepower AND Continuous Duty Horsepower.

Peak Duty Horsepower is the power potential of the motor ' the highest power it can run at. However the treadmill cannot sustain this power and it will soon start to overheat. So this measurement is essentially useless to you.

Continuous Duty Horsepower is a more accurate measure of the motor power. This is the power at which the treadmill can continually, steadily operate for 24 hours without slowing down. So this is the more accurate number to gage motor power.

Don't think this happens? One extremely popular treadmill is doing this right now and unfortunately people are buying it in droves because it seems like such a good buy. They don't realize that the treadmill is really only a 1.5 Continuous duty HP motor - because it's advertised as a 2.75 peak duty HP motor.

FACT: Don't be fooled by a peak duty motor rating - always ask for the continuous duty motor rating. Remember that the motor is the most expensive part of the treadmill to fix, so you want to get a good one!

Myth #3) 'To find the best buy, I just have to compare treadmill features.'

Finding the best treadmill is only partially about comparing treadmill features. It's also about considering your own workout needs. Many people don't consider their own unique needs before choosing a treadmill. That's a great way to learn - but it's also expensive.

So you found a well-made treadmill for $999. But have you considered the fact that you're 6 feet tall and that treadbelt is only 52' long?

So you came across a bargain for $1299: a 2.5 HP motor and lots of workout programs. But have you consider the fact that your extra large son will be running on it and the weight capacity is only 200 lbs?

When shopping for a treadmill, many people fall into the trap of ONLY looking at treadmills and never looking at themselves or the needs of their families.

For example, are you tall or do you plan to run on your treadmill? Then you need to make sure the treadbelt is at least 55".

Are you, or is someone in your household a little on the sturdy side? Then it's probably best to get a treadmill especially built to take heavier weights.

Do you have back problems? Then if you want a folding treadmill, it might be better to purchase one with a power folding option so that you can reduce the strain of heavy lifting.

FACT: Finding the best treadmill involves comparing treadmill features AND considering your own personal workout needs.

Regardless of which treadmill you choose - try to steer clear of these common buying myths and you'll save yourself a load of grief (and a ton of money!)