In these tough economic times are you considering buying a cheap treadmill so you don't have to go to the gym? Is it smart to buy one and what are the benefits to having one? If your budget is stretched thin and you are looking to buy a cheap treadmill, you should take some things into consideration first. Even though these treadmills may seem like a great buy, you shouldn't make any hasty decisions without doing your homework.

One option for a cheaper treadmill is buying a previously-owned equipment. If you can't buy from someone you know, try to glean as many details of the treadmill as you can. If you don't get any straight answers, this could be a stolen item so beware.

There are advertisements on the Internet and TV where you will see treadmills for cheap. However, some fly by night companies may not even be in existence a year down the road, so if you need replacement parts- you are out of luck. Some companies will offer a cheap treadmill for a low cost, but in turn you are settling for a model that you may not really need or want. For a couple hundred more, you will get the reliability of the model plus convenience factors, like heart rate monitors built-in and MP3 Player Docks built-in. Just do not get something that will end up being a hassle that becomes a clothes rack.

It is most important that you pick out a treadmill that meets the demands of your exercise, fitness, and weight loss goals. A top of the line quality machine will cost you from $1000 to $2500. Quality costs more upfront but as a result you end up with a machine that gives you a superior workout, has an awesome warranty and will last longer than its cheaper counterparts. Most cheap treadmills only have 90-day warranties, frequently break down and perform poorly during workouts.

If you decide to buy a treadmill because you'd prefer to work at home than join a gym, a cheap model might not be your best bet. Should it break down some few months after you use it, and you have a limited warranty for it, you'd need to join a gym anyway to continue your exercise program. Or, buy a new treadmill. Then you'd end up spending more money, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid during this economic slump.

How do you plan on using your treadmill? Walkers can find accommodating models for about $1000. Joggers and runners can expect to pay from $1500 to $2500 for a comparable model that fits their needs. You do not want to buy a less expensive one that cannot handle running all of the time. If this happens, it will quickly break down because it cannot handle the demands being put on it.

So what is one to do given all these possible scenarios? In the end it all boils down to the fact that skimping on your treadmill purchase now could have you spending more in the future. Save yourself the hassle of having to deal with repairs and broken equipment down the road by not buying a cheap treadmill.