Many times it seems that choosing the right type of treadmill is more a trial and error process than anything else. If this describes your experiences when purchasing exercise equipment it could be because you are not doing enough homework before making your decision. After all, if you don't know what features to look for then it is easy to fall madly in love with the first "glammed up," hot looking treadmill that you see.

The thing about these fitness products is that you really have to look beyond that superficial beauty and find out some particulars about the features that make or break them. You also need to consider which special attributes of treadmills are the ones that are most important to you and your fitness goals.

When people are buying a treadmill, they do not often think through their specific needs and desires, and therefore they end up with a product that causes frustration and ends up collecting dust in the corner and creating a shelf for the houseplants. There are many choices in treadmills, including some with options for motorized incline and decline levels, special programmable workouts and much, much more. You need to compare these special features before making a decision.

Here is a suggested list of points that you should keep in mind while shopping for your treadmill:

1. Price

Price is always a big consideration. Some units can be bought for only a couple of hundred dollars, while others can cost a couple of thousand dollars; and it's often difficult for the consumer to tell the difference between these different models.

Generally, however, you get what you pay for. A higher price means higher quality components and extended durability.

2. Decide on Your "Absolutes"

Before going to the store to pick out your treadmill where a salesperson can wow you with bells and whistles, you need to do a little research of your own so that you are aware of the options that are on the market today. Make sure you are considering those models within your price range and create a list of features and options that you "absolutely" must have on your new machine.

3. Think about the Real Value of "Cool" Options

Sure, that cup holder, key slot, and iPod port makes any of the treadmills look a lot cooler. This is kind of like those additional options that you can order for a new car. They look good, but are they functional and vital for the proper use of the machine? If the answer is yes, and you can justify the additional cost, then go for it.

4. Horsepower Counts

One aspect that people do not think about is the strength of the engine running these exercise treadmills. If you weigh over 180 pounds, you need to make sure that the machine's engine is powerful enough to sustain the type of workout that you desire to get.

Some of the less expensive models can do an adequate job if there are no special options to select such as "degrees of incline," if they lack a wide variety of programmable speeds and routines. If you are a runner, however, and like to push yourself with a more challenging workout, including inclines, you will want to go with treadmills that deliver at least 2.0 continuous duty horsepower. These are generally a little pricier than the more standard models, but well worth the extra bucks.

5. Belts and Cushion Supports

Another "absolute" for most people to consider has to do with the belts and cushioned foot support. The cheaper models often have an inflexible track with little to no cushion support for your feet, which can be hard on the joints.

This is critical because over even a short period of time, you will notice the difference, especially with your knees, so that you risk experiencing knee pains, shin splints, or other leg injuries. To avoid this, you will want to get one of the treadmills with a belt at least 3/4 inch thick and a track that provides some cushioning to absorb the shock of your running.

Other than the necessities mentioned above, there are plenty of other options that you need to investigate and prioritize before making a final decision. One important option to consider is the length of the warranty.

Higher quality machines will usually give a two-year warranty, which protects you from failure during that time and should cover in-home labor service if needed. Do not purchase any treadmills that are sold by companies or vendors that skirt the issue of a warranty.

The other options usually have to do with the included control panel on the machine. You need to determine whether you will use the various workout programs and monitoring systems that the more expensive machines offer, or if the basic ability to control the workout time, speed, and degree of incline is enough for your needs.

6. Programming Options

There are some treadmills that you can buy for which every possible feature is computerized and fully automated. Other models offer manual selections only. The choice is yours, but you must make sure that any of these additional features are providing real added value for your dollar.

7. Decide on Your "Options" - Prioritize!

No matter what type of treadmill you are considering, you must make sure that prioritizing the features and benefits comes first on your list. Don't settle for less than what you need. This is a serious investment that will pay dividends for years to come.