Have you made losing weight and getting into shape your New Year’s resolution? One of the best ways to exercise at home is by running on a treadmill. When it comes to buying a treadmill, you have a lot of options. If you want to make sure you are getting the best machine for your money and fitness level, there are a few things you should consider.

One of the first things you should consider is the price you are willing to pay or can afford for a treadmill. If you are serious about fitness and know you will use the treadmill on a regular basis and for several years, than you may want to pay a little more for one. If you are just getting started, a cheaper model may be a better option to start out with.

Higher end treadmills such as the The Landice L7 are designed for professionals and retail for about $3,500. They have a variety of features and are well worth the price for those who are devoted to staying in shape. A cheaper model that also has great features is the the Horizon T101-04.

Another thing to consider is where you will store your treadmill when you are not using it. If you are lucky enought to have a gym or fitness area in your home or garage, you may not have to worry about this, but for most people, smaller is better.

Many treadmills fold up so they can easily be stored in closets or the corner of rooms. Others break down so they can be slid under beds for easy storage. The Weslo Cardio Stride 3.0 is a manual treadmill that folds up nicely and is also only $150.

If you are more concerned about features than price and storage, the LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 may be the right option for you. If you like to work out for long periods of time and also want to work, read or do other things while walking on your treadmill, the desk that attaches to this treadmill may be extremely beneficial to you. It costs around $2,000.

When it’s time to get in shape for the new year, take your time choosing your treadmill so you can ensure that you are getting one that you will use and love.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.