I am often asked what I consider the best home treadmill. And the answer is, "It depends."

No two people are exactly alike. And when it comes to exercising on a treadmill you must take into consideration an individual's fitness goals. For example, you can have a person that wants a treadmill for walking and weight loss. On the other hand, a person may be considering a treadmill so they can train during the winter months for marathons.

What Does the Best Treadmill Cost?

If you want the very best home treadmill than plan on shoveling out $4,000-$5,000 dollars. For example, Precor and True make the Humvee of treadmills. Of course, these are treadmills that are commercial grade and could also be used in fitness facilities.

The reality of buying a treadmill is that you probably have to spend more than you expected. For a good walking treadmill spend a minimum of $1,000. If you plan on jogging on the machine, start at $1,500. If you are an exercise fanatic don't spend less then $2,500.

Forget those machines that you see on the infomercials or the mass merchant stores. They are built to self destruct, and their warranties are evident to that fact.

Treadmill Features

The list of features available on a treadmill is endless. You need to consider which features are right for you. For example, should you get a folding or non-folding model? Will heart rate control help you to optimize your workout? Is an orthopedic belt necessary? How many programs do you require? Does it really matter if you have a LCD or LED display?

The best home treadmill is one that has just the right features without an overkill. Don't get sucked into the latest gadgets. For me the only feature I need is the ability to adjust the speed and incline.

Ultimately the best home treadmill is the one that lasts and requires minimal service. When you do you research read customer testimonials, reviews and ratings. Also ask around. A couple of models that have good track records in the $1,000-$2,000 range are Sole and Smooth. In the $3,000 plus consider Landice, LifeFitness and Precor.

To help you find the best home treadmill check out our Buyer's Guide and our treadmill ratings and reviews.