Ernie Mortz had just received the scare of his life. On a routine visit to his doctor he learned that his blood pressure was dangerously high. That morning he had not done anything different than he had on any given morning of his entire adult life: morning coffee, a bagel, at his desk in his office by 8 AM and on the phone with clients till noon. After several readings over the next few days his pressure had not gone down and his doctor was prescribing a cocktail of hypertension medicines. But Ernie, a hard-charging salesman and British car enthusiast from New Jersey, was adamant about changing his condition naturally without medic¬ation. His doctor argued the point but Mortz had his mind made up. That afternoon he did some research, changed his diet, altered his schedule and, most important, he made a major purchase – he bought a treadmill.

Treadmills are not only popular in gyms and spas but they are standard issue for many home gyms. The attraction, aside from the fact that they provide an excellent workout is that they are simple and straightforward. So says Patricia Miles, an avid gym attendee. “I use all the machines, including a stepper and some free weights, but the treadmill is easy and when I get my music cranked up I get into a really good rhythm that really helps me pace myself and get a great cardio workout.”

There is a wide range of new fitness gadgets hitting the home gym market with new gizmos appearing almost every day, and still, fitness conscious consumers still gravitate to the treadmill. Why? Simply put, the home treadmill is the ultimate piece of equipment for a cardiovascular workout.

Treadmills vary in size and electronic add-ons but the basic promise never varies: a rubber belt that you can walk, jog or run on at variable controlled speeds. Some studies have shown that people get more out of a treadmill because they are already familiar with the natural act of walking or running and therefore will stick with it. Also, they are readily available at most health clubs, spas, gyms and even at the local Y. They also can be purchased for home use on line or at any store where fitness and lifestyle equipment are sold.

While exploring options for buying a treadmill for home use, Ernie Mortz did his homework and learned a few facts before making his purchase. Since this was going to be a major decision he tested all of his options in person. “I was determined to lose weight and get my pressure down and I knew that there was no substitute for a good cardiovascular workout. I figured the best way to do that without having to go to some class or learn something new was to get out there every day and run. Since the weather would always be a factor I figured a treadmill was the answer. Since this was going to be a significant investment, and I always say you get what you pay for, I wanted to insure I was going to get a machine in my price range that would do everything I wanted it to do and had a solid warranty.”

“I remember when I bought my first classic car, a 1961 Austin Healy Mark 3. That was my first important purchase in my life and I was very careful before I pulled the trigger. Since then I have purchased many cars and always with the same care. I wanted to approach buying the treadmill in the same way because this might be the most important purchase I ever made in my life. After all, my health was a stake.”

According to the website www.treadmilladvisor.com, the price range on treadmills can run from as low as $500 and as high as a $4000 model that comes complete with a flat screen monitor, speakers and an adjustable shock absorbing suspension system.

We have all seen the commercials on TV for a wide range of fitness equipment. Each new gadget boasts a revolutionary new technology that will miraculously get you in shape and lose pounds with a minimal effort. If only it was only that easy! Getting fit only happens with work. That means you must have a vigorous workout routine and you have to stick with it. As Ms. Miles alluded to, some energetic music can really get you in the rhythm and even help you focus. “I enjoy the elliptical trainer at my gym but sometimes I want to run or just walk for part of my routine and there’s nothing like a treadmill.”

When looking to buy a treadmill, here are some tips from Ernie Mortz on what to look for:

Price – Have an idea of what you want to spend before you shop. Since the prices can really vary and many of the options available are tempting, it is easy to exceed your budget.

Motor and Horsepower – This is perhaps the most important thing to think about as the motor gets a really heavy workout. Look for the “continuous duty rating” and get the highest rating available. Note that the peak duty is less important than the continuous duty rating.

Stability – You don’t want a shaky ride. This is why testing the machine in person is such a good idea. Make sure the belt is long enough and wide enough for your stride. Each treadmill has handrails. Make sure they are solid. If the machine has an adjustable incline feature make sure it is smooth and not jerky.

Features – Choose a model that has the most programmable features in your price range. Anything that will help keep you from getting board will help you keep to your routine and achieve your goals. Many machines are equipped with features such as programmable workouts, heart rate monitors, and audio and video plug-ins. Also most have an emergency off mechanism. Water bottle holders and book racks are also useful features.

No matter what model treadmill you select for home use or at your gym or club, the important thing to remember is that a regular aerobic workout, proper diet and adequate rest are the keys to health and fitness.