If you do not think that you can get a daily walk in outside, it might be worth it to think about using a treadmill. You could always go to a gym, but when the gym is only a staircase away, I think you might be more motivated to get a workout in like that.

Treadmills make it easier to commit to a walking routine, especially if time, allergies, or the weather sound like familiar excuses to you. You can still get the same benefits as you would if you were walking outdoors. In fact, some people need treadmills as the belt might be better for their body than hard pavement.

There are two types of treadmills: manual or motorized. Manual treadmills are typically much cheaper than motorized ones, but they can be more difficult to use. The more difficult you make it for yourself, the less likely you will be to get on the treadmill. The same logic can be applied to the belt or the shock absorption; you want to have something that you feel comfortable putting miles on.

The deck size is also an important factor; the longer the deck, the more room there is to get a good stride going. As for the belt thickness, two ply belts are stronger, and they will last longer.  Shock absorption has a lot to do with your body as well. The better the shock absorption, the happier your joints, legs, and feet will be. The technology for shock absorption is getting much better now; techniques include anything from thicker belts to shock absorbers or floating decks.

There are many other things to keep in mind while purchasing a treadmill. One is its speed capabilities. Who knows, maybe you will start to run instead of walk! Other settings to play with include incline capabilities, a heart rate monitor, electronic feedback, and more. All of these things can affect your treadmill experiences.  If you find yourself making excuses for not going for a walk or a run more often than you should be, it might be worth it to start looking into getting a treadmill!