If you plan on getting into shape and are too embarrassed to show off your jiggling derriere in public, a treadmill is a must-have item for your home. When it comes to treadmills (like most things that require a motor), you definitely get what you pay for. However, if you plan on using your treadmill mostly for walking and need to stick to a tight budget (who doesn't these days) you can get a decent machine for less than $1000. Even though you don't have have oodles of cash stashed under your mattress that doesn't mean you can't get into shape. Right? I thought so. No excuses!

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So, my wife and I have been wanting to start an exercise program for a while and since both of us are homebodies the idea of signing up for a gym membership just didn't sound too appealing. We figured the chances of us sticking to a routine would be much better if we didn't have to leave the house. We also live in a rural area so it would probaly cost quite a bit in gasoline to travel to the gym. Plus, the weather here in mid-Michigan is less than predictable so having a treadmill means there's no excuses for skipping a workout!

We decided to stick with a budget of less than $1000 for a new treadmill so it was up to me to research the best models in that price range. After flipping through stacks of consumer magazines at the library, pecking at Dr. Google and incessantly irritating my sister who is a personal trainer (and ran a marathon last year--she wanted to make sure I mentioned that) here's what I came up with:

This treadmill is usually placed in the "budget" category but is still a sturdy piece of equipment and is comparable to what you'd find at the health club. Unlike some other budget treadmills that might make you think a jumbo jet is about to crash land on your roof, this treadmill is known for being ultra-smooth and quiet. According to the manufacturer's website this is due in part to the "Whisper Weave technology" which was used during construction of the tread belt. This treadmill is also built sturdy enough for those crazy days when you think you just might want to give running a try. A major downside to this model is that because of the solid construction, it can be pretty bulky and difficult to move once constructed. The treadmill does fold-up but still requires a bit of storage room. Basically, you're trading performance for space with this particular model. If you have the space and don't plan on moving it too much--go for it.

This Horizon treadmill is a little easier on your wallet and takes up less space than the 545 but you'll give up some features. The running deck is pretty small (44 inches x 17 inches), has a maximum speed of 6 mph and has no incline function. However, one thing that makes this treadmill very popular with users is that it can be stored underneath or behind anything with 11 inches of clearance. Heck, my cat requires at least 13 inches to fit underneath our bed! Another perk is that very little assembly is needed to get this treadmill going. If you don't have space for a larger or more sturdier treadmill or do most of your walking or jogging outside and only plan on using a treadmill every once in a while this model would be a good choice. I definitely wouldn't want to use this treadmill if I was training for a marathon, but luckily I'm not (don't tell my sister) so it's a serious contender.

If the Smooth Fitness 5.45 and Horizon Evolve SG got married and had a baby they would name it the Bowflex Series 3. I know that sounds a little strange, but I couldn't think of a better and more succinct way to explain it. Really, that's all you need to know about this treadmill folks. It offers the sturdiness and strength of the 545 and the compactibility of the Evolve with a few additional features. It's not quite as small and easy to move around as the SG, but it does a better job of hiding itself than the 545. It also offers a bit more durability if you plan on doing some running.

This model is little brother to the Bowflex Series 7 treadmill which has a longer track and bigger motor and retails for around than the Series 3. The 7 Series was recently recommended by Consumer Reports as one the best treadmills to buy in its price class.

Another treadmill you might want to consider in the $500-1000 price range is the Horizon Fitness T91. The motor is pretty small though (2.0 horsepowers) so its usefulness is limited if you plan on doing a lot of running. Even so, there are plenty of workout programs to choose from. It folds for storage and can accomodate a weight capacity up to 275 pounds. It comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, and a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.

Certainly it would be impossible to find one treadmill that would be the best choice for everyone. Your wants and needs are probably a lot different than mine. In general, the more you spend on a treadmill, the more satisfied you'll be with the product. However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your child's first year of college education to get a decent machine. Even a small investment can make a big difference when it comes to improving your health. Unfortunately, there may always be problems no matter what treadmill you buy so be sure to purchase from a reputable seller and always double-check warranty information.