Still, some of these machines can be helpful. Often the problem is staying motivated to use them. Sharon learned that lesson, the expensive way. Now, Sharon gets out of the house to exercise. The treadmill is the gold standard of exercise equipment, and people seem to stick with it the longest, in my experience.
Experts say two of the most important things to consider are length and width of the belt.
Taller people need more surface area. It should feel sturdy at the highest speed and the steepest incline that you'll use. As for those extra bells and whistles, like heart monitors and calorie counters, they're generally not necessary, but they can help motivate you. The same goes for extra features on stationary bikes. Look for bikes that are recumbent, which simply means they have a back-rest.