I'm buying a treadmill for a friend's birthday soon. How important is an interactive pulse monitor (changes program tempo) vs. pulse monitoring (only displays rate)? With all other features being equal this seems to be a major difference. Any advice...

 

oo thats gonna be one expesive gift

 

Get them a pair of trainers and a good map.......much cheaper

 

I have a treadmill at home! It's great. Ours has all the features you described. the heart rate monitor, the programmable routines, etc. I use the heart rate monitor all the time. we've only had it for a year. i haven't used the pre-programmed routines yet, but i can say the heart rate monitor is nice. Now, the downside to having all these extra features is that you'll have to spend some time, at the beginning, and program all that stuff in, like your weight and maximum heart rate. So, that was a pain. But eventually you'll surpass those limits and will need to reprogram add'l time and/or a higher heart rate. While all these features are not necessary, they are pretty nice to have. Hope this helps

 

I've used both types at the gym to log my miles when the weather is particularly unfriendly. I prefer the treadmills that can vary the pace based upon your pulse. I like being able to set it for a distance and 70% MHR and just go without having to adjust the pace up or down to stay in the zone. Having said that do I think everyone would find the feature beneficial? No. If you normally run with a HRM or do differing types of treadmill workouts (long & slow, intervals, etc.) then having the function is nice because it helps you not push it too hard or not slack off. Otherwise I doubt you would use it very muc. In the end it's a matter of personal preference.

 

I use my treadmill daily. I run/walk 25 miles a week. I've used all kinds of high end models with heartrate monitors and most aren't accurate. The ear clips, and thumb pulse are a waste of time. The grab rail kind is better, but I think you should just take it the old fashion way.
Regardless of what your budget is, be sure to get a WIDE track on your treadmill. Mini programs are ususally a waste of time. Once you get into a routine you make up your own.

 

i use my old pos treadmil every day run 4 miles on it, its on its last limb though, also if you get a treadmil make sure it is long as well as wide, you dont want to compact your stride while running on one.