How to Choose a Treadmill Best
A quality treadmill is an investment in your health. Consider these factors to make sure you purchase the best treadmill for your needs:
Take a look at the motor power rating, also known as continuous horsepower (CHP). The more powerful the CHP, the more you can do on the treadmill.
Some treadmills are simpler to use than others. Certain treadmills feature features that keep you motivated, such as speakers built-in or interactive training programs.
1. Safety
It is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated equipment, if it is not used and maintained properly, could be dangerous. This includes everything from the size and incline of the belt, to the ability to adjust it. Experts such as ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie rate safety as the top priority when selecting a treadmill, and recommend that you choose one with a belt at minimum 20 inches wide to allow for movement and reduce the risk of slipping off in a mishap.
It is also crucial that the belt is constructed of a durable material to avoid wear and tear. It is also crucial that it is securely attached to the machine. This stops the belt from becoming a trip risk and will help you feel confident when running at high speed. It is also essential to wear proper footwear when you run on the treadmill, such as flip-flops, not flip-flops or sandals. This will help prevent soreness and blisters that can cause balance issues that could cause you to fall from the treadmill.
It is important to be attentive to the 3-2-1 countdown or safety beep before the treadmill belt starts to move. It's an excellent idea to practice this routine so you can get used to the sound and understand when the belt is beginning to move. It's also an excellent idea to use the handrails only when necessary; leaning upon them can cause you to hunch over and can lead to back pain or even a treadmill injury.
Lastly, it's a good idea to keep your treadmill out of reach of pets and children who might be curious about it. This decreases the risk of someone tripping and falling over it, as well as decreasing the chance of a child or pet being pulled under the moving belt.
2. Convenience
You can exercise at home whenever you want instead of having to make time to go to the fitness center. Some people prefer to bring a treadmill home rather than buy one at the gym (which can cost upwards of $2,000). The budget-friendly model we recommend that has earned more than 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is a great option for those who don't need many bells and whistles.
A top-quality treadmill is typically fitted with features that will enhance your exercise experience. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for instance, comes with a huge running surface and a stunning 22-inch touchscreen display. This makes it simple to enjoy a exercise. The treadmill has the option of a 3% decline and an incline, which is not something you will find on most treadmills. It also allows you to connect to a streaming app, like JRNY or Echelon United, which provides hundreds of workouts, but keep in mind that subscriptions can be expensive.
Noelle McKenzie, ACE-certified functional trainer and expert in treadmills, says size is the most important thing to consider when choosing a treadmill. She also recommends security features like safety keys and rails. She also prefers treadmills with a large LCD display that shows stats while you work out and comes with programs built-in for interval training. She also cites physical factors such as motor power or belt length as crucial to consider when looking for the best treadmills. You want a treadmill you can easily set up and also one that is quiet enough to use while watching TV or working at home. The Lifepro Fitness Portable Treadmill is a portable treadmill that is wheeled and folds up.
3. Performance
A treadmill is an investment in your fitness and a high-performance treadmill will help you reach your fitness goals faster than simply running on the sidewalk. We picked models with features like incline control as well as a built-in speaker and the ability to track your progress using an app. The best treadmills are also simple to use, provide a comfortable ride, and are easy-to-install.
We've sifted through the Strategist archives, and interviewed experts to find the top treadmills that are affordable with many smart tech features. This budget-friendly treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness has an LCD display that shows distance as well as the speed and pulse. It is easy to assemble and folds. It also comes with nine exercises and three levels of adjustable inclines. Additionally, it promises a smooth run with additional shock absorption built into the belt.
This treadmill from Peloton is a great alternative that is affordable and comes with many smart features built in. It has a 24-inch screen that can stream workout videos, as well as fast controls for speed and incline to adjust the speed while following along with an instructor. Additionally, it's quieter and has a wider running deck than other treadmills at this price.
The treadmill is small enough to fit under your desk or in a closet. The treadmill also has remote control as well as an app that can track your pace, steps and calories burned. It's more expensive than other treadmills but is a great choice for those who want to walk at work. Its belt is large enough to accommodate taller runners, and it has a higher capacity for weight than other treadmills at this price.
4. Technology
A lot of treadmills come with a variety of features that can improve the experience of exercising. You might also consider a treadmill with preset programs that are built into the machine, or through an app (like iFIT memberships, JRNY and Echelon United). Also, you must consider the power of the motor. The more weight you carry and the more you exert yourself, the more horsepower you will need and the more track you'll need to cover.
Think about a treadmill that has apps like Peloton or Zwift that let you do virtual workouts in conjunction with coaches and trainers. These types of machines aid in promoting muscle development as well as flexibility, balance and proprioception in ways that cardio alone can't.
We searched for treadmills that offered numerous of programming options and that had intuitive controls, user friendly screens, and smooth operation. We also assessed how simple and quick it was to set up the treadmill, as well as the time it took to complete the task.
Some of the best treadmills have digital sensors which respond faster to your movements than analog sensors. This allows the motor to adjust the speed of the belt more frequently, resulting in an easier running experience and reduces stress on the motor.
A good treadmill should have an easy-to-read display with plenty of buttons to allow you to adjust the settings in a snap. We looked for quick dial knobs on short handles located at the front of consoles that allow you to increase your speed or anincline. Some treadmills also have touchscreen buttons that are more responsive than other treadmills during our tests.
5. Design
We also look at the technology that goes with a treadmill with a focus on things such as touchscreens, a simple interface, non-glitchy programming and the way it performs under various conditions. We saw, for example that the X22i treadmill has 22" screen, which is among the most responsive screens we've ever tested. It also allows you to follow classes in the style of a studio, as virtual coaches streaming movies and music through its iFIT program. Additionally, it integrates with third-party applications like Zwift.
The X22i also comes with a built-in workout that can be used for 25 times, which is typical for treadmills. It's not a lot but enough to give you choices. The treadmill is designed to conserve space, too, by letting you prop up the belt with an adjustable lever when you're not using it. This will allow you to make it fit into smaller spaces and keep kids or pets away from it.
This lightweight and compact treadmill has the capacity to run at 12 miles per hour, and it can incline up to 15%. It's a little more expensive than other models, but it's simple to set up and has practical features that make it a good alternative for those just getting started or don't have enough space in their home.
The treadmill is small and foldable, making it a breeze to fit into even the smallest spaces. It is also a good option for runners who wish to speed up their pace. The controls for speed and incline are conveniently placed on the dashboard, making it simple to adjust the speed while running. The only drawback is that it doesn't have an iPad holder, and the mesh cup holder isn't sufficient to be used for training.