How to Find the Best Treadmills
The treadmill is a great investment for your home. It allows you to work out on your schedule and not worry about the weather or the journey to the gym.
A good quality treadmill is also a great method to monitor your fitness progress over time. A treadmill is essential for anyone training for a marathon, or simply wanting to maintain their fitness level.
1. Motor
Find a treadmill that has powerful motors when shopping. If you plan to log more than 20 miles per week, and engage in intense training, select a treadmill that has an all-time motor of 3.0 horsepower. The deck should measure 60 inches long. If you're just beginning or just want to walk or jog occasionally, consider a model with a motor that is between 1.75 and 2.5 horsepower.
Choose if you want an ultra-modern treadmill that comes with a touchscreen and virtual classes as well as a console or a basic model without a console. Certain models fold to make it easier to store.
The Peloton Treadmill is a well-designed treadmill that has sleek design and impressive array of features. It's more expensive than our top pick however, it provides smooth running and a simple touchscreen. It also comes with a wide selection of exercises on demand with instructors who are live and virtual. The incline controls are located on the handrails and quick dials allow you to alter the speed and incline while working out. The only cup holders on this treadmill are plastic and are only used to hold water bottles.
Another treadmill worth looking into is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's less expensive than the Peloton Treadmill but has a number of great features. With iFit's compatibility you'll be able to access a range of workouts created by trainers from all over the world. The app is available as a subscription which costs $39 per monthly. The treadmill also features an enormous 22-inch touchscreen as well as a cushioned deck. It can reach the maximum speed of 12 mph, and comes with an incline range of 33% to 15% for an exercise that is more challenging.
2. Design
The design of a treadmill is vital as is any other piece of fitness equipment. If you're training for an outdoor race that is a bit hilly you should choose a treadmill that has maximum incline settings. If you're interested in following the class pick models with a large display and iFIT compatibility. This allows you to access studio-style classes, virtual coach programmes, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill exercises.
Other design aspects we consider are the incline and speed controls that are responsive (on the handrails as well as the lower console) that adjust to your preferences without needing to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and a user-friendly interface. We also consider whether the treadmill can be folded and, if so how long it will take to fold it. We also look at whether the treadmill must be assembled and if it is simple and easy to do so.
3. Technology
The technology used on treadmills makes a big difference in how easy the machines are to use and if they have any glitches. When evaluating a treadmill within this category, we consider touchscreens and easy-to-use controls. We also consider user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls, and other tech features. We also consider if the treadmill is mobile and folds at the push of a button. This could be crucial for those who frequently move their treadmills around their homes or need to fit them in tight spaces.
We were impressed with the Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill's responsive speed and incline adjustments based upon past workouts, its long belt with a comfortable cushion, the iFIT integration that allows access to virtual coaches, studio-style classes, Explore the World scenic runs, as well as off-treadmill training options (though it did occasionally have problems with Bluetooth connectivity). The treadmill was highly rated because of its 22" color touchscreen that has attractive, sharp graphics and iFIT compatibility.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another high-scoring treadmill. It features a 10" display and features live and on-demand content from iFIT for running, walking and running. We like the ergonomically placed buttons that allow for quick adjustments, as well as the iFIT integration, which lets users to stream workouts on Zwift or Hulu Max with a subscription. The only drawback is that it does not have headphones or USB ports.
4. Comfort
The best treadmills are ones that feel comfortable to the person who is using them. People with larger bodies and longer strides should focus on the size of the deck and how much space it offers for running or walking and others may be concerned more about ergonomic features such as well-placed speed and incline control. We also looked for extras that make it a pleasure to use the machine, like front-facing speakers and a USB charging port, a small cooling fan, and plenty of places to store your water bottle and other accessories.
We also considered the storage of each treadmill. Not everyone has enough space in their home to accommodate a full-size machine. Fortunately, most of the treadmills we tested fold or have support arms that minimize their footprint when not in use. We tested the ease with which the machines folded and could be stowed away, how long it took to put them up, and whether they were easy to move on solid surfaces.
If you are planning to run a lot of hilly routes outdoors, it is important to be aware of the highest gradient. This is a vital feature that will help you prepare for more difficult outdoor climbs by mimicking the ascent with the treadmill.
In terms of the technology that is on each treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that are responsive and easy to navigate during an exercise, as well as an intuitive interface. We also looked for a non-glitchy design and whether or not the treadmill was compatible with third-party fitness apps. This helped us determine whether each treadmill offered enough cheap treadmills features to justify the cost. A quality treadmill at your home can help you overcome the difficulties of bad weather and expensive gym memberships. It will also boost your motivation to keep your fitness levels up.
5. Safety
A treadmill can be a dangerous piece of equipment if not used properly. It's a large, heavy machine with a belt moving at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. Those who use treadmills for walking and running should be careful not to lean on the hand rails, as this can throw off balance and result in injuries. The risk of tripping can also be caused by a messy area surrounding the treadmill. Keep it clean and clutter free during use and when storing it.
The most reliable treadmills will come with safety features such as an ejectable safety magnet that is that is attached to the belt. The magnet will detach and stop the belt instantly in the event that a runner is unable to maintain balance. This feature can protect the runner as well as others from serious injuries. This technology is usually found on treadmills at gyms. Home users should invest in one to lessen the risk of accidents that happen with home exercise equipment.
It is crucial to be attentive to the "beep" when the treadmill belt starts moving. Do not jump off before the belt has stopped. Many people make the mistake of jumping off the treadmill before the belt has stopped. This can cause serious injuries. Also, familiarize yourself with the location and usage of the emergency shut-off switch.
It's also a good idea to ensure that the treadmill is shut off and unplugged when you're done with it. This will reduce the chance of accidental use by children or visitors. It is also possible to keep it in a separate location with a clear space above and around it to keep others from touching it accidentally.