How to Find the Best Treadmills
A treadmill is among the most beneficial fitness investments you can make for your home. It lets you exercise at your own speed, without worrying about the weather and the journey to the gym.
A good quality treadmill is also a great way to track your fitness progress over time. A treadmill is a must-have for anyone preparing for a marathon or just seeking to keep their fitness level.
1. Motor
Look for a treadmill with powerful motors when shopping. If you intend to run more than 20 miles per week, and do high-intensity training, you should choose a treadmill with an all-time motor of 3.0 horsepower. The deck should measure 60 inches in length. If you're a beginner or simply need to walk or run occasionally, consider the model that has an engine that's between 1.75 and 2.5 horsepower.
You should also decide if you'd prefer to go for a smart treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes or if you prefer a more basic model without a console. Certain models fold for easy storage.
For a smart treadmill with a sleek design and a wide array of features, look into the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top choice but it provides a smooth running experience with an intuitive touchscreen and a wide variety of workouts on demand with instructors who are live and virtual. The incline controls are located on the handrails. The quick dials make it easy to adjust speeds and inclines while working out. The only cup holders are made of plastic and only hold water bottles; there's no fan on this treadmill.
Another treadmill worth looking into is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's a bit more affordable than the Peloton Treadmill, but it offers a number of features. With its iFit integration, you can access a variety virtual workouts developed by trainers around the world. The app is accessible with a subscription, which costs $39 per monthly. The treadmill comes with a 22-inch touchscreen aswell as a cushioned deck. It has a maximum speed of 12 mph and has an incline range of between -3% and 15% for a more challenging workout.
2. Design
Like any other piece of fitness equipment, how a treadmill is constructed is crucial. If you are training for an outdoor race that is a bit hilly it is best to select a treadmill with the highest incline settings. If you enjoy following the class pick models with a big display and iFIT compatibility. This allows you to access studio-style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill workouts.
Other design aspects we consider include adjustable speed and incline controls (on the handrails and the lower console) which adjust to your preferences without having to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and a user-friendly interface. We also take into consideration whether the treadmill is foldable and if it is the case, how long it will take to do so. We also consider whether the treadmill needs to be put together and if it's an easy and quick process.
3. Technology
The technology utilized in treadmills makes a significant difference in the ease with which they are to use and if they have any issues. We consider touchscreens, intuitive controls, user-friendly interfaces and other tech features when scoring a machine in this category. We also take into consideration if treadmills are portable and can fold at the press of a button, which might be important for those who move their machines around their home or have to place them in tight spaces.
We were impressed by the Nordictrack 1250 treadmill's responsive speed and incline adjustments based on past workouts, its long belt and cushioning that is comfortable, as well as the iFIT integration that provides access to studio-style classes, virtual coaches, Explore the World scenic runs, as well as off-treadmill training options (though it sometimes had issues with Bluetooth connectivity). The treadmill was highly rated because of its 22" color touchscreen that has crisp, eye-catching graphics and iFIT compatibility.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill that scores high. With 10" screen, it has on-demand live and on-demand iFIT running, walking and jogging video. We like the ergonomically placed buttons for quick adjustments and the iFIT integration, which lets users to stream workouts on Zwift or Hulu Max with a subscription. It's only downside is that there are no USB or headphone ports.
4. Comfort
treadmill sales are ones that feel comfortable for the person who is using them. Those with bigger bodies and longer strides should concentrate on the size of the deck and the amount of space it provides for running or walking while others might be more about ergonomic features like well-placed speed and incline controls. We also looked for features that make the machine more enjoyable to use, like front facing speakers as well as the USB charger port, a small cooling fan, or plenty of storage space for your water bottle and other accessories.
We also considered the ability to store each treadmill, since not everyone has space in their homes for a full-size treadmill. Fortunately, the majority of the treadmills we tested fold or have support arms that reduce their footprint when they are not in use. We tested the ease with which the machines folded and could be stowed away, how long it took to set up, and whether they were easy to move on solid surfaces.
If you plan on running lots of hills outdoors, you must consider the maximum gradient. This is a crucial feature that will help you train for more challenging outdoor climbs by allowing you to simulate the ascent using the treadmill.
We looked for touchscreens that were responsive and a simple interface on every treadmill. We also looked for a non-slip appearance and whether the machine was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us determine whether each treadmill offered enough features to justify the cost. A good treadmill at your home can help you get over the challenges of bad weather and expensive gym memberships. It can also help you stay motivated to keep in shape.
5. Safety
If not handled correctly, a treadmill can be risky. It's a massive, heavy machine with a belt moving at speeds up to 12 miles per hour. Anyone who uses a treadmill for walking and running should avoid leaning on the hand rails, because this could throw off balance and cause injury. The risk of tripping can also be caused by a messy space around the treadmill. Keep it tidy and clutter-free during storage and during use.
The best treadmills come with safety features, such as an adjustable safety magnetic that is connected to the belt. The magnet will break off and stop the belt right away in the event that a runner is unable to maintain balance. This feature is able to protect the runner and others from serious injuries. This feature is typically used on treadmills in gyms. Home owners should consider purchasing one to reduce the number of accidents that happen with home exercise equipment.
When you are using a treadmill at home, it is important to listen for the safety "beep" that sounds when the belt starts to move, and don't jump off until the belt has stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt is completely stopped, which could lead to injuries. Also, make certain to know where the emergency shut-off button is and how to use it.
After you've finished using the treadmill, it's a good idea to unplug it and switch it off. This will reduce the chance of your children or visitors inadvertently turning on and using it. It is also possible to keep it in a separate space with an open space above and around it to stop others from touching it accidentally.