How to Choose a Treadmill Best
A quality treadmill can be an investment in your health and well-being. To ensure you choose the right treadmill for your needs, consider:
Look at a treadmill's motor power rating, also known as continuous horsepower (CHP). The more powerful the CHP is, the greater amount of work you can accomplish on a treadmill.
Some treadmills are more user-friendly than others. Certain treadmills feature features that can keep you engaged, for instance speakers built-in and interactive training programs.
1. Safety
In the wake of the tragic accident that took the life of a man who was using a treadmill, it's important to emphasize that even the most powerful equipment can be dangerous if it is not operated and maintained properly. This includes everything from the length of the belt, to the adjustable incline. Experts such as ACE-certified functional trainer Noelle McKenzie, rate safety as the top priority when selecting the right treadmill. They suggest choosing the model with a belt that is at minimum 20 inches wide. This allows for more mobility and reduce the chance of slipping off the treadmill accidentally.
The belt should also be made from an enduring material to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that it is properly attached to the machine. This will stop the belt from becoming a hindrance and allow you to feel more confident when running fast. It is also essential to wear appropriate footwear when running on the treadmill, like sneakers, not flip-flops or sandals. This will prevent blisters and soreness, which can lead to balance problems which could cause you to fall off the treadmill.
When you're running on a treadmill, it's also crucial to be attentive to the warning sound or 3-2-1 countdown before the belt starts moving. It's a good idea to practice this procedure so that you can get used to the sound and know when the belt is beginning to move. It's also recommended to use the handrails only when needed; leaning on them can make you hunch over and can cause back pain or even a knee injury.
It's also a good idea to keep your treadmill out of the reach of children and pets who may be curious about it. This decreases the risk of someone falling over it, in addition to decreasing the chance of a child or pet being dragged under the belt.
2. Convenience
You can train at home whenever you want instead of needing to schedule time to go to the fitness center. Some people prefer to bring their own treadmill home rather than buy one at the gym (which can be upwards of $2,000). The budget-friendly model we suggest, which has racked up more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is a great choice for those who don't require a lot of bells and whistles.
A top-quality treadmill will typically include features that will make your workout experience more enjoyable. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for example, has a large running surface and an eye-catching 22-inch touchscreen display. This makes it simple to enjoy your exercise. It also comes with slope and decline of 3% option, which is more difficult to find on a treadmill. It is also able to be connected to a streaming app like JRNY or Echelon, which has thousands of workouts. However, subscriptions can quickly become expensive.
Functional training specialist certified by ACE Noelle McKenzie says size is the biggest factor to consider when choosing the right treadmill, in addition to safety features like safety keys and rails. She also prefers a treadmill with an enormous LCD screen that displays stats during your workout, and comes with built-in interval training programs. She also mentions physical aspects like motor capacity and belt length as crucial to take into consideration when choosing the best treadmills. You want a treadmill you can easily set up and one that is quiet enough to use while watching television or working at home. A treadmill that folds up and includes wheels, such as the Lifepro Fitness PacerMiniPro Portable Treadmill, is a great choice for those who don't have lots of storage space at their home.
3. Performance
A treadmill is an investment in your fitness and a top-quality machine will help you reach your fitness goals faster than simply running on the sidewalk. We chose models that have features like incline adjustment with a built-in speaker, as well as the ability to monitor your progress using an app. However, the top treadmills offer a smooth, comfortable ride, and are easy to set up and use.
We've searched through the Strategist archives and talked to experts to find the most affordable treadmills that come with a variety of advanced technology features. This budget-friendly treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness has a monitor which displays distance as well as velocity and pulse. It's simple to put together and folds. It also comes with nine workout programs and three levels of adjustable incline. It will also ensure a smoother and more comfortable run due to the additional shock absorption that is built into the belt.
This treadmill from Peloton is another great option that's priced reasonably and comes with a range of intelligent features built into. It has a touchscreen that is 24 inches to stream workout videos and fast speed and incline control for easy adjustments as you follow an instructor. Plus, it's quieter and has a longer running deck than other treadmills in this price range.
The treadmill has a compact footprint that can fit under your desk or the closet. The treadmill also comes with a remote control and an app to track your steps, pace and calories burned. It's more expensive than other treadmills, but is a great option when you're planning to walk at work. The belt is long enough to accommodate taller runners, and it has a greater capacity to carry weight than other models in this price range.
4. Technology
A lot of treadmills have a variety of features that will enhance the overall experience. You might also consider a treadmill with preset programs integrated into the machine or through an app (like iFIT memberships, JRNY and Echelon United). It is also important to consider how much power the motor can produce. The heavier you are and the more you exert yourself, the more horsepower you will need, and the longer the track you'll need to cover.
If you're interested in cross training look into treadmills that connect to apps such as Peloton and Zwift for virtual training sessions with trainers and coaches. These types of machines can aid in promoting muscle development and flexibility, balance, and proprioception in ways cardio alone can't.
We looked for treadmills that had various of programming options, as well as those that had intuitive controls, user friendly screens, and a smooth operation. We also analyzed the ease with which it was to set up a treadmill and how long it took the process to be complete.
The best treadmills come with digital sensors that respond to your movements faster than analog sensors. This allows the motor speed to be adjusted more frequently. This provides a more comfortable running experience and reduces the stress on the motor.
A top treadmill will have a large screen that is easy to read and has plenty of buttons for adjusting the settings. We searched for quick-dial knobs on shorter handles on the front of the console to quickly increase the speed and the incline. In our tests, certain treadmills have touchscreen controls that are more responsive.
5. Design
We also consider the features of the treadmill, including touchscreens, a user-friendly interface with smooth programming, and how it performs in different conditions. For instance, we observed how the X22i treadmill, which sports 22-inch screens that are among the most responsive we've examined, allows you to follow classes in the style of a studio and virtual coaches using its iFIT software and streaming movies and music and works with fitness apps from third-party sources like Zwift.
The X22i also comes with a built-in 25 workouts, which is standard for treadmills; it's not much, but enough to give you the options. The treadmill is designed to help save space, too, by letting you prop up the belt with an adjustable lever when you're not using it. This will allow you to fit it into smaller spaces, and keep kids or pets away from it.
This lightweight, compact treadmill can run at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. It can be tilted by as much as 15%. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but its simple configuration and useful features make it an excellent option for people who don't have a ton of space at home or are just beginning to get started.
This treadmill is compact and foldable, making it a breeze to fit into even the small spaces. It is also a good option for runners looking to reach higher speeds. The controls for speed and incline are conveniently placed on the dashboard, making it simple to adjust your speed while running. The only issue is that it does not have an iPad holder and an adjustable cup holder that meshes for water, which might not be enough if training for an event.