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 commute to the gym.
A good quality treadmill can also be a great tool to track your fitness progress over time. A treadmill is essential for anyone preparing for a marathon or simply seeking to keep their fitness level.
1. Motor Vehicles
When looking for a treadmill, search for one that offers a powerful motor. If you intend to run more than 20 miles per week, and performing high-intensity interval training, opt for an option that comes with an uninterrupted 3.0 horsepower motor that has 60 inches of deck long. If you're just beginning, or only need to walk or run occasionally, consider the model that has an engine that's between 1.75 and 2.5 horsepower.
Decide if you want an ultra-modern treadmill that comes with a touchscreen, virtual classes and a console, or a simple model that doesn't have one. Some models fold up to make it easier to store.
If you're looking for a modern treadmill with a sleek design and a plethora of features, look into the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top choice however it offers an effortless running experience with a user-friendly touchscreen and an impressive range of workouts available on-demand from live and virtual instructors. The incline controls are located on the handrails and quick dials allow you to alter the speed and incline while working out. The cups are the only ones available and are only able to hold water bottles. There's no fan on this treadmill.
Another treadmill to consider is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's a bit more affordable than the Peloton Treadmill, but it comes with a great set of features. Its iFit compatibility allows you to access a wide range of workouts in virtual form from trainers all over the world. You'll need a subscription to use the app, which is included for 30 days and costs $39 per month after that. The treadmill features an interactive touchscreen of 22 inches as well as a cushioned deck. It has the maximum speed of 12 mph and has an incline adjustability range of 33% to 15% for a more challenging workout.
2. Design
As with any piece of fitness equipment, the way a treadmill is designed is important. If you're planning to train for a hilly outdoor race it is recommended to choose a treadmill with maximum incline settings that replicate the terrain of the outdoors. If you like to follow along with a class, choose models with a big display and iFIT compatibility. This allows you to access studio-style classes, virtual coach programmes, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill exercises.
We also consider the ease of using the buttons and the user-friendly interface. We also take into consideration whether the treadmill can be folded and, if so how long it will take to do so. We also examine whether the treadmill must be assembled and if that is a quick and painless process.
3. Technology
The technology utilized in treadmills makes a significant difference in how easy the machines are to operate and whether they have any issues. When evaluating a treadmill in this category, we consider touchscreens and intuitive controls. We also consider user-friendly interfaces, easy-to-use controls and other features that are technologically advanced. We also consider if the treadmill is portable and can fold at the touch of a button. This might be important for those who move their treadmills around their home or have to fit them in tight spaces.
The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its responsive speed and incline adjustment according to previous workouts, its long belt, comfortable cushioning and iFIT integration, which gives access to studio-style classes, virtual coaches, and Explore the World scenic run options, as well as exercises that are not on the treadmill (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes problematic). The treadmill was highly rated due to its 22" color touchscreen that has crisp, eye-catching graphics and the iFIT compatibility.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill that scores high. With 10" screen, it offers live streaming and on-demand iFIT running, walking, and jogging content. We like the fact that the incline and speed changes are simple to navigate through the touchscreen, as are the ergonomically-placed buttons for quick adjustments, and the iFIT integration that allows you to stream workouts from Zwift and Hulu Max (subscriptions required). The only drawback is that there are no USB or headphone ports.
4. Comfort
The best treadmills should be comfortable for those who use them. People with larger bodies and longer strides might be more concerned with the size of the deck, and the amount of space it provides for running or walking. Others may be more concerned about ergonomic features such as well-placed speed controls and incline controls. We also looked for features that make the machine enjoyable to use, like front facing speakers as well as an USB charger port, a small cooling fan, or plenty of storage space for water bottles and other accessories.
Then, we looked at the storability of each treadmill, because not everyone has room in their home for a full-size treadmill. Fortunately, most of the models we tested fold or have support arms that minimize their footprint when they are not in use. We evaluated how easily 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 many hills outdoors, you must consider the maximum incline. This is an important feature that will help you train for more challenging outdoor climbs by simulating the ascent with the treadmill.
We looked for touchscreens that were responsive and a user-friendly interface on every treadmill. We also looked for a non-slip design and whether or not the machine was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us determine whether each treadmill had enough features to justify the price. Having a quality home treadmill eliminates the obstacles of weather or expensive gym memberships, and can increase your motivation to get in shape.
5. Safety
A treadmill could be a danger to equipment if not operated properly. It's a large, heavy machine with a belt that moves at speeds of 10 or 12 miles per hour. Avoid leaning on the handrails while using treadmills to walk or run. This could cause injury and can cause your balance to be thrown off. A messy space around the treadmill could cause tripping hazards, so it's important to keep it tidy and clutter-free during use and storage.
The best treadmills will have safety features such as an adjustable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner loses their balance, the magnet disengages and stops the belt immediately. This feature can help prevent serious injuries to the runner and others. This type of technology is typically found on treadmills in gyms. Home users should invest in 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 "beep" that sounds when the belt starts to move and not jump off until the belt is stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt is completely stopped, which could cause injuries. Also, be treadmills for sale to familiarize yourself with where the emergency shut-off button is and how to use it.
It's important to ensure that the treadmill is turned off and unplugged when you're done. This will reduce the chance of kids or unintentionally visiting visitors accidentally turning on and using it. It is also possible to keep it in a separate space with a clear space above and around it to keep other people from touching it accidentally.