How to Find the Best Treadmills
A treadmill is among the most beneficial fitness investment options you can make for your home. It allows you to exercise at your own pace, without worrying about the weather or the commute to the gym.
A quality treadmill is also a great method to monitor your fitness progress over time. A treadmill is a must-have for anyone who is training for a marathon or simply wanting to maintain their fitness level.
1. Motor
Choose a treadmill with an efficient motor when you shop. If you plan to log up to 20 miles per week and performing high-intensity interval training, you should choose a machine that offers a continuous 3.0 horsepower motor and 60 inches of deck long. If you're just starting out or simply want to walk and run occasionally, you should consider a more compact model that has a 1.75-2.5 horsepower motor.
You must also decide if you'd like go for a smart treadmill that features a touchscreen and virtual classes, or if you prefer simple models without the console. Certain models fold for easy storage.
For a smart treadmill with a sleek design and a wide array of features, check out the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top pick but it provides an enjoyable running experience with an intuitive touchscreen and a wide variety of workouts on demand from live and virtual instructors. The controls for incline, which are located on the handrails, allow you to easily adjust speed and inclines during exercise. Unfortunately, the only cup holders are made of plastic and are only able to hold water bottles; there's no fan on this treadmill.
Another treadmill worth looking into is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's less expensive than the Peloton Treadmill, but it comes with a great set of features. Its iFit compatibility allows users to access a range of virtual workouts from trainers around the world. The app is only available as a subscription which costs $39 per monthly. The treadmill comes with an interactive touchscreen of 22 inches as well as a cushioned deck. It has the maximum speed of 12 mph and offers an incline range of 33% to 15 percent for an intense workout.
2. Design
The design of a treadmill is crucial as is any other piece of fitness equipment. If you are training for an outdoor race that is hilly it is best to choose a treadmill with maximum incline settings. If you like to follow the workout class, you should look for models with a big screen and iFIT compatibility which allows you to access studio-style classes virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic runs and other off- treadmill workouts .
Other design aspects we consider include responsive speed and incline controls (on the handrails and lower console) that can adjust to your preferences without having to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and a slick interface. We also consider whether the treadmill is foldable and, if it can, how long it takes to fold it. We also look at whether the treadmill has to be assembled and if that is an easy and quick process.
3. Technology
The technology utilized in treadmills can make a huge difference in how simple they are to operate, and if there are any glitches. When we evaluate a treadmill in this category, we consider touchscreens and intuitive controls. We also look at user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls, and other tech features. We also consider if treadmills are portable and folds with the touch of a button. This is important for those who frequently move their machines around their home or have to fit them in tight spaces.
The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its rapid speed and incline adjustments according to previous workouts, a long belt, comfortable cushioning, and iFIT integration, which provides access to studio-style classes, virtual coaches and Explore the World scenic run options, as well as exercises off-treadmill (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes difficult). Its 22" striking, sharp color touchscreen and iFIT compatibility made this treadmill a top choice.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill that scores high. It has 10" display and features live and on-demand content from the iFIT platform for running, walking and running. We like the fact that the incline and speed changes are easy to navigate on the touchscreen, as are the ergonomically-placed buttons for quick adjustments as well as the iFIT integration that allows you to stream workouts from Zwift and Hulu Max (subscriptions required). The only downside is that it doesn't have headphones or USB ports.
4. Comfort
The most efficient treadmills are ones that feel comfortable for the person who uses them. For those with larger bodies and longer strides could be more concerned about the dimensions of the deck, as well as the amount of space it offers for running or walking. Others might be more concerned with ergonomic features, such as well-placed speed controls and incline controls. We also looked for features that make the bike more enjoyable to use, like front facing speakers as well as a USB charger port as well as a small cooling fan, or plenty of storage space for water bottles and other accessories.
We also considered the storage of each treadmill. Not everyone has enough space to accommodate a full-size machine. Fortunately, nearly all the models we tested fold up or have support arms that reduce their footprint when not in use. We looked at how easily they folded and put away, how quickly they set up, and whether or not they were easily moved on solid surfaces.
If you are planning to run many hills outdoors, you should also take into consideration the maximum incline. This is an important feature that will allow you to train for more difficult outdoor climbs by allowing you to simulate the ascent with the treadmill.
In terms of the technology used on each treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that were responsive and easy to navigate during a workout as well as an intuitive interface. We also looked for a non-glitchy design and whether or not the machine was compatible with third-party fitness apps. This helped us decide if each treadmill had enough features to justify the price. A good treadmill at your home can help you get over the difficulties of bad weather and expensive gym memberships. It can also help you stay motivated to keep in shape.
5. Safety
A treadmill can be a dangerous piece of equipment if it is not used in a safe manner. It's a large, heavy machine with an incline that can move at speeds of 10 or 12 miles per hour. People who use treadmills for walking and running should not lean on the hand rails as this can throw off balance and cause injuries. A messy area around the treadmill could cause tripping hazards, so it's important to keep it clean and clutter-free during use and storage.
The best treadmills have security features such as a removable safety magnetic attached to the belt. The magnet will detach and stop the belt immediately in the event that a runner is unable to maintain balance. This feature can safeguard the runner as well as others from serious injuries. This feature is typically found on treadmills in gyms. Home owners should consider purchasing one to reduce the number of accidents that happen with home exercise equipment.
It's important that you pay attention to the "beep" when the treadmill belt starts moving. Do not jump off before the belt has stopped. Many people make the error of jumping off the treadmill before the belt has completely stopped. This can result in serious injuries. Also, familiarize yourself with the position and operation of the emergency shut-off switch.
When you're done using the treadmill It's a good idea to disconnect it and shut off the treadmill. This will decrease the risk of unintentional use by children or visitors. The fact that it is kept in a separate room and a clear space above and around it can prevent other people from coming into contact with it, as well.