Treadmills are arguably the best fitness equipment you can have in your home for cardio. There are many models on the market with countless features and it can be hard to figure out which is your ideal one. Also, your fitness goals, weight, height, budget, and how much space you have in your home are key factors for selecting the right treadmill. Below we list our six tips to help you with your selection when buying a treadmill.
Your Fitness Goal
Not every treadmill is designed for serious runners, different types of treadmills will work best for different fitness goals. Before you start browsing for a treadmill, you should think about which features you will need to reach your fitness goals and which ones you will never use. Cutting out the extra features will save you money and maybe some space.
If you will mainly be walking, then you will probably be fine with a lower horsepower motor, 10 MPH top speed, and a 20″ x 55″ belt size. If you are a runner who needs challenging workouts or interval training, then you will need a treadmill with a large running deck, motorized incline (maybe decline as well), 12 MPH top speed, and a strong motor.
Performance and Weight Capacity
Treadmill performance is directly related to the motor power and weight capacity rating of the treadmill. When looking for a treadmill try to make sure that the brand discloses its motor power in CHP (continuous horsepower) rather than HP (peak horsepower). Motor power is the most important spec we cover in our treadmill reviews because it will directly affect how long the machine will last.
Weight limit rating should also be considered before purchase, as a rule, your weight plus 50 pounds should be under the maximum weight rating of the machine. Also, the machine should not shake and lose its stability while you are using it.
Running Deck Size
Running belt size or treadmill belt size is very important for selecting the right treadmill to meet your fitness goals.
The belt width should be at least 20 inches wide for runners, but 22 inches is better. Larger users should also look for treadmills with 22″ wide decks for comfort.
A minimum of 50-inch long running deck is recommended for walkers and a 55-inch long is suitable for runners under 6 feet tall. If the user is over 6′ then at least a 60-inch belt is recommended.
Console Features
Do you need a basic console or a console with a touchscreen loaded with entertainment features to stay motivated? Many treadmills with Bluetooth connectivity can sync with third-party apps such as iFit or Zwift on a tablet which makes training more fun. High-end models come with large touchscreen displays and a trial membership to fitness apps such as iFit or JRNY. These are subscription-based apps that will require you to pay a monthly fee after your trial period ends.
These apps can stream workout content and give you training and nutrition suggestions. They can adjust compatible treadmill’s incline and decline to make you virtually experience real-world terrain with Google Maps or Explore the World apps. These apps are great for staying motivated after your purchase, so consider these benefits and the cost of subscriptions before choosing a treadmill.
Available Space
Treadmills are large machines and how much floor space you have is very important before getting one for your house or home gym. A folding treadmill is great to save some space when folded but you will still need a free workout area while you are using it. It is also important to look at the height of the treadmill when folded and check your ceiling height to avoid surprises.
Price
The more bells and whistles the treadmill has, the higher the price tag, the question is do you need all those features? While it is wise to spend a bit more and buy a treadmill with a stronger motor and better warranty, some features can be unnecessary for your use case. If you don’t like to listen to music during workouts, then it is not smart to pay more for a treadmill with Bluetooth audio capabilities. Additionally, be cautious of extremely low-priced models as they may compromise on quality and durability.
