How to Find the Best Treadmills
The treadmill is an excellent investment for your home. It allows you to exercise on your schedule, without worrying about the weather or the commute to the gym.
A quality treadmill can also be a great tool to track your fitness level over time. A treadmill is an essential item for anyone training for a marathon, or simply looking to keep their fitness level.
1. Motor Vehicles
When looking for a treadmill, look for one that offers an impressive motor. If you plan to run more than 20 miles a week, and engage in intense training, choose a machine that has an unstoppable motor of 3.0 horsepower. The deck should be 60 inches long. If you're just starting out or simply want to walk and jog on occasion, consider a more compact model that includes a 1.75-2.5 horsepower motor.
You must also decide if you'd like to opt for a treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes or prefer an easier model that doesn't have the console. Some models can be folded to make it easier to store.
The Peloton Treadmill is a well-designed treadmill that sports a sleek design with an impressive array of features. It's a bit more costly than our top choice, but it offers smooth running and an intuitive touchscreen. It also has an extensive selection of workouts on demand from virtual and live instructors. The controls for incline, which are located on the handrails allow you to easily adjust the speed and inclines while exercising. 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 considering is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's cheaper than the Peloton Treadmill but has a lot of good features. Its iFit integration allows users to access a range of workouts in virtual form from trainers across the globe. You'll need a subscription in order to use the app, which is included for 30 days and costs $39 per month after that. The treadmill features a 22-inch touchscreen as well as a cushioned deck. It can reach an maximum speed of 12 mph and offers an incline adjustment range from between -3% and 15 percent for an exercise that is more challenging.
2. Design
As with any piece of fitness equipment, how a treadmill is constructed is crucial. If you're planning to train for a race that is hilly it is recommended to choose a treadmill with maximum incline settings that mimic outdoor terrain. If you like to follow an exercise class, choose models that feature a large screen and iFIT compatibility which lets you access classes that are studio-style virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic runs and off-treadmill exercises.
Other design elements we consider include the incline and speed controls that are responsive (on the handrails and lower console) that adjust to your preferences without having to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and a user-friendly interface. We also look at whether the treadmill can be folded and, if so, how long it takes to fold it. We also take into consideration if the treadmill needs assembly and if that procedure is quick and easy.
3. Technology
The technology used in treadmills can make a huge difference in how simple they are to use and whether or not there are any glitches. When we evaluate a treadmill in this category, we take into consideration touchscreens and easy-to-use controls. We also look at user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls and other tech features. We also look at whether a treadmill can be folded and transported easily. This is important for people who often move their treadmills around or have to squeeze them into tight spaces.
The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its quick speed and incline control in accordance with previous workouts, long belt, comfortable cushioning, and iFIT integration, which gives access to studio style classes, virtual coaches, and Explore the World scenic run options, in addition to off-treadmill exercise options (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes difficult). Its 22" striking, sharp color touchscreen and iFIT compatibility make this a top-rated treadmill.
Another treadmill with high scores is the ProForm Carbon T10. It sports a 10" display and offers live and on-demand content from the iFIT platform for running, walking and jogging. We love the ergonomically-placed buttons that allow for quick adjustments and the iFIT integration, which allows you 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
The most efficient treadmills are those that are at ease for the person who is who is using them. Some people with larger bodies and longer strides may be more concerned with the dimensions of the deck, and the amount of space it provides for walking or running. Others might be more concerned about ergonomic features like well-placed speed controls and incline controls. We also scoured for features that make it more enjoyable to use the machine, such as front-facing speakers, an USB charging port, a small cooling fan, as well as plenty of storage options for your water bottle and other accessories.
We also considered the storability of each treadmill, as there isn't always room in their homes for an entire treadmill. Fortunately, nearly cheap treadmill tested fold down or have support arms to reduce their footprint when not in use. We examined how easily the machines folded and could be stowed away, how long it took to set up, and whether they were easy to move around on solid surfaces.
If you plan to run many difficult outdoor trails, you'll also want to take into consideration the highest incline of the machine. This is essential because it can help you prepare for more challenging outdoor climbs.
In terms of the technology used on each treadmill, we searched for touchscreens that respond and easy to navigate during training and have an intuitive interface. We also looked at the design of the treadmill, and whether it was compatible with fitness apps that are made by third parties. This helped us determine whether each treadmill had enough features to justify the cost. 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 stay in shape.
5. Safety
If not properly used the treadmill could be risky. It's a huge, heavy machine with a belt that can move at speeds of 10 or 12 miles per hour. Be careful not to lean against the handrails when using the treadmill to run or walk. This could cause injury and cause you to lose your balance. Tripping hazards can also be created by a cluttered area around the treadmill. Keep it tidy and clutter free during the use of it and when storing it.
The best treadmills will have safety features such as an adjustable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner falls off their balance, the magnet releases and stops the moving belt immediately. This feature could prevent serious injuries to runners as well as other people. The treadmills in gyms are typically equipped with this technology, and home users ought to consider purchasing one to help decrease the number of accidents that occur when exercising at home equipment.
When you are using a treadmill at home, it's important to listen for the "beep" that goes off when the belt begins to move, and don't jump off until the belt is stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt has completely stopped, which could cause injuries. Also, you should be familiar with the position and operation of the emergency shut-off switch.
When you're done with the treadmill, it's a good idea to unplug it and switch it off. This will decrease the risk of unintentional use by children or visitors. It is also possible to keep it in a separate location with a clear space above and around it to keep other people from getting it in the wrong way.