How to Find the Best Treadmills
The treadmill is a fantastic investment for your home. It allows you to work out on your schedule and not worry about the weather or the journey to the gym.
A high-quality treadmill is also a great method to monitor your fitness progress over time. If you're preparing for an upcoming race or simply want to keep your fitness level having a treadmill at home is an essential item.
1. Motor Vehicles
Look for a treadmill with an efficient motor when you shop. If you plan on logging up to 20 miles per week, and doing intense interval training, you should choose one that has a continuous 3.0 horsepower motor that has a deck that's 60 inches 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.
Decide if you want an ultra-modern treadmill that comes with a touchscreen as well as virtual classes, a console or a basic model without one. home treadmills can be folded to make storage easier.
The Peloton Treadmill is a smart treadmill that sports a sleek design with an impressive range features. It's more expensive than our top pick, but it combines an effortless running experience with a user-friendly touchscreen and an impressive range of workouts available on-demand from instructors both live and virtual. The incline controls, which are located on the handrails allow for easy adjustment of the speed and inclines while exercising. Unfortunately, the only cup holders are plastic and are only able to hold water bottles; there's no fan on this treadmill.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is another treadmill worth considering. It's a bit less expensive than the Peloton Treadmill, but it offers a number of features. With iFit's compatibility, you can access a range of workouts designed by trainers around the world. The app is available as a subscription that costs $39 per month. The treadmill also comes with a large 22-inch touchscreen and a cushioned deck. It can reach the maximum speed of 12 mph and has an incline adjustment range from -3% to 15% for an exercise that is more challenging.
2. Design
The design of a treadmill is vital, just like any other piece of fitness equipment. If you're planning to train for a race that is hilly it is recommended to choose an exercise machine with the highest incline settings that replicate the terrain outdoors. If you're interested in following the class select models with a big display and iFIT compatibility. This lets you access studio style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic run, and other off-treadmill exercises.
Other design factors that we take into consideration are the incline and speed controls that are responsive (on the handrails as well as the lower console) which adjust to your needs without needing to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and an easy-to-use interface. We also look at whether the treadmill is foldable and, if so then how long it will take to fold it. We also look at whether the treadmill needs to be assembled and if that is an easy and quick process.
3. Technology
The technology used on treadmills makes a big difference in the ease with which they are to use and if they are prone to glitches. We consider touchscreens as well as user-friendly controls, intuitive interfaces, and other technological features when evaluating a treadmill in this category. We also look at the possibility of a treadmill being folded and transported easily. This is important for those who often move their treadmills around or need to squeeze them into tight space.
We were impressed with the Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill's receptive speed and incline adjustments based upon previous workouts, its lengthy belt and comfortable cushioning, and the iFIT integration that allows access to virtual coaches, studio-style classes, Explore the World scenic runs, as well as off-treadmill training options (though it did occasionally have issues with Bluetooth connectivity). This treadmill was rated highly due to its 22" color touchscreen that has crisp, eye-catching graphics and iFIT compatibility.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill that scores high. With a 10" screen, it offers live streaming and on-demand iFIT running, walking, and jogging content. We like the fact that the speed and incline adjustments 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 offer an audio port or USB ports.
4. Comfort
The most effective treadmills are those that feel 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 controls for speed and incline. We also looked for extras that make it more enjoyable to use the machine, including front-facing speakers, a USB charging port and small cooling fan, and plenty of storage options for your water bottle or other accessories.
We also looked at the storage options of each treadmill. Not everyone has enough space in their homes to accommodate a full-size machine. Fortunately, most of the models we tested fold up or have support arms to reduce their footprint when not in use. We evaluated how easily they folded up and put away and set up, how quickly they could be set up and whether they were easily moved on solid surfaces.
If you plan on running lots of hills outdoors, it is important to consider the maximum gradient. This is a crucial feature that will help you prepare for more challenging outdoor climbs by mimicking the ascent using the treadmill.
In terms of the technology on each treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that respond and easy to navigate during training as well as an intuitive interface. We also sought out a non-slip design and whether or not the treadmill was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us determine if each treadmill had enough features to justify the price. A quality treadmill at your home can help you overcome the obstacles of bad weather and costly gym memberships. It can also help you stay motivated to keep in shape.
5. Safety
A treadmill could be a risky piece of equipment if it is not used in a safe manner. It's a heavy, large machine that has a belt that moves at speeds up to 12 or 10 miles per hour. Be careful not to lean against the handrails while using a treadmill to walk or run. This can result in injury and cause you to lose your balance. A cluttered area around the treadmill could cause tripping hazards, so it's essential to keep it tidy and clutter-free during use and storage.
The most reliable treadmills will come with security features like an adjustable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner falls off their balance, the magnet releases and stops the belt instantly. This feature could prevent serious injuries to runners as well as other people. This technology is usually used on treadmills in gyms. Home owners should consider purchasing one to decrease the amount of accidents that can occur on home exercise equipment.
When using a treadmill at home, it's crucial to listen for the "beep" that sounds when the belt starts to move. Don't leap off until the belt is stopped. Many people make the error of stepping off the treadmill before the belt has completely stopped. This can cause serious injuries. Also, be sure to be aware of where the emergency shut-off button is located and how to use it.
It's also a good idea to ensure that the treadmill is shut off and unplugged after you're done. This can reduce the risk of children or unsuspecting visitors accidentally turning it on and running. It can also be kept in a separate space with a clear space above and around it to prevent others from getting it in the wrong way.