How to Find the Best Treadmills
A treadmill is among the best fitness investments you can build for your home. It lets you exercise at your own pace without worrying about the weather and the commute to the gym.
A good treadmill is an excellent instrument to track your fitness improvement. If you're training for a marathon in the near future or simply want to keep your fitness level having a treadmill in your home is a must.
1. Motor
Choose a treadmill with powerful motors when shopping. If you intend to run more than 20 miles a week, and do high-intensity training, select a treadmill that has a continuous motor of 3.0 horsepower. The deck should be 60 inches in length. If you're a beginner, or simply want to walk and run on occasion, think about an option that is smaller and has a 1.75-2.5 horsepower motor.
Choose if you would like a smart treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes as well as an console or a basic model without one. Some models can be folded for easy storage.
For a smart treadmill with a sleek style and a plethora of features, check out the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top pick, but it combines a smooth running experience with a user-friendly touchscreen and a great range of workouts available on-demand from live and virtual instructors. The incline controls, located on the handrails allow for easy adjustment of speed and inclines during exercise. The only cup holders are made of plastic and only hold water bottles; there's no fan on this treadmill.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is another treadmill to consider. It's less expensive than the Peloton Treadmill but has a lot of good features. With its iFit compatibility it allows you to access a variety of virtual workouts designed by trainers around the world. The app is available as a subscription which costs $39 per monthly. The treadmill comes with a 22-inch touchscreen aswell as a cushioned deck. It can run at speeds of up to 12 mph, and also has an incline that ranges between -3 % and 15 percent for a more difficult exercise.
2. Design
Like any other piece of fitness equipment, how a treadmill is designed is important. If you're preparing for an outdoor race that has a hill it is best to choose a treadmill that has the highest incline setting. If you enjoy following an exercise class, choose models that feature a large screen and iFIT compatibility, which lets you access classes in the studio, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic runs and off-treadmill workouts.
Other design aspects we take into consideration are the incline and speed controls that are responsive (on the handrails and lower console) which adjust to your preferences without having to use the touchscreen, simple buttons, and a slick interface. We also look at whether the treadmill can be folded and, if so, how long does it take to do so. We also consider whether the treadmill has to be assembled and if it is a quick and painless process.
3. Technology
The technology utilized in treadmills can make a massive difference in how easy they are to use and if there are any glitches. When evaluating a treadmill in this category, we look at touchscreens and easy-to-use controls. We also look at user-friendly interfaces, easy-to-use controls and other features that are technologically advanced. We also look at whether treadmills can be folded and transported easily. This is crucial for people who move their machines frequently or need to squeeze them into tight space.
The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its quick speed and incline control based on 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 exercises off-treadmill (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes problematic). Its 22" attractive, vibrant touchscreen in color and iFIT compatibility made this a top treadmill.
The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill with a high score. It has 10" display and features live and on-demand content from iFIT to aid in running, walking and jogging. We like the ergonomically placed buttons that allow for quick adjustments, as well as the iFIT integration, which allows you to stream workouts via Zwift or Hulu Max with a subscription. The only drawback is that it does not have an audio port or USB ports.
4. Comfort
The best treadmills are those that feel comfortable to the person who uses them. People with larger bodies and longer strides may be more concerned about the dimensions of the deck and the amount of space it offers for walking or running. Others may be more concerned with ergonomic features like well-placed speed controls and incline controls. We also looked for extras that make it a pleasure to use the machine, such as front-facing speakers, an USB charging port, a small cooling fan, and plenty of places to store your water bottle or other accessories.
We also considered the ability to store each treadmill, as not everyone has room in their home to accommodate a full-size treadmill. Fortunately, nearly all the treadmills we tested fold down or come with support arms to minimize their footprint when not in use. We tested the ease with which the machines could fold and store away, how long it took to set up, and whether they were easy to move on hard surfaces.
If you plan to run many trails in the outdoors it is important to consider the maximum incline of the treadmill. This is an important feature that will allow you to prepare for more challenging outdoor climbs by simulating the ascent using the treadmill.
In terms of the technology on each treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that were responsive and easy to use during training and have an user-friendly interface. We also looked for a non-slip design and whether or not the treadmill was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This allowed us to determine if each treadmill offered enough features to justify the price tag. A high-quality treadmill at home removes the barriers of weather or expensive gym memberships and can boost your motivation to get into shape.
5. Safety
If not handled correctly the treadmill could be dangerous. It's a large and heavy machine that has an incline that can move at speeds of 10 or 12 miles per hour. Avoid leaning against the handrails when using the treadmill to walk or run. This can cause an injury and throw your balance off. A risk of tripping is also created by a cluttered space around the treadmill. Keep it clean and clutter free during the use of it and when storing it.
The most reliable treadmills will come with security features like a removable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner loses their balance, the magnet releases and stops the moving belt instantly. This feature is able to protect the runner and others from serious injuries. This technology is usually found on treadmills at gyms. Home users should purchase one to decrease the amount of accidents that occur with home exercise equipment.
It's important that you be attentive to the "beep" when the treadmill belt begins to move. home treadmills jump off before the belt has stopped. Many people make the mistake of stepping off the treadmill before the belt has completely stopped. This could result in serious injuries. Also, you should be familiar with the location and usage of the emergency shut-off switch.
When you're done using the treadmill, it's a good idea to disconnect it and shut it off. This will reduce the chance of unintentional use by children or visitors. It can also be kept in a separate location with a clear space around it to prevent others from accidentally touching it.