How to Find the Best Treadmills
A treadmill is among the best fitness investment options you can make for your home. It allows you to work out according to your schedule and not worry about the weather or your journey to the gym.
A high-quality treadmill is also a great method to track your fitness progress over time. A treadmill is a must-have for anyone who is training for a marathon, or simply seeking to keep their fitness level.
1. Motor Vehicles
Look for a treadmill with a powerful motor when shopping. If you intend to run upwards of 20 miles per week and doing intense interval training, you should choose a machine that offers an uninterrupted 3.0 horsepower motor with a deck that's 60 inches long. If you're just starting out or simply want to walk or jog on occasion, consider a more compact model that has a 1.75-2.5 horsepower motor.
You must also decide if you'd prefer to choose a treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes or opt for an easier model that doesn't have the console. Some models can be folded to make it easier to store.
If you're looking for a modern treadmill with a sleek appearance and a wide array of features, look into the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top pick however it offers a smooth running experience with a user-friendly touchscreen and a great range of workouts available on-demand from live and virtual instructors. The controls for incline, which are located on the handrails allow for easy adjustment of speed and inclines during exercise. 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 more affordable than the Peloton Treadmill, but it comes with a great set of features. With its iFit compatibility you'll be able to access a variety of virtual workouts developed by trainers all over the world. The app is only available as a subscription which costs $39 per monthly. The treadmill also has a large 22-inch touchscreen and a cushioned deck. It can go up to 12 mph and has an incline range between -3 % and 15 percent for a more difficult exercise.
2. Design
Like any other piece of fitness equipment, the way in which a treadmill is constructed is crucial. If you're training for an outdoor race that has a hill you should choose a treadmill with the highest incline setting. If you like to follow classes, choose models with a large display and iFIT compatibility. This lets you access studio style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill workouts.
Other design elements we consider include adjustable speed and incline controls (on the handrails and the lower console) which adjust to your commands without you needing to touch the touchscreen, easy-to-use buttons, and an easy-to-use interface. We also take into consideration whether the treadmill folds and, if so how long it will take 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 massive difference in how easy they are to use and if there are any issues. We look at touchscreens, intuitive controls, user-friendly interfaces and other features when evaluating a treadmill in this category. We also consider whether treadmills can be folded and moved easily. This is essential for those who have to often move their treadmills around or have to squeeze them into tight space.
We were impressed by the Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill's responsive speed and incline adjustments based on previous workouts, its lengthy belt and comfortable cushioning, and the iFIT integration that gives access to virtual coaches, studio-style classes, Explore the World scenic runs, and off-treadmill exercise options (though it occasionally had trouble with Bluetooth connectivity). Its 22" eye-catching, crisp touchscreen with a color display and iFIT integration made this treadmill a top choice.
Another high-scoring treadmill is the ProForm Carbon T10. With 10" screen, it has live streaming and on-demand iFIT running, walking and jogging videos. We love the ergonomically-placed buttons that allow for quick adjustments, as well as the iFIT integration, which lets users to stream workouts on Zwift or Hulu Max with a subscription. The only issue is that there are no USB or headphone ports.
4. Comfort
The best treadmills are those that feel comfortable for the person who uses them. People with larger bodies and taller strides will want to focus on the dimensions of the deck and how much space it gives for walking or running, while others might care more about ergonomic features like well-placed speed and incline control. We also looked for features that make the bike more enjoyable to use, such as front facing speakers as well as a USB charger port and tiny cooling fans, or plenty of storage space for your water bottle and other accessories.
Then, we looked at the storability of each treadmill, as not everyone has space in their home for a full-size treadmill. Fortunately, most of the models we tested fold up or have support arms that reduce their footprint when they are not in use. We examined how easily the machines folded and could be stowed away, how long it took to put them up, and whether they were easy to move around on solid surfaces.
If you're planning to run many of the difficult outdoor trails it is important to take into consideration the highest incline of the machine. This is essential because it can help you prepare for more difficult outdoor climbs.
In terms of the technology used on every treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that are responsive and easy to use during an exercise as well as an intuitive interface. We also considered the design of the treadmill and if it was compatible with fitness apps that are made by third parties. This helped us decide which treadmills had the right features to justify the cost. Having a quality home treadmill removes the barriers of weather and expensive gym memberships, and can increase your motivation to stay in shape.
5. Safety
If not handled correctly the treadmill could be dangerous. It's a huge heavy machine with an incline that can move at speeds of up to 10 or 12 miles per hour. Avoid leaning on the handrails while using a treadmill to run or walk. cheap treadmills could cause injury and throw your balance off. A risk of tripping is also caused by a clutter-filled space around the treadmill. Keep it tidy and clutter-free during use and when storing it.
The best treadmills will include safety features such as a removable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner falls off their balance, the magnet detaches and stops the moving belt immediately. This feature can help prevent serious injuries to the runner and other users. This type of technology is typically found on treadmills at gyms. Home users should purchase one to reduce the number of accidents that occur with home exercise equipment.
When using a treadmill at home, it's important to pay attention to the safety "beep" that sounds when the belt begins to move and not jump off until the belt is stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt is completely stopped, which could cause injuries. Also, be sure to be aware of the location of the emergency shut-off button is located and how to use it.
It's also a good idea to make sure that the treadmill is turned off and unplugged once you're finished with it. This will reduce the chance of your children or visitors accidentally turning on and using it. It is also possible to keep it in a separate area with a clear space above and around it to prevent others from getting it in the wrong way.