Treadmill Reviews USA Guide – What To Look For In A Treadmill

While the prospect of owning your very own treadmill can be quite exciting, it can be challenging to choose a single model once you get to know about all the options available out there. Treadmills don’t come cheap either, so it’s best to do your own research first and decide on a machine that can cater to your workout goals while being comfortable, convenient, and durable.

At present, there are a wide range of treadmills available at various price points. Some may be no-frills, straightforward treadmills with basic running features. Others may have luxe web-enabled touchscreens, high-end parts, and everything you need for an enjoyable running session.

Once you set a reasonable budget for your treadmill, there are lots of features to keep in check to make sure you’re purchasing the best you can. Explained below are some details on what to look for in a treadmill.

Budget

In case you’re wondering about the price range for a decent treadmill, be prepared to spend at least $1000. Anything cheaper than this may not be up to your liking or of good quality.

It’s better if you can increase your budget to $1500 for more features, better motor power, and stability. Higher-end machines may cost up to $3000 with heavy-duty motors and fancier screens and specs.

Motor Power

Before you educate yourself on motor power, you should know that manual treadmills are also available as generally cheaper options \compared to motorized treadmills. It’s better to decide first if you need a manual machine or an electronic/motorized one.

The motor power of treadmills is measured in CHP (continuous horsepower). If you need a treadmill for casual use, a 2.25 to 3 CHP motor could work well for you. However, you’ll need a stronger motor if:

• Multiple people will be using your treadmill regularly
• Your workouts are going to be longer in duration
• You’re planning on using steep inclines frequently
• You’re going to run on the treadmill at high speeds
• You or other users are heavy

In such cases, at least a 3.5 CHP motor or more would be a safer buy.

Speed and Incline

Most top-of-the-line commercial and home treadmills offer maximum speeds of 12 mph which is suitable for athletes as well. Some ‘walking’ treadmills may offer lesser max speeds at a lower price. If you plan on running, choose one with at least a 10 mph maximum speed.

The incline feature on treadmills can be a great way to further challenge yourself, multiply your calorie burn, and tone your lower body through some resistance training while reducing impact on your joints. Most good treadmills offer maximum inclines between 10 to 15%. If you need dramatically steep slopes to walk on, you’d be better off with an incline trainer which may offer a maximum 30-40% incline.

The incline option on high-quality treadmills is conveniently electronic, but some do have manual incline that needs to be adjusted yourself after you step down from the machine. Some treadmills also offer a slight decline to mimic real-life downhill terrains as well.

Belt Size and Thickness

Belt size should be a concern especially if you are on the taller/larger side or if you plan on running on your machine instead of just walking. A minimum 48x18 inch belt should be good enough to accommodate regular people at higher speeds. Individuals over 6 feet tall need longer belts – around 52 to 54 inches for walking and running respectively.

The thicker the belt, the more it will resist wear and tear. 2-ply tread belts are always better in terms of durability.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a treadmill should be a concern if you have limited space to accommodate one. Ideally, you should leave a few inches of clearance at the treadmill’s sides and at least 8 inches behind it for your own comfort and safety.

Cushioning

Most treadmills now come with cushioning technology that reduces the force transferred to your knees, back, and joints with each step. While harder surfaces like road asphalt or a non-cushioned treadmill can be harsh on the joints and cause pain later, a cushioned running deck is shock-absorbing and protects you from such injuries.

Some treadmills offer cushioning which can be turned on/off in case you need to deliberately train yourself for road running. On the other hand, some higher-end ones are so cushioned that walking on them makes every step feel up to 7 times lighter than walking on grass!

Warranty

Treadmill warranty can be a useful indicator of its durability. You can expect solid, high-quality parts in machines with at least a 2-year parts and labor warranty. Good-quality treadmills mostly offer a lifetime warranty on frame, at least a 10-year motor warranty, and 5 years for electronics.

Folding

While you might think that a folding treadmill may make a difference for its portability, most are too heavy to allow easy relocation anyway, even when they have wheels. A folding option can be useful especially if you need your machine to save space when not in use. Some treadmills come with hydraulic technology that helps you fold the running deck up easily.

Display

Tech-smart treadmills with large, full-color, web-enabled touch screens are at the pricier end of the spectrum, but they can be worth the price if you value an entertaining and luxurious workout experience. More practical models may offer smaller screens with comparatively limited but still engaging options.

Budget-friendly treadmills more often have simpler backlit displays of your workout stats. What you should choose depends on how much you value such technology and the amount you’re willing to spend.

App Compatibility

Some machines are compatible with fitness apps to allow more scope for your workouts. For example, iFit-compatible treadmills offer live personal training with world-class trainers, thousands of workout videos, virtual running marathons, and real-life locations from around the world for virtual exploration. Such apps also track nutrition, sleep, and activity throughout the day through your smartphone even when you’re off the treadmill.

Stat Tracking and Heart Rate Monitoring

Stat tracking is another helpful feature that can allow you to keep records of distance, speed, calories, incline, and duration.

Some treadmills come with heart rate monitoring, either through pulse sensors in the handlebars or sometimes wireless Bluetooth chest straps. This can help you stay in the right heart rate zone according to your fitness goals.

Extra Features

Accessory trays, tablet holders, workout fans, built-in training programs, iPod compatibility, built-in speakers, and free iFit membership for a limited period are some examples of other perks that may come with modern-day treadmills.

There’s a World of Treadmills to Explore!

Now that you understand the importance of different treadmill specs, it’s time to make an informed purchase. There are all kinds of options out there for you, so it’s best to narrow those down with your budget and choose the best you can from there.

Read through detailed reviews on TreadmillReviewsUSA.com and make a decision your future healthy self will thank you for.