Benefits of a Treadmill
Running is great for your health. However, it’s even better when you have a treadmill in your personal gym. Let’s see these benefits.
Lower Impact
There is a difference between running on a treadmill and pounding on concrete.
A treadmill is better due to the fact that it has easier surface for you to run on. It is even better when it comes with some shock absorption too. The treadmill also gives an even walking surface. Therefore, you don’t suffer from jolts as you walk or run.
Control
Another advantage of running on a treadmill is that you are completely on top of things. Depending on your fitness, you may want a simple walk or run, or an extreme run. It’s exquisite for humans of all health levels due to the fact you may personalize the exercising to your liking.
Due to the technologies embedded in them now, you see what your health level is and how hard you are exercising your body.
The best treadmills will show you all the important information that impacts your health and fitness. You will be able to track your progress over time.
Improved Cardio
One of the most obvious advantages that come alongside with going for walks or brisk jogs and runs on a regular basis is that it is fantastic in your cardiovascular fitness. First, normal aerobic exercise helps to improve heart fitness and the stream of blood in your body. More movement clearly ensures that your muscle groups get extra oxygen. This means that you have better endurance and can for longer periods without breaking down.
With improved cardiovascular health comes better blood pressure. Hence, if you are suffering from such issues as blood pressure, running on a treadmill can certainly help you. It can aid in stopping coronary heart ailment and the hazard of suffering a heart attack.
Another good thing from using a treadmill is that it eliminates harmful cholesterol while improving the level of good cholesterol in your bloodstream. The best treadmills include a heart rate tracker (monitor). It tracks your heart rate. This is especially useful if you are looking to keep your good health.
Usability
They are easy to use. All that is required is to press a few buttons, pick the settings you need, and start exercising. Even if for some reason you don’t seem to understand how to operate it, they all include guidelines that make matters as easy as can likely be.
Privacy
These units provide privacy. You don’t need to visit the fitness center or run on the road either.
Running on a treadmill is a good deal more secure than jogging outside. You don’t run the threat of being hit by a car or being kidnapped.
Some folks love privacy and hate being stared at as they work out. The treadmill affords you the opportunity to work out privately.
Features to Consider when Using a Treadmill
Before you purchase a treadmill, and mind you, the price can vary greatly, you should always consider the following features first!
Size and Space
Before you make a purchase, measure the ground area you propose to position your treadmill on, the same as you would’ve done whith any other item, as for example, elliptical. If you’re thinking about a folding treadmill, think about where you will store it when not in use. The sizes are often labelled by the manufacturer. Therefore, check these out before making a buying choice. Note the running space on the treadmill, as this will affect the overall size of the unit. In our opinion, a 22” wide belt is great for those interested in running. On the other hand, walkers might enjoy a 20” or thereabouts width.
Once that is sorted out, you may start thinking about the actual size of the treadmill. The typically home gym treadmills are about 7′ long and 3′ wide.
Even if you are looking at getting a folding treadmill, which is smaller than the usual option, it still needs space; especially when unfolded and in use. An example of a folding treadmill is the MaxKare Folding Treadmill.
Fortunately, foldable treadmills are very common now. Ensure to review the specs and dimensions of any unit you want before actually making a purchase, and calculate your area to make sure you have got sufficient room.
If you sit for long periods, probably because of your job, you might be interested in a desk treadmill. They are similar in function to regular treadmills. One of the first-class available on the market is the Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill.
Price
These are the cheapest you can find. Although you will likely be paying a ‘bargain’, at least initially, subsequent factors might make it a bad choice. They are often entry-level. They come with a short warranty period as well.
Since they are not made with the best quality materials, they are only good for occasional use. If you use them too frequently, they will break quickly. Some of the faults found in these cheap options include wobbly frames, small workout space, poor screens, little to zero programming.
As with the price level above, it’s hard to deliver all-round high quality at this price. Customers need to decide whether they want durability or engaging features: it is hard to find both in this price range. You’ll get a manual incline or contact heart rate tracker instead of more sophisticated options like a power incline or a wireless pulse tracker.
At this price, you can strike several bargains. Some of these machines have warranty periods that last for more than one year. They come with full tracks, power inclines and a variety of programs. Their displays are also better than those on cheaper models. Features like classic LCD monitors are commonplace on treadmills of this price. You might even get some with 7-inch touch monitors. They commonly offer speakers with an AUX port to stream music and occasionally come with wireless heart rate transmitters.
These treadmills are higher powered than cheaper options and very comfortable to use. Some of the features found here include steeper energy inclines, large touch displays, plenty of useful programs that track your performance and heart rate, and even wireless chest straps.
These treadmills are for folks that mean business. They are great for public gyms and can be used by several people. They are made from high-quality materials as well. However, the best bits about these lie in their features. While cheaper options might boast of similar features, (with 10″ touch monitors and spacious tracks, for instance) however, they might not last as long or deliver reliable performance. They usually have high-quality belts that last longer than others in their price range. These belts usually require little to no maintenance at all. They are also safer and more comfortable to work on. Thus can make your workout more productive and you’ll see better and faster results over time.
These are the absolute best options. As you can see, they cost quite a steep price. These treadmills include the incline trainer treadmills that help you burn calories faster, the high-speed treadmills for those looking for an intense workout and marathon runners, and high-grade luxury treadmill that deliver exceptional all-round performance.
They come with long warranty periods. Some features found in these treadmills include very high top speeds, outstanding absorption of shock and noise, bigger screens, Internet-enabled touch screens, inbuilt TVs, standard workouts programs and more. The best options in this price range have maintenance-free tracks, other features that make them to last much longer than cheaper models.
Features
Some of the capabilities aren’t necessary for cardio features, but they can enhance the workout and help keep you geared toward working. Some of these features include preset workout applications, Bluetooth speakers and TVs. Before you make a purchase, consider which of the features will truly help achieve your goals and which are simply vestigial. Remember, the more features you have, the less you can use, and the more expensive the treadmill might be.
Here are some of the features treadmill shoppers have to keep in mind:
Auto Incline
Treadmills with inclines make workout more thrilling for your ride. These treadmills come with several advantages over those without. Some of the benefits include: being easier on your joints, faster calorie elimination and weight loss, and vastly improved muscle toning.
When considering this factor, it is essential to think about the type of incline you want and what it will be used for.
The angle of incline will affect your performance. There are different types available right now. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has an incline of up to 15%.
Workout Programs
Most domestic treadmills nowadays offer integrated exercise applications that manage their velocity and incline. Keep in thoughts that the cheapest treadmills have simple programs, although the programs might vary in length and variety. Often this programming brings about a rate hike, so ensure that you would gain from the additional exercise programmer. This way, you can ensure that you don’t spend plenty of money on programs that will not help you.
Many treadmill brands allow you to choose other workout regimes aside from what automatically comes with the treadmill. Here are some of these extra programs that can help you get the most from your workout:
- iFit gives customers unlimited customized workouts through their month-to-month membership. Furthermore, you will get tutorial videos from some reputable fitness gurus. If you have the app synced with Google Maps, you can plan a route of your choice, and the app will let it be as if you were actually running on the route. This is usually a very immersive program. The treadmill will simulate the terrain. Therefore, you get the cadence of the ground. The treadmill manufacturers that presently offer iFit include NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
- Wireless Pulse Monitors will let you exercise greater efficaciously by providing accurate coronary data. Wireless coronary rate video display units provide the high levels of accuracy and some treadmills with wireless video display units. Additionally, the offer heart rate notifications for the best control; their preset exercise applications will adjust, and that will help you achieve your heart rate objectives. The Bowflex BXT216 has this wireless function embedded.
Accessories
Most treadmill manufacturers can help you customize your purchase. As you search out the satisfactory treadmill that meets your specific desires, consider the precise accessories that will help you reach your particular health dreams. These are some of the accessories to keep in mind as you make a buying decision.
- Treadmill Mats: It serves to protect the floors of your house. This is important to consider if you are putting the machine on a carpet. Since it is usually made from foam, it absorbs vibration and reduces noise levels of the treadmill.
- Treadmill Cleaning Materials: Since your wish is for your machine to last, you must regularly maintain it. An important way of maintaining it is by regularly cleaning it out. Some of the best models on the market come with cleaning accessories like brushes and agents. Before you start cleaning, though, ensure that you consider the user manual. That way, you’ll know the right materials to use.
- Entertainment Accessories: Using a treadmill can be fun when you have entertainment accessories. For example, many treadmills come with tablet or phone holders. You can watch these or listen to music as you work out. If you want, you can also use a TV stand.
Motor
A treadmill’s motor is arguably the most important part of the treadmill. CHP is the most important parameter since it tells you the amount of power the motor can churn out when working at maximum capacity. Most options on the market have between 2.25 and 4.25 CHP. Some come with 1.5 CHP or 5.0 CHP, but this is an exception instead of a rule.
In terms of HP, it is also an important aspect. There are different HP ratings on treadmills. The Spirit XT285, for instance, has a 2.75 HP motor.
The amount of power you need greatly depends on the kind of workout you intend to do and your body weight. If you weigh up to or more than 200 pounds, we recommend the following:
- Walking: > Choose 2.0 CHP
- Jogging: > 2.5 CHP
- Running: > 3.0 CHP
If you weigh over 200 kilos, then you should add an extra 0.5 CHP. Why? Well, it would take longer for a powerful unit to wear out since it won’t be running at full capacity all the time.
Most treadmill nowadays come with lifetime warranty, but as we discussed earlier, lower-priced models give awfully lot shorter motor warranties (anything from 2 to twenty-five years of coverage). So, it’s important to check what’s provided on the machine as the warranty period on the treadmill you’re considering before purchasing.
Track size
If you don’t have long strides, then this might not be important. However, if you are of tall or middling height, you should consider this factor. Today’s standards for treadmill track duration are 55″ for on foot treadmills and 58″ or 60″ for strolling treadmills. Some are shorter; as an example, the MaxKare Folding Treadmill has a 43” length.
Most of the options in the market come with 20″. However, for bigger people, treadmills that have 22″ inches belts are even better options.
Tread belt sturdiness
Durability is affected by three factors: thickness, metallic rollers, and lubrication.
The thicker the belt is, the better the durability. The ply number is a measure of the thickness. The higher the ply number, the better the durability.
Another essential element is the steel rollers that propel a treadmill. If you have big rollers, it makes it easier on the machine. A proper roller diameter for domestic treadmills is set at 2.5′.
Lubrication is some other essential factor in tread belt durability. The belts must be regularly lubricated to ensure quality and reliable performance. The best options on the market are usually almost maintenance free; those are commonly infused with silicone or some other lubricant.
Track support
Track support allows the treadmill to protect your joints. A properly cushioned treadmill can reduce impact up to 40%. Some treadmills have adjustable cushioning. Therefore, you can determine just how much support you want from the track. Some models come with differential cushioning. This means the level of support varies depending on your angle of impact and liftoff.
Weight Capacity
This varies from 250 to 400 kilos. The top pick, Exerpeutic TF1000 can convey up to 400 pounds. To ensure durability, we advise that your treadmill have the ability to carry at least 50 more pounds than your normal weight. If you weigh over 400 pounds, you may have to buy a more expensive product. Some more expensive options can carry up to 500 pounds of weight.
Storage and portability
As earlier pointed out, there are some foldable treadmills. These, as the name implies, allows you to fold up the treadmill after use.
Some of the smallest treadmills are portable. They can even come with tires. You can store these types of treadmills beneath a bed, at the back of a door or in a closet, especially the Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill, which being such a compact and light-weight model is also considered to be one of the best treadmills for seniors.
Safety
Safety is paramount. It is especially important when you have kids, pets, or older people around the home. One useful feature is Auto-stop.
Furthermore, a good treadmill should be stable. If it is unstable, it is a recipe for disaster. To that end, check out stuff like the base and the feet.
Warranty
When you head out to buy anything, it is important that you consider how much warranty the manufacturer is giving. The warranty period is an indicator of the level of trust the manufacturer has in their product.
Therefore, if the product has a short warranty period, it might indicate that it isn’t a very durable unit. However, some of the best options that we have reviewed come with lengthy warranty periods that show that the manufacturer believes in the product.
Noise
Since you are likely buying the treadmill for home use, you do not want a unit that will cause a racket. This is especially important if you live with other people or if you love to work out at night. A noisy unit can wake the neighbors and can cause a psychological barrier that won’t let you work out properly.
Aside from the comfort of your neighbors or housemates, a noisy unit will not allow you to hear the TV or music. If you like to watch the news or play your favorite songs as you work out, a noisy unit might prevent that from happening.
Ease of Assembly
If your unit is difficult to put together, you might find yourself with an opened box that hasn’t been used. While some of the units reviewed above come fully assembled, others do not. And it can be quite difficult for a novice or someone without DIY skills to put a treadmill together. Therefore, unless you plan on calling for professional help, it is essential that you buy a unit that you can put together.
Check out reviews from previous users. These will indicate the ease of assembly.
Ease of Use
If you have a unit that comes with the best features, it would ultimately be pointless if you have no idea how to use them.
Therefore, it is important that you choose a unit that is very easy to use. Some have tutorials and videos that can help you to get the best out of your equipment.
Manual or Motorized Treadmill
You need to consider which of these types you want to use.
A manual unit, like the MaxKare Manual Walking Treadmill uses your effort and strength to work. The belt will remain stationary until you climb on it and start running or walking. The advantage of such a unit is that you can use it without electricity. It is also much safer to use as children cannot turn it on.
The motorized, as the name implies, runs on electricity. It comes with several features and functions and allows you a wider variety of workouts. An example is the Exerpeutic TF1000.
