Treadmill Buying Guide
Fitness is an important part of our lives. With the daily lifestyle shifting more towards sitting in front of a screen all day, staying active and keeping your body fit has become more important. Whether you want to set up a home gym or are planning on creating a gym at the office, you will need the right equipment. Treadmills are the most popular gym equipment that people go for and frankly if you have the space for a treadmill then why not buy one?
In this buying guide, we have gathered everything you will need to know when purchasing a treadmill. Whatever your needs for buying a treadmill may be, this article will help you select the treadmill that suits your needs perfectly.
Purpose of Purchasing a Treadmill
It is always useful to know the purpose of the treadmill in your home. Treadmills for professional gyms are supposed to be equipped with the best of features and are meant for cardio training. So, if you’re purchasing a treadmill for your home gym then you need to ask yourself what you need it for.
Age
There is no age limit to who can use a treadmill. Although we would advise against kids from using it. There is a limit to the kind of features you will need depending on your age. You can’t expect an 80-year old to have the same usage requirements of a treadmill as that of a 30-year old. Treadmills for older people usually requires low activity, hence you might need a lot of features. However, that may not always be the case.
It’s safe to assume that people of different ages might need different things from a treadmill. If you are using a treadmill just for cardio you need a certain type of treadmill. People training on the treadmill for marathons have different requirements and so on.
Budget
After taking into account the use of the treadmill, budget is the next important factor that makes a lot of difference. If you’re building a state of the art gym in your office you will need the best equipment. On the other hand, if you are creating a gym at home you will still need the best equipment but on a limited budget. Treadmills can range from $200 to $20,000. So, you really need to know what kind of treadmill you’re going for if you are on a budget.
It is also important to note that the most expensive treadmills might not have everything you need or might have too many features that you may never use. Do your research and find something that fits your budget and your needs. The same goes for anyone purchasing treadmills in bulk. Go for something that has all the features you need. If you manage to find treadmills that have all the required features and is below your budget, then you can bulk purchase.
Choosing a Treadmill
There are many factors you need to consider when buying a treadmill. From the frame size to the weight and deck cushioning, there are a lot of things that make up the perfect treadmill experience for you.
Deck Cushioning
Padding or cushioning in a treadmill is necessary so as to not shock your joint muscles when you start walking on it. The running track of the treadmill is made of a thick strap that sits on a relatively thick track. The deck rest on a metal frame and needs to have to cushion to avoid your joints from being injured when you step onto the treadmill. There are different deck cushion options available but variable cushioning is best. It offers different kinds of cushioning on the front, middle and rear ends of the running track providing you with optimal comfort.
Belt Material and Size
Good quality bet material is a must when buying a treadmill. This ensures that you will always have a comfortable treadmill experience and won’t develop any joint pains or injuries due to the material. Always go for something with ridges and a belt that looks like it can provide some friction for your shoes. Smooth and flat belts may not be the best idea, especially if you are planning on running.
If you don’t want injuries and long term aches and pains in your body then the size of the belt is an important thing to check before you buy your treadmill. Your strides when you walk normally and your height make a difference to the length of the belt you will need. The minimum length you should go for is 124 cm and around 45-48 cm wide. If you’re a tall human then go for something longer and wider as it will be way more comfortable for you to walk or run.
Belt Durability
The belt of your treadmill needs to be strong and durable. Since the belt is constantly under pressure and strain it makes sense to have a treadmill belt that is strong enough to take it. You must have heard of the term ply. It refers to the thickness of the material or in this case the treadmill belt. If you’re going for something on the cheaper side and only for walking, a 1-ply belt works great. A 2 or 3-ply belt is considered perfect for high-intensity workouts. Along with that you also need to look out for the stretch of the belt. Make sure that the belt is taut and non-stretch to avoid it from slacking over time.
Frame Strength and Weight
You always want a treadmill that is stable enough to handle all the movement and more. A wobbly treadmill is dangerous and can cause serious injuries. Avoid such problems and get yourself a treadmill that has crossbars. Crossbars ensure that you have more stability along with the overall width of the base of the treadmill. Additionally, the weight of the treadmill can help stabilise the entire thing. However, if you want to buy a portable treadmill for your home, make sure that the belt, cushioning and frame are sturdy enough. Portable treadmills are not heavy because they have to be moved around. Even then, we would recommend going for a treadmill that has at least 6 wheels for ease of movement. A treadmill may be portable but not necessarily lightweight so you will need the wheels to move it around without having to tilt it.
Treadmill Features
The treadmills available in the market come with multiple features and accessories. These can be quite handy especially when you have set weight or body goals.
Maximum Treadmill Speed
The standard speed for most treadmills is between 12 kph to 16 kph. However, there are many models out there that can go much beyond this limit. These models are usually available in professional gyms, are used by athletes or anyone training for marathons. But don’t worry you don’t have to be a sportsperson in order to have a treadmill that can go beyond the speed limit of 16 kph. You’ll find many models where the maximum speed can go up to 20 kph. There are very few models that have a speed limit that goes up to 24 kph.
Incline
Want the feeling of climbing a mountain in the comfort of your home or a gym? Well, an incline feature is what you’re looking for. Whether it is running or walking, an incline can really test your limits and help you achieve your body goals easily. You burn calories faster and tone up those calf muscles as well. Just make sure that if your treadmill’s incline can go beyond 8-10% your running or walking track should be longer. A short track can result in injury.
Accessories
Most treadmills nowadays come with useful accessories such as cup holders or bottle holders. It may not seem like it but bottles holders are extremely useful when you’re sweating for 30 minutes straight. Additional features include audio jacks to connect your headphones, Bluetooth, tablet holders and USB ports. Some of the treadmills available in the market and online come with an in-built app that can track your workouts. Just log in through your phone and it will record your progress from heart rate, weight, number of steps, distance covered and calories burned.
