Our Useful Treadmill Buying Guide

April 17, 2023 6 min read

Our Useful Treadmill Buying Guide

 

A treadmill is a great way to get a workout in without having to leave your home. But with so many different models and features on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Here is our treadmill buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Things to consider when buying a treadmill:

  • Your budget: Treadmills can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend.
  • Your fitness level: If you're just starting out, you'll want a treadmill with a low-impact design that's easy on your joints. If you're more experienced, you may want a treadmill with more features, such as a heart rate monitor or a built-in fan.
  • Your space: Treadmills can take up a lot of space, so it's important to measure the area where you plan to put it before you buy.
  • Your goals: What do you hope to achieve with your treadmill? If you're looking to lose weight, you'll want a treadmill with a variety of workout programs. If you're training for a marathon, you'll need a treadmill with a high-speed motor.

Types of Treadmills: 

We feature all the variants below in our treadmill section which then breaks them down into these 4 groups, for reference this section is Treadmill Models

  • Motorised treadmills: Non Folding treadmills have a motor that powers the belt. Electric treadmills are more expensive than manual treadmills, but they offer a variety of features, such as built-in workout programs, heart rate monitors, and fans.
Sole f85 Folded
  • Folding treadmills:Folding treadmills are a good option if you have limited space. They can be folded up and stored away when not in use.
  • Commercial treadmillsCommercial treadmills are designed for use in gyms and fitness centers. They are typically more durable and have more features than home treadmills.
Nohrd Curved Treadmill buying guide
  • Curved treadmills are a newer type of treadmill that is designed to provide a more natural and comfortable workout. Curved treadmills are a type of manual treadmill, which means they have no motor to power them. You provide the power to turn the belt as you run.


The shape of the Curved treadmill will also encourage you to run correctly, landing on the balls of your feet rather than the heels (a common problem among beginner runners). The ergonomics of the design will reduce the wear and tear on your joints, making it easier for you to run longer with a lower risk of injury.

Curved treadmills have been shown to increase cadence–more steps, at a faster rate–and burn more calories compared to regular treadmills.
Gravity and your body weight combine to spin the belt a little faster than with the flat manual treadmill, which makes the workout fractionally easier. The curved design also makes it easier to pick up speed, so you can run faster with less effort expended.

According to research, there are some pretty cool benefits to curved treadmills (vs. the motorized treadmill), including:

Ergonomic design promotes natural-feeling running

  • Easier on the joints compared to flat treadmills
  • Easier to hit faster speeds than on the manual treadmill
  • Burns more calories compared to motorized treadmills
  • Larger/longer deck and higher weight capacity
  • Perfect for HIIT and sprint workouts

    How to choose the right treadmill for you:

    Once you've considered your needs and budget, you can start shopping for a treadmill. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:

    • Read reviews: Before you buy a treadmill, read reviews from other users. This can help you get a sense of the pros and cons of different models.
    • Visit our store: If possible, visit our store and try out different treadmills before you buy. This will help you find one that is the right size and has the features you want.
    • Ask questions: If you have any questions about treadmills, ask us by calling 01536 802333 or use our chat function at the bottom right hand corner & we would be delighted to help.

    Treadmill Features to Suit you

    Motor Size

    Sure. The motor size of a treadmill is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. The motor is responsible for powering the treadmill belt, so a larger motor will be able to handle higher speeds and inclines. If you are a heavier person or plan on using the treadmill for vigorous workouts, you will need a treadmill with a larger motor.

    The average motor size for a treadmill is 2.5 horsepower. However, there are treadmills available with motors as small as 1.5 horsepower and as large as 5 horsepower.

    The type of motor also matters. There are two main types of motors: continuous duty (CD) and peak duty (PD). CD motors are designed to run continuously at high speeds, while PD motors are designed to provide short bursts of power.

    Shock Absorbing Deck

    Makes all the difference to the impact on your knees and joints. A treadmill that has shock absorption should have a little give when you walk on it, but not feel at all spongy (this could cause more problems). Most mid to top end machines will have this as a standard feature, but it is definitely worth having if you are going to do some serious training on the machine.

     Check the technical details for the maximum weight as well as whether it is included in the warranty.

     Incline - Decline

    If you're looking to use this for a high-intensity cardio workout, then you will likely want to adjust the intensity and training styles. The running deck's incline is a key function for many users, so make sure it is included with the model you are eyeing. More expensive models may provide a decline feature to give a more realistic hill-running experience.

     Monitor Functionality

    Any treadmill monitor should offer essential features like time traveled, distance traveled, speed, and incline settings (if the treadmill offers incline). Additional features may include heart rate, pre-programmed workouts, and objectives. Innovative manufacturers now equip some monitors with LCD screens that also offer TV and Internet access.

     Warranty

    As always use a little common sense and check that the machine comes with a warranty that covers the motor, deck and any manufacturer parts and the electronics. You should also consider the after sales service side - does the manufacturer have a dedicated customer service line.

    Is a Digital Experience for me

    Zwift and Strava are two popular fitness apps that can be used to enhance your treadmill experience. Zwift is a virtual cycling and running platform that allows you to connect with other users and compete against them in real time. Strava is a social fitness app that allows you to track your workouts and share them with your friends.

    If you are looking for a more immersive treadmill experience, Zwift is a great option. Zwift uses your treadmill's speed and incline data to create a virtual world that you can explore while you run or ride. You can race against other users, complete challenges, and explore different virtual worlds.

    Strava is a great option if you are looking for a way to track your workouts and stay motivated. Strava allows you to track your distance, speed, and elevation gain. You can also connect with your friends and see how they are doing.

    Both Zwift and Strava can be used with a variety of treadmills. If your treadmill does not have a built-in Zwift or Strava app, you can use a third-party device, such as a tablet or smartphone, to connect to the apps.

    Here are some of the benefits of using Zwift and Strava with your treadmill:

    • More immersive experience: Zwift and Strava can make your treadmill workouts more immersive by allowing you to explore virtual worlds or track your progress against your friends.
    • Motivation: Zwift and Strava can help you stay motivated by allowing you to compete against other users, complete challenges, and track your progress.
    • Safety: Zwift and Strava can help you stay safe by allowing you to connect with other users and share your location.

    If you are looking for a more immersive and motivating treadmill experience, Zwift and Strava are great options. Further reading with our choosing a Treadmill for Zwift article

     

    Taking care of your treadmill:

    Once you've bought a treadmill, it's important to take care of it so that it lasts for years to come. Here are a few tips:

    • Clean the belt regularly: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the belt.
    • Lubricate the motor: Every few months, lubricate the motor with a light oil.
    • Inspect the treadmill regularly: Inspect the treadmill for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any damage, repair it immediately.

    By following these tips, you can choose the right treadmill for your needs and take care of it so that it lasts for years to come.

     

      Concluding thoughts

    Treadmills are generally, the fastest way to lose weight with cardio machines. You get the benefits of long, steady-state training (maximum fat burning) and heightened metabolic burn through intervals and sprints.

    So, here’s how to choose the type of treadmill that suits your specific goals:

    • If you’ve got a home gym with plenty of space and plan on doing variable running—walking, running, and sprinting–a motorized treadmill is your best option.
    • If you’re concerned about space, the compact folding treadmill will be the treadmill for you.
    • If you want to work on sprints, running form or running/fitness training, then a curved treadmill would be ideal.

     

     

     

     


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