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April 17, 2023 6 min read
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.
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
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
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:
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.
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:
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
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:
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.
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:
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