Treadmills

Treadmills are versatile cardio machines available in several distinct styles. Each type serves different training purposes, user needs, and biomechanical demands. All treadmill variants engage major lower body muscles and, to a lesser extent, challenge core and upper body stabilisation.

Treadmill Styles 

• Motorised Treadmills: Utilise electric motors to power the running belt. Most popular style for home and commercial gyms, offering programmable workouts, adjustable speed/incline, and various comfort features.
• Folding Treadmills: Designed for space-saving with a folding mechanism, typically ideal for home use in smaller rooms or apartments.
• Desk/Under-Desk Treadmills: Compact designs meant for walking while working at a standing desk. They usually have slower speeds and smaller footprints for safety and convenience.
• Curved Manual Treadmills: Feature a curved belt, completely non-motorized. User’s foot strike propels the belt, enhancing HIIT sprints and encouraging natural running mechanics. Often used for sports conditioning.
• Anti-Gravity Treadmills: Specialized models using differential air pressure to reduce effective body weight, helping with rehabilitation or high-repetition training.

Treadmill Benefits

• Cardiovascular Fitness: All running machines support heart health, endurance, and lung capacity over time.
• Weight Loss: Adjustable speed and incline promote calorie expenditure, especially during interval or incline training.
• Convenience & Safety: Enables running/walking indoors regardless of weather or daylight; built-in shock absorption may put less stress on joints than outdoor pavements.
• Versatility: Customisable workouts—steady-state, intervals, hills, walking, gentle rehab.
• Impact Reduction: Curved, cushioned deck or anti-gravity options lower impact on joints, useful for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Muscles Used on Treadmills

• Quadriceps: Knee extension during push-off.
• Hamstrings: Knee flexion, hip extension at late stance.
• Gluteus Maximus: Powerful hip extension, especially at higher speeds or inclines.
• Calves (Gastrocnemius & Soleus): Propel the body forward with plantarflexion.
• Tibialis Anterior: Stabilises ankle as foot contacts belt.
• Hip Flexors: Lift leg during swing phase.
• Core Muscles: Abdominals and obliques stabilise pelvis, prevent excess sway.
• Erector Spinae (Lower Back): Maintain posture, especially at faster paces or incline.

On curved  treadmills, running form is slightly altered—users must push the belt actively, increasing demands on hamstrings and glutes versus a motorised treadmill. Incline features on motorised treadmills magnify recruitment of the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings).

Upper body musculature is lightly involved: arm swing (deltoids, biceps, triceps) and torso stabilisation (upper back). Treadmills offer a lower-body-dominant, full-range biomechanical workout that can be adjusted for intensity, stability, and rehabilitation goals by selecting the appropriate model and setting.

Frequently Asked Treadmill Questions

How do I choose the right treadmill for my goals?

Assess fitness level, running vs. walking demand, available space, budget, and desired features like incline, programs, or connectivity.

Are treadmills suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners can start with slow walking and progress to running. Look for models with comfortable cushioning and intuitive consoles.

Is walking/running on a treadmill effective for weight loss?

Yes. Treadmills enable controlled cardio workouts; adjusting speed and incline can maximize calorie burn, especially through interval training.

What incline should I use?

A 1–2% incline simulates outdoor road running. Higher inclines engage glutes and hamstrings and increase intensity.

How accurate are treadmill calorie estimates?

They are rough calculations. Entering weight helps, but devices may overestimate by 15–20%. Heart rate monitors often provide more accurate data.

Do treadmills require special shoes?

No special shoes are required. Supportive running/trainers are usually recommended.

How much space do I need for a treadmill?

Plan for about 3 feet wide by 6–7 feet long; folding treadmills offer solutions for smaller spaces, allow safety clearance behind, contact us for advise with your space.

Are treadmill workouts as effective as outdoor running?

Yes, especially if incline and speed are adjusted to match outdoor terrain. Outdoor running provides terrain variation and wind resistance, but treadmills allow consistent, controlled training.

What’s the difference between home and commercial treadmills?

Commercial models are built for intensive use, durability, and higher weight limits. Home models may offer smaller motors and lighter frames.