How to Choose a Treadmill Best

A good treadmill can be an investment in your overall health and wellbeing. To ensure that you select the most suitable treadmill for your needs, consider:

The continuous horsepower (CHP) rating of a treadmill is also important. The higher the CHP rating, the better you can accomplish on a treadmill.

Some treadmills are more user-friendly than others. Features such as built-in speakers and interactive training programs can help you avoid boredom and keep you motivated.

1. Safety

It is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated equipment, if it is not used and maintained properly, can be dangerous. This encompasses everything from the dimensions and inclined of the belt to the ability to adjust it. Experts such as ACE-certified functional fitness specialist Noelle McKenzie rate safety as the most important factor when selecting a treadmill, and recommend that you choose one with a belt at least 20 inches wide in order to allow for movement and reduce the chance of falling off accidentally.

The belt must also be made from a durable material to avoid wear and tear, and it is crucial to ensure that it is securely connected to the machine. This stops the belt from becoming a tripping hazard and can help you feel confident when running at high speed. When you're running on a treadmill, it's important to wear the right footwear, such as sneakers and not flip-flops or sandals. This can help to avoid blisters and sore feet which could lead to balance issues that could result in you falling off the treadmill.

When you're using a treadmill, it's also important to listen for the safety beep or 3-2-1 countdown before the belt starts moving. It's an excellent idea to practice this procedure so that you're able to get used to the sound and understand when the belt starts moving. Use the handrails only when you need to. Leaning against them will cause you to hunch and may even lead to a treadmill injury.

Also, it's recommended to keep your treadmill out of the reach of children and pets who may be curious about it. This will decrease the risk of someone slipping over it and falling as well as the possibility of a pet or child being dragged under the belt.

2. Convenience

You can exercise at home whenever you want, rather than having to make time to go to the fitness center. That's why some people prefer bringing a treadmill to their homes instead of purchasing one at a gym (which could cost up to $2,000). The budget-friendly model we suggest, which has racked up more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, is an ideal option for those who don't need many bells and whistles.

A high-end treadmill will usually include features that will make your workout experience more enjoyable. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for example, has a large running surface as well as a striking 22-inch touchscreen display. This makes it easier to enjoy a exercise. The machine also has a 3% decline and incline options, which are difficult to find on treadmills. It also has the option to connect to streaming apps like JRNY or Echelon United which provides thousands of workouts, however keep in mind that subscriptions can be expensive.

Functional training specialist ACE-certified Noelle McKenzie says size is the most important aspect to consider when choosing a treadmill, as are safety features like safety keys and rails. She prefers treadmills that have a large LCD display that displays stats as you exercise and has built-in programs for interval training. She also cites physical factors like motor capacity and belt length as important to consider when looking for the top treadmills. Ultimately, you need a treadmill that is easy to set up and runs quietly enough that you can use it while watching TV or working from home. A treadmill that folds down and includes wheels, such as the Lifepro Fitness PacerMini Pro Portable Treadmill, is the ideal option for those who have a limited amount of storage space at their home.

3. Performance

A treadmill is an excellent investment in your health. It will aid you in reaching your fitness goals quicker than jogging on the sidewalk. We've picked models with features like the ability to adjust the incline, integrated speakers, and the capability to track your progress using an app. But the top treadmills offer a smooth, comfortable ride and are simple to set up and use.

We've searched through the Strategist archives as well as spoken with experts to determine the most affordable treadmills, with a variety of smart tech features. This budget-friendly model from Sunny Health & Fitness is simple to assemble, folds, and has a monitor that displays your distance, speed, and pulse. It also includes nine exercises and three levels of adjustable inclines. It also promises a smoother ride due to the additional shock absorption integrated into the belt.

This treadmill from Peloton is a great alternative that's priced reasonably and comes with various intelligent features built into. It comes with a 24-inch touchscreen to stream workout videos, and fast speed and incline control for quick adjustments as you follow along with an instructor. Additionally, it's quieter and has a wider running deck than other treadmills in this price range.

This treadmill has a tiny footprint that fits under your desk or a closet. The treadmill also has a remote control and an app that tracks your pace, steps and calories burned. It's a little pricier than some other treadmills, however, it's an excellent option if you plan to exercise while working at your desk. Its belt is wide enough to accommodate taller runners, and it has a greater weight capacity than other models at this price.

4. Technology

Many treadmills come with a range of features that will enhance the workout experience. Along with a gorgeous touchscreen, you might require a treadmill with preset programs that can be integrated into the machine, or via a streaming app (like iFIT memberships as well as JRNY and Echelon United). Also, you should consider the power of the motor. The heavier you are and the harder you work the more horsepower and the longer track you need.

Consider a treadmill with apps like Peloton or Zwift that allow you to do virtual workouts in conjunction with trainers and coaches. These machines are able to help with muscle development, flexibility and balance as well as proprioception, in a way that cardio alone can't.

We looked for treadmills that had various of programming options, as well as those with intuitive controls, user friendly screens, and a smooth operation. We also analyzed how easy it was to set up a treadmill and how long it took the process to be completed.

Some of the best treadmills come with digital sensors that react to your movements faster than analog sensors. This lets the motor adjust the speed of the belt more frequently, which results in a smoother running experience and reduces strain on the motor.

A quality treadmill should have a clear display with numerous buttons that make setting the settings an easy task. We searched for quick dial knobs on short handles located at the front of consoles to increase the speed or anincline. Some treadmills also have touchscreen buttons that are more responsive than others in our tests.

5. Design

We also take a look at the technology that goes with a treadmill best with a focus on things such as touchscreens, a simple interface, non-glitchy programming, and the way it performs under various conditions. For instance, we saw how the X22i treadmill, which has 22-inch screens that are one of the most responsive that we've tested, allows you to follow classes in the style of a studio and virtual coaches through its iFIT programming and stream music and movies, and integrates with third-party fitness apps like Zwift.

The X22i has 25 exercises built-in it, which is typical for treadmills for home. It's not a massive amount, but it offers a few options. The treadmill can also be adjusted to be smaller in size by using an adjustment lever to raise the belt when it is not in use. This can keep pets and children away from the treadmill.

This compact, lightweight treadmill can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and be tilted by as much as 15%. This treadmill is a bit more expensive than other models, but it's a breeze to set up and comes with useful features that make it an ideal option for those just beginning their journey or don't have much space in their home.

This treadmill is among the most compact we've tested, featuring the ability to fold down, making it possible to fit into even the tightest of spaces. It's also a good choice for those who want to go up to faster speeds. It has speed and incline controls that are splashed across the dashboard to make easy quick adjustments. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with a tablet holder and the mesh cup holder isn't enough for training.