Find and Compare Treadmills

Treadmills

Whether you’re shopping for a home treadmill or deciding which one to use at the gym, there are some basic features that differentiate a run-of-the-mill machine from a really good one. Most of these features can be easily identified even for those who are new to fitness, so it’s important to look for them on any basic piece of equipment.

Quick Start Electronic Feature. If you know little or nothing about treadmills, having a Quick Start feature can save you a lot of trouble. Pre-set programs for fat burning, cardio and running can also make it easier to stick to a workout routine and to customize the routine to fit your current level.

Custom Workouts. While preset programs are great to get you started, you want a treadmill that also allows for customization when it comes to intensity and variety. Custom workouts are also important if you’re pursuing more than one goal (like cardio training and weight loss), so you can switch between them.

User Profile. Machines that allow you to save personal data are great if you’re trying to reach a specific goal.

A Sturdy Construction. A high-quality deck will have a great impact on how smooth it feels to walk or run on the treadmill itself. Coated decks roll better, with less friction, but they increase the cost of the treadmill significantly.

A Wide, Long Belt. It makes running safer and more comfortable. Anything over 17 inches is good, but wider treadmills are best for people who are tall or have long legs. The same is true of the length of the belt: you need at least 50 inches for walking; more if you’re a runner.

A Sturdy Motor. The higher the HP a motor has, the smoother the ride will feel and the quieter the machine will be. You want at least 1.5HP of CD (continuous duty) power. To find out the power of a specific machine, check the manufacturer’s manual or talk to a store seller to compare options.

Good Shock Absorption. If you’re a runner, you want a machine that will take the shock off your knees. This is especially important if you’re overweight or have knee or joint problems. Also look at the sturdiness of the deck (the construction under the belt). A wobbly deck will provide less structure and put more pressure on your body. If you’re especially tall, stability also has a lot to do with the size of the belt and the material used to build it.

Extras. These are the things you want to have, but you don’t actually need. This includes water bottle holder, racks (for books or CD/iPod players), console fans, and Heart Rate (HR) monitors. HR monitors are extremely useful but may prove an expensive addition to a treadmill, so you may consider buying a strapless or a watch-type monitor, both of which work independently of the machine. Other extras include a DVD plug, so you can watch TV while running –there are even special training programs you can watch, where a trainer talks you through the workout as you’re doing it.

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