How to Choose a Treadmill Best

A high-quality treadmill for home use is an investment in your health. To ensure that you select the right treadmill for your needs, take into consideration:

Check out a treadmill's motor power rating, also called continuous horsepower (CHP). The higher the CHP rating, the greater you can accomplish on the treadmill.

Some treadmills are more user-friendly than others. Features such as built-in speakers as well as interactive training programs can aid you in avoiding boredom and remain motivated.

1. Safety

It is important to note that even the best equipment, if it is not used and maintained correctly, can be dangerous. This includes everything from the size and inclined of the belt to the ability to adjust it. Experts such as ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie rate safety as the most important factor when choosing a treadmill and recommend choosing one with a belt at least 20 inches wide in order to allow for movement and minimize the risk of stepping off in a mishap.

The belt should also be made from a tough material to avoid wear and tear. Additionally, it is important to ensure that it is securely attached to the machine. This stops the belt from becoming a tripping risk and will help you feel more confident when running at high speeds. When running on the treadmill, it's essential to wear the right footwear like sneakers and not flip-flops or sandals. This will help prevent soreness and blisters, which can cause balance issues that could cause you to fall off the treadmill.

It is important to pay attention to the 3-2-1 countdown or safety beep before the treadmill belt starts to move. It is important to practice this procedure to get used to the sound and to understand when the belt is beginning to move. Use the handrails only when you need to. Leaning against them will cause you to hunch, and may even lead to an injury to your treadmill.

It's also a good idea to let pets or children play with your treadmill. They might be interested. This will reduce the chance of someone falling over it, while also decreasing the chance of a child or pet being pulled under the belt.

2. Convenience

You can work out at home whenever you want instead of having to find time to visit the fitness center. This is the reason why some people choose bringing a treadmill into their homes rather than purchasing one from the gym (which can cost upwards of $2,000). The budget-friendly model we recommend that has earned more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, is an ideal choice for those who don't require many bells and whistles.

A top-quality treadmill will typically have features that make your workout experience more enjoyable. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for instance, comes with a huge running surface and an eye-catching 22-inch touchscreen display. This makes it easy to enjoy a exercise. The treadmill has a 3% decline option and an incline, which is not something you will find on most treadmills. It also offers the option to connect with streaming apps like JRNY or Echelon United which offers thousands of workouts, however keep in mind that subscriptions can be expensive.

Noelle McKenzie, ACE-certified functional trainer and expert in treadmills, says size is the most important factor to consider when choosing a treadmill. She also recommends security features like rails and safety keys. She also recommends an exercise machine with an enormous LCD screen that displays stats during your workout, and comes with built-in interval training programs. She also mentions physical aspects like motor power or belt length as factors to consider when looking for the best treadmills. In the end, you need a treadmill that is easy to set up and operate quietly enough that you can use it while watching TV or working from home. The Lifepro Fitness Portable Treadmill is a compact treadmill that has wheels and can fold up.

3. Performance

A treadmill is an investment in your fitness and a high-performance treadmill will help you reach your fitness goals more quickly than simply running on the sidewalk. We picked models with features like incline control with a built-in speaker, as well as the ability to monitor your progress using an app. But the best treadmills also offer a smooth, comfortable ride and are simple to set up and use.

We've looked through the Strategist archives, and talked to experts to find the top treadmills that are affordable with a variety of smart technology features. This budget-friendly treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness has an LCD display that shows distance as well as the speed and pulse. It's simple to put together and folds. It's also fitted with nine workout programs as well as three levels of incline that can be adjusted. Plus, it promises a smooth run with extra shock absorption built into the belt.

Another great budget-friendly option is this treadmill from Peloton that comes with an impressive selection of intelligent features built-in. It has a touchscreen that is 24 inches to stream workout videos, and quick speed and incline controls for quick adjustments as you follow along with an instructor. Plus, it's quieter and has a wider running deck than other treadmills in this price range.

This treadmill has a small footprint that can be tucked under your desk or in the closet. It also comes with an app and remote that allows you to keep the track of your steps, pace and calories burnt while walking. It's a bit more expensive than other treadmills, but it's a good option if you're looking to exercise while working at your desk. Plus, its belt is wide enough for taller runners and has a higher capacity for weight than other treadmills in this price range.

4. Technology

Many treadmills boast a variety of features that can enhance the overall experience. Along with a gorgeous touchscreen, you might also prefer a treadmill that has preset programs that can be integrated into the machine or through a streaming app (like iFIT memberships as well as JRNY and Echelon United). Also, you should consider how much power the motor can produce. The heavier you are, and the harder you work the more horsepower and longer track you require.

If you're looking to cross train, consider treadmills that connect to apps such as Peloton and Zwift for virtual training sessions with trainers and coaches. These types of machines aid in the development of muscles as well as flexibility, balance and proprioception in ways cardio alone cannot.

We searched for treadmills that had numerous of programming options and that had intuitive controls, user friendly screens, and smooth operation. We also analyzed the ease with which it was to set up a machine and how long it took for the process to be complete.

The best treadmills feature digital sensors that respond faster to your movements than analog sensors. This allows the motor to adjust the speed of the belt more frequently, which creates an easier running experience and lessens the strain on the motor.

A top treadmill will have a large screen that is easy to read and plenty of buttons for adjusting the settings. We looked for quick dial knobs on short handles located at the front of consoles to increase your speed or incline. Some treadmills for home also have touchscreen buttons that are more responsive than other models in our testing.

5. Design

We also look at the technology that is included with treadmills by looking at things like touchscreens, a user-friendly interface, non-glitchy programming, and how well it operates under various conditions. We discovered, for instance, that the X22i treadmill features a 22" screen, which is one of the most responsive screens we've ever tested. It also allows you to follow studio-style classes, virtual coaches streaming movies and music through its iFIT app, and it works with third-party apps like Zwift.

The X22i also comes with built-in workout program of 25 that is pretty standard for treadmills; it's not a lot, but it's enough to give you the options. The treadmill is designed to help save space, too, by letting you raise the belt with the lever when you're not using it, which allows you to make it fit into smaller spaces and keep children or pets from it.

This lightweight, compact treadmill can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and be inclined by up to 15 percent. It's a bit more expensive than some other models, but its easy setup and convenient features make it a great choice for those who don't have a lot of space in their homes or are just beginning their journey.

This treadmill for home is one of the smallest we've tested, featuring a foldable design that makes it possible to fit into even the tightest of spaces. It's also a great choice for runners who want to move up to higher speeds. It has speed and incline controls splashed across the dashboard for easy adjustable on the go. The only issue is that it does not have tablet holders and a mesh cup holder for water, which may not be sufficient if you're planning on training for an event.