Treadmills are an excellent way to get in shape and stay healthy. They can be an excellent investment for your home, but there’s so much information out there that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
This article will help you decide what makes a good treadmill for home use as well as what you should look out for when buying one! You’ll learn the different types of treadmills and how they work, find tips on choosing the best model, and read about some of our favorite models. We hope this helps make your decision easier!
If you’re looking to buy a new treadmill or want more information on them before making your purchase, we’ve got all the info here at Treadmill Buying Guide! Check us out today.
Buying a treadmill can be overwhelming. There are so many features, brands, and models to choose from that it’s hard to know where to start. This blog post will help you select a good treadmill for home use, as well as what you should look out for when buying one!
Contents
Know Your Treadmill Needs
Before buying a treadmill, it’s essential to know your needs. For example, is the goal weight loss or building muscle? What is your budget, and how much space do you have available in your home? These questions will help narrow down which model would work best for you.
You might think that just any old machine will get the job done if all you want to do is lose some pounds, but this isn’t true! Suppose fat loss is your goal, a good rule of thumb when deciding on which treadmill to buy is choosing one with an incline feature – this way, as well as using fewer calories during workouts than those without incline features. In that case, we also encourage our muscles to burn more fat throughout the day…in addition to burning.
The Space You can Spare for the Treadmill
One of the biggest factors in deciding which treadmill to purchase is how much space you have available for it. If you’re looking for a home-use model, look for one that folds up or doesn’t take up too much space when not in use. A folding treadmill can be a good option.
Read More: Best Treadmill for Small Space to Fit in Your Home
Planning out your treadmill before purchasing will save you time on the hunt. To measure a suitable space for the machine, determine its dimensions and ensure a place in your home ideal for storage after purchase. Treadmill specs are typically published, so it becomes a more straightforward search process when done ahead of time.
The Suitable Size of the Best Treadmill
The treadmill should be comfortable for you to use and safe and sturdy. You want a good size of the running surface to your height. A small machine can make it difficult to get on and off without assistance, while a bigger one may lead you to injury if not used properly or with caution.
The running space you need is another factor and is directly connected to the size of the treadmill belt. For example, a runner needs a belt width of 22″, and we recommend a 20″ wide belt for walkers.
Your Best Treadmill Workouts
It’s important to consider what kind of exercise you want to do before purchasing a treadmill. For example, if you’re doing lighter exercises, the motor power needed can be lower than top-end running or other extremes.
Read More: 5 Treadmill Exercises to Lose Belly Fat
A variety of settings are available, including incline, speed, slope, in addition to preset programs designed by fitness professionals. Changes should start at an easier level before gradually increasing intensity over time; keep safety always first! With a few adjustments, you will find what works best for your body and lifestyle when using the treadmill for getting fit.
Read More: Burn More Calories in Less Time with HIIT Workouts
Your Budget
Everyone must have a budget in mind when they plan to buy a treadmill. Treadmills come in a wide range of budgets based on different features and quality. The lower-priced models may not have the same features as higher price ranges, but if you are on a budget and want to be able to walk or jog without buying any additional accessories, then these might work out for you!
Inexpensive (under $500) treadmills are low-end, so the warranties may not be as you would have liked, and there are also some drawbacks.
The lower-priced models may not have all the features in a higher price range, but if you’re on a budget and want to be able to walk or jog without any additional accessories, then these might work out for you.
2. Best Treadmills Under $1000
Many people find saving $1,000 impossible, but if you have enough money for a big treadmill sale, you might find some great bargains. Few of the deals include machines with prices over $1,500 and come with parts and labor coverage for up to 2 years. They’re also typically quieter, more stable, and have longer warranties.
They may not be as solid or heavy-duty as the top-tier models, but they’re a good choice for those who want to spend less than $1000 and get what you need out of your treadmill.
3. Best Treadmills Under $1500
If you are a serious runner or walker, you should have the best home treadmill; and it is essential to buy a treadmill that suits your needs. Cardio trainers start at around $1,500 during sales! Of course, the most popular options come with all of those fancy features. You can read our in-depth review of the top treadmills that are available for under $1500 on our blog.
Read More: Best Cardio Treadmills for Every Type of Runner
The Features You’re Going to Use
Different treadmills come with special features. Unfortunately, such features have a price tag attached. So you need to know the features you’re going to use and need before you buy a treadmill. In addition, the type of treadmill you choose should correlate to the types of wellness, guidance, and/or distraction you need during training.
Some features that are common on treadmills include:
Incline
The incline can be adjusted, so the user walks or runs uphill to get more of a challenge.
Speed
Users can increase their speed as they go along on the machine for an even better exercise session. This is especially great when working out at home since users do not have to worry about traffic in front of them!
Heart Rate Monitor
A wireless heart rate monitor allows runners/walkers who want a tailored training plan from their device and coach app without needing extra equipment.
Pre-set Workout Programs
Most treadmills these days come with pre-set workout programs, the most common being running. They can be tailored to any fitness level and provide a great cardio session in short order!
Running Surface
An extra-wide running surface will help you run in comfort. You might also want to consider a softer, more forgiving treadmill belt for your joints!
Walking Belt Width
It doesn’t matter what size runner you are because treadmills have different walking widths. In general, the wider, the better.
Don’t forget to read Reviews
Make sure you read reviews and check out what others say about a treadmill before you buy.
Understand Which Treadmill will be Best for Home Use
A good treadmill will have a higher weight capacity, more workout programs, and an LCD screen. It should also be easy to assemble, or it won’t last for long!
Motor Power
A treadmill’s motor is one of the most important things to consider because it will affect its reliability and power.
Treadmill power is measured in HP or CHP. Continuous horsepower (CHP) is the most reliable measure because it depicts the power of a motor in generating continuously, not just at its peak.
Below are recommendations from our blog, which you may find helpful:
- For Walking: 2.0 CHP (minimum)
- For Jogging: 2.5 CHP (minimum)
- For Running: 3.0 CHP (minimum)
Size of the Belt
The belt size on a treadmill is the circumference of the running surface. Therefore, it’s essential to know what type of activity you plan to be using your treadmill for to get one with an appropriate belt length.
For Walking: 20″
For Jogging/ Running: 22″
Warranty
Treadmills are expensive pieces of equipment, so it’s best if they come with some warranty. This will give peace of mind when buying and help out in case something goes wrong down the road. A good rule of thumb is at least two years long parts and labor coverage unless stated otherwise; the more, the better!
Cushioning
The treadmill belt is what you will be walking on, and it’s vital that the cushioning of the belt is just right.
Too soft: The surface can become too cozy, which might make for an unpredictable running experience, plus your feet may feel unstable or sink into the ground when moving forward.
Too firm: Walking on a hard surface puts more stress on your joints, so if you have any chronic pain in hips, knees, ankles, then this would not be a good option.
The best options are treadmills with small but adequate padding like LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill Desk Pro (more expensive) or Sole F80 Plus (less expensive).
Read More: Best Cushioned Treadmills in 2022
Speed
Treadmills with a max speed of 10 mph are what’s most recommended. Anything higher than that is more for recreational runners and those who want to use the treadmill as a full-time cardio machine (very high intensity).
Programs
The best treadmills offer many programs with varying speeds, inclines, duration of time, or distance. For example, the LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill Desk Pro offers 22 program options while Sole F80 Plus only has 12 – these are good examples of what you should look out for when looking at buying a treadmill.
User Weight Limit
This also needs to be considered because if you’re heavier, your weight will affect how stable the surface feels underfoot, making it challenging to maintain pace during exercise sessions, thus potentially leading to injury. There aren’t a lot of treadmills with a weight capacity of over 300 pounds, so this needs to be considered when shopping.
Cost
How much will your budget stretch to? Treadmills can range from about $200 up to thousands of dollars – which is why you must know what features are most essential for you when buying one. For example, if weight loss isn’t your goal but rather exercise during the winter months, then perhaps a cheaper treadmill would be best suited for this purpose.
Safety Features
People like seniors would need safety features like a belt brake, handrail, or emergency shut-off button. Others may need more advanced features such as incline levels and heart rate monitoring to tailor their workouts to what they can handle.
Extra Features
Treadmills come with extra features if they might need you to do more than walk, jog or run, like console fans and water bottle holders to Bluetooth speakers, tablet holders, and TVs. For example, the NordicTrack C 720 has 20 workout programs, including a hill climb and interval training to help you stay motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Good Treadmill?
A: There will be different features for treadmills depending on what you want to do. If you’re looking for something with more advanced functions like incline levels and heart rate monitoring, then it might not be suited best. Please read our article to get your answer in detail.
What should I look for when buying a treadmill?
A: You should consider what you want to do on the treadmill. If your goal is primarily for walking and jogging, then a basic model will be perfect. However, it might not be best suited if you are looking for something with more advanced functions like incline levels, heart rate monitoring, or a built-in entertainment console.
Which Treadmill Is Best For Home Use?
A: There is no straightforward answer as different people have different demands. For example, many people reckon the NordicTrack C 720 could be considered as one of the best treadmills for home use due to its sturdy design, which makes it very comfortable and less likely that someone would fall off the machine while running/walking (which can happen at other models). It also has 20 workout programs, including interval training, so that people won’t get bored easily!
Does size matter?
A: Yes, a larger treadmill will often cost more, but it also offers more space for running. It would help if you were careful though, as some people find that they are too short of reaching the handlebars and so this is something you might want to consider when buying your machine.
How often do treadmills need to be maintained and serviced by professional companies specializing in this type of equipment?
A: This depends on how often you use the treadmill. If it is only used once a week, then it’s safe to say that it won’t need any maintenance or servicing for up to 12 months, but if you are using your machine daily, then a service will be necessary after six months of consistent usage.
How much does a good treadmill cost?
A: The treadmill’s cost depends on what features it offers and the size. For example, if you are looking for an incline feature, this will increase the price significantly, whereas if your budget only allows for something small, then it’s possible to find models in this range.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to find a treadmill that best suits your needs. Whether you want something for walking, jogging, or running, there is an option out there for everyone’s budget! If we helped in any way, please share our blog post on Facebook or Twitter so others can benefit from it as well.
Thank you again for reading, and happy shopping!
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