A Handy Guide To Buying A Treadmill
There is no denial that physical activity whether it is daily walking or running is really essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
But now-a-days because of pandemic and lockdown in different cities across the globe it is becoming risky to go out to gyms and other fitness centers.
That’s the reason more and more people are choosing to workout from home. With the increase in home workout the demand for fitness equipment like treadmills, exercise bikes or ellipticals are increasing rapidly.
How to Choose The Best Treadmill For Your Home ?
Since the treadmill can be a great investment for losing weight or proving your cardiovascular fitness. It’s important to find the right one for you. Here are some of the key questions to ask when you’re looking at individual treadmills to see which features are most important.
First thing is what are you going to be using this treadmill for? Are you mainly using it for walking, light running, or do you really have some intense running that you want to be able to do? Are there others who will also be using the machine? Do they have needs that are different from yours. Do they want additional features or things that you might need to take into consideration?
Weight Capacity
You also need to consider if there will be heavier individuals using the machine. Each machine has a different weight limitation. So that is a factor to make sure you check.
Space Saving / Foldable Option
Another thing to consider is do you need something that is space saving? Well, many of the folding treadmills are very high quality. You might do better with a sturdier, solid frame that doesn’t fold. You have a space where you leave it out all the time.
It’s portability and space saving that is important to you. There are a few features that we recommend looking at as well.
There are many low cost models that do offer a folding design. We recommend looking at those that are in the mid to upper level range to ensure that you’re getting a model that it’s sturdy and durable.
You may also find that some treadmills even feature power assist technology to make the whole folding process easier.
These are just some of the basic elements of a treadmill that you should know about.
Power
When it comes to the motor. The size is really going to depend on how you’re using the machine. A 1.25 hp is on the lower end and would be considered substandard for many of the models that we’ve looked at.
1.75 to 2.0 hp would be satisfactory for walkers in light dogging. The average runner should look for at least a 2.5 hp motor and those over 225 pound should seek out at least a 3.0 hp motor.
Track Size
The track size is really going to also depend some on your comfort level, as well as the height of people using the machine. Many of the machine’s range from 16 to 22 inches wide.
A lot of users are going to feel that 16 is a little bit narrow and really only good for walking.Where is 22 inches gives you a little bit more space as removing your stride is changing with running.
You don’t feel any concerns about stepping off felt in terms of length. Most machines are between 42-63 inches long. A taller runner is really going to want to look for a machine that is at least 55 inches for longer.
Speed
In terms of speed. Most of the models we review at this point have up to 12 MPH. And this is gonna be adequate for nearly every runner. Those who are training for a sub five minute mile might need something over 13 MPH. Otherwise, the machine that goes up to at least 10 MPH will be adequate for almost every runner.
Incline
When it comes to incline. Most of the models we’ve reviewed have up to attend to 15% incline. This is great for burning calories more efficiently than a flat surface and also for training for those hilly events. If you want something really intense, check out the incline trainer which actually goes up to 40%.
For those of you training for specific hilly events. You may also want to look for a model that has a decline. Most of them go down to 3% when it comes to track cushioning. This is actually one of the major benefits that a lot of runners find in using a treadmill.
It can help to reduce the impact on your body between 15 and 40%. Depending on the model. This is much easier on the joints than running on the road.
Programs & Features
If pre designed programs are something that you consider a great feature, you’ll find that most machines come with 12 to 15 programs. But many have up to 44 built in programs. This will allow you to focus on certain goals from weight loss to endurance training.
There are also a wide variety of custom options that allow you to sink your data with individual platforms. Another thing to consider when selecting your treadmill are which extra features really matter to you.
Do you need to have built in fans? Do you want it to have a TV or just a place for your tablet to go?
Is it important to you to be able to plug in your MP3 player or to have a USB port or are you really focused on having places for water bottles? A wireless heart rate monitor Or can you do fine with those that are built into the handles?
These are just some of the many options that we cover in the different treadmills here
Warranty
When it comes to warranties, treadmill manufacturer warranties are a good indication of the quality of the product.
Warranties can range from a limited 90 days to a confidence instilling lifetime warranty. Warranties also arranged based on different aspects of the machine, including the frame and motor, Electronics and labor.
Weight Capacity :
If weight capacity is a consideration for you.It’s important to know that machines can range from 252 to 400 pounds. We advise purchasing a machine that has a capacity that’s 50 pounds heavier than your current body weight.
Final Words
So if you are planning to purchase a treadmill for your home then do consider the above mentioned factors before you make a purchase decision. Will the wide range of variety choose the one that will give you the best bang for the buck. Happy treadmill shopping!!