What To Look For When Buying A Treadmill
When in the market for a treadmill it is important to consider the type of exercise you want to do, as well as the extra features that you want for your workout. Two of the key factors when it comes to deciding on a treadmill comes down to the size of the belt and the strength of the motor. These two factors will help to show you what kind of treadmill you are looking at.
Size of the Deck:
The size of your treadmills running deck will show you what kind of exercise you can do on it. Treadmill deck sizes will usually range from 120cm to 152cm in length and 40cm to 55cm in width. The smaller the size of the deck the more limited your exercise range, as while running you have a longer stride length meaning you need a longer deck to accommodate. The average walking stride length is approx. 75cm, and someone like Usain Bolt has a running stride length of approx. 240cm. While you might not be putting in the same numbers as the worlds fastest man, it is important to consider that the smaller the treadmill the more likely you wont be able to run on it. Meaning that if you only plan to walk on a treadmill you can most likely make do with a smaller size deck. However if you are wanting to run or sprint you would be looking at a minimum recommended length of 140cm, but of course a 150cm deck will give you more comfort when running without worrying about coming off the end.
Strength of the motor:
The strength of the motor also plays a major role in determining the type of exercise you can do, as a stronger motor means it can better handle running at higher speeds for longer periods of time. Treadmill motors will usually range from 2hp to 4.2hp, from your lower end home-use walking treadmills to your commercial grade treadmills. It is also important to consider how many people will be using the treadmill on a daily basis, as a commercial treadmill can easily handle multiple people using it at high intensity every day, a lower end home use might struggle to keep up with a higher degree of usage.
Extra determining features:
- Incline: Some treadmills have incline capabilities to varying degrees, while some have no incline, or manual incline where you have to get off the treadmill to adjust the incline.
- Speed: Treadmills have a range of maximum speeds from 12km/h to 22km/h. Most treadmills will have their lowest speed be 0.8kh/m.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Some treadmills offer extra connectivity via Bluetooth apps as well as being able to play music through their built in speakers.
- Programs: Treadmills have a range of programs that can accommodate your needs, Such as distance targets, calorie burning targets, weight loss training, interval, target heart rate zones and more.
- Heart rate sensor: Most treadmills have a handle heart rate sensor, or can be connected via Bluetooth to a wearable heart rate monitor.
- Fan: Some treadmills such as the horizon brand, proform and nordic track have built in fans to provide some airflow while running.
- Training programs: Treadmills such a Proform and Nordic track have the appeal of their built in screen which gives you access to iFit programs, giving you immersive on-demand workouts and training programs.
- If you are looking at going all out with a commercial treadmill you also have the option of a touch screen display that can connect to the internet letting you browse entertainment and games while you workout.
We encourage you to come on down to our showroom to check out our huge range of treadmill on display and talk to our team, where we can find you the best treadmill to suit you. Or check out the range online.