How to Find the Best Treadmills

A treadmill is among the best fitness investments you can build for your home. It lets you work out at your own pace, without worrying about the weather or your journey to the gym.

A quality treadmill is an ideal tool for tracking your fitness performance. If you're training for an upcoming race or simply want to maintain your fitness level having a treadmill at home is an essential item.

1. Motor

Find a treadmill that has powerful motors when shopping. If you plan to log up to 20 miles a week and doing high-intensity interval training, you should choose an option that comes with an uninterrupted 3.0 horsepower motor that has 60 inches of deck long. If you are a beginner or just would like to jog or walk occasionally, consider an option with motors that range between 1.75 and 2.5 horsepower.

You must also decide if you'd like to go for a smart treadmill that features a touchscreen and virtual classes or if you prefer simple models without a console. Some models fold for easy storage.

If you're looking for a modern treadmill with a sleek appearance and a wide array of features, look into the Peloton Treadmill. It's a bit more costly than our top pick but it offers an enjoyable running experience and a simple touchscreen. It also offers an extensive selection of workouts on demand from instructors who are live and virtual. The incline controls are well-positioned on the handrails. The quick dials allow you to alter the speed and incline while working out. Unfortunately, the only cup holders are plastic and can only hold water bottles. There's no fan on this treadmill.

Another treadmill worth considering is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's more affordable than the Peloton Treadmill but has a many good features. With iFit's compatibility you'll be able to access a variety virtual workouts designed by trainers from all over the world. You'll need a subscription to access the app, which is free for 30 days and is $39 per month after that. The treadmill also has an enormous 22-inch touchscreen as well as a cushioned deck. It can go up to 12 mph, and has an incline range between -3 % to 15% for a more challenging exercise.

2. Design

As with all fitness equipment, the way a treadmill is designed is important. If you're training for an outdoor race that has a hill it is best to choose a treadmill that has the highest incline settings. If you enjoy following the class pick models with a large display and iFIT compatibility. This lets you access studio-style classes, virtual coach programmes, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill exercises.

We also consider the ease of using the buttons as well as the user-friendly interface. We also consider whether the treadmill folds and, if so how long it will take to do so. We also take into consideration if the treadmill needs assembly and whether the process is easy and quick.

3. Technology

The technology used in treadmills can make a huge difference in how easy they are to operate, and if there are any issues. When we evaluate a treadmill in this category, we consider touchscreens and user-friendly controls. We also look at user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls and other tech features. We also look at whether a treadmill is mobile and folds at the touch of a button, which might be important for those who move their machines around their homes or need to squeeze them into tight space.

The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its quick speed and incline control according to previous workouts, long belt, comfortable cushioning and iFIT integration, which gives access to studio style classes, virtual coaches and Explore the World scenic run options, as well as off-treadmill exercise options (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes difficult). Its 22" attractive, vibrant color touchscreen and iFIT compatibility make this treadmill home gym a top choice.

The ProForm Carbon T10 is another high-scoring treadmill. It has a 10" display and features live and on-demand content from the iFIT platform for running, walking and jogging. We like the fact that the speed and incline adjustments are simple to navigate through the touchscreen, the ergonomically-placed buttons that allow for quick adjustments, and the iFIT integration which lets you stream workouts from Zwift and Hulu Max (subscriptions required). The only drawback is that there's no USB or headphone ports.

4. Comfort

The best treadmills are those that feel comfortable to the person who uses them. People with larger bodies and longer strides could be more concerned with the dimensions of the deck and the amount of space it offers to walk or run. Others may be more concerned with ergonomic features, such as well-placed control of speed and incline. We also looked for features that make the machine more enjoyable to use, like front facing speakers and the USB charger port, an insignificant cooling fan or plenty of storage space for water bottles and other accessories.

We also looked at the storage capacity of each treadmill. Not everyone has enough space in their home to accommodate a full-size machine. Fortunately, the majority of the treadmills we tested fold or have support arms that minimize their footprint when not in use. We evaluated how easily they folded up and put away and set up, how quickly they could be set up and whether or not they were easily moved on solid surfaces.

If you are planning to run many hills outdoors, it is important to take into consideration the maximum slope. This is a vital feature that will help you prepare for more difficult outdoor climbs by simulating the ascent on the treadmill.

In terms of the technology used on each treadmill, we looked for touchscreens that respond and easy to use during an exercise and have an intuitive interface. We also examined the design of the treadmill, and whether it was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us decide which treadmills had the right features to justify its price. A high-quality treadmill at home can help you overcome the challenges of bad weather and costly gym memberships. It can also boost your motivation to stay in shape.

5. Safety

If not properly used, a treadmill could be dangerous. It's a large, heavy machine with a belt that is moving at speeds up to 12 miles per hour. Avoid leaning on the handrails while using the treadmill to walk or run. This can result in injury and cause you to lose your balance. A messy space around the treadmill could also cause tripping hazards so it's essential to keep it clean and clutter-free during use as well as storage.

The most reliable treadmills come with safety features, such as an adjustable safety magnetic that is that is attached to the belt. If a runner loses their balance, the magnet releases and stops the belt instantly. This feature could prevent serious injuries to the runner and other users. This type of technology is typically found on treadmills at gyms. Home owners should consider purchasing one to decrease the amount of accidents that happen with home exercise equipment.

It is crucial to be attentive to the "beep" when the treadmill belt starts moving. Do not jump off before the belt has stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt is completely stopped, which could result in injuries. Be sure to be aware of where the emergency shut-off button is and how to use it.

When you're done with the treadmill It's a good idea to unplug it and turn off the treadmill. This will reduce the chance of accidental use by children or visitors. It can also be kept in a separate space with an open space above and around it to stop other people from getting it in the wrong way.