How to Choose a Treadmill
Treadmills are one of the most enduring products in the fitness industry. Research shows that even with the addition of more elaborate machines, such as home gyms and elliptical trainers, treadmills are still the first choice for both beginners and professionals. But as with any other equipment, treadmills have come a long way from their early days. Choosing a treadmill is no longer just a question of manual vs. electric, small vs. large—and given the price, it’s not a choice you make overnight. Are those $2,000 treadmills really worth your money, or are you better off with a basic model?
Each user has different needs and fitness levels, so there’s no single answer that works for everyone. To know which treadmill is right for you, you have to know your own needs and which features best address them. At the store, you may be impressed at all the little knick-knacks—but remember, not all the features are really worth the extra dollar. Take your time to understand each feature and decide whether or not you need them. To help you get started, here’s a quick list of things to consider before making your choice.
Space requirements
It sounds like a basic feature, but you’d be surprised at how many people buy high-end treadmills only to find that they don’t fit in the room. Before going out to the store, measure the room you want to put it in and see how much space you can spare. Remember to leave room for walking to, from, and around the treadmill, as well as ample distance from other exercise machines. A clearance of about two feet is usually enough.
Folding treadmills can be a good option for those who lack the floor space. After your workout, you can simply fold it up and store it, or on a good day, you can even bring it out and exercise in the backyard. The only advantage to folding treadmills is that they tend to be less stable, so you’ll need to buy an established brand to ensure quality. Some features such as incline and speed range may also be limited.
Stride and width
Your treadmill should mimic natural walking and running as closely as possible. To do this, it has to match your own stride; that is, the length and frequency of each step. A longer belt area allows for a longer stride, and the same goes for shorter belts. It’s usually best to choose a stride that’s slightly longer than what you need, as people tend to develop longer strides as they get used to the treadmill workout. A stride length of 55 to 60 inches is generally recommended.
The width of the belt is also a crucial factor. You have to keep a comfortable distance between your legs and feet as you work out, and a narrow belt will limit your movement. The ideal width is roughly equal to the span of your shoulders, so choose a belt that at least as wide, ideally with two inches to spare on either side. For a typical adult, the ideal belt width is about 16 inches.
Noise factor
If you’ve used a treadmill before, you’ll know that they can make quite a bit of noise. It may not matter too much when you’re hooked up to an iPod, but it can when you’re trying to watch TV or talk to someone at the same time. This is mostly a question of preference as it doesn’t really affect the performance of the machine itself. However, since noise reduction technologies can hike up the price, it can be a question of budget.
A manual treadmill generally makes more noise than an electric one, since there are more moving parts. Many designers have refined their electronic models to lower the noise, but you may still hear a slight buzz. The quietest treadmills are usually the magnetic ones, which are powered more by magnetic resistance than with motors. Again, the price varies widely between the three, so decide whether a noiseless machine is really worth it.
Durability and warranty
If you plan on actually benefiting from your treadmill, you’ll expect it to get some heavy use over the years. Invest in a treadmill that’s built to last and can keep up with your changing routines. You can’t really tell at a glance when you’re at the store, so your best bet is to do your own research beforehand. Just look online for expert advice and users’ treadmill reviews, and note the models that get the most recommendations.
Also keep an eye on the warranty details. The best treadmills come with a lifetime warranty, and although it can add to the price, it’s usually well worth it. The belt will still wear out over time, but with a good warranty, you can easily get it replaced and replace other parts that give in as well.
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