Treadmill Buyers Guide
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Treadmills for the home gym come in various types specs and prices.
What treadmills do for you
They are a great piece of aerobic fitness equipment and can be used for intense running or light jogging or walking in the home. Many home treadmills can be folded away if you are short on room.
What to look for when buying a treadmill?
- Build quality. Is it sturdy and will it last?
- Shock absorption
- Powerful motor
- Ability to adjust elevation and speed easily
- Programs, i.e. fat burning, distance, stepped etc
- Handgrips for balance
- Warranty or service contract
Technical information about treadmills
Treadmill Motors
The faster you plan on running on a treadmill, the more powerful the motor must be. All treadmills have a maximum speed. If you’re starting out, a machine that goes up to 12 kilometres an hour (about 7.5 miles an hour) will be fine. If you’re fit, try for one that can take you to 14 or 16kph, and if you’re training for actual events, you might even want 18kph.
Treadmill Belts
A standard running surface sufficient for most runners or walkers is 18 inches wide by 51 to 54 inches long. If you are taller and have a longer stride, or have a disability, look for belts that are extra wide (20 inches or more) and extra long (more than 54 inches).
Treadmill Grips and Handles
The grips are there for safety in case you miss your footing, and often include a heart rate monitor - you grab the grips and it tells you your heart rate. Many treadmills have tubular ‘grips’ that sense your heart rate. This is useful for checking you’re within the most effective training zone of 70-80% of your maximum heart rate.
Treadmill Programmes
The programmes on a treadmill give you a planned workout based on total distance you want to reach or total time you want to work out for. Different programmes may include varying speeds or inclines to stop you getting bored! Example programmes include: 5km, 400m track laps, hills, and stepped speed builder. Most treadmills offer a standard selection of pre-programmed courses to add variety and challenge to your workout. The programs vary the speed of the treadmill as well as the elevation angle (if applicable). This can help you improve your fitness level by challenging you to push that little further next time. If the treadmill can adjust the incline, it can simulate hilly terrain, and give you a more intense workout.