What Treadmill Should I Buy for Running?
Last Updated on May 31, 2021 by Justin Harris
What Treadmill Should I Buy for Running: Running is an ideal exercise that provides you with an all-round fitness. A treadmill offers a smooth and even surface for running. You can set your difficulty levels on a treadmill to burn more calories in the same duration that you run outdoors. You can increase the incline and speed to make your workout more rewarding.
A treadmill also provides you with more variations to make working out more enjoyable. However, you have to ensure that you choose the right treadmill and this isn’t an easy job for sure with so many treadmill models around.
Even if you try, this is going to require a lot of time and research for sure. For those who don’t have that amount of time, this site will help you choose the right product.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
Purchasing a treadmill for a home can be exciting. You can look forward to exercising daily irrespective of the weather outside. Considering the following factors should help you choose the best treadmill for your workouts.
Budget
Treadmills are available in prices from$200 $300, $500 to $2000 and above. Not all of these will suit your purpose. As you are buying a machine for running, it is necessary to ensure that it is suitable for your requirements and is durable. Often products costing more than $1500 are the best bet for you.
They are equipped to withstand serious running. If more people are using the machine, you must undoubtedly buy these models because companies build them to withstand more usage. These machines also offer more variety in exercising, like automatic adjustment of incline and resistance. Some of these products may even feature wireless chest straps.
Usage
Motor
The motor is very important because it drives the belt on the machine. Since you will use the equipment for running, it is best to buy one having a motor with 3.0 CHP or more power. CHP stands for continuous horsepower, which denotes the motor’s continuous power output as against peak output.
Track Size
Track size is the area of the belt that is available for exercising. They usually mention this in inches. Treadmills come with 48″ length and 18″ width onwards. For a reasonably large-sized person to use the equipment for running, it is best to buy one with a belt size of at least 58″ long and 20″ wide. 60″ X20″ is the standard size used in gyms. Larger users can look for bigger sizes.
Incline
The incline is another crucial feature you must check. It simulates walking uphill. An incline is essential if you want to burn your calories fast. The incline helps to work out different muscle groups. It also reduces the strain on joints. You must buy a machine with at least a 10% incline. It is better to choose an automatic incline change.
Speed of the Belt
Irrespective of the power of your motor, there can be speed differences between machines. Altering the speed of the belt helps you relieve boredom. Increasing speed gradually will also help you achieve better results. Most treadmills in your price range come with a speed of up to 10 mph, which you can adjust automatically. If you are a runner training for the 5-minute mile challenge, you must buy equipment with higher speed.
Cushioning to Reduce Impact
Regular running can affect your joints badly. Every step you place causes your joints to feel a shock. In the long run, this can be harmful. The advantage of running on a machine over running on the road is that you avoid the impact. Cushioning of the track is what helps in doing this. There is a reduction of impact by up to 40%.
Belt Life
The belt is what bears the brunt of your exercise. Thickness is a crucial factor that decides the life of your tread belt. A belt with two or four plies is better than a single-ply belt. You must check this specification as many manufacturers don’t publicize this aspect.
The size of the roller is another factor that affects belt life. Larger rollers will help in keeping the belt working for a longer time. A 2.5′ diameter is suitable for home treadmills. Lubricated belts also last longer. You can check for silicon-infused belts that need no maintenance at all.
Space
Space is a significant factor to consider if you are living in a home with space constraints. You have to be sure of the amount of space you have for exercising in your home. If you are using the space for some other purpose as well, you will need to buy a folding machine that you can store elsewhere.
You will need to buy equipment that has at least a 60″ X 20″ track for running. Runners generally choose treadmills with 22″ width to avoid any mishaps. Most standard treadmills are about 7′ long and 3′ wide. You must also check the height of the roof as there is an incline to consider.
Additional Features
There are various additional features like preset programs, the facility to create user profiles, connectivity to mobile devices, fan, holder for a water bottle, etc. You must decide whether you must pay extra for these features and how useful they will be for your purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What Is the Ideal Motor Power for a Home Treadmill?
The motor power you require will depend on the purpose and body weight. For running, you must at least buy a machine with 3.0 CHP power. Without this, your equipment may wear out quickly. The cost of treadmills will increase with the rise in motor capacity. But it is wiser to pay more now than to suffer a breakdown too soon.
The power requirement mentioned here is for people weighing around 200 pounds. For people with more weight, you must add another 0.5 CHP.
What Determines the Price of Treadmills?
Treadmills are available at a wide range of prices. The pricing depends on various factors. The power of the motor is one of the major aspects that affect pricing. The use of track belts with multiple plies can also cause the price to go up. Having more plies adds to the durability of a machine.
Different types of cushioning can change the price of your equipment. The functionalities of the console also have an impact on the cost. You must decide whether it is worth paying higher for that. Pay only for what features you need.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Treadmill?
The purpose for which you are buying the equipment is the primary consideration. A person who only wants to use it for walking can buy one with lower capacities. These products come at a much lower price. The capacity of the motor is a crucial factor for serious runners.
Check the track size because running needs a longer and wider track. Walkers can do with shorter walking decks. The other aspects to consider are the incline and speed of the belt. These give you more variety in exercising.
Conclusion
This buying guide gives you a fair idea of what you must look for when buying a treadmill. There are some features which we have not explained in detail due to their lesser importance. However, you may check those features too when you make your purchase.
The internet is an excellent place to check various models. There are popular brands that have created a reputation in the market for their quality. Reading reviews left by users is an excellent way to know about different models available in the market.
However, a treadmill is a relatively large piece of equipment, and a regular model is around 7′ long and 3′ wide. You must have enough space in the house to place the equipment and exercise on it comfortably.
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