How to Find the Best Treadmills

A treadmill is one of the most beneficial fitness investments you can make for your home. It lets you exercise at your own speed, without worrying about the weather and the commute to the gym.

A quality treadmill is also a great way to track your fitness level over time. A treadmill is essential for anyone preparing for a marathon or just seeking to keep their fitness level.

1. Motor

Choose a treadmill with powerful motors when shopping. If you plan to log more than 20 miles a week, or engage in high-intensity training, you should choose a treadmill with an all-time motor of 3.0 horsepower. The deck should measure 60 inches in length. If you're just beginning, or only want to walk or jog often, you should consider an option with a motor that is between 1.75 and 2.5 horsepower.

You must also decide if you'd like opt for a treadmill with a touchscreen and virtual classes, or opt for an easier model that doesn't have the console. Some models can be folded to make storage easier.

For a smart treadmill with a sleek style and a plethora of features, check out the Peloton Treadmill. It's more expensive than our top choice but it provides a smooth running experience with a simple touchscreen and a wide selection of on-demand workouts from instructors both live and virtual. The incline controls are placed on the handrails, and the quick dials make it simple to adjust the speed and inclines while exercising. The only cup holders on this treadmill are plastic and are only used to hold water bottles.

Another treadmill worth looking into is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's cheaper than the Peloton Treadmill but has a many good features. With its iFit compatibility, you can access a range of workouts designed by trainers from all over the world. You'll need a subscription in order to access the app, which is included for 30 days and costs $39 per month after that. The treadmill also has a large 22-inch touchscreen and a cushioned deck. It can go up to 12 mph and has an incline range from -3 % to 15 percent for a more difficult exercise.

2. Design

The design of a treadmill is crucial, just like any other piece of fitness equipment. If you're preparing for a race that is hilly it is recommended to choose the treadmill with the highest incline settings that replicate the terrain outdoors. If you enjoy following the workout class, choose models with a large screen and iFIT compatibility which allows you to access classes that are studio-style as well as virtual coach programs. Explore the World scenic runs and off-treadmill workouts.

We also take a look at the ease of use of the buttons as well as the user-friendly interface. We also look at whether the treadmill is foldable and, if it can, how long it takes to fold it. We also look at whether the treadmill must be assembled and if it is a quick and painless process.

3. Technology

The technology utilized in treadmills can make a big difference to how easy they are to use and whether or not there are any glitches. When evaluating a treadmill in this category, we look at touchscreens and intuitive controls. We also consider user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls and other technological features. We also consider the possibility of a treadmill near me being folded and easily transported. This is essential for those who have to move their machines frequently or have to fit them into tight space.

The Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill impressed us with its rapid speed and incline adjustments in accordance with previous workouts, long belt, comfortable cushioning and iFIT integration, which provides access to studio-style classes, virtual coaches and Explore the World scenic run options, in addition to exercises that are not on the treadmill (though Bluetooth connectivity was sometimes problematic). Its 22" attractive, vibrant touchscreen with a color display and iFIT compatibility made this a top treadmill.

Another treadmill that scores high is the ProForm Carbon T10. It has 10" display and offers live and on-demand content from the iFIT platform for walking, running and treadmill at home jogging. We like that the incline and speed changes are simple to navigate through the touchscreen, the ergonomically placed buttons for the quick adjustments, and the iFIT integration which lets you stream workouts from Zwift and Hulu Max (subscriptions required). The one downside is that it doesn't have an audio port or USB ports.

4. Comfort

The best treadmills are ones that feel comfortable to the person who uses them. People with larger bodies and longer strides should focus on the size of the deck and the amount of space it gives to walk or run, while others might care more about ergonomic features such as well-placed speed and incline controls. We also looked for features that make the bike more enjoyable to use, such as front facing speakers, the USB charger port and tiny cooling fans, or plenty of storage space for water bottles and other accessories.

Then, we looked at the ability to store each treadmill, as there isn't always room in their home for an entire treadmill. Fortunately, almost all of the treadmills we tested fold down or have support arms that minimize their footprint when they are not in use. We evaluated how easily they folded and put away and how quickly they were set up and whether or not they were easily moved on solid surfaces.

If you plan on running many hills outdoors, you should also consider the maximum incline. This is essential because it can help you prepare for more difficult outdoor climbs.

We looked for responsive touchscreens and a user-friendly interface on every treadmill. We also looked for a non-glitchy design and whether or not the machine was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us decide if each treadmill had enough features to justify its price. A high-quality treadmill at home eliminates the obstacles of weather or costly gym memberships and boosts your motivation to stay in shape.

5. Safety

A treadmill could be a risky piece of equipment if not operated properly. It's a huge and heavy machine that has an incline that can move at speeds of 10 or 12 miles per hour. Avoid leaning against the handrails when using a treadmill to run or walk. This could cause injury and throw your balance off. Tripping hazards can also be caused by a clutter-filled area surrounding the treadmill. Keep it tidy and clutter-free throughout use and when storing it.

The best treadmills will include security features like a removable safety magnet that is attached to the belt. If a runner loses their balance, the magnet detaches and stops the belt instantly. This feature can safeguard the runner as well as others from serious injuries. The treadmills in gyms are typically equipped with this technology, and homeowners should consider purchasing one to help decrease the number of accidents that occur when exercising at home equipment.

When using a treadmill at home, it's important to listen for the "beep" that comes on when the belt starts to move and not jump off until the belt is stopped. Many people make the mistake of trying to save time by jumping off before the belt is completely stopped, which could cause injuries. Also, be sure to be aware of the location of the emergency shut-off button is and how to use it.

After you've finished using the treadmill, it's a good idea to unplug it and turn off the treadmill. This can reduce the risk of your children or treadmill at home visitors accidentally turning on and running. The fact that it is kept in a separate area and a clear space above and around it can also help keep others from coming into contact with it as well.