As with most modern exercise equipment, treadmills now come with a variety of bells and whistles, from in-console televisions and radio receivers to proprietary networking and electronics communication technology. While most of these features are not strictly necessary for getting a good workout, they might make the difference between having a machine you're likely to use and enjoy (whether at home or in the gym) or a very expensive coat rack.
Motor
You will still find the rare human-powered (non-motorized) treadmill for home use at the very low end of the price scale, but most contemporary treadmills, both at home and in the gym, will have a motorized belt. ConsumerSearch recommends looking for a motor of at least 3 horsepower, with a maximum speed of at least 5 miles per hour if you intend to walk ,or 8 miles per hour (or higher) if you intend to run. Consumer Reports recommends inspecting the motor housing to make sure it sits far enough forward on the treadmill belt that it won't interfere with your stride.
Safety Keys
If your treadmill has a safety key option, you must insert the key into a slot in the console before the treadmill will run. The key comes with a long lanyard that clips to your shirt; if you were to slip and fall, the key would pull out of the machine, stopping it automatically and reducing your risk of injury. Safety keys also keep children (or anyone else you don't want playing with your treadmill) from starting the machine without permission. The downside is that, if you lose your safety key, you can't use the treadmill until you acquire a replacement.
Storage Features
Storage is a moot point when it comes to gym treadmills; the machines are intended to be available for use at any time the gym is open, and the only even vaguely storage-related feature you're likely to find is a set of wheels to make moving the machine easier.
For home treadmills, however, storage space and a small footprint can be a major selling point. If your treadmill is designed for easy storage the upright console may hinge down and fold flat against the deck, or the deck itself may hinge up in the middle, thus reducing the machine's footprint.
Electronics
If your treadmill has an electronic console, look for intuitive controls that you won't have to study a manual to decipher. There may be some electronic programming buttons you need the manual's help with but the speed up, speed down and power buttons should be obvious after a quick inspection.
Some treadmills also include a heart rate monitor, usually denoted by silver hand grips. You wrap one hand around each of the grips and the machine calculates your heart rate for you. Other machines will be compatible with body-worn heart rate monitors; make sure to check both treadmill and heart monitor documentation to make sure they are compatible if you plan to use this feature.
Hand and Foot Rails
All treadmills will have some sort of foot rail or decking on either side of the moving belt. This is where you place your feet as you're getting on or off the treadmill. The foot rails should be large enough that you can comfortably get your feet on and off them without any part of your shoe hanging on to the moving belt or off the edge of the treadmill.
Most treadmills feature some sort of handrail too, ranging from a modest console-mounted hand grip to full rails on either side of the machine. Make sure that whatever sort of rail is present suits your stability needs (those with major stability concerns may want full rails) but does not interfere with your stride or arm swing.
Member Comments