Treadmills offer a convenient alternative to gym memberships, and allow you to enjoy a workout even when the weather is too rough for outdoor exercising. A treadmill is also an effective option for those who want to lose weight or stay fit by walking, but can't find safe pathways near their homes. While many treadmills are designed for runners, walkers should look for special features that ensure the treadmill is a good fit.
Budget
If you plan to just use your treadmill for walking, you won't need the high-powered motors or heavy-duty construction required by runners. Instead, Consumer Reports recommends focusing on budget-priced options. While the cheapest models may be a little too unstable for comfortable use, you can easily find a quality model for less than $1,000.
Consumer Search recommends that walkers look for treadmills that cost between $400 and $1,050. At the higher end of this range, most models can also accommodate light jogging if you wish to rev up your workout. Those who plan to only walk can focus on the lower end of this price range.
Features
While runners may need a long treadmill belt to fit their longer stride, walkers should look for models with a 50-inch long belt, according to Consumer Search. If you are very tall, look for a belt that's slightly longer so you can maintain your natural stride. The belt should be about 18-inches wide, and 1/4-inch thick. There's no need to choose thicker belts with added cushioning unless you eventually plan to run.
Look for a treadmill with a motor sized at 2.5 HP or less. According to Consumer Search, more powerful motors are a waste of money for walkers. Avoid manual treadmills, as they received poor ratings from most reviewers.
In terms of speed, most walkers will only need a unit rated at up to 5 mph. To stay safe on your new treadmill, make sure the starting speed is between 0.1 mph and 0.5 mph. This will prevent falls and injuries when you are just starting your workout.
Best Rated Treadmills for Walkers
Treadmill Talk rated the Gold's Gym Maxx Crosswalk 650 as its best budget treadmill for walkers in 2010. Consumer Search chose the Gold's Gym 450 as the best cheap treadmill, but picked the Horizon Evolve SG as the best value for walkers.
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