Choosing a treadmill for running is a daunting task. A comparison of treadmills for running requires that you first decide what you really need in a treadmill, and then make a list of extras that you would like to have. The motor and deck are the most important things to consider when choosing a treadmill. Console types and the availability of programmed workouts are of secondary importance.
Prices
Motorized treadmills start around $600 for budget models and can easily range to $2,000 or more for higher-end machines, as of 2010. Determine what your intended use will be for the treadmill, and create a budget that will allow you to buy a machine that's matched to your purposes. Budget machines are good choices for walkers, but serious runners should consider investing in a machine that they can grow into.
Motor Horsepower
The motor is the heart of the treadmill. A treadmill with a low-powered motor will wear out quickly and be a waste of your money. Look for a treadmill that has a motor with a continuous-duty rating of at least 2.5 to 3 horsepower. Treadmill Advice also recommends getting a treadmill with less than 4,000 rpm for running. A strong motor that runs at a low rpm will save you money on your electric bill and deliver a smoother ride. Runners need to choose a treadmill that will offer them the speeds they need, which are typically in the 10 to 12 mph range.
Treadmill Deck and Belt
The running platform on a treadmill is called the deck, and it is typically made from wood or composite materials. The thickness of the deck determines its longevity, but it should be at least a quarter-inch thick. Thicker decks and materials that absorb shocks are recommended for runners. The running surface of the treadmill is the belt. Belts can be 14 to 24 inches wide and anywhere from 45 to 63 inches long. Runners should opt for treadmills with at least 55-inch decks to accommodate a longer running stride. Tall runners will need longer decks.
Incline and Decline
Budget treadmills may offer a limited range of inclines to the runner. Serious runners should consider models that can provide the equivalent of hill workouts, with inclines in the 10 to 15 percent range. Some treadmill models are also capable of providing declines, which are the equivalent of downhill running. Typically, inclines are a more important consideration than declines in making a purchasing decision, but a treadmill capable of both may offer you a more interesting and customizable workout.
The Console
The treadmill's display is often the first thing that many people notice on a treadmill. The console needs to be easy to operate after you're on the treadmill and running. Small buttons that are hard to push or too close together are a nuisance and difficult to operate when you're moving. Look for consoles that offer a clean, easy-to-read display. The minimum information you want is time, incline, speed and distance. Many treadmills show an estimate of the number of calories burned.
Programs and Extras
Many treadmills offer electronic programs that allow you to follow preprogrammed workouts or design your own. In less complex treadmills, heart-rate monitors are metal handgrips, but better treadmills offer compatibility with heart-rate straps. Many treadmill models feature a safety key that clips to your clothing and will come lose if you fall, stopping the treadmill to prevent injury. Other extras that are sometimes available include fans, docks for MP3 players, speakers and even television screens.
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