With so many treadmills on the fitness equipment market, including models with similar ranges of features, picking one can be confusing. Cut through the confusion by comparing the treadmill specifications, the most objective way of measuring one treadmill to another. Most treadmills have spec sheets available online or on the product packaging.
Horsepower
A treadmill's motor drives the belt you walk or run on. The Treadmill Doctor online buying guide notes that treadmill horsepower ratings don't always make much sense or correspond directly to motor size. You can either shop according to continuous horsepower -- the amount of power the treadmill is capable of providing for long periods -- or by feel. If you're shopping by horsepower, Dick's Sporting Goods recommends a minimum of 1 to 1.5 continuous horsepower for walking and light jogging or 1.5 to 2 continuous horsepower for running. If you're shopping by feel, look for a smooth, continuous motion with no belt hesitation as you walk or run on it.
Speed and Incline
Treadmills display maximum speed and incline ratings front and center on the spec sheet. Maximum speeds of 10 mph to 12 mph are very common, although some entry-level models only go up to 9 mph. The very cheapest treadmills designed for walking only -- no running -- might offer an even lower maximum speed. Incline trainers, which tilt to as high as a 40 percent incline, usually have relatively slow maximum speeds, too. Incline trainers aside, most treadmills offer a maximum incline of 10 percent to 15 percent. A few high-end treadmills also offer negative inclines to simulate going downhill.
Size and Capacity
Treadmills have two relevant size measurements. The first is the running/walking belt size. Most treadmill belts are at least 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. If you have very long legs or an extremely long running stride, you might need a 60-inch or longer belt to run comfortably. Beware of bargain treadmills, which sometimes have such a small walking belt that you're left feeling cramped.
The next set of measurements are the exterior dimensions of the treadmill itself. Measure your free space, then compare this against the treadmill measurements. Keep in mind that you need at least a few inches of space for air circulation to the front and sides of the treadmill and enough space to safely step on and off the treadmill in the back.
Treadmills typically have a listed maximum weight capacity, too. If you or the heaviest user are anywhere near this upper limit, consider upgrading to a heavier-duty model; it'll last longer.
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