Treadmills are a common piece of cardio fitness equipment found in fitness clubs, training facilities and home gyms. Offering a low-impact workout using the natural movement of walking or running, treadmills feature several adjustments to offer various workout intensities, such as speed and incline. The maximum speed for treadmills depends on the size of the motor for the individual model. While treadmills can provide health benefits, always consult a doctor before using one.
Function
Treadmills designed for home use will generally have speed settings from zero to 10 mph, while commercial treadmills can be increased to 12 mph. High-end treadmills designed for sprinting workouts can reach 15 mph or even 20 mph. The speed differences depend on the size of the motor. Treadmills will feature motors from 1.5 horsepower in home treadmills to about 3.5 horsepower in commercial treadmills.
Features
These speed adjustments can be made with a push-button on the display console in .1 increments. After adjusting the speed setting on the treadmill, a speed sensor tracks the revolutions of the belt and sends the information to the computer panel that displays the speed setting. The speed settings will automatically adjust while performing built-in programs and will stop once you reach the maximum speed.
Considerations
Maximum speed is only one way to adjust the workout intensity. Along with speed adjustments, most treadmills feature incline adjustments. Increasing the incline along with maximizing the speed setting can challenge experienced runners and provide intense running workouts. For example, if a home treadmill with a 10 mph maximum speed isn't fast enough for a specific workout, you can increase the incline to 5 to 10 percent incline. Treadmills can typically be adjusted from zero to 10 percent incline.
Warning
While treadmills have a maximum speed, running at that speed isn't required, or even recommended, for a successful workout. Always increase the intensity of the workout gradually based on your fitness level and running goals. For example, if you just started a fitness program, start by walking on the treadmill and increase the speed gradually alternating between running and walking. Eventually, you may be able to run at the maximum speed. A certified fitness trainer can provide information on proper operation and a personalized recommendation on speed settings. Always begin a treadmill workout with a total body warmup including calisthenics and flexibility exercises.
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