Treadmill manufacturers want you to believe that their machine is the pick of the pack. To make things even more confusing, many treadmill manufacturers sell their products at steep, constant discounts. This makes distinguishing between low-, middle- and high-end treadmills by price alone difficult. But if you compare treadmills according to their basic design elements, you'll get a better idea of which machine best suits you.
Motor
Motor size is one of the best determiners of treadmill quality, but horsepower ratings can be confusing. In general, the higher the continuous-duty horsepower rating, or chp, the better. Be skeptical of horsepower ratings that don't include the terms continuous-duty or chp. Even chp ratings on similar motors can vary between manufacturers, so use the treadmill's motor warranty as a clue toward motor quality. The longer the warranty, the more faith you can have in the motor. For mid-range to high-end treadmills, look for a lifetime motor warranty.
Motor Housing and Running Room
Your treadmill won't do you much good if you don't have enough room to walk or run on it comfortably. A 20-inch by 55-inch treadbelt offers enough room for most users to walk and run comfortably, but if you have a long stride and plan to run you should look for a running belt at least 60 inches long. The further forward the motor housing sits on the treadmill frame, the more room you'll have to run. But this also lengthens the treadmill's overall footprint.
Frame, Deck and Belt
If frame durability is a concern, look for a treadmill with a box- or rectangular-shaped frame, called a box channel frame. Steel versus aluminum frame is somewhat a matter of personal preference, but expect a springier run from a steel-framed treadmill than an aluminum-frame treadmill. Look for a solid-wood, reversible treadmill deck at least 1 inch thick. This type of deck will last longer than a thin, pressboard, nonreversible deck. Likewise, look for a belt with a tight weave on the underside and a diagonal seam. Multi-ply belts with a soft underside will last longer, but be warned that extra-thick orthopedic belts put additional strain on the treadmill's motor.
Folding vs. Nonfolding
Most, but not all home treadmill models fold to save space when not in use. But they take up just as much space when you do use them. The folding mechanism is most useful for making a small space livable when the treadmill is not in use, transporting the treadmill, moving it around the room, or cleaning beneath it -- a standard maintenance procedure you should perform regularly for any treadmill.
Handlebars vs. Handrails
Treadmill handlebars and handrails serve two major purposes: They give you something to hold for stability if you need it, and also provide a convenient mount for handgrip heart rate sensors, a common feature on both home and commercial treadmills. Pay attention to whether the heart rate sensors are mounted in a convenient place for you to grip as you walk or run. Other factors to consider include whether the handlebars or handrails interfere with your arm motion as you run, and whether they impede your entry or exit from the machine.
Member Comments