While motorized treadmills are generally very similar in design and appearance, the internal components often vary from one model to the next. These components play a role in determining various aspects of the machine's overall performance, such as its maximum speed. When selecting a treadmill, it is important to choose a model that meets your specific fitness needs, including the ability to move fast enough to provide an adequate workout.
Maximum Speed
The maximum speed of your treadmill depends largely on the motor installed in the machine's base. This component is located in front of the walking belt, under a protective casing, and it connects to the treadmill's front roller through a drive belt. More affordable models come with motors in the 2.25 to 2.75 CHP, or continuous horsepower, range, and are capable of producing speeds between 10 to 11 miles per hour. Models intended for commercial use, such as those found in a gym, may feature 3.0, 3.5 or even 4.0 CHP motors, which can reach speeds of between 12 and 14 miles per hour.
Settings
When you first turn on the treadmill, the belt moves at a slow speed of approximately 0.5 miles per hour. This is to allow you to begin walking on the device safely, at which point you can gradually increase the speed to the desired setting using the buttons on the control panel. On most models, each press of the speed buttons will increase or decrease the current belt speed in increments of 0.5 miles per hour.
Console
The display built into the console unit will often display your current speed as you exercise, although you may have to cycle through display modes to find the desired information. Many console units also include preprogrammed workouts that will automatically adjust the treadmill's speed at various points throughout the workout.
Incline
Some treadmills come equipped with an incline motor installed, capable of lifting the front end of the walking deck as you exercise. This is designed to help simulate the experience of running or walking up a slope. When the incline motor is in use, the walking belt motor must work harder to keep the belt moving at the desired speed. As such, you should try to avoid running the treadmill at maximum speed while the incline motor is in use to help minimize the risk of the walking belt motor burning out.
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