Treadmill Buyer's Guide

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Our treadmill buyer's guide is designed to educate you on the components that comprise the machine. Understanding what makes a quality treadmill in comparison to a cheap machine, can save you considerable money down the road. It will also reduce the need for repairs.

Treadmill Motor  

A treadmill motor is one of the most significant components to consider when buying a treadmill. It is what drives the treadbelt. Depending on the quality and power, it can make the difference between a smooth running machine and a loud noisy treadmill that struggles to run. For example, the Sole F85 treadmill comes with a 3.5 continuous duty HP motor. This powerhouse will accommodate serious runners, and will run effortlessly at higher speeds and steep inclines. In Comparison the NordicTrack A2155 comes with a 2.25 HP motor, which is better suited for walkers.

When comparing treadmill motors you want to go by the horsepower of the continuous duty, not peak horsepower. Peak horsepower is the maximum horsepower a treadmill can reach. Continuous-duty horsepower is a measure of sustained power during regular use. The continuous motor power is what is consistently delivered during heavy usage, over an extended period of time.

Since peak horsepower is usually significantly higher than a motor's continuous capability, continuous horsepower better helps you determine which treadmill will accommodate your intended exercise use. Generally speaking, the larger the motor the more powerful it can operate at a continuous rate. Although some quality motors may have a lower continuous duty hp rating, and yet be better.

Continuous duty is the standard in comparing horsepower. Unfortunately there is no official standard rating and often treadmill manufacturers will exaggerate the actual continuous duty horsepower. Regardless, the continuous duty horsepower rating will give you some guideline.

An indication of the quality of the motor will often be reflected by the extent of the warranty. A 90-day warranty will suggest lack of quality. A warranty of 10 years or more tells you that the motor is built to last, or otherwise the company would go broke having to replace them.

We suggest the following guide for continuous duty horsepower when selecting a treadmill. If you are over 200 lbs you may want to add .5 hp to the motor level:

Belt/Deck Size

Belts vary in length, depending on whether the unit is geared more for walkers/joggers or runners. Belt widths range from 16" to 22", while lengths vary from about 45" to 62"s. In most cases you want to stay away from 16" belts. They are extremely narrow and offer very little room to move. For walking, an 18" belt is adequate, but if you are going to jog or run we suggest a 20" belt. There are also several manufacturers that are offering 22" wide belts.

We recommend the following guideline for treadmill belt and deck lengths. For walking 50" - 52" is adequate, depending on your height. If you plan to jog we suggest at least 54". If you are tall or a runner with long strides, you should be looking at a 58"+ belt.

Note: Many manufacturers measure the length by the length of the treadbelt. That is not a true measurement, since often part of the belt is covered by plastic shrouds.

In the past a treadmill with a 60" long belt would often cost a minimum $2,000. Icon Fitness, which manufactures NordicTrack, ProForm and Epic, is now offering treadmills with 60" belts for as little as $1,000.

Treadbelt

With a treadbelt, you want low noise and high performance. You also want a minimum 2-ply belt for long wear and sufficient cushioning.

Quality treadmills will have belts that are pre-lubricated/waxed to provide minimal maintenance (if any). Expect up to 25,000 miles of service by simply keeping the unit clean (free of dirt). This lubrication/wax system is a special blend of high-pressure synthetic compounds.

The design and make-up of a treadbelt is a science onto itself. What is important is you want a belt that will provide extended wear and comfort. Once again, warranties on the belts are an indication. Any warranty less than a year would suggest potential problems in the future.

Once again, it is important to keep your treadbelt clean. Dirt, dust, dog hair, etc., can get into the machinery and cause problems.

Shock Absorption

Most treadmills have an elastometer design. They use rubber grommets to absorb the shock. You want good shock absorption, but you do not want too much absorption where the deck is sloppy.

With some low end models you will have the deck actually angle outward with the strike of your foot, and consequently your foot is twisting, which is causing stress and straing.

A variation of the elastometer design, is the diving board design. You have rubber grommets in the front part of the deck, which absorb the impact, however there are none towards the rear. That is because you want a stable, solid liftoff at the rear. This is a design used by Sole.

Smooth has a unique designed called Swing Arm. The entire running deck and frame is suspended on two pivots. Once again, it absorbs the shock at the front and towards the rear there is virtually no absorption, because the rear is where you push off from the deck.

A further note, is that several manufacturers are offering adjustable cushioning. This allows you to adjust the shock absorption to your comfort level.

Console Controls and Displays

Computer panel displays are either LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) OR LED (Light Emitting Diode--easier to read because it is brighter). The displays come in all shapes and sizes. In addition, you can find quality treadmills that have ¼ track displays and heart zone readings.

Most treadmills have some sort of computer programming, ranging from a simple odometer and speedometer to preprogrammed workouts and storage capabilities. Computer controls can provide feedback such as speed, distance, heart rate, pace, calories burned, laps taken, time elapsed, incline and more (depending on the particular treadmill).

Keeping track of your progress can motivate you to increase the intensity of your workout and attain new goals.

Exercise Programs

Just about all treadmills come with a selection of pre-installed exercise programs. These programs control the speed and incline of the machine, and simulate various challenges like hill climbing and interval training. Having a variety of exercise workouts can break up the monotony of walking or running in place.

Usually inexpensive treadmills will include several basic programs. The more costly models will have a wider selection that will focus on fitness goals like weight loss or cardio burn. When it comes to pre-installed programs NordicTrack offers the most for the least. Some of their models in the $1,000 price range may include as many as 30 programs.

In addition, some treadmills have user defined programs where you can create your own customized workout. The advantage of user defined programs is you can create a challenging workout and use it as a benchmark to reach beyond. You compete against yourself.

iFit Technology - NordicTrack offers a new twist to exercise programs. Several of their models are equipped with iFit Technology. iFit is a series of training programs that act like a virtual personal trainer, minus their expensive fee.

Professional trainers design the programs, which control the speed and incline. They are available in computer cards that you insert into the machine. Each card offers a number of workouts based on your exercise goals and level of fitness. They include audio coaching to further encourage you burn more calories and get into shape. (Note: The cards are an additional cost.)

New for 2009 is the iFit Virtual Personal Trainer, where after an assessment you get 1-year of personalized workouts that are compatible with your iFit treadmill. What will they think of next.

Heart Rate Monitor and Control

There are a variety of heart rate options available on treadmills. The basic is heart rate monitoring, where you grip sensors on the siderails to get a read-out of your heart rate.

There is also heart rate control, where either through holding the siderails or by with a wireless chest strap, the intensity of your workout is controlled by your heart rate. This allows you to keep your workout within a preset zone. Most treadmills maintain your heart rate zone by adjusting the incline. Although some also have the option of allowing the speed to adjust the rate.

The treadmill determines a pre-set maximum target heart rate based upon the users sex, height, weight and age, or the user can adjust it to whatever maximum target workout rate they want. (This should be subject to the user's physical condition and determined after consulting with a physician.)

Note: The wireless heart rate control usually gives you a more exact reading of your heart rate.

Rollers

A major component in providing no hesitation walking/running and long treadbelt life is the roller system. In design, there is no substitute for size. Basically the larger the roller the better. That's why commercial treadmills will oversize the roller design with very large diameters.

Large treadmill rollers can offer the following advantages:

Treadbelts can run with less tension. Less tension results in longer life to both the belt and roller bearings. This is because the larger roller diameter has more area to "grip" the belt (traction) and prevent slippage.

Large rollers turn more slowly at all speeds. This obviously reduces bearing wear. For example, treadmills with 2.5" rollers run up to 43% slower then smaller rollers.

Small rollers mean small bearings. Large bearings in rollers mean large load capacity, up to 40% more! This adds longer life.

The treadbelt doesn't have to bend as sharp as it is forced over larger rollers. Support fibers (polyester) in the belt will last longer by staying cooler and not flexing as much. The more flex, the more heat, especially on a very tight belt (necessary to prevent slippage) with units using small rollers.

Larger rollers have more surface mass to absorb treadmill belt heat. Treadbelts can run hot! The cooler they operate, the better. The backing lasts longer, the splice is stronger and the PVC top coat doesn't "migrate" (bleed through) to the deck (causing friction).

Better precision bearing alignment is maintained. Because with large roller size, you also get much more strength. Larger axles (bigger bearings) are also stronger to minimize flexing between the mounting points of the roller.

You'll find that most of the Sole Treadmills come equipped with 2.75" rollers, which is about the largest in their price range.

Incline Motor

Incline raises the treadmill's running bed for increased resistance. Treadmill incline mimics walking or running up hills, making your workout more challenging, in addition to burning more calories and further increasing muscle tone. Power incline offers you automatic adjustment so you can change the incline while you're walking/running to add variety and challenge to your workout; most treadmills offer a powered incline from 0%-10%. Some high-end models go up to 15%.

Elevation mechanisms come in many different forms. The most effective and durable elevation assemblies are worm-gear actuator driven electronic elevation motors.

Worm-gear electronic elevation systems use a separate, powerful motor to elevate the treadmill while in use. Typical elevation motors will have a thrust value from 400 to 1000 pounds, therefore pushing up the deck without any hesitation while exercising.

No treadmill buyer's guide would be complete without mentioning the importance of the reputation of the company. Only purchase from a business that is known for both the quality of their products and their commitment to customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend that you do your research before you buy. It will pay off in the "long run."

The most important buyer's guide recommendation.

The warranty reflects the quality of a treadmill. A 90-parts and service warranty suggests the machine will not last long. A warranty that covers the parts for a number of years and has a one year service warranty suggest the treadmill is built to last. You can view all the warranties of the brands viewed on this site at our Treadmill Warranties at a Glance page.

Click here for UK Treadmills / running machines

Additional Treadmill Articles:

Where to Purchase a Treadmill

Treadmill Delivery Options

Your Profile and the Right Treadmill

Treadmill Warranties - What to Consider

What to Consider in a Folding Treadmill

The Pros and Cons of Compact Treadmills

iFit Compatible Treadmills

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