Treadmill Buyer's Guide

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Buying the Right Treadmill for Your Body and Your Budget!

The problem with many potential treadmill customers is that they do not know what they are buying. Consequently, they end up with a machines that is not suited to their fitness goals.

Our treadmill buyer's guide is designed to make you an educated consumer. Understanding what makes a quality treadmill in comparison to a cheap machine, can save you considerable money down the road.

The following information discusses the primary components that comprise a treadmill. Understanding the parts will give you a better of what to consider when buying the total package. Also, check out my "Best Buy" recommendations that takes into account all of the information listed below.

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 continuous duty horsepower rating, 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. For example, a treadmill motor may be rated at 5 HP at a peak rating, but would more likely be about 3.0 HP at a continuous duty.

Some questionable treadmill dealers will rate their motors by the peak rating, hoping their customers will not know the difference and think they are getting a more powerful motor.

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 more powerful.

An indication of the quality of the motor will often be reflected by the extent of the warranty. A 90-day warranty would suggest a low output motor that will strain at higher speeds, or under the stress of excessive weight. A warranty of 10 years or more tells you that their motors are built to last, otherwise the company would go broke having to replace them. The quality of motors have improved over the last several years and most treadmills over $800 come with a lifetime motor warranty.

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". 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.

As suggested, always keep your treadbelt clean. Dirt, dust, dog hair, etc., can get into the machinery and cause problems.

The Importance of the Right 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 causes stress and strain.

A variation of the elastometer design is the diving board design. You have more shock absorption in the front to reduce the impact as your foot strides the deck. Meanwhile you have less absorption in the rear so you get a solid and stable push-off. This design is used by Sole.

Smooth has a unique designed called Swing Arm. The entire running deck and frame is suspended on two pivots towards the front of the deck. Once again, it absorbs the impact at the front and gives a firm lift at the rear.

A further note, 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 pre-installed workout 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 and ProForm offer 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 2010 is iFit Live, where your treadmill communicates through Wi-Fi with the Internet. With iFit Live you can get daily custom workouts from professional trainers, including Jillian Michaels. In addition, you can track your progress through your personal profile on iFit.com. All you stats are downloaded online. Finally, you can map routes on Google Maps and your treadmill will simulate the terrain through the incline features and you can visualize the route through Google Map's street, satellite or street view.

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 to get a read-out of your heart rate.

There is also heart rate control, where the intensity of your workout is determined 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 adjust the rate of speed.

The treadmill determines a pre-set maximum target heart rate based upon the users sex, height, weight and age, which can also be adjusted manually. (This type of exercise should be subject to the user's physical condition and determined after consulting with a physician.)

You utilize the heart rate control by either holding on to the sensor grips, which can be awkward, or through a wireless heart rate chest strap, which is preferable.

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

Rollers - The Bigger the Better

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 a very large diameter.

Large treadmill rollers can offer the following advantages...

• Treadbelts 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 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.

The Truth About User Weight Limit

The fact is most treadmill manufacturers overstate the weight limits of their treadmills. I guess they figure if everyone else is doing it they need to look comparable to the competition. Consequently, many excessively overweight individuals end up buying budget treadmills that often have a user weight limit of 300 lbs.

It takes power and significant shock absorption to handle heavy users. Plus you need a thick deck. You're not going to get that on a cheap treadmill. If you are over 250 lbs. consider a model that is at least $1,000. At 300 lbs. you want pay in excess to $2,000. A cheaper treadmill may work, but your chances of having service issues increase.

Walking vs. Running Treadmills

As with the user weight limit, many manufacturers overstate the functionality of their budget treadmills. They often imply that they are adequate for running.

The act of running results in intense impact on a treadmill deck. In fact, it can impact up to 2.5x your body weight. In addition, running requiries your treadmill to run at faster speeds, which strains the motor and belt. Finally, running often results in longer strides, which makes having a treadmill with a longer deck preferable.

Now there are treadmills in the $800-$1,000 price range that can handle walkers and light joggers (5-7 mph), but if you are a serious runner you should consider a machine in the $1,500+ range. They are designed to handle the abuse that is inherant from running.

Company Reputation

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".

I try to provide insight into the reputation of many of the companies whose products I review. Another good source is Amazon.com, which provides customer reviews on the treadmill models that they sell.

The most important buyer's guide recommendation.

A treadmill warranty is often a good indication of the quality of the machine. A 90-parts and service warranty suggests the treadmill 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.

In fact, many treadmill manufacturers have increased their coverage not only to be more competition, but for the simple reason they are building better machine. You will often find treadmills in the $1,500+ price range that have lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor coverage. You can view all the warranties of the brands viewed on this site at our Treadmill Warranties at a Glance page.

I hope all this information has not overwhelmed you. The purpose of this buying guide is to give you some direction. In addition, you can check out my list of treadmills reviews and their individual rankings.

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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