Exercising on an electric treadmill is an excellent alternative to traditional outdoor running, especially when weather conditions are not conducive to physical activity. Choosing this device not only allows for workouts regardless of the weather or air quality but also offers noticeable health benefits, especially for the joints. Thanks to cushioning systems, electric treadmills reduce the load exerted on the knee, hip, and ankle joints, which is particularly important compared to running on hard surfaces like asphalt. Running on a treadmill, on an even and stable surface, minimizes the risk of injury and contributes to a safer and more comfortable workout, offering a range of features tailored to your individual needs.
The market distinguishes two main types of treadmills: home and commercial. Home treadmills are designed with the comfort of use in the privacy of your home in mind. They are usually smaller, lighter, and easier to fold, saving space. Commercial treadmills, found mainly in gyms and fitness clubs, are built for intensive use. This article is dedicated to home treadmills - you will learn what technical and functional parameters are important when choosing a device and what to pay attention to when purchasing, so the dream equipment fully meets your needs and faithfully serves you for years, instead of being a source of frustration or just gathering dust at home. So, let's dive in!
1. Motor Power and Maximum Speed:
Motor power directly affects the performance of the treadmill. Devices with power below 1 HP are usually intended for walking or light running, while motors with 1-2 HP offer a higher maximum speed, reaching up to 16-20 km/h. When choosing a treadmill, pay attention to the continuous (rated) power of the motor, as it defines its actual performance during prolonged use. Note that people usually run at a speed of 8-12 km/h. Higher speeds are rather used by seasoned runners or for interval training.
It's also worth paying attention to whether the speed values provided in the catalog and displayed on the screen are actually achieved during use. Unfortunately, it often happens that after purchasing a treadmill, it turns out that according to the treadmill we run faster than before by even 20% :), at least according to the treadmill's indications, and this becomes an irritating problem... especially for those who rely on precise measurements.
2. Treadmill Belt Incline:
The incline of the running belt allows for increasing the intensity of the workout without the need to increase speed. You can choose between treadmills with manual incline, which requires interrupting the workout to change it and manually setting the belt height, and treadmills with automatic incline (auto incline), where the change of incline is done smoothly via buttons on the console. In treadmills with manual adjustment, there are usually two or three different low-angle settings available, while those with auto incline typically offer a dozen different possibilities in a much wider range. In practice, if you plan to exercise walking or running uphill and don't want to struggle with manually moving a pin, lifting the belt, or turning a knob, opt for auto incline.
3. Running Belt Dimensions:
Moving on to another key aspect, the size of the running surface, it's important to pay attention to the dimensions of the running belt. Often, when choosing a home treadmill, this parameter is overlooked, emphasizing other aspects, neglecting this crucial one. However, it is a critical factor directly affecting the comfort and safety of use. Longer and wider belts offer a more spacious running area, which is particularly important for tall users, those with a long stride, or those who train at higher speeds. Additionally, for people with a larger body mass, the width of the belt significantly affects the ergonomics of the workout. Typical dimensions of home treadmill belts range from 40 x 100 cm to 52 x 155 cm. It's important to remember that treadmills may look similar in internet pictures but differ in belt dimensions - it's a matter of perspective, zoom, or marketing strategy. Therefore, it's crucial to pay attention to the dimensions provided in the catalog and select them according to your physical needs and level of advancement. Remember, safety first!
4. Maximum Weight Capacity:
Every treadmill has a specified maximum user weight in its specifications, which is also a very important parameter when choosing the right model, especially for individuals struggling with excess kilograms. In the market, we can find devices suitable for people weighing up to 100-120 kg, but there are also models with stronger engines that can accommodate users weighing up to even 150 kg. However, it's worth noting that treadmills with a higher load capacity often come with a higher price. Before making a purchase, it is crucial to check the load capacity of the treadmill of interest and ensure that our weight falls within the range allowed by the manufacturer. Although this parameter may seem like just one of many, exceeding it can affect the durability of the device, the efficiency of the engine's operation, as well as the wear and tear of the running belt and shock absorbers. For individuals significantly lighter than the specified limits, the maximum user weight usually has less significance in the choice of a treadmill.
5. Dimensions and Foldability:
If you are dealing with spatial limitations in your home or apartment, the size of the device as well as its ease of folding and storage become particularly important. In such cases, it's worth paying attention to whether the device can be easily folded and to examine the treadmill's folding system as well as its dimensions when folded. Walking Pad models, mainly designed for walking, are so compact that they can easily fit under a bed or in another narrow space, allowing for almost invisible storage. On the other hand, treadmills with the Flat Fold function offer an innovative solution that enables the running belt to be folded vertically, significantly reducing the space needed for the device. This is an extremely practical solution, especially in the case of smaller apartments, tight spaces, or where a deployed treadmill could disrupt the free flow of movement or obstruct other items.
6. App Compatibility:
When choosing a treadmill, it's worth paying attention to a feature that has recently become a real breakthrough in such devices – connectivity with training apps. Modern treadmills are increasingly integrated with apps such as ZWIFT, Kinomap, or Fitshow. These programs open the doors to unlimited training possibilities for fitness enthusiasts. Thanks to this advanced functionality, every workout can become an unforgettable adventure in the virtual world – whether exploring picturesque routes in distant corners of the globe, competing with other runners, or covering miles in friendly company. This is the perfect solution for those who are looking for additional motivation and want to diversify their daily workouts, forgetting about monotony and solitude. For individuals who want more than just running in place, treadmills with app connectivity are the key to a world where training becomes a fascinating journey, and every step brings new challenges and achievements.
Summary:
Choosing the right treadmill is a decision that can significantly affect the quality of your workouts as well as your overall well-being and health. Before making a purchase, consider a few key issues: who will be using the device, where you plan to set up the equipment, and which features are a priority for you. Not every treadmill will be suitable for every user – we differ in our needs, training goals, and preferences regarding equipment functionality. So, do not hesitate to contact experts who can help you match the model that perfectly meets your expectations. Specialists are available to dispel your doubts and advise in the selection, ensuring that the purchased treadmill becomes not only an effective training tool but also a source of motivation for regular exercises. Remember, improperly chosen equipment can discourage you from physical activity, just like uncomfortable clothing that ends up forgotten in the corner of the closet.
