Crush Your Mile Goals No Matter the Weather With These Top Treadmills
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Running is a great way to get active, burn calories, relieve stress and boost endorphins. While you might enjoy running outside, owning your own treadmill will allow you to run any day, no matter what the weather situation is outside. In addition, having a treadmill at home means you don’t need to deal with hassles and wait times at the gym – when it opens back up again. While we can get on board with hopping on a bike or an elliptical every now and again, there’s no denying the outstanding benefits that running brings when incorporated into a regular exercise routine: A 180-pound guy can burn 136 calories running a 9-minute mile.
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Plus, picking up the pace can help you reduce disability in later life and live longer, according to one Stanford University School of Medicine, and it can also boost memory and protect against Alzheimer’s, according to research from the Institute of Biomedical Research in Barcelona. Not one to log miles upon boring miles? Absolutely no problem with that. Research shows that people who run intervals have more fun while running and will be more likely to keep it up, according to one Liverpool John Moores University study.
OK, so running is good for your body. But what about that whole “running too much on a treadmill can be bad for you,” thing? Well, just like any other activity, too much of anything is bad. Overuse, mismanagement, and not following safety precautions can all lead to injury. If you’re smart with how you use a treadmill, though, you might just be pleasantly surprised at the gains to be had. “When treated with respect and when remembering the focus of your run, the treadmill can be a heavy hitter in one’s training arsenal,” says Vinnie Milano, running coach at New York City treadmill studio Mile High Run Club. “Plus, tread running offers the benefit of consistency and being able to concentrate on a more meaningful and more quality run especially if you’re in a region that has seasons.”
Running inside means you can crush personal bests no matter what the weather is. Plus, it enables you to focus on the purpose of the work without distraction from other forces, like another person. Some more advanced models even have race course simulators pre-programmed into the console, giving you the capability to conquer race day-worthy inclines with a lot less pressure
Have the itch to own a tread of your own? That’s what we figured. No sweat (well, not yet, anyway). We’ve got your ultimate treadmill guide right here. Read on to learn about all things hamster wheel, including what to consider when buying a treadmill, what to avoid, a breakdown of the different parts on most treadmills, and the best options in your price point.
Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
Just like any large purchase, you owe it to yourself to do the research before snagging one for your home. Here are the six factors to take into account when buying a treadmill:
1. Space
Maybe you have an entire room to dedicate to your home gym, or maybe you’ll be using your family room into a sweatbox every time you want to get it in. Good news for you: treadmills come in two types — ones that fold, and ones that don’t. “There are treadmills now that have the technology to fold for convenient storage if you are limited on the amount of space you have,” says Scott Carr, Brand Manager for ProForm. “But the height and width of the treadmill are not the only size to think about. The size of the motor and belt length should also be considered.” While a treadmill may be an ideal fit for your space, you have to question if it’s the ideal fit for you and your body. Generally speaking, folding treadmills are going to have shorter belts, which may make them more ideal for walking than running depending on your stride length.
2. Activity
What do you want to use your treadmill for? If you want to really get some serious use out of your treadmill, crushing intervals and tackling 6-mile runs on the regular, you’re going to want one that withstand some wear and tear. “The higher the intensity and volume of training the more critical to focus on the design of the treadmill and the type of running surface, will it give you the ability to train as hard as you want to in a safe and reliable method,” says Eric Weber, director of sales and marketing for Woodway USA.
3. Features
While it’s easy to get caught up in all of the bells and whistles, remember what the piece of equipment’s main purpose is before you splurge for unnecessary extras. Features like automated programs, heart-rate monitoring, max speed are good to look for, but you may not exactly need a 22-inch screen to watch TV on. Make a list of the inclusions that matter most to you, and it can help you narrow down the field of options when purchasing your own model.
4. Price
While there aren’t standard price points for treadmills, per se, there are price brackets. Overall, you’ll find options that range around $800 to $4,500 or more. The price breakdown is as follows, according to Carr: Between $800 and $1,200, you’ll find models good for walking and light running. Between $1,200 and $1,800, models that are good for light running and some good incline options up to a 15 percent grade. Above $2,000? Hello, high mileage runners, you’ve met your match.
5. Build Quality
There are extremely inexpensive treadmill models on the market, yes. But the model won’t last, and will only cost you gobs of cash in repairs. Be smart, and think of this item as an investment in your health.
Treadmill Best Practices
Now that you know what to consider when purchasing your own treadmill, it’s important to know the best practices for hopping on and putting in the work. Take these five things into account when running on your treadmill:
- Form First: If you’ve located your treadmill near a mirror, this is the perfect opportunity to check in with how your running form stacks up. Aim to keep your toes under your nose and avoid leaning forward, maintaining a leg swing that’s as close to your body as possible. This will ultimately prevent overstriding which can lead to a hindering hamstring strain. Also, maintain as close to a 90-degree bend at the elbow as possible for a more beneficial arm swing that can help propel you forward.
- Don’t Overcompensate: The last thing you want to do is modify your natural running stride terribly because you’re on the other side of the window. Your feet should never cross over the centerline of your body to prevent excessive stress on the shin, IT band, inner ankle, and shin. To assist in this, make sure you’re opting for a treadmill that has a wide enough belt to make you feel comfortable.
- Pump up the Jams: “I always advocate against headphones when running outside, however, if you’re alone on your treadmill, pump it up!” says Milano. “Music is a great distraction from pain and allows you to focus on the running itself, the beat, the rhythm, and on form.”
- Watch the Thud: It should not sound like a stampede of elephants when you’re plodding along on your machine. Instead, listen to your foot strike. Try to stay light on your feet, which will help prevent joint problems and stress fractures.
- Don’t Hold the Rail: You know those calorie and MET (metabolic equivalent) readings you see on the center console? Those are only accurate if you’re using your body, and your body alone, to propel yourself forward on your machine. Not only does holding onto the rail lessen the amount of work you have to put in, but it can also be risky and give a false sense of stability. Instead, keep your pace manageable so you feel confident without the extra assist.
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The Anatomy of a Treadmill
Although price points and features of treadmills can vary greatly, there are a slew of basics that most units will include.
- Control Panel: The monitor that resides at the center console of your machine, this is where you’ll be able to view your progress including total mileage, calories burned, duration, time left on your run, and even choose your route — should your piece of equipment have that option. Most every item on the market at this point has a control panel that’s a touch screen.
- Handrail: Safety first, right guys? While some collapsable options may not necessarily have handles, a majority of machines will. You may find these handiest in between treadmill sprints.
- Treadmill Belt: The moving surface of the device. A lot of home treadmills are made with a single-ply (layer) belt that’s one piece of solid rubber. Ideally, you want to look for something of higher quality and at least 2-ply. But keep in mind: the more layers, the more heat that’s being produced as the belt rotates, which may mean overheating is in your future. “As you train the surface has the most interaction with your body,” says Weber. “The better the surface both from an impact and a stability standpoint the more effective your training can be as your intensity increases.” A cushier tread, like those found on Woodway brand treadmills, can also stave off the negative joint effects commonly associated with treadmill running.
- Foot Rail: The foot-sized platforms to the left and right of the treadmill belt.
- Stop Button: You can’t miss it, and there’s a reason for that. Located under the control panel, the red stop button can be your best friend if you feel like you’ve had enough mid-stride.
- Incline Mechanism: This is what controls the grade of your treadmill and resides at the front of your machine. Most treadmills range from 0 to 10.0, while others go up to 15.0. You can adjust this using the buttons on or around your control panel.
- Speed and Incline Controls: Most treadmills allow the user to adjust the speed directly on the control panel in the center of the machine. However, more often than not, they’ll also have buttons located to the right and left of the monitor, perfect for quick use when running, to adjust both the incline and speed.
The Best Treadmills for Your Place
OK, so now you know all there is to know about buying a treadmill. But what treadmill should you buy? Here, we’ve broken up the options on the market within the three price ranges that Carr distinguished. Remember: Although it may be tempting to save money, remember what your goals are and the criteria you set for your at-home model.
ANCHEER 3-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Are you short on space but still in search of a workout solution that works for your needs? This ANCHEER Folding Treadmill has a minimalist footprint, meaning it should work even in your one-bedroom apartment: when you’re done with your running, simply fold down the arm stand and slide the treadmill somewhere discreet, like under your bed. It doesn’t hurt that it’s on the affordable end, too. We love that the handlebars can fold down, so you can slide this under your desk and use it as a walking pad when you want to get extra steps in while working.
Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Treadmill
If you’re short on cash but unwilling to sacrifice key features, this offering from Sunny Health & Fitness deserves your attention. It has all of the basic features of a more expensive, commercial treadmill, like incline variants and Bluetooth phone connectivity, but at under $600, it’s a fraction of the price of its competitors. One caveat, though: it has a maximum user weight of just 240 pounds, so if you’re on the heavier side and looking for a treadmill to help you lose weight, you might need to take that into consideration.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
NordicTrack is one of the most trusted names in treadmills, and with the T 6.5S, you’re officially entering “commercial grade” territory. It’s got a weight limit of 300 pounds, and all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from any treadmill in your gym: incline controls, Bluetooth phone integration, onboard speakers, plus a one-year membership to iFit personal training app. And did we mention it comes backed by a 10-year frame and 2-year parts warranty? Shop with confidence, because NordicTrack stands by its products.
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
If you’ve got your eyes set on the top of the line, and have the cash necessary to play in those leagues, look no further than the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill. It’s definitely pricey, but you get what you pay for: a 22-inch LCD display, capable of streaming guided workouts, and include controls from -3% to 12%, giving you both downhill and uphill run options. Heck, this thing even folds up, so when you’re done your workout you can store it somewhere out of the way.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
With a large 16×50-inch tread surface and comprehensive LCD display offering 12 preset programs, three incline settings, and tracking info on calories burned, distance covered, time elapsed and heart rate, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill has all the features you need to get your sweat on, plus the ability to fold in half when not in use, making it easy to store in a closet or against a wall.
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
Assault Fitness make some of the most popular treadmills for home use, particularly for athletes, and unlike every other treadmill on this list, they completely ditch electricity: no plugs or outlets required. What powers the treadmill, you may be wondering? You do, friend! If you’re someone training for speed or maximum calorie burn, the AssaultRunner Pro is a great pickup, ensuring every workout is a challenge. If, on the other hand, you like to do low-intensity, steady-state (LISS), this probably isn’t the right option for you.
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