6 Important Features In A Treadmill
Are you planning to buy a treadmill for home use? Are you aware of the most important features that should be a part of every treadmill meant for home use? There is no lack of treadmills in the market but not every machine out there is right for you.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most important features that should be a part of every treadmill you may consider buying for home use.
1). Workout programs
Almost all modern treadmills have a variety of workout programs built into the machine. These workout programs maintain a particular speed and incline which gives you a lot of flexibility.
On the other hand, entry-level treadmills only have manual modes which means you need to physically set up the speed and incline every time you want to follow a particular fitness program.
2). Automation
Everyone knows that they need to mix up their exercises to keep things interesting. This also applies to treadmills. One of the ways you can keep your treadmill rides interesting is by changing the incline and speed.
A higher incline allows you to burn more calories at a faster rate. Modern treadmills have automated inclines which means you don’t need to set up the incline manually and can just push a button or select a program to raise or decline it to a preselected level.
3). Treadmill size
One of the most important factors you need to look at before choosing a treadmill is the size of the track. Not every track length/width is right for everyone. For instance, taller individuals would have a more comfortable time on a longer track compared to shorter people.
As far as the track size is concerned, it usually ranges from 13 inches to 22 inches in width and 40 inches to 60 inches in length.
Generally, you should choose at least 16 inches in width and a track length of at least 48 inches if you are going to use the treadmill only for walking. If you plan to jog lightly on the treadmill, choose a track at least 20 inches wide and a length of at least 54 inches.
If you plan to run on the treadmill, make sure to choose at least a 22-inch-wide track and a minimum length of 54 inches though it is recommended to go for a 60-inch long track.
4). Motor
Most people assume that they don’t need to worry about the power or quality of the motor but they are wrong. You need to pay careful attention to the power of the motor as well as its type. Make sure you buy a treadmill with a continuous-duty motor.
This type of motor is specifically designed to provide a constant power output which means you won’t have any hiccups or jerks while using the treadmill. As far as the power is concerned, these motors range from one CHP to around 5 CHP in power.
As far as the minimum motor power is concerned, it is recommended to choose at least a 1.5 CHP motor. If you plan to use it for walking, a motor between 1.5 to 2 CHP should suffice. If you are going to use it for jogging, make sure the motor power is between 2 to 3 CHP.
If you want to use it for running, motor power should be at least 3 CHP. Your weight will also affect the motor power.
5). Folding or non-folding
A non-folding treadmill is always going to be more durable and stable compared to a folding treadmill for the simple reason that there are fewer moving parts in a non-folding treadmill. Go for a folding treadmill only if you are short of space.
6). Control panel
Many treadmill manufacturers often think of the control panel as something that has to be there but they don’t really pay attention to its design or usability. If the controls are difficult to use, it adds unnecessary friction to the workouts and this is why you should also pay attention to the ease of use of the control panel. Make sure it has all the entertainment options you need and the controls are easy to use and follow.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there is a huge range of treadmills available in the market at various price points. You can buy one for as little as $1,000 but you can also spend upwards of $5,000 for a high-quality treadmill. At the end of the day, you want a product that is reliable, stable, durable and designed to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Fitness Equipment Warehouse offers a wide range of treadmills at the most affordable prices. Get in touch with our team of experts today to learn more about treadmills and make an informed choice at (08) 9455 2810 or leave an enquiry.