Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have discovered that [exercise is essential] in our daily lives. A treadmill is one of the best choices for training endurance at home, especially on those days when you don't feel like going outside due to the weather. Doubts arise when we decide to buy one, but we don't know which one.
There are treadmills of all types and adapted to all levels, hence their big price differences. This guide can help you choose the treadmill that best suits your needs.
What are you going to use it for?
You don't need to get a big treadmill if you're just going to use it for [walking]. Either because you prefer walking to running, or because your level doesn't yet allow you to run.
Another reason you might prefer a walking treadmill is because you work sitting down and [need to move more]. In all these cases, a simple walking treadmill will suffice, without a big motor, programs, or any more advanced features.
If you want one for running, then we'll look for something of a higher level, which will increase the more we plan to use it. This is where you'll see descriptions like: designed for three to five hours of training, or similar.
Usually, the price matches the treadmill's capabilities, so we can find walking treadmills for as little as 200 euros, or more professional treadmills costing several thousand euros.
Motor power
Just like our car measures power in horsepower, the treadmill does the same. We know that a car with more horsepower will accelerate faster and go faster. The same happens with the treadmill: the top speed reached will be higher, and the time to reach that speed will be shorter.
For [walking], two horsepower is enough; for jogging, about 2.5 horsepower as a minimum, and if we're going to get more use out of it or do HIIT workouts, we'll look for one with at least a three-horsepower motor.
Aesthetics: frames and finishes
A mobile phone costs more or less depending on whether its finish is plastic or another material. The same happens with the treadmill. It's more of an aesthetic than a functional aspect, but it's another factor we can consider when choosing our treadmill.
The frame material and finishes will have more influence on transporting and storing the treadmill. If we want a [model] that folds and can be stored in a corner, an aluminum frame will be the lightest and strongest for better portability.
Electric or manual
[Treadmills] are mostly electric, running on a rotating motor, but we also find manual types where we have to exert the force to move the running belt. Manual ones are cheaper and can work for walking, but electric ones are more recommended.
At the opposite end, we find the latest generation manual treadmills that can be found in high-performance sports centers. These treadmills are the best choice since they are propelled by us and simulate running more closely. The problem is their high price.
Incline, decline, and maximum speed
You may not have seen a treadmill with a decline feature, but they exist. You might not use that feature, so that extra won't matter to you. Incline typically varies between 10% and 15% maximum incline, and declined ones can go down to a -3% incline.
Incline goes hand in hand with motor power and maximum speed. Maximum speed is another aspect that will vary depending on your needs. Usually, [standard treadmills] reach sufficient speed for beginner and intermediate runners.
User weight limit
Treadmills list the maximum supported weight in their description. It's usually generous and not a concern for people of normal weight. For people with obesity, we must verify this aspect to avoid any problems with the motor and the treadmill's capacity.
Console and programs
This is another big price difference factor for treadmills. There are basic models with a console that shows speed, calories, and distance. On the other hand, there are others with touch screens that measure various parameters like heart rate via Bluetooth and a chest strap.
As we've been describing throughout the article, choose the one that matches your usage preferences. If you're a more advanced runner looking to control different variables, choose one that monitors as many as possible. If you're not going to use those variables, there's no need to opt for a very sophisticated console.
Some interesting purchase options
Fitfiu Fitness MC-100
This model is one of the classics from the Fitfiu Fitness brand that will work if we're looking for a treadmill for walking with basic features. There are different models with higher motor capacities from the brand that we can choose if we're looking for more professional features. This model has a price of 299 euros [current price].
Fitfiu Fitness MC-200 - Folding treadmill with speed up to 14 km/h, running surface of 40 x 110 cm, 1500W motor, LCD screen, heart rate monitor and emergency stop system
NordicTrack s20i
A treadmill with guarantees that will allow us to take our [training] to the next level. It features a console with connectivity and several installed programs. It reaches up to 18 kilometers per hour for the most demanding athletes. Its price is 889 euros [current price].
NordicTrack S20i Treadmill with 6-Month Family iFit Membership included
BH i.Marathoner
The BH brand has a wide range of treadmills and other cardiovascular machines. This is a treadmill for demanding athletes, as its powerful motor allows us to reach 21 kilometers per hour across 15 different incline levels. It has a price of 1,149 euros.
BH i.Marathoner Folding Treadmill - 21Km/h - 36 programs - 8-year warranty - Fitness apps - WG6458RF
FITFIU Fitness MC-560
This Fitfiu Fitness model is more advanced than the one described in a previous section. It allows us to train at home and store the treadmill quickly and easily after use. With 15 activation levels and an adjustable speed of up to 18 km/h, we can do [workouts] with great quality. Its price is 789.99 euros.
FITFIU Fitness MC-560 - Folding Treadmill with up to 15 Automatic Incline Levels at a Maximum Speed of 18km/h, 2200W Motor, USB Connector, MP3 Player and Speakers
BH Fitness RC12 TFT G6182TFT
This treadmill, valued by
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