What Are Treadmills And What Do They Do?
Treadmills are exercise machines that allow you to run, jog, or walk indoors. They consist of a flat platform with a moving belt that simulates outdoor walking or running. The speed and incline of the belt can be adjusted to provide a range of workout intensities.
Treadmills are popular exercise equipment because they offer a convenient and safe way to exercise regardless of weather conditions or time of day. They allow you to control the pace and intensity of your workout, making them suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and goals.
Treadmills provide cardiovascular fitness which allows you to loose weight and strengthen your heart and lungs.
Are There Different Types Of Treadmills?
Yes, there are several types of treadmills available in the market. Here are some of the most common types:
Manual treadmills: These treadmills are powered by the user’s movement and do not require electricity. They are typically more affordable than motorized treadmills but can be less durable and have limited features.
Motorized treadmills: These treadmills are powered by a motor and have a range of features such as speed and incline control, pre-set workouts, and heart rate monitoring. They are typically more expensive than manual treadmills but provide a more advanced workout experience.
Folding treadmills: These treadmills can be folded up for easy storage and are ideal for those with limited space. They are available in both manual and motorized options.
Commercial treadmills: These treadmills are designed for use in commercial gyms and fitness centers. They are typically heavy-duty, have a higher weight capacity, and can withstand continuous use.
Under desk treadmills: These treadmills are designed to be used while sitting at a desk or table, allowing users to exercise while working. They have a compact design and typically have lower speed and noise levels.
Why Should I Buy A Treadmill?
If you’re looking for a convenient and effective way to improve your fitness and overall health, a treadmill is a great investment. With a treadmill at home, you can exercise regardless of weather conditions or time of day, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. Treadmills offer a customizable workout experience, allowing you to adjust speed and incline to match your fitness level and goals. Regular use of a treadmill can also provide numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and reduced risk of heart disease. Additionally, having a treadmill at home can provide motivation to exercise regularly and stay on track with your fitness goals. Overall, a treadmill is a great addition to any home gym and a valuable tool for improving your fitness and health.
Our Top Treadmill Picks For 2023
Best Overall: NordicTrack: NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill
Best Treadmill For Streaming Classes: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
Best Budget Friendly Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill
Best Compact Treadmill: LifeSpan TR5500iM Folding Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial is a popular and highly-rated treadmill designed for home use. It is a heavy-duty machine with a 3.75 continuous horsepower motor that can support running speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.
Key Features:
The treadmill features a large 10-inch HD touchscreen display that allows users to access a variety of built-in workouts, including custom Google Maps training routes that simulate real-world terrain. Additionally, the treadmill comes with a free one-year iFit membership, which provides access to a library of on-demand workouts led by certified personal trainers, as well as live interactive classes.
Other notable features of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 include an AutoBreeze workout fan, Bluetooth audio capabilities, and compatibility with wireless heart rate monitors. Overall, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a high-quality treadmill that is well-suited for both casual and serious runners who want a gym-quality workout from the comfort of their own home.
Specs:
| Deck Size | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 12 mph |
| Max Incline | 15% |
| Programs | iFit Library |
| Motor | 3.8 HP |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
High-quality construction
Advanced features
Powerful motor
Spacious running surface
Easy to store
Convenient workout features
Cons:
Expensive
Large size
Requires assembly
iFit membership required for full functionality
The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Treadmill is a high-quality fitness machine designed for home use. It features a powerful 3.5 CHP motor that provides a smooth and quiet workout experience, even at high speeds. The treadmill has a spacious 20″ x 60″ running surface that provides plenty of room for runners of all sizes.
Key Features:
The 7.0 AT Treadmill also features a variety of workout programs and incline settings, allowing users to customize their workouts to meet their fitness goals. It has an adjustable incline range of 0-15% and a maximum speed of 12 mph.
Other features of the 7.0 AT Treadmill include Bluetooth connectivity, so users can stream music or connect to fitness apps, a tablet holder, a built-in fan to keep users cool during workouts, and a hydraulic folding system that makes it easy to store the treadmill when not in use.
Specs:
| Deck Size | 20 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 12 mph |
| Max Incline | 15% |
| Max Decline | N/A |
| Programs | 7 |
| Motor | 3.0 HP |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Powerful Motor
Spacious Running Surface
Incline Range
Customizable Workouts
Bluetooth Connectivity
Built-in Fan
Hydraulic Folding System
Cons:
Price
Size and Weight
Assembly
No Cushioning System
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill is a basic motorized treadmill designed for home use. It has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to move and store when not in use. The treadmill has a running surface of 49″ L x 16″ W, and can support a maximum user weight of 220 pounds
Key Features:
It has a 2.2 HP peak DC motor, and a speed range of 0.5 to 9 miles per hour. The treadmill also features an LCD display that shows speed, time, distance, calories burned, and pulse. It has a manual incline with three levels of adjustment, and comes with 9 built-in workout programs to choose from. Additionally, it has a safety key that automatically shuts off the machine if the key is removed.
Specs:
| Deck Size | 16 in. wide x 49 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 9 mph |
| Incline | 3 adjustable settings |
| Programs | 9 |
| Motor | 2.2 HP |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Compact and Lightweight
Motorized Operation
Speed Range
LCD Display
Manual Incline
Built-in Workout Programs
Safety Key
Affordable Price
Cons:
Weight Capacity
Basic Design
Small Running Surface
Noisy Operation
Limited Incline
Lack of Advanced Features
The LifeSpan TR5500iM Folding Treadmill is a high-end treadmill designed for home use. It features a powerful 4.0 HP AC motor, which provides smooth and quiet operation, and can reach speeds up to 13.5 mph. The treadmill has a large 22″ x 60″ running surface, which is cushioned to reduce impact on joints and prevent injuries.
Key Features:
The TR5500iM has 43 pre-programmed workouts, including weight loss, interval, and heart rate programs, as well as customizable options for users to create their own workouts. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with popular fitness apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, and MyFitnessPal.
The console features a large 10″ full-color touchscreen display that allows users to track their progress and monitor their heart rate. It also has built-in speakers and a headphone jack for music or audio books while exercising. The console includes a USB port for charging devices and saving workout data, and the treadmill can support user weights up to 350 pounds.
One of the standout features of the TR5500iM is its folding design, which allows it to be easily stored when not in use. The treadmill also comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, a five-year parts warranty, and a two-year labor warranty.
Specs:
| Deck Size | 22 in. wide x 60 in. long |
|---|---|
| Max Speed | 13 mph |
| Max Incline | 13% |
| Max Decline | -2% |
| Programs | 24 |
| Motor | 4 HP |
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Powerful motor
Large running surface
Cushioned deck
Pre-programmed workouts
Customizable options
Bluetooth connectivity
Large touchscreen display
Folding design
Warranty
High weight capacity
Cons:
Price
Heavy
Assembly
No built-in fan
No TV or video streaming
Limited console storage
No heart rate chest strap included