How to Find the Best Treadmills

A treadmill is one of the most beneficial fitness investment options you can make for your home. It allows you to work out at your own pace, without worrying about the weather or your commute to the gym.

A good treadmill is an ideal way to monitor your fitness improvement. If you're preparing for a marathon in the near future or simply want to maintain your fitness level, having a treadmill best (Recommended Reading) at home is an essential item.

1. Motor Vehicles

When looking for a treadmill, look for one that offers an efficient motor. If you plan to log upwards of 20 miles per week and doing intense interval training, choose a machine that offers a continuous 3.0 horsepower motor and 60 inches of deck long. If you're just starting out or just want to walk and jog on occasion, consider an option that is smaller and has a 1.75-2.5 horsepower motor.

Choose if you would like an ultra-modern treadmill that comes with a touchscreen, virtual classes and a console, or a simple model without one. Some models fold to make storage easier.

The Peloton Treadmill is a sophisticated treadmill that has an elegant design and impressive range features. It's more expensive than our top pick however it offers a smooth running experience with a simple touchscreen and a wide range of workouts available on-demand from live and virtual instructors. The incline controls, which are located on the handrails allow for easy adjustment of the speed and inclines while exercising. The only cup holders on this treadmill are made of plastic and only hold water bottles.

Another treadmill to consider is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It's cheaper than the Peloton Treadmill but has a number of great features. With iFit's compatibility you'll be able to access a variety of virtual workouts developed by trainers all over the world. You'll require a subscription to use the app, which is free for 30 days and costs $39 per month after that. The treadmill also comes with an enormous 22-inch touchscreen as well as a cushioned deck. It can reach a maximum speed of 12 mph and has an incline adjustment range from 33% to 15 percent for a more challenging workout.

2. Design

The design of a treadmill is crucial as is any other piece of fitness equipment. If you're training for a challenging outdoor race it is recommended to choose an exercise machine with the highest incline settings that mimic the terrain outdoors. If you enjoy following the class select models with a large screen and iFIT compatibility. This lets you access studio style classes, virtual coach programs, Explore the World scenic run, and off-treadmill exercises.

Other design elements we consider are responsive speed and incline controls (on the handrails as well as the lower console) that adjust to your commands without you needing to touch the touchscreen, user-friendly buttons, and a user-friendly interface. We also take into consideration whether the treadmill folds and, if so how long it takes to do so. We also examine whether the treadmill must be assembled and if it is simple and easy to do so.

3. Technology

The technology used in treadmills can make a huge difference in how easy they are to use, and if there are any issues. We take a look at touchscreens, intuitive controls, user-friendly interfaces and other tech features when evaluating a treadmill in this category. We also take into consideration if the treadmill is portable and folds with the push of a button. This is important for those who often move their machines around their home or have to place them in tight spaces.

We were awestruck by the Nordictrack 1250 Treadmill's responsive speed and incline adjustment based on past workouts, its long belt and comfortable cushioning, and the iFIT integration that allows access to virtual coaches, studio-style classes, Explore the World scenic runs, as well as off-treadmill training options (though it occasionally had issues with Bluetooth connectivity). Its 22" eye-catching, crisp color touchscreen and iFIT compatibility make this a top-rated treadmill.

The ProForm Carbon T10 is another treadmill with a high score. With 10" screen, it provides live streaming and on demand iFIT running, walking and jogging content. We love that the speed and incline adjustments are simple to navigate through the touchscreen, as are the ergonomically placed buttons for the quick adjustments, and the iFIT integration which lets you stream workouts from Zwift and Hulu Max (subscriptions required). It's only downside is that there are no USB or headphone ports.

4. Comfort

The most efficient treadmills are ones that feel comfortable to the person who uses them. People with larger bodies and longer strides might be more concerned about the dimensions of the deck, and the amount of space available for running or walking. Others may be more concerned with ergonomic features, such as well-placed controls for speed and incline. We also looked for features that make the machine more enjoyable to use, such as front-facing speakers as well as an USB charger port and a small cooling fan, or plenty of storage space for water bottles and other accessories.

Then, we looked at the storage capacity of each treadmill, since not everyone has space in their homes for a full-size treadmill. Fortunately, the majority of the models we tested fold or have support arms that minimize their footprint when they are not in use. We examined how easily they folded up and stored away, how quickly they set up, and whether or not they were easy to move on firm surfaces.

If you plan on running lots of hills outdoors, it is important to take into consideration the maximum incline. This is an important feature that will help you prepare for more difficult outdoor climbs by mimicking the ascent on the treadmill.

We searched for responsive touchscreens and an intuitive interface on every treadmill. We also examined the design of the treadmill, and whether it was compatible with fitness apps from third parties. This helped us determine whether each treadmill offered enough features to justify the cost. A quality treadmill for your home eliminates the obstacles of weather or expensive gym memberships, and can increase your motivation to get into shape.

5. Safety

If not handled correctly the treadmill could be risky. It's a heavy, large machine that has a belt that moves at speeds up to 10 or12 miles per hour. Anyone who uses treadmills for walking or running should be careful not to lean on the hand rails as this can throw off balance and cause injuries. Tripping hazards can also be caused by a clutter-filled area surrounding the treadmill. Keep it tidy and clutter-free throughout use and when storing it.

The best treadmills will include safety features such as an ejectable safety magnet that is that is attached to the belt. If a runner loses their balance, the magnet detaches and stops the moving belt immediately. This feature can protect the runner as well as others from serious injuries. The treadmills in gyms are typically equipped with this technology, and homeowners should consider purchasing one to reduce the risk of accidents involving home exercise equipment.

When you are using a treadmill at home, it's crucial to listen for the safety "beep" that sounds when the belt starts to move, and don't jump off until the belt has stopped. Many people make the error of jumping off the treadmill before the belt has stopped. This can result in serious injuries. Also, be sure to be aware of where the emergency shut-off switch is located and how to use it.

It's important to ensure that the treadmill is turned off and unplugged after you're done with it. This will reduce the chance of your children or visitors accidentally turning on and using the treadmill. It can also be kept in a separate area with a clear space around it to stop others from getting it in the wrong way.