Best Treadmill Brands

Intended use

There are a lot of reasons to own a treadmill, and your particular reason will factor into deciding which treadmill is best for you.

• Walking: People who want a treadmill for walking can get by with a basic model that isn’t as sturdy as larger, more expensive models. They may be interested in an incline treadmill if their primary purpose for using it is climbing. They also might want to consider a manual treadmill, which is less expensive than a motorized treadmill and is best for walking rather than running.
• Recreational jogging/light running: People buying a treadmill for light running will want a treadmill that is sturdy enough to handle their tempo and weight.  A treadmill with speeds up to 10 miles per hour should be fine for those who run at a slower speed.
• Elite running: People who run frequently, fast and/or long distances will want to invest in a treadmill with a wide range of speeds. They will want a sturdy model that can handle the amount of effort they put forth. Cushion is another important consideration for people who plan to run on their treadmill frequently.
• Walking while working: People who want to stay active while working will enjoy a treadmill desk. These units have a sturdy desk attached to a treadmill to allow for light walking while completing tasks such as checking emails, writing reports and talking on the phone.

Console

Consoles on treadmills vary widely, depending on what features you want. An upgraded console can enhance your workout, but it will also cost you extra. Invest in an upgraded console if you plan on using your treadmill frequently and/or if an upgraded console will motivate you more than a traditional one.

• Basic: A basic console will include relevant information, including speed, incline, calories burned, time spent exercising and distance. This console is included in basic models and will give you all the information you need to track your progress while walking or running on your treadmill.
• Entertainment console: A console designed for entertainment will include all the features of a basic console, along with additions to keep you entertained during your run. These features vary by company and can include a tablet holder, speakers and a built-in TV.

Motor

The motor on the treadmill is important, especially for avid runners who need a motor with a lot of power. A lower motor will work fine for walkers and light joggers. People who weigh more will also want a higher motor to ensure proper support.  A good rule of thumb is to increase the horsepower (HP) by .5 if you weigh 200 pounds or more. It’s ok to use a treadmill with a higher HP than you ideally need, but do not sacrifice HP in the name of a lower price.

• 2.0 HP: This type of motor can be found on budget treadmills and treadmills specifically for walkers. It will work fine and give you the support you need for your daily walks.
• 2.5 HP: This is the minimum HP you need if you plan on jogging regularly on your treadmill. You can get a treadmill with a higher HP if you prefer, but do not drop below 2.5.
• 3.0 HP: This is the minimum HP your treadmill should be if you are a runner. Increase your HP if you are an elite runner and/or if you plan on using your treadmill for long runs to ensure you have the support you need.
• 4.0+ HP: Commercial grade treadmills are generally 3.0-4.0 HP. These are the types of treadmills you will find in a large fitness center or gym.

Integrated technology

Many treadmills integrate technology to allow for a total user experience. These technological advances enable users to track their progress, monitor their weight loss and connect with mobile apps. Users can log in when they have a registered account, even if they are using a piece of equipment in a gym or other fitness facility.

• iFit: iFit is a popular fitness program that tracks progress on fitness equipment at home and at the gym. It connects to Google maps to give users the experience of running anywhere in the world, without leaving their homes. iFit is available on select brands, and premium memberships are available.
• Brand-specific technology: Several brands have their own version of iFit that allows users to keep track of their fitness progress, log nutrition information and more.
• Workout programs: Most treadmills include pre-programmed workouts to give users a range of options when it comes to varying their workout. A manual feature is also an option, for users who want total control over the incline, speed and timing of a workout.

Additional features

There are a lot of components to a treadmill, and these additional features will have varying weights of importance to each user. Determine which of these features are important when you are shopping for a treadmill to narrow down your options and find the best one for your home or gym.

• Cushion: The cushion, or support, of your treadmill is important, especially if you are planning on using your treadmill extensively. Having too little cushion can lead to pains and injuries, so it’s worth paying extra money for a treadmill with an appropriate level of cushion.
• Incline: Increasing the incline of your treadmill is a fast way to achieve results, whether you are a walker, jogger or runner. If you are serious about incline, look for a treadmill with incline up to 20 percent. Another option is an incline trainer, which is designed specifically for walking up a steep incline. Some treadmills also include a decline, for users who want the experience of running downhill.
• Storage: Some treadmills are designed for easy storage, by folding up quickly and easily. If saving space is important to you, make sure to look for a folding treadmill. Note that these treadmills may not be easy to roll away, so you will still need a dedicated spot in your home to store them, even while they’re folded.

Belt and deck size

Treadmill tracks come in different sizes, with lengths ranging from 45 to 62 inches and widths ranging from 16 to 22 inches. Different treadmill sizes work best for different uses, like running or walking, and the user’s body size. The size treadmill you choose will depend on your body size and your intended use. Pay attention to both the width and the length measurements when choosing a treadmill. Note that the recommended sizes are for average adults, so if you are tall and/or run with long strides, you will want to look for a longer treadmill than what is recommended.

• Walking treadmills: Treadmills designed specifically for walkers tend to have a length ranging from 45 to 55 inches. Ideally, you will choose a treadmill with a length of 55 inches. Their width should be at least 18 inches. Only buy a treadmill with a track this length if you intend to use it strictly for walking, as you will find it does not provide adequate space for running or jogging.
• Jogging treadmills: If you intend to use your treadmill for jogging and/or light running, look for one that is at least 20 inches wide and at least 54 inches long.
• Running treadmills: Treadmills for serious runners should be at least 58 inches long and 22 inches wide. This size will give you the room you need to run comfortably without hitting your feet on the sides or front of the treadmill.

Incline treadmills

Incline treadmills are designed with climbers in mind. While most treadmills have the capability to incline up to 10 or 12 percent, incline treadmills have a steeper incline, up to 40 percent. These are ideal for users looking for an intense climbing workout.

Manual treadmills

Manual treadmills are generally the most cost effective treadmills, however, they can also be frustrating to use. These treadmills are powered by the user’s movements, which means the user needs to keep a consistent pace to keep the belt moving. Incline needs to be changed manually, which means the user will need to step on and off the treadmill during their workout if they want to adjust the incline. One positive feature of manual treadmills is that they can be safer than motorized treadmills since they stop as soon as the user stops.

Motorized treadmills

Most treadmills on the market are motorized, meaning they move automatically with a motor. These can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on which additional features are added.

Folding treadmills

Folding treadmills are a nice option for people who want to save space when their treadmill is not in use. These can be shorter than non-folding treadmills, so they might not work for runners who are tall and/or who take long strides during their workout.

Non-folding treadmills

Non-folding, or traditional, treadmills are generally larger and heavier than folding treadmills. Generally, gyms and fitness centers use non-folding treadmills, since they do not need to worry about additional storage space. Their extra length can be a benefit for tall runners and runners who take long strides.

Desk treadmills

Desk treadmills are designed for office workers to walk at a slow to moderate pace while they work. They have a sturdy desk attached to the front of the treadmill, allowing users to use their laptops while walking. Because they are designed for walking, they do not have a high speed.

Avid runners

Avid runners will want to take the time to try out several different types of treadmills before buying one. They will want to make sure the treadmill they choose has a high enough incline and speed for their needs, and they also will want a treadmill with enough cushion for comfort and injury prevention. It is worth it for avid runners to pay extra money to get a treadmill with all the features they need since they will be using it regularly.

Recreational runners

Recreational runners will want a treadmill designed for running, and they will want to try out several treadmills before buying one. Their focus should be on cushion, incline and speed. They may want extra features such as a built-in TV on the console to keep them entertained as they run.

Walkers

Walkers can spend less money on a treadmill than runners, since they don’t need a treadmill with extra support. They may want to consider an incline treadmill if they are going to be primarily climbing. If they are considering transitioning from walking to running, they will want to invest in a treadmill that is sturdy enough to support running.

Health club owners

Health club owners will want to provide treadmills that will keep their clients happy. They may want to invest in a variety of treadmills and treadmill consoles to give their clients variety.

Desk workers

Desk workers who have an office with enough space for a desk treadmill may want to consider this option as a way to burn calories at work and stay on their feet instead of sitting at their desks all day. Some offices have desk treadmills that anyone can use throughout the day, making this a cost-efficient way to improve employee morale and add an extra perk to the office.