How to Choose a Treadmill for you Gym or Home – Details to Know
Any amount to improve health and fitness is an investment on yourself. It’s not an expense. This is why buying a treadmill for your gym or home is an investment. However, investment of that sort requires careful consideration. The question is whether you own a gym or are planning to set up your home gym. How do you pick up the best treadmill? Let us help you in making the decision.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Treadmill
- Type of Treadmill
In general, there are four different types of treadmills available:
- Manual
- Motorized
- Folding
- Commercial
Manual Treadmill
A manual treadmill is just what the name suggests: it is operated by human effort. Manual treadmills don’t run automatically or on electricity. They don’t start until you start to run or walk on them.
Motor Treadmill
A motorized treadmill is an automatic treadmill. It includes a motor, and it runs on electricity. You shall have the controls for changing the speed, incline, start and stop, and set programs.
Foldable Treadmill
Folding treadmills are as popular as domestic treadmills. They are motorized and save a lot of space at home by folding them up when you don’t use the fitness treadmills. With a button, you can easily fold them and start using them again.
Commercial Treadmill
These are specifically for gyms. These treadmills are heavier and much more durable than the regular domestic treadmills. If you are planning to get a treadmill for your home, it is better to opt for a foldable treadmill for home use. A manual treadmill is cheaper, but it will have its drawbacks. A manual treadmill doesn’t start and stop without human effort. It might also reduce your interest in a workout and cause injuries while working out. A commercial treadmill is recommended only when you own a gym, and numerous people will use it.
- Motor Type and Horse Power
Horsepower is the rating of treadmill motor energy. A higher horsepower rating means a stronger motor. In general, a 2.0 HP motor is enough to walk and run. However, you can choose a 2.5, 3.0, or 4 HP motor for more speed and heavy user weight.
DC and AC motors are two types of motors. Most home treadmills are driven by DC motors. DC treadmills run with less noise and are much more energy efficient. However, AC motors are much more potent than DC motors. Generally, a 2.0 – 4.0 HP DC motor is enough for domestic use.
- Maximum User Weight
Maximum user weight is a crucial factor to consider because it affects the treadmill’s longevity. If you don’t choose a treadmill with the right user weight, the longevity of the treadmill will be affected. The user weight will differ when someone is walking, running, or jogging on a treadmill. The best option is to choose a treadmill with max user weight of 110 kgs or more. If it is used for running, then it is better to consider the average weight of a user and add 25 kg buffer weight. Choose a treadmill with a max user weight of 125 kg.
- Running Surface and Frame
It is imperative to consider the length and width of a running surface before choosing a treadmill. The larger area will offer more comfort in walking and running freely. For an average user, the ideal running surface is 1200*400 mm.
There is no denying that the frame of a treadmill is the backbone of cardio fitness equipment. The stronger the frame, the higher its durability. A good treadmill has a frame made of high-quality and heavily gauged steel. A poor frame causes instability and unwanted noise. Choose treadmills with strong frames. A treadmill with stock absorption offers an additional bonus. This will ensure safety and longevity.
- Technology
The latest factor to consider is the technology used by the treadmill. Before you buy a fitness treadmill for your gym, check out the display features. Treadmills usually have an LCD display to show the time, distance, and calories burned. Some treadmills offer larger screens and touch features for video.
