9 Tips for Buying a Treadmill
Do you want to work more on your fitness at home? Then a treadmill can be the perfect solution. This way, you don’t have to commute to the gym or train outside in wind and rain – enjoy a comfortable workout from home. Want to buy a treadmill? There are plenty of options, from cheap to expensive and from simple to very luxurious.
To help you in your search for the perfect treadmill, we have listed the most important tips you can take into account when making your decision. This way, you can make an informed choice and enjoy the treadmill that suits you best.
In this blog, you’ll find tips to keep in mind when buying a treadmill:
- Why choose a treadmill over outdoor training?
- Decide how you want to use the treadmill: at home or in a professional setting
- Check which features the treadmill has. These are the most important features
- Are there different challenging training programs and apps available?
- Set your budget for your treadmill
- Choose the treadmill brand that best fits your needs and preferences
- Define your training goals
- Extra add-ons for your treadmill
- Test and review the treadmills on location
- Buy only from retailers with recognized certifications
- Conclusion
2. Decide how you want to use the treadmill: At home or in a professional environment
Are you looking for a treadmill for home or perhaps for a professional environment such as a physio practice, a gym, or a corporate fitness area? The requirements and desired features can differ significantly.
If you want to buy a treadmill for home, you may have different wishes, such as an integrated screen where you can watch your favorite shows during your workout or where you can use special apps like JRNY or RunSocial to run together with or against friends and people from all over the world.
In physio or rehabilitation centers, the focus is more on how best to support clients in recovery and rehabilitation. For a rehabilitation treadmill, features such as a low step-up, special support rails, and a joint-friendly running surface are especially important.
To make a good decision, it’s important to be clear about how often you will use the treadmill and which features it must have.
3. Check which features the treadmill has. These features are important:
A treadmill is a great piece of technology, and nowadays there is an incredible variety to choose from. Although the principle of a treadmill is simple, there are many features that can make your workout more comfortable and even more enjoyable. We’ve listed the most important features for you.
The motor power
The motor is the heart of the treadmill, the most important component. The motor ensures that the treadmill runs smoothly, but it also powers your integrated screen. In addition, the motor plays a key role in your training goals. Do you want to train heavily and frequently? Then you should go for a more powerful motor. Do you just want to walk and only use the treadmill occasionally? Then a lighter motor will also suffice.
The horsepower of the motor
The power of the motor is expressed in HP (horsepower). A higher number of HP means a stronger motor. The more HP a treadmill has, the higher its peak speed will be. In addition, more HP ensures that the treadmill produces less noise during your workout, lasts longer, is more durable, and functions better when you want to train at a lower speed. Finally, a strong motor also ensures that the running surface keeps moving and is not stopped by the user’s weight.
Continuous and peak power
Always look at the continuous power. Continuous power means that the treadmill can consistently generate a certain amount of strength. This allows you to train longer at a specific level. Peak power is only available for a short time, for example when you want to accelerate. Continuous power varies per treadmill and starts at a minimum of 1 HP up to over 6 HP. It is important to check the HP and continuous power of the motor before purchasing. For example, if you want to walk on the treadmill and your body weight is about 80 kg, motors up to 2 HP will be sufficient. If you weigh more than 80 kg and want to walk, a slightly stronger motor of 2 HP or more is recommended. Do you want to run and weigh less than 100 kg? Then a treadmill with a motor up to 2 HP will be sufficient. Do you weigh more than 100 kg? Then we recommend choosing a stronger motor of more than 2 HP.
The speed
Are you a true sprinter or more of a walker? Depending on your training goal, it’s important to check what maximum speed the treadmill offers. If you want to sprint or run fast regularly, you’ll need a treadmill that can keep up with your top speeds. Are you more of a walker or jogger? Then a treadmill with a lower speed will also work fine for you.
In general, 1–8 km/h is considered walking, and above 8 km/h is jogging and running. The average running speed is about 11 km/h. If you’ve just started running, your speed will probably be slightly lower, around 9–10 km/h. Experienced runners are faster and reach speeds of 14–15 km/h. And real sprinters can reach up to 20 km/h.
Always choose a treadmill that can handle a higher speed. This means it has a stronger motor, and you’ll always have enough power to make and keep your workouts challenging.
Training to increase your average speed
Do you want to become faster? Then it’s important to gradually increase your training speed. Variation is also key. For example, try interval training where you alternate between running and walking. It’s also important to build more muscle mass through strength training. This will help you run faster in the long term.
The incline
Most treadmills allow you to set an incline. With this incline, you can walk uphill or downhill. This makes your workouts more intense and provides a pleasant variation. Training with incline also lets you target specific muscle groups, such as your glutes, abs, and certain leg muscles.
Most treadmills offer incline functionality. Depending on the treadmill, this can be adjusted automatically via the console or manually.
Some treadmills go a step further, such as the Bowflex 56. If you have the JRNY app, you can virtually run the most beautiful routes around the world. These virtual routes also include hills. The treadmill then automatically adjusts to match the route on your screen, making your running experience even more realistic.
The incline and foldability
Another important factor to consider is whether you want a foldable or non-foldable treadmill. Both types handle incline differently.
A foldable treadmill is perfect for saving space. The hinges at the front allow you to easily fold it up. However, when training with incline, only the running surface will move upward on a foldable treadmill. If you want to make heavy use of the handrails and integrated heart rate monitor, keep in mind that these will not adjust along with the incline.
With a non-foldable treadmill, the entire frame moves with the incline. The big advantage is that you’re always in the correct training position, as the handrails and other parts stay aligned with the incline.
Size of the treadmill and placement location
Treadmills come in different types and sizes. That’s why one of the key points is to carefully consider where you want to place the treadmill in your home. How much space do you want to allocate for it?
If you want to give the treadmill a permanent spot in your home without moving it afterward, you can choose either a non-foldable or a foldable model. If you want to store the treadmill after your workouts, then a foldable treadmill is the perfect solution. You can easily fold it up after your workout and store it in a space-saving way, for example in a closet or garage. An example of a foldable treadmill is the Flow Fitness T2i. Or check out all our foldable treadmills.
Before making your choice, it’s best to first check at home where you want to place it and whether the size of the treadmill fits the desired spot. Do you like to watch TV while working out? Then you can place the treadmill in your living room or TV room. Do you prefer training quietly? Then you might also place it in the garage or bedroom. The dimensions of the treadmill are always provided on our website.
Transport wheels
Do you want to move your new treadmill after your workout? You can easily do so with the integrated transport wheels. Nowadays, (almost) all treadmills come with these handy transport wheels.
Maximum user weight
A treadmill can only support a maximum user weight. Therefore, not every treadmill is suitable for everyone. It is important to check whether the treadmill you want is suitable for your body weight.
For example, if you weigh 100 kg, the treadmill must also support at least 100 kg. We recommend choosing a treadmill that can handle more weight than your own. For instance, if you weigh 110 kg and the treadmill supports a maximum of 110 kg, we advise choosing a treadmill that can handle at least 120 kg.
If you choose a treadmill that supports less weight or only the same as your own weight, the running surface will wear out faster and need replacement.
Construction & weight
Another important point is the construction. In general, the heavier the treadmill, the stronger it is. More steel is used in the frame, making the construction sturdier and more stable. A sturdy frame reduces vibrations and ensures consoles and devices remain stable.
Running surface of the treadmill
The size of the running surface has a major impact on workout comfort. A wide running surface provides much more comfort during your training. You have more freedom of movement to take proper steps.
A comfortable width is about 50 cm. This allows you to use the space effectively and avoid missteps. Especially for running, a wide running surface is beneficial. For walking or jogging, a narrower surface is often sufficient. We generally recommend choosing a treadmill with a wider running surface, regardless of whether you run, walk, or sprint. Wider treadmills almost always have a console for setting different training programs.
If you are taller, it is also important to consider the length of the treadmill. Longer strides require more space. For walking, a length of at least 127 cm is recommended, for runners at least 140 cm, and for taller runners at least 145 cm. This ensures you always have enough room for proper strides. Most treadmills in our collection have a minimum length of 145 cm. In general, the longer the treadmill, the fewer restrictions and the more comfortable your workout.
Cushioning of the running surface
In addition to the size of the running surface, cushioning is another important aspect. When running outdoors, the ground is often uneven, which can lead to injuries. Think of asphalt, sand, or unpaved paths. These surfaces place more stress on your joints and increase injury risk.
On a treadmill, the surface is always even, and many models, like the Life Fitness T5 Track Connect, feature special cushioning systems that reduce joint impact significantly. The impact of each step is absorbed by the treadmill’s running surface, making training gentler and quieter.
4. Are there different challenging training programs and apps available?
In the higher-end segment, treadmills are also available with an integrated screen. On these screens, you can often track your training time, distance covered, heart rate, and much more during your workout. Additionally, there are often various pre-programmed workouts so you can start immediately to achieve your personal goals.
Do you want to make your workouts even more challenging? You can often connect an app to your treadmill, such as Zwift, JRNY, or Xplore the World. Zwift is one of the most well-known apps.
With the Zwift app, every workout becomes an extra fun experience. You can use the app on your own, but also run with and against thousands of other runners. It is one of the most famous and popular apps among runners, cyclists, and mountain bikers. With Zwift, you can run through more than 10 digital worlds with over 130 routes.
JRNY is, for example, a very comprehensive app where you can follow training sessions with coaches or take on-demand classes.
5. Determine the Budget for Your Treadmill
The purchase price of a treadmill is one of the most important, if not the most important, criteria when looking for the perfect treadmill. After all, the treadmill must meet your wishes and needs while fitting into your budget.
A basic model is available from around €600, such as the Tunturi T40. Would you prefer a treadmill that allows comprehensive training at home? Then the price range is about €1,200 to €2,000, e.g., the Nautilus T626 or the Flow Fitness T2i. If you want a more powerful treadmill with a wider running surface, various app connectivity options, and a stronger motor, the price is around €2,100 to €5,000, e.g., the Bowflex 25 or the Flow Fitness T3i. We have high-end treadmills up to over €16,000 in our collection. For every one of your wishes and needs, we have the right treadmill. If you cannot decide or need advice, you can always contact our customer service.
- Engine power (continuous) 3.75 HP
- Walking surface: 51 x 152 cm
- Speed: 0.8 - 20 km/h
Delivery within 2 – 4 business days
- Engine power (continuous) 3.75 HP
- Walking surface: 51 x 152 cm
- Speed: 0.8 - 20 km/h
Delivery within 2 – 4 business days
- Engine power (continuous) 3.75 HP
- Walking surface: 51 x 152 cm
- Speed: 0.8 - 20 km/h
Delivery within 2 – 4 business days
6. Choose the Treadmill Brand That Best Fits Your Wishes and Needs
There are an incredible number of different treadmills available, and with that, many different brands. Most brands offer a range of treadmills, from simple models to premium. In general, the following categorization can be made among brands:
Premium brands among treadmills include
Life Fitness, Technogym, Matrix and Bowflex are among the top brands in our collection.
7. Determine Your Training Goals
You don’t buy a treadmill just like that. You choose a treadmill because you have a specific goal in mind. Maybe you want to get fitter, lose some weight, or train for a triathlon. In any case, it is important that your treadmill has the features you need to reach your goal(s). Want to work on better fitness? Then you can choose jogging or interval training. Prefer calorie burning? Then any form of treadmill training is a good way. The most optimal for fat burning is to train in the correct heart rate zones. Or do you want to build muscle mass? Treadmill training can strengthen your leg and glute muscles, while also indirectly working on your back, abdominal, and arm muscles.
8. Extra Additions for Your Treadmill
Treadmills come in many different versions. Would you like a console, bottle holders, speakers for music, or even small fans? There are plenty of options. These are examples of features that can be present on the machine. But did you know that in addition to the nice features, other accessories are also available, such as:
Special Mats
With the special floor mats you can protect your floor from scratches, dents, and sweat. Place the mat in the desired spot and then put the treadmill on it. Depending on the size of the treadmill, you can place a larger or smaller mat, such as the Finnlo floor mat 200x100cm or the Tunturi protective mat 200x95cm.
Cleaning and Maintenance Items
Treadmills require little maintenance. It is important to lubricate the running surface 3 to 4 times a year with special treadmill oil. If the running surface is not sufficiently lubricated, it will wear out faster. Additionally, it is important to check the belt tension 1 to 2 times a year and adjust if necessary. Finally, you should open the motor cover about once a year and remove the dust. Want to expand your treadmill with handrails? You can find all of them in our accessories overview.
Accessories to Make Your Workouts Even More Fun
Want to expand and make your workouts more fun? You can use a chest or arm heart rate strap. This allows you to train, for example, in heart rate zones.
10. Only Buy from Retailers with Renowned Certifications
As you have read, there are many factors to consider when looking for your perfect treadmill. Fortunately, we have already narrowed down the selection for you by offering only brands with which we have good experiences. This way, you only need to decide which brand you prefer, what features the treadmill should have, and what budget you want to spend.
When making your purchase, always check which warranties the store is affiliated with, such as Thuiswinkel Waarborg. These organizations impose strict requirements on quality, rules, and legislation, giving you extra security when buying.
Conclusion
If you are considering purchasing a treadmill, it is important to make a good choice that aligns with your personal needs and training goals. Whether you are looking for a treadmill for home use or for professional purposes, such as in a gym or physiotherapy practice, the choice depends on several factors.
First, it is important to consider how you will use your new treadmill. For home use, you might value an integrated screen for entertainment while training, while in a professional environment, aspects such as durability and specific training features may be more important.
To make a good choice, technical aspects are also important. Consider the motor power, which determines the treadmill’s performance, especially if you plan to train intensively. Speed and incline are also important to vary your workouts and adapt them to your fitness level. Additionally, the treadmill’s size and foldability play a role, especially if you have limited space.
Another important aspect is the running surface and cushioning. A larger running surface provides more comfort while walking or running, especially for taller users and runners. Good cushioning also better protects your joints from the impact of running.
Regarding price, you can expand your options as much as you want, from basic treadmills around €600 to the most advanced models costing up to €16,000. The choice strongly depends on your budget and desired features. Brands range from premium to mid-range, each with their own characteristics and benefits.
It is also important to consider your training goals. Whether you want to improve your fitness, lose weight, or train for a specific event, make sure the treadmill you choose is suitable for your personal objectives. Extras like training programs, apps, and heart rate monitors can make your workouts more effective and enjoyable.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of accessories such as floor mats for protection, maintenance items, and optionally, a heart rate strap. Before making a final decision, it is advisable to test the treadmill in person and buy from a reliable retailer with reputable certifications to ensure quality and service.
Do you want a treadmill and are looking for advice or additional information?
Our fitness specialists are happy to assist you with any questions regarding the required equipment. This way, you can make an informed decision and perform your walking and running workouts optimally. You can contact our fitness specialists via +31(0)413-256800, send an email or visit our showroom in Volkel, Netherlands.