9 tips for buying a treadmill: what to look for

Tip 1: Why choose a treadmill instead of running outdoors?

Running outdoors is wonderful, but a treadmill has a few big advantages. You can always train, whatever the weather or the time of day. The surface is always flat and well cushioned, so you put less strain on your joints than on asphalt or uneven ground. And you set your speed and incline precisely, so you can train in a very targeted way, for example with intervals or by heart rate.

A treadmill is also ideal if you are just starting out with running, if you want to build up gradually after an injury, or if you want to keep your fitness up during the winter. Many people combine the two: running outdoors when they can, indoors on the treadmill when they have to.

Tip 2: Will you use the treadmill at home or professionally?

Are you looking for a treadmill for home use or for a professional setting, such as a gym, physiotherapy practice or company fitness room? That makes a big difference to the features you need.

At home, you may value a nice screen for watching series or using apps such as Zwift or Kinomap to run together with people all over the world. In a physiotherapy or rehabilitation practice, on the other hand, you look for a low step-up height, extra handrails for support and a joint-friendly running deck. And in a gym, the treadmill has to keep going for many hours a day. For businesses, gyms and practices we have our own advisory team for businesses and a range of professional treadmills.

So think carefully in advance about how often the treadmill will be used, by whom and for what. Then you will also know which features matter.

Tip 3: Pay attention to these features

The principle of a treadmill is simple, but quite a few features determine how comfortable and enjoyable your training is. These are the most important ones:

Motor power

The motor is the heart of the treadmill. It keeps the belt running smoothly and evenly, even when you run fast or a heavier user is on it. Power is expressed in hp (horsepower). A stronger motor runs more quietly, makes less noise, lasts longer and keeps the belt moving nice and evenly at low speeds too.

Always look at the continuous power, not just the peak power. Continuous power is what the motor can deliver over a long period; peak power is only available very briefly, for example when you accelerate. On treadmills for home use, continuous power usually ranges from 1.25 to 4 hp.

• Walking: a continuous power from 1.5 hp is sufficient.
• Jogging and running: choose at least 2.5 hp, and preferably 3 hp or more if you run often and for long periods.
• If you weigh more than 100 kg or train intensively: choose 3 hp or more, so the motor is not put under heavy strain.

Speed

Are you a real sprinter or more of a walker? Walking is usually between 1 and 7 km/h, and jogging starts at around 8 km/h. Beginner runners often run at 9 to 10 km/h, experienced runners at 12 to 15 km/h and sprinters reach 18 km/h or more.

Choose a treadmill that can go a little faster than you think you need. It usually has a stronger motor too, and you leave room to keep your workouts challenging. Want to get faster? Then alternate easy running with intervals and increase your pace step by step. Strength training for your legs and core will also help you run faster.

Incline

On most treadmills you can set an incline, often up to 12 or 15 percent. This lets you run uphill, which makes your workout harder and gives your glutes, hamstrings and calves extra work. Walking uphill is also a great way to burn lots of calories without having to run fast. On most models you adjust the incline automatically via the console.

A few treadmills can also go downhill (decline). If you use apps such as Kinomap or Zwift, a treadmill with automatic incline will, on some routes, adjust itself to the hills on your screen.

Folding or non-folding?

A folding treadmill is ideal if you want to save space. After your workout you fold the running deck up and roll it aside on the transport wheels. Almost all treadmills for home use fold these days, including sturdy models with a wide running deck.

A non-folding treadmill has a fixed, heavier frame. It feels even more stable, especially when running at high speed, and is usually suitable for more intensive use. On a non-folding model the entire frame tilts with the incline, including the handlebars and console. On a folding treadmill only the running deck rises.

Size and location

Before you choose, look carefully at where the treadmill will go and how much space you have. Measure the spot and compare it with the dimensions on the product page. Leave at least 2 metres free behind the treadmill and at least half a metre at the sides, so you can step off safely.

Like watching TV while you train? Then put the treadmill in the living room. Prefer to train in peace? A spare room, attic or garage works fine too, as long as the space is dry and not too cold. Want to put the treadmill away after training? Then choose a folding model with transport wheels; almost all treadmills have them these days.

Maximum user weight

Every treadmill has a maximum user weight. Always choose a model that can handle at least 20 kilos more than your own weight. If you weigh 100 kg, choose a treadmill rated for at least 120 kg. If your weight is too close to the maximum, the belt, deck and motor will wear out faster.

As a general rule, the heavier the treadmill itself, the sturdier the frame. A sturdy frame vibrates less, feels more stable and keeps your phone or tablet more securely in place.

The running deck: width and length

The running deck has a big impact on your comfort. For walking and easy jogging, a deck up to 50 cm wide is often enough. If you are going to run, choose a treadmill with a wide running deck from 51 cm. You then have more freedom of movement and less chance of missteps.

Length matters too, especially if you are tall or take long strides. For walking we recommend at least 127 cm, for running at least 140 cm and for tall runners 150 cm or more.

Running deck cushioning

Outdoors you often run on hard or uneven surfaces, which puts heavy strain on your knees, hips and ankles. A treadmill has a flat, cushioned surface. Many treadmills have a special cushioning system that absorbs the impact of each foot strike. That is kinder to your joints and also makes your training quieter. The more you run, the more important good cushioning becomes.

Heart rate monitoring

Almost all treadmills measure your heart rate via sensors in the handgrips. That is handy for a quick reading, but you do not hold the grips while running. If you want to train by heart rate, for example in your fat-burning zone, use a wireless chest strap. Many treadmills can be paired with one, so your heart rate simply appears on the screen.

Tip 4: Look at training programmes and apps

Most treadmills have a console with preset workouts, such as intervals, hill training and heart rate programmes. The screen shows your time, distance, speed, calories and heart rate, among other things.

Want to make it even more fun? Then connect an app via Bluetooth. With Zwift you run in virtual worlds with and against thousands of other runners. With Kinomap you run real routes all over the world, with video. And with the brand's own apps, such as Tunturi Routes or iConsole+, you follow workouts and track your progress. Check the product page to see which apps work with the treadmill you have in mind.

Our picks for running and intensive use

Tip 5: Set your budget

For most people, price is one of the most important factors. You want a treadmill that meets your needs and stays within your budget. This is roughly what you can expect:

• Up to approx. € 1,100: affordable folding treadmills for walking and easy jogging. One example is the Tunturi T40 cardio fit: compact and foldable, with a 1.5 hp motor and a top speed of 16 km/h.
• Approx. € 1,100 to € 2,000: complete treadmills for home use with a stronger motor and apps. Such as the Flow Fitness DTM2000i, with 2 hp, a top speed of 18 km/h and a maximum user weight of 150 kg.
• Approx. € 2,000 to € 3,500: heavy-duty treadmills for lots of fast running or multiple users. Such as the Sole Fitness F80: 3.5 hp, a wide running deck, up to 20 km/h and a 165 kg user weight, yet still foldable.
• From approx. € 3,500: (semi-)professional treadmills for daily intensive use, from brands such as Life Fitness, Matrix and Technogym. A strong entry-level choice is the Life Fitness T3 Track Connect 2.0, with a sturdy, non-folding frame and the renowned Life Fitness cushioning.

An example for every price range

Still not sure? Feel free to contact our customer service. Looking for a strong treadmill for less money? Then also take a look at our used treadmills, checked by our own technicians.

Tip 6: Choose a brand that matches your needs

There are many treadmill brands, and most offer models ranging from basic to premium. Broadly speaking, you can divide them as follows:

• Premium and (semi-)professional: Life Fitness, Technogym and Matrix. Built for intensive use, with that real gym feel.
• Mid-range and home use: Flow Fitness, Tunturi, Horizon, Sole, Inspire and Hammer. Plenty of treadmill for your money, with a wide choice of folding models.

We have good experiences with the quality and service of every brand in our collection. View all brands and models in our treadmills category.

Tip 7: Define your training goals

You buy a treadmill with a goal in mind. Do you want to get fitter, lose weight, become a better runner or are you training for a race such as a half marathon or triathlon? Make sure the treadmill can do what you need to reach that goal.

Want to improve your fitness? Then go for jogging and interval training; a motor of 2.5 hp or more and a top speed of at least 16 km/h are ideal. If your main aim is burning calories, any workout on the treadmill is good, and walking uphill is a great alternative to running. Training by heart rate? Then choose a treadmill you can pair with a chest strap. On a treadmill you mainly train your legs and glutes, but you also indirectly work on your core and fitness.

How often and how long should you train on a treadmill?

For your health, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is a good goal, for example 5 sessions of 30 minutes of brisk walking or easy jogging. Just starting out? Begin with 15 to 20 minutes and build up gradually. Alternate hard and easy days so your body can recover.

Tip 8: Think about the right accessories

Besides the treadmill itself, a few accessories make all the difference:

• A protective mat: a floor mat protects your floor against scratches, dents and sweat, and dampens vibrations and noise. Most treadmills need a large mat of at least 200 x 100 cm. Choose a mat that is slightly larger than your treadmill on all sides; the dimensions are on the product page.
• Maintenance: a treadmill needs little maintenance. Lubricate the deck a few times a year with silicone oil, check the belt tension once or twice a year and clean the dust from under the motor cover about once a year.
• A heart rate strap: a chest strap measures your heart rate more accurately than the sensors in the handgrips. View our heart rate monitors.

Protective mats for under your treadmill

You will find all extras, such as oil, mats and parts, in our treadmill accessories.

Tip 9: Try the treadmill and buy from a reliable shop

Torn between a few models? Then come and try them out in our showroom in Volkel. Many of our treadmills are on display there, and our specialists are happy to advise you.

When buying, also pay attention to warranty, service and quality marks such as Thuiswinkel Waarborg. They give you extra peace of mind. And a treadmill is heavy: would you rather not carry and assemble it yourself? Then choose delivery and installation by our own technicians.

Frequently asked questions about buying a treadmill

What is a good treadmill for home use?

A good treadmill for home use has a motor with at least 2 hp continuous power, a running deck at least 140 cm long, automatic incline and a maximum user weight at least 20 kilos above your own weight. Short on space? Then choose a folding model.

How long should a treadmill be?

For walking, a running deck of at least 127 cm is enough. For running we recommend at least 140 cm, and 150 cm or more for tall runners or long strides.

How wide should the running deck be?

For walking and easy jogging, up to 50 cm is often sufficient. For running, a wide deck from 51 cm is more comfortable and safer.

How much horsepower should a treadmill have?

Look at the continuous power. For walking, 1.5 hp is sufficient; for jogging and running, 2.5 to 3 hp; and if you weigh more than 100 kg or train intensively, choose 3 hp or more.

Folding or non-folding treadmill: which is better?

A folding treadmill saves space and is a great choice for most people at home. A non-folding treadmill is even more stable and suitable for intensive and (semi-)professional use.

How much does a good treadmill cost?

A good treadmill for home use costs around € 900 to € 2,000. For lots of fast running you pay € 2,000 to € 3,500, and (semi-)professional treadmills start at around € 3,500.

Conclusion

The right treadmill is the one that suits the way you want to train. First decide what you will use it for: walking, running or intensive training. Then pay particular attention to the continuous motor power, the dimensions of the running deck, the maximum user weight and whether you need a folding model. Programmes, apps and good cushioning make your workouts more enjoyable and kinder to your joints.

If you live in a small space or want to put the treadmill away after training, a folding model with transport wheels is the best choice. If you run often and fast, or several people will use it, choose a wide running deck, a motor from 3 hp and a higher user weight. For daily intensive or professional use, a non-folding treadmill with a heavy frame is the most suitable.

Then set your budget and choose a brand that matches your needs. Do not forget a protective mat, and ideally try the treadmill out first. That way you can be sure you choose a treadmill you will enjoy for years to come.

Need help choosing?

Our fitness specialists are happy to help you choose the right treadmill. Call +31 85 773 00 57, send an e-mail or visit our showroom in Volkel, the Netherlands.