The treadmill is the most popular and effective cardio machine for home use. But since this type of trainer is very common, the number of offers on the market is too wide, so it can be very difficult to choose exactly what you need. So how do you choose a treadmill for home?

Types of Treadmills

• Mechanical: They do not have a motor responsible for movement, so you need to physically rotate it with your feet while running. Such a system does not allow the canvas to move smoothly and evenly, which significantly reduces the comfort and effectiveness of training, and the load on the knee joints and spine increases.
• Magnetic: They are closer to the mechanical type, but they have a smoother stroke, as the canvas is set in motion due to the influence of a magnet together with effort.
• Electric: They have a motor responsible for the movement of the canvas, in some cases for its lift. Such models are more durable, effective due to the uniformity of movement and the possibility of individualizing parameters, speed or incline. Therefore, specialists recommend choosing this type of treadmill.

Characteristics of Treadmills

After you have chosen the type of treadmill, the most attention should be paid to the characteristics that directly affect the effectiveness, comfort, and safety of training:

• motor power;
• width and length of the canvas;
• the possibility of its lift;
• shock absorption system.

Now in more detail about each of them:

Dimensions of the Treadmill

All trainers are selected according to the height of the user, their weight, and the expected intensity of training. If several people will be exercising, then the parameters of the tallest and heaviest user are taken as a basis.

You should start by determining the optimal width and length of the canvas. It is better to decide in advance what you are buying for: walking, running, or planning to combine these methods of exercise. With a height of up to 180 centimeters, the minimum width of the canvas for walking should be 40 centimeters. If running is planned, then with such parameters, the width should be at least 42 centimeters so that the user feels comfortable and does not touch the side parts of the trainer. Taller people should choose a width of 46 cm or more.

It should be noted that fatigue during running significantly increases the risk of stumbling on a narrow running zone, which is another reason to choose a wider canvas for intensive running. The optimal width of the canvas should be at least 50 centimeters. Of course, the wider the running canvas, the more comfortable the workout is at any height.

In order to feel comfortable while running, people with a height of up to 180 centimeters will be more comfortable on a canvas with a length of 120-130 centimeters and above. Taller people are recommended a canvas from 140 centimeters. This is due to the fact that the length of the running zone does not limit a person’s movements, while maintaining a small margin in front and behind, the runner feels comfortable.

Shock Absorption System

The second important indicator is the shock absorption system. The impact load on the knee joints and spine can be compensated for by a good shock absorption system. When choosing a treadmill with shock absorption, you need to understand what the intensity of future workouts will be.

With walking, the impact load is not as great as with running, so it is during running workouts that shock absorption is most important. The basis of any treadmill shock absorption is elastomers, springs, or a combination thereof. They are located between the deck and the trainer frame and take the main impact load on themselves.

The more of these elements are involved in the shock absorption system, the more effectively the impact load will be reduced during running. The elastomers themselves are made of rubber, and their softness is indicated by their size. The larger the elastomer, the greater the load it is ready to take on. More advanced shock absorption systems have additional cushions in their base to cushion the impact.

Motor Power

The third indicator is the motor power, measured in horsepower. The higher the motor power, the more reliable the trainer. At the same time, there is no need to chase after too much power to choose a treadmill for home.

As for the optimal motor power, it is recommended to buy treadmills with an average motor power of at least 2 hp. Less power is suitable only if the user’s weight does not exceed 80 kilograms, and the intensity of training will be minimal, in which case it is worth choosing a motor power of at least 1.5 hp.

The maximum speed that the treadmill can develop depends on the motor power. With a power of 1.5 hp, the maximum speed, as a rule, does not exceed 10 km/h, which may not be enough for training, so it is recommended to pay attention to this indicator, especially if you are planning intensive workouts. At the same time, you need to understand that the optimal motor power for a home treadmill is 2.5-4 hp, 4.5-5 hp for gym models.

User Weight

The maximum user weight does not affect comfort but limits the list of suitable trainers for a particular user. The model is always selected for the heaviest user in the family, the safety margin should be at least 15-20 kilograms. It should be noted that the own weight of the trainer also matters, a heavier model is more reliable.

Incline of the Treadmill

Almost all electric models are equipped with a treadmill lift. The lift is of two types: mechanical and electronic. With mechanical lifting, the athlete has to stop their workout, get up, and manually lift the canvas to the desired angle. With electronic incline adjustment, the lift occurs automatically during the person’s run, and is regulated from the console.

The incline is also used in training programs. As a rule, in all electric models, the canvas can be raised up to 10-15 degrees, with the exception of some professional treadmills. This lift is fully sufficient for full-fledged training.

Other parameters

• Equipment with a folding system;
• Functionality of consoles and multimedia;
• Heart rate sensors and measurement; have a much smaller impact on efficiency, reliability, and comfort and are of secondary importance when choosing. On high-end equipment, the trainee achieves better results, so the main advice when buying a treadmill is not to save money. Thanks to additional comfort and ease of use, you will achieve the desired results faster. Remember, training on a treadmill will be most effective if you follow the correct work and rest regimen, eat right, and drink the daily norm of water.