Treadmill Best: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

· 6 min read
Treadmill Best: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

How to Choose a Treadmill Best

A high-quality treadmill is an investment in your health. Take note of these aspects to ensure you choose the right treadmill for your requirements:

Take a look at the motor power rating, also known as continuous horsepower (CHP). The more powerful the CHP rating, the greater you'll be able to accomplish on the treadmill.

Some treadmills are simpler to use than others. Features like built-in speakers as well as interactive training programs can aid in keeping you from boredom and keep you motivated.

1. Safety

It is important to note that even the best equipment, if not used and maintained correctly, can be risky. This covers everything from the size and incline of the belt, to the ability to adjust it. Experts such as ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie rate safety as the most important factor when choosing a treadmill and recommend a treadmill with a belt at minimum 20 inches wide to allow for movement and reduce the risk of slipping off accidentally.

The belt must also be made from an enduring material to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that it is securely attached to the machine. This will prevent the belt from becoming a tripping danger and helps you feel confident when running at high speed. It is also essential to wear proper footwear when running on the treadmill, such as sneakers, not flip-flops or sandals. This will help avoid sore feet and blisters, which can cause balance issues that can result in you falling off the treadmill.

It's important to be attentive to the 3-2-1 countdown or the safety beep before the treadmill belt starts to move. It's a good idea to practice this technique so that you're familiar with the sound and be aware of when the belt begins to move. It's also recommended to only use the handrails when necessary; leaning upon them can make you lean forward and cause back pain, or even a knee injury.

It's also a good idea to let pets or children play with your treadmill. They may be curious. This reduces the chance of someone tripping and falling over it, in addition to decreasing the chance of a child or pet being pulled under the moving belt.

2. Convenience

Adding a treadmill to your home will give you the flexibility to exercise when it's convenient, versus having to schedule time in your schedule to visit the gym. That's why some people prefer bringing treadmills into their homes rather than purchasing one at a gym (which could cost up to $2,000). The treadmill we recommend has more than 1,000 reviews of 5 stars on Amazon. It's an excellent option for those who don't need any bells or whistles.

A high-end treadmill is usually equipped with features that improve your workout. For example, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 offers a large running surface as well as a 22-inch screen which makes it easy to enjoy your workout. The treadmill has an option to decline 3% and an incline option, which is not something you will find on most treadmills. It also has the option to connect with streaming apps like JRNY or Echelon United, that provides thousands of workouts, however keep in mind that subscriptions can be expensive.

Functional training specialist certified by ACE Noelle McKenzie says size is the biggest factor to consider when choosing a treadmill, as are safety features like safety keys and rails. She recommends treadmills that has a large LCD screen that shows stats during your workout, and comes with built-in interval training programs. She also mentions physical aspects such as motor power or belt length as important to consider when deciding on the best treadmills. In the end, you want a treadmill that is easy to set up and runs at a level of quiet that you can use it while watching TV or working from home. The Lifepro Fitness Portable Treadmill is a portable treadmill that has wheels and folds up.

3. Performance

A treadmill is a great investment in your health. It can aid you in reaching your fitness goals more quickly than walking on the streets. This is why we picked models with features like adjustable incline, built-in speakers, and the ability to track your progress using an app. But the top treadmills provide a smooth, comfortable ride, and are easy to set up and use.

We've sifted through the Strategist archives, and spoke to experts to identify the top treadmills at a reasonable price with a variety technological features. This budget-friendly option from Sunny Health & Fitness is simple to assemble it folds down, and has a monitor that displays your speed, distance and pulse. It's also fitted with nine workout programs and three levels of incline that can be adjusted. Additionally, it promises a smooth run with added shock absorption in the belt.

Another option that is budget-friendly is this treadmill from Peloton It comes with an impressive array of smart built-in features. It has a touchscreen that is 24 inches to stream workout videos and rapid speed and incline controls for easy adjustments as you follow an instructor. Plus, it's quieter and has a larger running deck than other treadmills in this price range.

This treadmill is small enough to fit under your desk or in a closet. The treadmill also has the ability to control it remotely and an app that can track your steps, speed and calories burned. It's more expensive than other treadmills, but is a good option when you're planning to walk at your desk. The belt is long enough to accommodate taller runners and it comes with a larger capacity to carry weight than other models at this price.

4. Technology

Many treadmills have a range of features that can enhance the experience of exercising. You might also consider treadmills with pre-programmed programs that are built into the machine, or via an app (like iFIT memberships, JRNY and Echelon United). Also, you must consider the power of the motor. The more you weigh, and the more you work, the more horsepower and the longer track you will require.

If you are interested in cross-training think about treadmills that connect to apps such as Peloton and Zwift for virtual training sessions with trainers and coaches. These kinds of machines can aid in the development of muscles as well as flexibility, balance and proprioception in ways that cardio alone cannot.

We searched for treadmills with various programming options, as well as those with user- friendly screens, and a smooth operation. We also analyzed the ease with which it was to set up a treadmill and how long it took for the process to be completed.


Some of the best treadmills come with digital sensors that respond quicker to your movements than analog sensors. This allows the motor to adjust the speed of the belt more frequently, which results in more comfortable running and lessens the strain on the motor.

A good treadmill will feature a large, clear display that is easy to read, and a lot of buttons to adjust the settings. We looked for quick dial knobs on short handles located at the front of consoles to increase the speed or incline. Some treadmills also have touchscreen buttons that are more responsive than other models in our testing.

5. Design

We also consider the technology of the treadmill, for instance touchscreens, an intuitive interface, smooth programming, and how it performs in different conditions. For instance, we were able to see how the X22i treadmill, which has an 22-inch screen that is one of the most responsive that we've tested, lets you follow studio-style classes and virtual coaches using its iFIT software and stream movies and music and works with fitness apps from third-party sources like Zwift.

home treadmills  has 25 exercises built-in the standard set for treadmills. It's not a massive amount, but it offers a few options. The treadmill is designed to help save space, too, by letting you prop up the belt using a lever when you're not using it. This can help you get it into smaller spaces, and keep kids or pets away from it.

This lightweight, compact treadmill can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour and can be tilted by as much as 15 percent. The treadmill is more expensive than the other models, but it's a breeze to set up and has practical features that make it an ideal option for those just starting out or don't have enough space in their home.

This treadmill is among the smallest we've tested, featuring an adjustable design that makes it easy to fit in even the tightest spaces.  cheap treadmills 's also a great option for runners who wish to reach higher speeds. The speed and incline controls are conveniently placed on the dashboard, making it easy to adjust your speed while running. Its only flaws are that it doesn't come with the tablet holder and the cup holder isn't enough for training.