The treadmill is a great way to get a cardio exercise at home. Depending on your goals for fitness, you can use one to do walking, light jogging, or interval training.
The Echelon Stride folds flat and is an absolute space-saver when compared to other treadmills on our list. It has an adequate maximum speed and an incline.
Speed
The speed at which you work out on the treadmill is an important factor. If you're trying to lose weight and build endurance, it is recommended that you walk at a speed of two miles per hour or more. This is a comfortable pace for most people, and it can reduce fat without causing discomfort. Listen to your body, and be careful not to push yourself too far.
Generally speaking you should begin with a walk and then gradually increase it until you are running. You can then add the treadmill with an incline to mimic the feel of outdoor running or hills. You can use treadmills with higher speeds for training with high intensity or interval training. This kind of exercise can increase your heart rate and aid in burning calories quickly.
The maximum speed of a treadmill is measured in miles per hour or in kilometers per hour. In the United States, mile per hour is the most commonly used measurement and in a majority of other countries including Canada and most of Europe kilometers per hour are used. Some manufacturers offer both options on their machines, but generally, the highest speed will be stated in miles per hour.
The speed of the treadmill is controlled by sensors that send signals to the motor to adjust the speed of the belt. The sensors can utilize digital or analog signals, dependent on the manufacturer. Digital signals are more sensitive and less likely to cause noise than analog signals. Treadmills that use digital sensors require less maintenance to those that use analog sensors because the motor doesn't require as much effort to reach the speed desired.
Another factor that impacts the speed of your treadmill is the motor's power. The motors of most home treadmills are rated in continuous horsepower that is the amount of power that can be produced continuously rather than only at its maximum. The most effective treadmills are those with motors that can run at the pace of a marathon, but there are also models that are less powerful at a lower cost.
Many treadmills are equipped with a variety of innovative features to make your exercise more challenging and exciting. Some treadmills come with fitness apps that let you keep track of your stats on a mobile device and track your progress. Some can simulate outdoor running or include training sessions led by trainers using a subscription service. The NordicTrackX22i has for instance, thousands of inspiring workouts available on-demand and live classes every day via the JRNY App. It also comes with an interactive 22-inch touchscreen, adjustable stability bars as well as an impressive 4-horsepower engine.
Incline
It's not recommended to increase the incline or run at high speeds on a treadmill without a trainer. If you feel comfortable walking and are ready to step it up for a short time, taking a few minutes on an incline treadmill can do wonders for cardiovascular health.
A good treadmill will include incline controls that are simple to use which are usually splashed across the dashboard for fuss-free adjustments. You should also look for a sturdy base design and a belt with a cushion that can handle the extra stress of climbing up an steep slope.
It's important to practice proper upper body posture while walking up the incline on a treadmill and avoid leaning or gripping the handrails. Once you're comfortable enough, your balance will improve and you'll be able to walk or run without holding onto the handrails (which are actually there to help you safely to get off and on).
Once you've grasped the basics of this, you can start walking at a 10 percent slope. This is similar to climbing a steep hill and works your glutes, quads, calves, and hamstrings efficiently, which will help build leg strength and endurance and ward off injuries, per the American Council on Exercise.
If you're interested in treadmills with incline for your home use, take a look at this model from NordicTrack that features a 22-inch eye-catching touchscreen and iFit technology, which lets you choose workouts or live studio classes from top fitness instructors and coaches. The auto-incline and decline controls make it much easier than ever before to adjust the incline of your treadmill while working out.
Some treadmills with incline capabilities for your home allow you to match your treadmill's incline to an actual route on Google Maps, so you can enjoy the thrill of hiking up hills and running down mountains without ever leaving your home. If you're looking for an incline-capable treadmill a little less expensive, you can also consider the Sole F63. It's ideal for people who live in smaller apartments or houses as it is compact and folds up when not in use. Plus, it has a convenient gas shock that makes it safe to move and store.
Cushioning
Cushioning is vital on treadmills as running and walking can put a lot of stress on your knees. You should ensure that the deck absorbs the maximum amount of impact and also has a smooth landing so that you can walk or run for longer durations without causing injury. The most cushioned machines feature floating decks that rest on 10 rubber rings with a multi-durometer. The system is designed to absorb up to 42 percent of the energy you exert in your stride. Make sure the deck has an effective shock-absorption mechanism. A lot of cheap models come with springs which can make walking more difficult because they amplify the impact.
If you plan to frequently use your treadmill it is advisable to select one with a long-lasting warranty. You should look for three to seven years of protection on the motor, frame and other components. Some brands offer a lifetime guarantee on the deck. This is a signal that the company is confident in their product.
When you're looking at different treadmills, look at the top speed to ensure it's fast enough to meet your fitness goals. You might also consider an incline feature treadmill to help you burn more calories, work different muscles and vary your workouts. You should search for an incline of 0 to 15 percent. Some treadmills, like the Horizon Echelon Stride, have automatic incline adjustments through the iFit-guided workouts.
When choosing a treadmill, you should consider the space you have available to store it. Most home treadmills are foldable and are easy to move when not in use. Some have a rail and console that fold into the frame making it easy to move it into the closet or under a bed.
If you reside in an apartment or have a limited space, you should choose a treadmill that is compact and easily fits into the space. There may not be as many features as larger treadmills but you can still save money.
Stores
There are plenty of treadmills available that are available with no fancy electronic components. This is great for apartment dwellers or those who want to avoid expensive gym memberships. However, that doesn't mean they can't perform, but they will focus more on quality construction.
treadmills at home in this category are designed to work with fitness apps you may already have. These apps typically offer a variety of fitness classes, music genres, class durations and instructors that bring a fun and motivating element to your exercise. Some apps require an annual subscription, but they are worth it if appreciate the social interactions they provide and the workout programs they offer.
The downside of this approach is that these treadmills may not be as user-friendly with regards to tracking stats, navigation, training data, as well as setting goals. The treadmills should be kept in a controlled climate. Certain models have wheels which can be used to fold them up and roll them out of the way when a closet or a spare room is not available.
Many homes have underutilized spaces that can be converted into a gym, such as a basement or attic. These rooms don't typically have as many visual conflicts as the living room or other high-traffic areas in a house. These rooms aren't climate-controlled and could invalidate warranties, increase humidity and mold damage and even cancel warranties. If you can store their treadmill in a designated workout space, there are a number options to make this area comfortable, such as adding a door to reduce noise or mats to reduce the echoes generated by your machine. In certain situations rooms may require insulation to prevent condensation from forming, which could damage your treadmill and cause electrical fire. It is also important to ensure that your treadmill is able to be removed from the wall and fixed in the corner, since it will need to clear at least three feet of floor space when it is being used.
