Buying the best running treadmill involves three elements:
- Narrowing your search to running treadmills; and
- Getting the best running treadmill features for your running regimen, and
- Getting the best price for your treadmill choice.
The following are the steps to take when choosing a running treadmill.
STEP 1: Know your running regimen
- Do you run at a steady pace or are you into interval training?
- Do you do any hill training? If so, do you do steep hill training?
Whether you do interval training and/or hill training will dictate to some degree which is the best running treadmill for you.
For example, if you do interval training with sprints, you’ll want a treadmill with a top speed of at least 12 miles per hour. If you run at a steady pace, a top speed of 10 miles per hour will suffice.
If you do intense and steep hill training, you may consider an incline trainer … although incline trainers generally have a shorter running surface. Therefore, determine the steepest grades of your hill training so you know whether you need an incline trainer.
Most motorized treadmills offer incline gradients to 10 or 12 percent. This is pretty steep. If you never go steeper, then you don’t necessarily need an incline trainer.
STEP 2: Determine running surface area length
I generally recommend runners buy a running treadmill that is 60 inches long. But I’m a bit biased because I’m over 6 feet tall. Therefore, if you’re not anywhere near 6 feet tall, a 55 inch long running surface may suffice.
The key here is to know your gait and stride length. Try out both 55 inch and 60 inch long treadmills to see which is best for you.
Again, if you sprint, you probably want a longer running surface. Sprinting requires a longer stride length and you certainly don’t want to miss the running surface when giving it your all.
Most motorized treadmills are 20 inches wide. This is more than sufficient.
STEP 3: The Motor
If you’re bigger or a demanding runner, look for 3.0 horsepower motors. Otherwise a 2.5 horsepower motor will suffice.
STEP 4: Wireless Heart Rate Monitor
If you monitor your heart rate, then the best running treadmill will be one with a wireless heart rate monitor or the capability of using a wireless heart rate monitor.
While running you don’t want to hold onto grip sensors because it doesn’t make for pleasant running.
STEP 5: Dedicated space or will you store your running treadmill?
The point of this question is to help you determine if you should get a folding or non-folding treadmill. Most treadmills these day for the home fold. However, if you have a dedicated space for your workouts, you don’t require a folding treadmill which opens up more options for you.
STEP 6: One touch speed and incline adjustments
One touch speed and incline adjustments are very nice features for a running treadmill. When you’re running, the last thing you want to do is spend more time than necessary adjusting speed and incline.
One-touch adjustments are also called “quick adjustments” on treadmills. Essentially the it offers a pad with the actual numbers so you don’t have to hit an arrow button many times to reach desired speed and/or incline.
Another great running treadmill feature are speed and incline adjustments on the handlebars which is easier to locate. Consider looking for treadmills with this feature.
If you have to choose for the best running treadmill between one-touch speed/incline adjusting and handlebar adjusting, I’d go with one-touch.
STEP 7: Do you want to replicate terrain and courses?
If you are a competitive runner or simply wish to run various courses or terrain, the consider getting a treadmill that has iFit capability. I write all about iFit here.
STEP 8: List the bells and whistles you want
Common extras include:
- Music system/speakers
- TV (not so common and more expensive)
- Water bottle holders
- Reading rack (I prefer wide reading racks for magazines)
- Cooling fan
- iFit integration
STEP 8: If you’ve never used a treadmill, go do so before buying
Try a treadmill before buying so you can see what kind of features you like. How can you try a treadmill before buying?
2 ways:
- Get a 1 week free gym trial membership (most gyms offer some free trial offer); and/or
- Go to a treadmill retailer and try it in the store. Don’t buy it in the store necessarily without looking for treadmill deals and discounts online.
STEP 9: Put together a running treadmill shortlist
After determining your treadmill needs and wants by doing the above, put together a shortlist of treadmills that meets your budget.
STEP 10: Look for a treadmill discount or sale
Treadmills are frequently on sale. Treadmill manufacturers and retailers often have discounts available online. Be sure to look for discounts before buying.
I set out many discounts, sales, promo codes, and/or coupon codes here on major brands. Check them out and bookmark that page for when you’re ready to buy.
What about running treadmill workout programs?
I wouldn’t get too wrapped up about this. Most computerized treadmills include numerous workout programs, with many running workouts included.
If programmed workouts are your thing, then look at getting iFit, which requires getting a treadmill with iFit capability.
What about a manual treadmill for running?
I don’t recommend a manual treadmill if you’re a runner. For walking, fine. The best running treadmill is motorized.
One other consideration: Cushioning
Do you have joint problems and/or back pain? If so, you might want a treadmill with superior cushioning options. Some treadmills offer cushioning technology that you can adjust. Please keep in mind that if you have any pain while running it’s a really good idea to consult a physician about running or any workout regimen.
Follow these steps when choosing the best running treadmill for your workouts and you should be able to find the right treadmill at the right price.
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