I’m a tall guy (6′ 3″) so treadmill running surface area, especially length, is important to me.
Buying a treadmill with too short of a running surface area is not good; you’ll regret your purchase.
Although there’s no magic formula for which size of running surface area to get, I’ll set out some guidelines in this article to help you treadmill buying decision.
Treadmill surface area width
This is a no-brainer. Most treadmills have a 20 inch wide running surface deck. This is sufficient for most people. There are some treadmills with a 22 inch wide running deck, but not many. If you need more than the usual width, then consider a 22 inch wide running deck.
Treadmill surface area length
Treadmill running deck length varies on most motorized treadmills from 55 inches to 62 inches. The bulk of treadmills fall in the 55″ to 60″ length; however, there are some with a longer length.
How long of a treadmill running surface area should you get?
Your height
If you’re over 6 feet tall and intend to run or jog on your treadmill, get a 60 inch long treadmill deck.
That said even if you’re 5′ 8″ or taller and are a demanding running, then you may prefer a longer treadmill deck.
Workout intensity
If you intend to walk, a 55″ long treadmill deck will suffice for most people, regardless of height.
If you intend to do any workouts involving sprints, then you’ll want a longer treadmill running deck. The faster you run, the longer your stride. Moreover, the faster you run, any mis-step could result in a more serious injury. I’m not saying a mis-step while walking can’t result in injury, because it certainly can. However, if you’re running at full speed, higher speeds are involved which is riskier.
Treadmill running deck length is about performance and safety
If you don’t get the right length, you’ll be a timid runner fearful of not having sufficient space to run at faster speeds.
Moreover, having more space is a huge safety consideration. If you mis-step, you could get injured.
Don’t forget to consider other users
If people other than you will use your treadmill, take their height and workout intensity into account. They may require a longer treadmill running surface.
Amount of space you have for your treadmill
Of course, you don’t want to buy a treadmill that won’t fit into the intended space. 5″ could make a difference. Don’t forget to measure your intended space and then look at the dimensions of the treadmill. Note, dimension length is different than treadmill surface area. The dimension length includes the entire length of the treadmill, including the console and frame, which makes the treadmill longer than just the running surface area.
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