Best Treadmill For Home

Most lifestyle diseases these days can be attributed or linked to a sedentary lifestyle or one without proper exercise. Because of the demands of work and time being consumed by studies, finding the time to go to the gym or to go for a run around the neighborhood is sometimes difficult.

Hence, owning a piece of exercise equipment or two at home is the preferred solution to the problem.

There are many exercise types of equipment that can be bought for home use. One of the most common and popularly bought, however, is a treadmill. The treadmill is the usual favorite because of its features and its convenient use.

It can also provide a good cardio workout, good for any type of person and at all age brackets. With a treadmill at home, one can exercise at any time and for however long one plans to.

Treadmill and its Benefits

One would wonder why treadmills are the often preferred type of exercise equipment, either at home or at the gym. The answer to such a question is because the treadmill is a good for cardiovascular conditioning of the body, just like walking, jogging and running.

Whether one is young or an advanced age, the treadmill is user-friendly. Aside from the usual cardiovascular workout, the treadmill is also preferred by professional runners because its pre-set running programs or workouts can accommodate a certain purpose or goal.

Another reason why the treadmill is also preferred for home use it that it solves the problem of those who are residing in highly populated and urban areas where running spaces are not available.

For very warm and very cold areas, a treadmill is also a good thing to have because the running session is not dependent on weather conditions. Simply put, a treadmill is the exercise device of choice because of its easy access and convenient use.

Features of a Good Home Treadmill

In looking for the best treadmill to be used at home, there are certain features to look for. As a general rule, the features and parts vastly depend on the purpose for the use of the treadmill.

Moreover, the usual purposes for treadmills are for walking, running, and intense training – on these three purposes the features would depend on. Here are helpful tips and useful guides in looking for home treadmills:

The motor needed for a certain treadmill depends on the purpose of its use.

If the treadmill is to be used only for walking and jogging, a small motor and low horsepower are enough. However, if the treadmill is to be used for regular running and intense training, a higher horsepower and a bigger motor are needed in order for the motor not to easily burn out.

Regular light jogging and walking require a treadmill with at least 1 HP motor, while serious running would necessitate a bigger motor, around 1.5 to 2 HP.

If the treadmill is for home use, a DC motor is preferable because of its quiet operation. It is also preferred that the treadmill has at least a 1-year warranty in order to cover for hidden defects.

Walking Belt.

The general rule for the walking belt is the bigger the walking surface, the harder the treadmill motor has to work to keep the device running. Hence, one is cautioned not to go for thick and oversize belts.

The ideal walking belt size is 52 inches in length and 18 inches in width. Thick belts entail higher electrical consumption and would wear out the parts of the treadmill faster.

A thick belt has an additional weight, which will act to put more pressure on the treadmill’s roller bearings. On an upside, they would provide a better cushioning effect that works to lessen the stress placed on the feet, ankles, and legs when running.

Belt Deck.

The belt deck is the portion of the treadmill which the feet has most contact so it is important to find a treadmill that has a belt deck size that comfortably accommodates the size of the feet and both the walking and running strides of the users.

Tall runners and those with long strides should go for a treadmill with long belt deck that ranges from 50 inches to 60 inches.

If, on the other hand, one simply uses the treadmill for walking, a belt deck around 48 inches will fit the bill perfectly. To determine if the belt deck is the right size for you, make sure that you will not feel like you’re falling off the treadmill when walking or running.

If one would prefer more breathing room, then a belt deck around 20 inches to 22 inches wide is recommended.

It is important that the electronic controls are user-friendly and easy to control.

The controls should be placed in areas that are easy to reach. The more control features one would look for in a treadmill, the more likely the treadmill becomes expensive.

The common controls that should at least be present are those that could monitor the speed, distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate of the runner.

Noise Reduction.

Most treadmills produce noise but not to the point of being loudly annoying and bothersome. It does not also necessarily follow that a noiseless treadmill is a perfect treadmill.

However, a noiseless treadmill is an indication of the absence of friction and wearing out of parts.

Incline Feature.

The best treadmill has at least an incline feature that can simulate and uphill run. Most of the treadmills have a 1% incline but there are few treadmills that can go as high as 15 % incline increments.

The latter is the treadmill of choice for those who are planning on uphill running training without the benefit of the real uphill.

Shock Absorption.

It is important that the treadmill is not too soft in order to avoid knee and ankle injuries. If the running surface feels spongy upon inspection, avoid said treadmill without thinking twice.

It is also important that the surface is not too hard so that too much stress on the knee, ankle, and legs can be avoided. There should be an equal blend of hard and soft surfaces to avoid injuries.

Maintenance and Warranty.

Easy maintenance is an important aspect in giving the treadmill a long shelf life. It is also important that the treadmill has an accompanying warranty for both the frame and the parts in order to protect the user from hidden manufacture defects.

Conclusion

There is no single treadmill brand that can be the best treadmill for home, as the best treadmill would depend on the purpose for the use of the device and the key features one is looking for in said running equipment. Treadmills for walking, running, and intense training would necessitate different features, especially in the aspect of motor capacity.

So it is important that before one looks for the best treadmill for home, the main purpose or the main goal for the use of the said device has been determined first. Once that has been done, the rest follows.

Product Reviews

Here are five (5) of the ideal choices for best treadmill for home available on the market these days – with its key feature, pros, and cons – so one can already jump start the search for the best treadmill to be used at home.

Merax Electric Treadmill

Go for unlimited running with a Merax Electric Treadmill. With this treadmill easily accessible, one’s goal for having a healthy and active lifestyle can be easily achieved.

The tread boasts a contemporary folding design and size that is perfect for home use. Aside from the folded feature, the treadmill also has rolling wheels for easy transport and storage. Other nice features of the product are the multi-functional LCD display, low noise motor, cushioned deck, safety or emergency stop key, and easy-to-use interface.

To add, the treadmill also has 3 pre-set training programs and 3 incline positions. This treadmill is able to run with a speed from 1 to 10 km/hour or 0.62 to 6.2 MPH at peak and rated the power of 500W and a rated voltage of 110V.

If assembled, the treadmill has dimensions of 25 inches x 45 inches x 58 inches; while folded, it stays at 25 inches x 25 inches x 51 inches. The 70-pound treadmill has a running deck of 14 inches x 44 inches and a weight capacity of 220 lbs. Finally, the product offers a 1-year warranty on the motor and frame.

Pros:

• powerful and fast motor
• has a high weight capacity
• has a contemporary and practical design
• easy to transport and store
• not heavy
• user friendly
• can keep track of running stats
• has pre-installed running programs
• has an incline feature
• roomy and cushioned deck
• reasonably affordable
• has motor and frame warranty

Cons:

• only with metric units in the display
• display units cannot be changed
• restarts sometimes after 30 minutes of use
• previous running data disappear after restarting
• light
• small

Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill

One can go for a run any time of the day or night, whatever day of the week, and despite the weather outside. Have a mini gym from the comforts of one’s home with a Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill that boasts a 2.20 Peak HP drive system and 0.5 to 9 MPH speed (with tenth of a mile per hour increments).

Aside from the notable speed and power of the treadmill, it also has nice features to offer such as an easy folding mechanism, a soft drop system, a safety lock and power saving functions, and handrail controls. The machine also has 9 pre-set workout programs and an easy-to-read LCD display that shows distance, time, pulse and calories.

To add, this one is also BMI capable and manually adjustable for incline levels (0%, 2% and 4.37%). This treadmill has a weight capacity of 220 lbs, a 110V power source (18 amps), a 15.75-inch x 48.82-inch running surface, weighs 103 pounds, has assembled dimensions of 62.2 inches x 26.8 inches x 47.3 inches, and a 3 year structural warranty for the frame.

Pros:

• wide speed range level
• has various built-in running programs
• clear and user-friendly LCD display console
• safe and convenient
• has a manual mode
• has power saving function
• has safety lock function
• with easy handrail controls
• manually adjustable incline positions
• foldable design with a soft drop mechanism
• easy to store
• mobile
• relatively affordable purchase price

Cons:

• not self-lubricating
• produces squeaky sound when not lubricated before use
• no space for mobile phone or tablet
• narrow belt
• pressing handrail buttons erases speed and distance data
• our review copy had some damaged parts due to shipment

Ancheer Electric Treadmill

Go active and stay physically fit even at home with the help of an Ancheer Electric Treadmill. This foldable and portable treadmill has a lot to offer to its users.

Some of its key features are an easy-to-read LCD computer display that measures time, speed, distance, and calories, a hand grip sensor that monitors heart rate through the thumb, an auto stop safety feature that goes hand in hand with a safety clip, and an easy self-lubrication feature that other treadmills do not have.

This silver treadmill has a 220 lbs. or 100 kg. maximum weight capacity, a 1.5 HP motor, 0.49 to 6.2 MPH speed (KPH speed unit), 110V rated voltage, 60Hz rated frequency and a 40.95-inch x 14.04-inch running surface. To add, the machine is made mobile with its attached rolling wheels.

With the device’s free installation design, it has assembled dimensions of 49.21 in. (L) x 23.58 in. (W) x 42.13 (H) in. and 47.25 in. When folded, dimensions are (L) x 23.58 in. (W) x 9.45 in. (H). Finally, the treadmill offers 2 years of warranty for the frame and 3 years on the motor.

Pros:

• comfortable running structure
• runs smoothly
• dependable motor power
• high weight capacity
• has self-lubrication feature
• user-friendly and clear LCD console
• has hand grip pulse sensor
• has an auto stop function
• mobile
• occupies small space for storage
• easy to store and to transport
• foldable design
• affordable purchase price

Cons:

• has occasional problems with drill holes and bolts
• assembly can be a bit difficult
• produces some noise while running
• produces squeaky sound when running
• feels unstable
• cheaply constructed plastic cover
• sometimes with misaligned machine belt

Goplus Electric Treadmill

Get physical even at home with a Goplus Electric Treadmill that has 2.5 HP motor. This gray and blue treadmill offer features such as 220 lbs. weight capacity, an easy foldable mechanism, adjustable 3 incline positions, and a soft drop system.

Also, the machine runs on 0.5 to 7.5 MPH speed levels, has 12 pre-set running programs, a 5-inch Blu-Ray LCD display, and a 15.5 in. x 47 in. running belt. It is good to note that aside from those features, the treadmill also has an iPad or mobile phone holder, a double safety key feature, and a cushioning design as well as handrail control.

The machine has a rubber running belt and is powered on 110V rated voltage. Finally, all those features are encased in a running device weighing 96.5 pounds.

Assembled dimensions at 62 in. (L) x 26.5 in. (W) x 49.5 in. (H) and 32.5 in. Its folded dimensions are (L) x 26.5 in. (W) x 57 in. (H) for easy storage.

Pros:

• powerful motor
• can accommodate heavy users without difficulty
• no loud operation noises
• has adjustable incline positions
• easy to store
• easy to transport
• mobile
• foldable design
• with double safety features
• has a built-in phone holder
• large LCD display
• cushioned sides for less stress
• simple handrail controls
• reasonable purchase price

Cons:

• does not have an automatic incline featureConfidence Fitness Confidence Power Trac Treadmill
• maximum speed is only 7.5 MPH

Confidence Fitness Treadmill

There is no need to forego running when one feels like doing it just because the weather outside is not good or it is not a good time to run. Go for unlimited running with a Confidence Fitness Treadmill at home.

The treadmill has 0.6 to 6.2 MPH speed levels with four (4) pre-set and quick-select speeds pegged at 1.86 MPH, 3 MPH, 4.9 MPH and 6.2 MPH. It also has 12 built-in running programs, adjustable incline positions at 2 degrees, 3.5 degrees and 5 degrees, and an LED display to monitor speed, distance, calories and time stats.

This treadmill is run by a 1 HP, 600W motor. Other key features of the device are an emergency stop clip, a 265 lbs. maximum weight capacity, a 14 in. x 39 in. runway surface, 22 in. folded arm length, 49 in. (L) x 24 in. (B) x 47 in. (H) dimensions when assembled, 49 in. (L) x 24 in. (B) x 10 in. (H) dimensions when folded, and a weight of 52 lbs.

Pros:

• no loud noise during operation
• can carry weight up to 265 lbs.
• wide and fast speed range
• pre-set speeds for convenience
• various built-in running programs to choose from
• with three incline positions
• has a safety stop clip
• auto stop feature
• ability to be folded
• mobile
• easy to store
• takes less storage space

Cons:

• has no auto incline adjustment
• creates weird burning smell after an hour of use
• produces a knocking sound
• in metric units of measurement
• no magazine holder
• no cup holder
• angled handle bars not good for mounting objects
• not for heavy duty use

Conclusion:

Choosing the best treadmill for home use among these five remarkable products could be tricky considering their many overlapping features. But narrowing your search down to the ideal one could be easily achieved not only by assessing your needs but also your goals.

It is also necessary to look forward into the near future and anticipate which features you might need to make sure that your treadmill can accommodate changes in your routine.