How to Choose a Treadmill Best

A quality treadmill can be an investment in your health and wellness. Take note of these aspects to make sure you purchase the best treadmill for your needs:

The continuous horsepower (CHP) rating of a treadmill is important. The more powerful the CHP, the more you can accomplish on the treadmill.

Some treadmills are easier to use than others. Features like built-in speakers and interactive training programs can help you avoid boredom and stay motivated.

1. Safety

It is crucial to remember that even the best equipment, if not used and maintained properly, can be dangerous. This includes everything from the size of the belt to ability to adjust the incline. Experts like ACE-certified functional training specialist Noelle McKenzie rate safety as the most important factor when choosing a treadmill and recommend choosing one with a belt that is at least 20 inches wide to allow for movement and decrease the risk of stepping off the treadmill accidentally.

It is also crucial that the belt is made of a strong material in order to prevent wear and tear. It is also crucial to secure the belt to the machine. This prevents the belt from becoming a trip hazard and can help you feel comfortable when running at high speed. When you're running on the treadmill, it's essential to wear the correct footwear, such as sneakers and not flip-flops or sandles. This will help avoid blisters and sore feet, which can cause problems with balance that can result in you falling off the treadmill.

It's important to be attentive to the 3-2-1 countdown, or safety beep before the treadmill belt begins to move. It's important to practice this routine to become familiar with the sound and to understand when the belt begins moving. It's also a good idea to only use the handrails when necessary; leaning upon them could cause you to lean forward and lead to back pain or even a treadmill injury.

Also, it's an excellent idea to keep your treadmill out of reach of children and pets who might be curious about it. This will reduce the chance of someone running on it and falling, as well as the possibility of a pet or a child being dragged under the belt.

2. Convenience

A treadmill in your home will give you the chance to exercise whenever it's convenient. It's not as if you have to find time in your schedule to go to the gym. That's why some people prefer bringing treadmills into their homes over buying one from the gym (which can cost upwards of $2,000). The budget-friendly treadmill we recommend has more than 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. It's a great option for those without many bells or whistles.

A top-quality treadmill is typically equipped with features that enhance your exercise experience. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for instance, features a large running surface and an eye-catching 22-inch touchscreen display. This makes it simple to enjoy your exercise. The treadmill has a 3% decline option and an incline that isn't something you'll find on most treadmills. It also offers the option to connect to streaming apps like JRNY or Echelon United which offers thousands of workouts, but keep in mind that subscriptions can quickly add up.

Noelle McKenzie, ACE-certified functional trainer and expert on treadmills, says that size is the most important aspect to consider. She also recommends safety features like rails and safety keys. She prefers treadmills that have a large LCD display that displays stats while you exercise and comes with programs built-in for interval training. She also mentions physical aspects like motor power or belt length as important to take into consideration when shopping for the top treadmills. You want a treadmill you can easily set up and that runs quietly enough to be able to use it while watching TV or working from home. The Lifepro Fitness Portable Treadmill is a mobile treadmill that is wheeled and can fold down.

3. The Performance of an

A treadmill is an investment in your fitness, and a high-performance treadmill will help you reach your fitness goals more quickly than simply jogging on the sidewalk. This is why we picked models that have features like adjustable incline, built-in speakers, and the ability to track your progress via an app. But the top treadmills offer a comfortable, smooth ride, and are easy to set up and use.

We've looked through the Strategist archives and spoken to experts to identify the most affordable treadmills with a variety of smart tech features. This budget-friendly treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness has a monitor which displays distance, the speed and pulse. It's simple to assemble and folds. It also comes with nine workout programs as well as three levels of adjustable incline. It also promises a smoother ride thanks to the extra shock absorption integrated into the belt.

Another great budget-friendly option is this treadmill from Peloton It comes with an impressive selection of intelligent features built-in. It features a 24" touchscreen for streaming workout videos, as well as fast speed and incline control buttons to adjust settings while you follow along with an instructor. Additionally, it's quieter and has a larger running deck than other treadmills at this price.

This treadmill is small enough to fit under your desk or in the closet. It also comes with a remote and an app that allows you to keep track of your steps, pace, and calories burned while walking. It's a little pricier than some other treadmills, however, it's an excellent option if you're looking to walk while at your desk. Its belt is large enough to accommodate taller runners, and it has a higher weight capacity than other treadmills at this price.

4. Technology

A lot of treadmills come with a variety of features that can improve the exercise experience. In addition to a sexy touchscreen, you might also prefer a treadmill that has preset programs that can be integrated into the machine, or via streaming apps (like iFIT memberships and JRNY and Echelon United). Also, you must consider the motor's power. The heavier you are, and the harder you work the more horsepower and longer track you will require.


Consider a treadmill with apps like Peloton or Zwift that allow you to exercise in virtual reality with trainers and coaches. These machines can help promote the development of muscles, flexibility, and balance, as well as proprioception, in an area that cardio alone can't.

We tested treadmills with various programming options and looked for easy controls, user-friendly screens and non-glitchy operation. We also evaluated the ease with which it was to set up a machine and the time it took for the process to be completed.

Some of the best treadmills have digital sensors which respond faster to your movements than analog sensors. This allows the motor to adjust the speed of the belt more frequently, which results in a smoother running experience and reduces stress on the motor.

A good treadmill should have an easy-to-read display with numerous buttons that make setting the settings an easy task. We looked for dials with quick knobs on short handles located at the front of consoles to increase the speed or anincline. Some treadmills also have touchscreen buttons that are more responsive than other models during our tests.

5. Design

We also look at the technology that goes with a treadmill best with a focus on things such as touchscreens, a simple interface, non-glitchy programming, and the way it performs under various conditions. We noticed, for instance, that the X22i treadmill comes with a 22" screen, which is one of the most responsive screens we've ever tested. It can also allow you to follow classes in the style of a studio, as virtual coaches streaming music and movies via its iFIT app, and it integrates with third-party applications like Zwift.

The X22i has a total of 25 exercises built-in, which is standard for treadmills . It's not an overwhelming amount, but it offers some options. The treadmill can also be adjusted to be smaller in size by using an adjustable lever that raises the belt when it is not being used. This will keep children and pets away from the treadmill.

This lightweight and compact treadmill has a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour, and it can incline up to 15%. The treadmill is more expensive than other models, but it's a breeze to set up and has useful features that make it a great option for those just starting out or don't have a lot of space at home.

This treadmill is one of the smallest treadmills we've tested, with an adjustable design that makes it possible to fit into even the tightest of spaces. It is also a good alternative for runners who want to run at higher speeds. The controls for speed and incline are conveniently placed on the dashboard, making it easy to adjust while running. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an iPad holder and the mesh cup holder isn't enough to be used for training.