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Treadmills can be a great investment. They allow you to run when you are too busy to get to the gym or if the weather not ideal. Going to the gym to use the treadmill can be a pain in the butt. Usually, the last thing you want to do after a long day is jump on machine covered in someones else’s sweat.
Having a treadmill in your house is an easy way to make sure you get your workout in. The question then becomes what should you look for when buying a treadmill? That is where we come in. This is a complete buyer guide on treadmills for runners. If you want to see some of our recommended treadmills, you can check them out by clicking here.
Table of Contents
What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill
Take each of these into consideration before buying a treadmill. A treadmill is a big purchase, and you do not want to take them lightly.
What Budget Do You Have for a Treadmill?
Putting together a budget for your treadmill before you start looking is a good starting point. You can be enticed by all the extra bells and whistles outside of your price range, but your budget will keep you grounded.
Treadmills can be purchased on a budget, some can be found under $500, but know that in that price range they may not last as long. Especially if you are consistently running long distances or high speeds. If you are a walker or jogger, you can get away with treadmills in this price range.
The Mid-Range Treadmills will have a number of different variations to choose from. These are classified in the $600-$2,000. This is where you can find a treadmill similar to the one at your local gym.
On the higher end on the budget spectrum, you can find treadmills in the $2,000 – $4,000. Many in this range will come with screens or be equipped for professional athletes. These treadmills will have many of the features on your list covered.
Do You Have Enough Space for a Treadmill?
Identifying the space you will set-up your treadmill is extremely important. Running on a treadmill can be loud, so it may be best to find a place that will not disturb other people who live with you.
You want to measure the space, based on the model you are looking at. Make sure to consider the vertical clearance. Especially if you purchase a treadmill with an incline. The last thing you want to do it bump your head on a low ceiling mid-run.
Some spaces we recommend are a spare bedroom, garage, or basement. If those options do not seem to work, consider a folding treadmill that can be stored under the bed or in a closet. These can be wheeled out when ready for use.
Can You Handle the Installation Yourself or Will You Need Help?
Installation of your treadmill is another key point to consider. Many negative reviews on treadmills are because of the installation process. It can be very frustrating if you are not handy. In addition, you may have to lug around a 200 – 300-pound box.
If you do not believe you would be able to handle the installation yourself, you may want to add the cost of installation to your budget. Amazon has partnerships when you purchase your treadmill through them that will help you with the installation for an extra fee. You can also consider services such as Task Rabbit, TAKL, or your local handyman. Some retailers will assemble the treadmill for you, just make sure to ask.
In the local area of Cardio & Strength HQ, Tampa FL, assembly of one piece of exercise equipment on TAKL is $157. You can check your local prices here. This is a great option if you buy a treadmill from somewhere outside of Amazon. If you want to check out TAKL using this link will get you 10% off.
We also checked the expert assembly if you buy your treadmill through Amazon. The price for their Expert Assembly is considerably cheaper. On The Nordic Track T Treadmill, the price for the assembly was extremely reasonable.
We recommend opting for expert assembly to save yourself frustration and headache.
Are You Committed to Exercise?
There are countless treadmills in homes across the world that have been as extremely expensive clothes hangar more than for workouts. Don’t let this be you. Come up with a plan on how you will use your treadmill.
Will it just be for days that you can’t run outside or get to the gym? Will it be the base of your primary exercise routine? How many times per week will you use it? Considering your exercise commitment will help determine if a home-based treadmill is right for you.
If you are new to exercise, maybe consider a budget or starter treadmill. Treadmills can get expensive, and the last thing you want to do is buy a four-figure clothing line.
Do you Plan on Running, Jogging, or Walking?
How you will use the treadmill will be a major determining factor in selecting your model. Runners will need a wider belt and stronger motor to help sustain longer training sessions and interval training. Runners want to look for a treadmill that can handle the stress their training requires.
Walkers, on the other hand, will not need as wide of a belt and can get away with a less expensive option.
How Much Do You Weigh?
All treadmills have weight limits. Ensuring you select a treadmill that will be able to handle the weight distribution will eliminate the risk of breaking your machine. All treadmills will list their weight limits on their specifications. These can easily be found online by googling the treadmill make and model, followed by “weight limit”.
If you are purchasing your treadmill on Amazon, they will list the weight limit on the specification or product information section. This can usually be found at the bottom of the page under product information.
What Are The Best Things to Look for in a Treadmill?
Knowing what features and specifications all the best treadmills have is the next step in finding what treadmill is right for you.
Treadmill Belt Size
Runners will need a different size belt than walkers. When using your treadmill for runs, look for belts that are at least 4 feet long (48 inches) and 18 inches wide. This will allow most people the coverage they need to complement their running gait.
If you are taller than 6 feet, you will want a longer belt size. Look for a 54-inch belt for running. Shorter belts are usually found on cheaper models. So, if you are tall, you may have to spend the extra money to avoid buyer’s remorse. If you feel cramped on the belt while running, you will not be comfortable. This can eventually lead you to not want to use your treadmill anymore.
Speed of The Motor
There are two types of treadmills motors. Continuous duty horsepower (CHP) and HP. Runners should avoid HP as they are much less powerful than CHP. CHP can also maintain consistent speed over a long period of time. HP motors can still be found on cheaper treadmills, and if you are considering one, make sure it has as much power as possible.
The motor directly impacts the horsepower of the treadmill. Walkers can get away with a lower continuous duty horsepower (CHP). Runners need a more powerful motor. Look for treadmills that have at least 2.5 – 3.0 CHP. You may need a higher-powered motor based on your weight.
Treadmill Incline Settings for Resistance
Treadmill incline is a way to simulate hills. The treadmill deck will lift up, allowing you to increase the intensity of your workout. This is a great way for runners to mix up their treadmill workouts.
There are two types of incline on a treadmill. Manual and automatic. Manual treadmills require that you physically lift the deck to your desired incline, while automatic will electronically lift your incline. Automatic the preferred option, and comes on many different treadmills.
If the incline is an important part of your workouts, you will also want to consider how many incline settings are available. Incline settings can range anywhere from 2-20 depending on the model.
Cushioning on the Deck
Many runners incorporate treadmills into their training, to reduce the impact their body endures during their outdoor sessions. That is where the deck cushioning comes in. The running belt should absorb the impact on your foot strike. The belt should not move or fold when your foot makes contact.
Stability and Strength
Treadmills should never move or shake when you are running. They should provide a solid surface that you can have confidence in. Check the reviews to make sure there are no complaints regarding sturdiness. The frame should always remain stable.
An Easy to Read Display
An easy to read display can make all the difference. It should be easy to use and simple to reach while you are setting up your run. Especially if you want to rely on your display for various metrics. Some of the budget models may not include a display with all the metrics. Just remember, you can always add a fitness tracker to your accessory list and have the option of tracking all the metrics you are interested in. A good treadmill display will show calories, heart rate, distance, and time.
A Good Warranty on Parts and Frame
If your treadmill does not include a warranty above 3+ years on the frame, I would not consider that model. It is typically standard to have 10 years to a lifetime warranty on the frame. Anything less will give you a good indication of the quality of that treadmill.
Parts should have a 3-year warranty and electronics should have a 5-year warranty. Make sure to register your treadmill on the day you receive it to lock in the warranty.
What Extras Should I Consider When Buying a Treadmill?
What Maintenance is Involved?
No treadmill is maintenance-free. Some treadmill warranties require regular maintenance in order to protect the warranty. Some maintenance items include:
- Lubricating the machine once a year
- Vacuum The motor compartment once a year
- Wipe down after each use (duh) each time
- Make sure there are no signs of wear on the belt or deck weekly
- Check the nuts and blots monthly to ensure nothing is loose
Do You Want a Treadmill with a Screen and Built-in Workouts?
Many high-end treadmills now come with a screen. They will show you all the important metrics and can even connect to your fitness tracker via Bluetooth.
They have preprogrammed runs that you can follow. Some have race simulations if you are training for a marathon, half marathon, 10k, or 5k.
If running a simulated course is not your thing, some treadmills will have subscription models that allow you access to a coach or trainer while you run. These are extremely motivating and fun.
Do You Want Your Treadmill to Fold?
Folding treadmills are fantastic options if you do not have ample space. These are great if you live in an apartment, or just don’t have the extra room to leave out a treadmill.
Runners, in particular, must ensure that if they choose a folding treadmill, it must be high quality. Many budget level folding treadmills are only made for walking. Now, there are a number of treadmills that fold up that can support runners.
The two best places to store your folding treadmill are under the bed, or in a closet. In addition, you can also place them in a garage or the corner of a spare bedroom. Make sure your folding treadmill has wheels so you can easily move it around your living space.
Try Before You Buy
Even if you plan to buy your treadmill online, we recommend you try a few options in the store. You will get a feel for what you like. Get a feel for the belt sizes and make sure it is comfortable when you run. Test out the screen and ensure it is easily accessible. Make sure the treadmill is sturdy and not shaking. This will really help you when making your final decision.
Set up a Plan to Use Your Treadmill
The last step before you buy is to set up a plan on how you will use your treadmill. Commit to running a few times a week and you will see progress in your fitness and health. Ask yourself how often will you run? Are you training for a race? How many miles will you run each week? Check your calendar and make sure you have the time for your training sessions. Then commit to your goals. We hope you enjoy your new treadmill and accomplish all your running goals.
