What to Look for when Shopping for a Treadmill

A treadmill is a big investment, so before you put down your credit card consider all the variables. The biggest variable, and it is one that you can't check out in the statistices, is how it feels when you run on it. Unfortunately, that is hard to do. Even if you are allowed to run on it at a store, a short half-hour run will only give you a clue. Sure you can compare one against the other, but to really know, you will have to put some time on it. So make sure you can send it back if you decide you don't like the way it runs.

With that said, here are the primary variables you should consider.

Engine Power

The engine is the heart of your treadmill, so don't skimp on a weak engine. When you review treadmills, make sure the engine power listed is the "continuous duty" horsepower (frequently abbreviated as CHP), and not the peak horsepower. Engine horsepower can range from between 1.5 to as much as 5.0 or more HP for commercial grade treadmills. If you are only planning on using the treadmill for occasional runs when the weather is bad, then you can probably get away with something less than 2 CHP. But if you plan on putting lots of mileage on your treadmill or if you are a heavier runner, then look for something with 2 CHP or more.

Speed

Most treadmills have a maximum speed of 10 MPH or 6 minutes per mile. That should do for most people, but if you tend to run repeats or intervals at a pace that is faster than that, then you will obviously want a machine that can keep up, so opt for a machine that will move at your pace. Stay away from machines that can't even move at 10 MPH. Hey, we all hope to get faster and if the treadmill can't even move at 10 MPH, it says something about its construction.

Treadmill Deck Length and Width

We all like to think we can keep an even line when we run and if that were the case we could run on a treadmill about six inches wide. But that requires too much concentration for most of us. Look for a treadmill that is at least 18 inches wide. The wider the better. As for length, that depends on how steady your pace is and how long your stride is. A longer deck is nice if you find yourself slowing down and drifting off the back...you have time to catch up before you fall off. A longer deck is also necessary for taller runners. But then again, if you are looking to improve your form, a short deck will force you to keep the stride turnover quick and snappy. 52 inches is short for a treadmill belt and some treadmills have decks at well over 60 inches.

Cushioning

This is one of the main reasons people buy treadmills. Unfortunately, there is no real way to know how cushioned a treadmill is without running on it. So if you are buying one on the Internet, make sure you you can send the machine back if you don't like it. Most of the retailers advertising on this site offer money-back guarantees, but policies change and there may be restrictions, so check with the merchant before you buy.

Foldability

OK, so foldability isn't a word, but you get the idea. Unless you have ample basement space or some other location for your treadmill, having a treadmill that folds up and out of the way is great. Even if you have plenty of basement space, you may want to fold up your treadmill during the summer months if you do all your summer running outside.

Heart Rate Monitoring

If you want to really fine tune your performance, then you will want to run with a heart rate monitor. You can use the same HRM indoors that you use outdoors, but some treadmills will display your heart rate on the main display so you can keep a constant eye on it. A minor convenience, and maybe a bit over-the-top, but still nice. Some treadmills will pickup the signal from your Polar monitor and some will provide their own chest strap. Some have hand grips that you need to grip in order for the treadmill to read your heart rate...not a lot of value there because who wants to run while gripping fixed handrails. The Smooth Treadmills will automatically adjust the belt's speed so that you stay within a predefined heart rate range...pretty slick!

Programmable Workouts

If you have a set of favorite hill, interval, or repetition workouts that you run on a regular basis, then look for a treadmill that will allow you to program that in and save it for future use.

Treadmill Weight and Stability

You don't want to run on a treadmill that shakes and shudders with every step. All things being equal, the heavier the treadmill, the more stable it will be. But all things are never equal, so look at the footprint and at descriptions as to how the deck is built. Maximum user weight is also a good clue as to how stable and solid the treadmill is.

Incline

Treadmills generally have a maximum incline of between 10 and 15%. This allows you to build strength by running intervals uphill without the knee crunching downhills. But remember two things. Running hills on a treadmill is not the same as running them on the road. If you race on hilly courses you will need to train on hilly courses. That means pushing your body uphill...an exerience somewhat different than that of a treadmill with an incline. If you are training for a course that has lots of downhills (the Boston Marathon, for example), then a treadmill is not going to be much help. You could prop the back up with a couple 2x4's but there are safety issues involved with doing that so check with the manufacturer before you do.

Other Resources

Treadmill Reviews

Should you buy a treadmill?