What should be considered for a treadmill?

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With treadmills, there are now so many models that a choice should not be easy, but one thing is indisputable, the treadmill should fit the user.
First of all, the greatest attention should be paid to the power, because if it is a slightly heavier user, as with a car, the horsepower number must also be correct. The motor must provide good torque so that the drive does not stall. For a good quality treadmill, horsepower ratings around 2 hp continuous are perfectly adequate.


The running surfaces of a treadmill must also be controlled accordingly. Only if they have a width of 45 cm or more, it really makes sense to think about a purchase. If you are running fast on a treadmill, it can otherwise happen that you miss and this can have fatal consequences.


A good treadmill has a computer that also displays the heart rate during a workout and also the pulse should be able to be monitored. For this purpose, pulse belts are used in most cases, which send the measured heart rate to the computer. The pulse is calculated from the age, which is given by the user and the perfect treadmill then adjusts to the speed. Interval programs can provide variety, but they are not often used. They are there to increase or even decrease the speed or incline according to the given values.
Unfortunately, there is not every manufacturer of a treadmill a tread cushioning, although this is an important feature of a treadmill, because with each step affects a multiple of their own body weight on the joints. If there is no damping, it is bad for the joints, because nothing is cushioned. Therefore, before you buy a treadmill, always check whether it has a cushioning system.


What features are important?
It should be a good treadmill, but in many cases this can not be recognized by the prices. With a price range of barely 100 euros to well over 2000 euros is to be expected here. With a treadmill, however, it is possible that price and performance drift far apart.
The motor always determines the speed, a beginner can leave it with a weak motor, while an advanced user needs more power. Therefore, when making a purchase, make sure that the treadmill is a motor with at least 2 horsepower.
Another quality factor is the load capacity. At least 100 kilos, but better even more, the treadmill should already cope. A high load capacity is always an indication that high-quality and load-bearing parts have been installed. For safety, it is important that the speed control on the treadmill is easily accessible and should also be easy to operate.


A low noise level should be
In recent years, treadmills have of course improved a lot, but there are still models that are very loud. This can be very annoying not only for the user, but also for others. Especially if you live in a rented house, you have to be considerate of your neighbours and make sure that the treadmill is as quiet as possible.


What is important for a good treadmill?

  • The running surfaces must be wide enough, which is important for safety.
  • It must have a high quality finish, a long warranty period and a friendly customer service are also mandatory
  • The treadmill must have a high load capacity
  • The higher the fitness level of the user, the higher the motor power should be
  • The treadmill should have a computer that guarantees as many functions as possible
  • A large and modern display with easy operation is important
  • Training videos facilitate the introduction
  • A nice additional feature is a holder for a water bottle in the front area.

Click here for the treadmills advertised on fitnessmarkt.de!

Published on: 17 December 2014

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