Ultimate Treadmill Guide: All to Know Before Buying
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
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If you want to take up sports, but have little time to attend a gym, or it seems that gym membership is quite costly, then you should think about arranging a personal training room at home.
Running is always believed to be an affordable sports activity, so picking the best compact treadmill should be your number one task. Having a running machine at home is a great way to stay fit and be able to have regular running sessions each day.
But how to choose a high-quality treadmill model that will meet your needs? No worries, we’re here to help! We’ll let you know what are the key features to look out for and we’ll give you all the information you need to make a decision you’ll be happy with.
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Treadmill: General Characteristic
Treadmill Specification and Extra Options
5 Types of Treadmills
1. Manual
2. Curved
3. Motorized
4. Folding
5. Under-Desk Treadmill
4 Compact Treadmill Benefits
✅ All-Round Health Improvement
✅ A Low-Impact Cardio Workout
✅ A Chance to Customize Your Training
✅ Versatility
What to Look For in the Best Compact Treadmill?
1. Speed Range Adjustment
2. Dimensions
3. Additional Features
4. The Length of the Running Surface
5. Motor Capacity
6. Adjustability
7. Monitor Functionality
8. Portability
ProForm Carbon TLX
- Speed Range: 0-12 mph
- Max Incline: 12%
- Running Surface: 20’’ x 60’’
- Folding: Foldable
- Weight Limit: 250 lb 300 lbs
- Item Weight: 125 lb 249 lbs (in box)
- Product Dimensions: 35.1’’ x 74.3’’ x 59.1’’
- Display: Bluetooth enabled
- Workout Programs: No build-in programs
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, 1 year on parts and labor
- Additional Features: iFIT compatible, 30-day iFIT trial included, Bluetooth enabled, ProShox cushioning
How to Use a Compact Treadmill Right?
When you pick up a compact treadmill, you should consider particular aspects to make a proper choice and stay satisfied with a purchase. Besides defining your needs and preferences, you should also investigate how to use a treadmill correctly, especially how to launch it for the first time and finally how to start running on it without getting injured.
1. Know the Treadmill Specs and Available Modes
2. Do Some Warm-up Exercises
3. Make First Steps
4. Listen to Your Body
Folding Treadmill vs Under Desk Treadmill
Before making a choice, you need to consider a few things, like fitness goals and space limitations.
Folding treadmills are great for traditional workouts. They usually have adjustable speed and incline, which is perfect for adjusting the workout to various fitness levels. They’re also very versatile because you can use them for a lot of different workout types – anywhere from light, relaxing walks to intense running sessions.
They’re typically quite bulky, though, and large. Their price can also be rather high, but in a lot of cases, a higher price means more features and higher quality.
Under desk treadmills, on the other hand, are super compact and they’re designed to be convenient. You can use them at home or in your office, which is a fantastic way to stay active while you’re working. With a sedentary lifestyle being so common these days, these types of treadmills can be game-changers.
One thing to keep in mind is that they usually have limited speed, so even if it has a lot of gears, you won’t get an actual intense workout out of them. They’re meant for walking so, while you will be getting some exercise, it won’t be anything life-changing as far as your fitness goals go.
Treadmill Maintenance
Treadmills are usually pan investment, so you want them to last for as long as possible. Even with warranties included, having a treadmill break is inconvenient at best. At worst, it’s a pretty decent new expense.
1. Cleaning
You want to make sure to invest some time into maintenance. Check and clean the belt regularly and make sure to remove any kind of dust, buildup or debris from it.
2. Lubrication
Lubrication is another thing you don’t want to skip because it minimizes friction and reduces the strain on the motor. When it comes to how often you need to lubricate – check with what the manufacturer says. You should always go by what they recommend.
3. Area Around the Treadmill
The area around your treadmill shouldn’t be too cluttered. This can be a bit of a challenge in a home setting, but if the space around your treadmill is clean, then there’s a lot less chance of something getting sucked up in the machine’s internal components.
4. Check Bolts and Screws
Any bolts or screws need to be nice and tight so, if you see any coming loose, make sure to tighten them as soon as possible. This maintains the treadmill’s integrity, so do these checks on a regular basis.
5. Check Power Cords
Power cords are some of the most important things to check because if they get frayed or damaged, they can be extremely dangerous. If you see any damage done to the cord, it’s best to ask a professional to handle it.
6. Placement
Another important thing is the placement – your treadmill needs to be placed on a stable, level surface. If it’s not, you’ll notice very uneven wear on the belt.
You may notice that there isn’t any specific advice regarding exactly how often you need to maintain your treadmill, and there’s a reason for it; only the manufacturer can give you a schedule and recommend what to check, when and how.
But if you’re ever unsure and you can’t get in touch with the manufacturer’s customer service, you can always ask a professional to help. The treadmill can give you a fantastic workout, but only if you keep it in shape.
Treadmill Maintenance Check-List
Maintenance Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Belt | Check and clean regularly. Remove any dust and buildup. |
Lubrication | Lubricate to minimize friction. |
Surrounding Area | Keep the space around the treadmill clean and free of clutter. |
Bolts and Screws | Make sure all are tight and check for any loose ones. |
Power Cord | Check for any damage – if you notice it, consult a professional. |
Placement | Place the treadmill on a stable, even surface. |
FAQ
Are Folding Treadmills Worth It?
Folding treadmills can come in handy for users who want to save more living space by getting both running and walking training opportunities due to the various speed ranges set up.
As usual, such running gears are designed with smooth folding systems that enable them to surpass the majority of heavy and bulky treadmills that are of greater dimensions.
Alongside this, folding gears are equipped with incline levels, HR handgrip sensors, an LCD display, speed adjustability options, etc. Such features keep compact treadmills even surpass heavier commercial alternatives.
Space-saving treadmills can become an irreplaceable tool for the home gym arrangement and make your indoor running experience comfortable.
Are Mini Treadmills Worth It?
Compared to compact treadmills, the mini ones are even smaller, consequently with poorer quality, making them fit for a smaller audience. Such treadmills can suit lightweight short people who don’t like fast running but prefer light jogging or even walking at a speed less than 5 mph.
Because of the small size, mini treadmills can be too short for runners with a longer stride. Moreover, a weak motor is another noticeable drawback: a mini treadmill can offer you a speed range between a sloth-like and low jogging pace of 5 mph at the maximum.
Are Treadmills Just as Good as Walking?
Generally, you get almost the same calorie-burning and fitness effect while walking outdoors or training on the treadmill. The way your joints, knees, and hips work is also the same, and injury risk is still possible in both cases.
But, if walking on uneven terrains gives you extra resistance, making you activate more muscle groups, expend more energy, and burn more calories, walking outside can improve your mental health and reduce anxiety and get rid of stress.
Meanwhile, treadmills offer extra safety for your joints with additional cushioning, shock-absorbing features, and several layers for better grip on a surface. That helps to prevent injuries and bring mild tension to your knees.
Also, with a treadmill, you can control an even and steady pace, with consistent speed. While walking in nature, you have mostly sudden changes in speed depending on the terrain and landscape you choose for running.
Are Under-Desk Treadmills Effective?
This type of compact treadmill is a perfect option for office workers and people who have a mostly sedentary lifestyle by allowing them not to distract from work duties while walking on the treadmill. They can arrange a vertical computer workplace and keep on slow walking with a pace of 1 mph and burn some extra calories at a time.
Such activity has great benefits for health and general well-being: it helps to lose weight, stay active even while working, improves blood circulation, mood improvement, and boosts productivity.
This is a great gear that can fit well, particularly on all standing desks, so you can place it underneath the table and get moderate walking during the day, by avoiding sitting too much.
Can You Run on Compact Treadmills?
Yes, you usually can. But keep in mind that compact treadmills are typically smaller, which means that the running deck is shorter and narrower, so they may not be the best option if you’re tall or have a long stride.
Compact treadmills are usually made for light jogging and walking, but you’ll definitely be able to find a few that support full running speeds. Make sure to always check the specifications before making a choice.
What Brand of Treadmills Do Most Gyms Use?
Most commercial gyms use durable, high-end treadmill brands so they can make sure their treadmills last long and can withstand heavy use. These brands include ProForm, Precor, Life Fitness, Technogym, StarTrac, and Cybex. These brands are known for their reliability and advanced features.
Conclusion
A treadmill is a staple in any home gym, and even if you go to a commercial one, chances are, you’re hopping on a treadmill there. Upgrading your home gym can frustrate you, bu tit doesn’t have to be that way – all it takes is a little patience and some research and you’ll be able to find a treadmill that will suit your needs perfectly.
If you want our opinion, we think that the ProForm Carbon TLX is an excellent treadmill that will save you both space and money.
Happy treadmill hunting and if there’s anything we missed or you have some questions and/or opinions, share them in the comments!
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
20 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience
M.Sc.Eng. Biotechnology, Sports Nutritionist
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Also read:
- Budget Treadmill vs Expensive
- Best Treadmill Under 1000
- Incline Treadmill Benefits
- Stairmaster vs Treadmill
- Treadmill vs Spin Bike
- Walking on the Treadmill Every Day
- Manual Treadmill Guide
- Under Desk Treadmills Guide
References:
- Effects of reducing sedentary behaviour duration by increasing physical activity, on cognitive function, brain function and structure across the lifespan: a systematic review protocol // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36270758/
- The Positive Effects of Running on Mental Health // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32970641/
- Warming-up and stretching for improved physical performance and prevention of sports-related injuries // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3849057/
- Stand When You Can: development and pilot testing of an intervention to reduce sedentary time in assisted living // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32762644/
- Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
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Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
Still have questions after reading our article? Unlock your full potential by engaging with our experts and community! Don’t hesitate — leave a comment below and Ihor Shymechko will provide a personalized answer and insights to help you reach your goals.