Ultimate Treadmill Guide: All to Know Before Buying

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.

Treadmill: General Characteristic

A treadmill is a decent fitness equipment that assists to keep you fit and arranges intensive cardio training and low-impact walking without leaving your home. Everyone who wants to have their personal home gym should buy a folded or compact model to be able to train whenever they want.

Moreover, today there’s a huge range of different treadmill types and models that are equipped with numerous features and provide athletes with innovative technologies to make their running sessions as effective as possible.

Treadmill Specification and Extra Options

Besides having an LCD monitor to track running statistics, some treadmills can be equipped with built-in handgrip sensors to scan your heart rate during the running itself.

Additionally, by connecting to the fitness applications and syncing your device with the treadmill, you’ll be able to know your intensity zones and your productivity in each of them. So, you’ll manage to follow your progress throughout each workout.

When using a treadmill for interval training, by knowing your heart rate data, you’ll be able to switch different intensities to train diverse muscles and improve your general stamina. Besides planning your workout, you’ll get to know your recovery period to develop your running capabilities.

Our expert Sergiy Putsov gave us a piece of advice:

“When choosing a treadmill, prioritize one that’s easy to fold and store. It’s a space-saving option that still lets you get your cardio in at home.“

Apparently, the most important things concerning running machines and their functionality are motor capacity, belt length, and cushioning system that ensure maximum comfort and safety for a user.

If you prefer running to jogging, you should consider treadmills with a stronger motor and longer running deck. As usual, such running machines are bulkier and heavier than compact models. However, the latter is weaker since they have a motor with minimal capacity and come with a shorter running surface.

For more variety to the home run, you can imitate outdoor training by adjusting the incline, so it’ll feel like you’re running or walking uphill or flat surface. With the incline function, you’ll be able to activate your leg and glute muscles in different ways.

5 Types of Treadmills

Fitness equipment is evolving all the time, but something you’ll always see in every gym are treadmills – lots of them. And not all treadmills are created equal. This is a great thing, because their variety makes them even more versatile than they already are.

Before you choose to invest in a new treadmill, consider the type you want. Let’s go over them!

1. Manual

A manual treadmill is the simplest among all available equipment and it doesn’t need electricity to operate. It starts to move as you start walking or running by moving the belt. That means that you generate the power to keep a treadmill belt moving.

On one hand, it seems too primitive, but on the other hand, a manual treadmill can give you better training than a motorized model. The reason is that your feet move the treadmill belt and it’s based on the effort you put to propel it, so you do more work and have greater chances to burn more calories.

2. Curved

Almost similar to the previous type, a curved treadmill is self-powered and requires no electricity. However, the belt can move faster compared to the one of the manual treadmill which makes this model better for more speedy running.

Some runners say that this type of treadmill brings a natural-like feeling while running. The reason is its curving shape: the higher you step the curve, the faster the belt will move. A curved treadmill can be a good option to train and master your cadence.

3. Motorized

These are the most popular and well-known models of running machines that can be also called electric ones. Motorized treadmills can provide runners with a wide range of features to improve their running experience, so they can benefit from the model’s versatility and applicability.

It’s possible to manage the speed and incline with just one touch of a button on the console or using a remote control. As usual, such treadmills are equipped with displays that enable to use of built-in training programs making this equipment highly customized.

Such treadmills can provide endless opportunities to diversify your running workout and keep you highly motivated.

4. Folding

These treadmills are versatile and can come with various features like motorized ones, so there’s no big difference between them. The obvious spec is that you can fold it easily to store it in the upright position in the closet or even under the bed, by leaving enough space in the room.

Folding treadmills are equipped with special folding systems that enable you to raise and lower the deck effortlessly.

5. Under-Desk Treadmill

For those who have no sufficient time to attend the gym and sit for a long time at work, this type of treadmill can be a great solution. The purpose of this gear is to give office workers an opportunity to stay active and fit while working.

These tools are much slimmer than the rest models, and have no handrails and display, but can have a small backlit console showing the key metrics. Thus, it’s easy to place such a treadmill under the working desk and keep walking when you’re in the office.

4 Compact Treadmill Benefits

When deciding to purchase a treadmill, everyone considers their personal preferences and desires to pick up a good model. Mostly, the choice is based on the features that they can’t get from running outdoors.

For someone, a treadmill can offer a better workout with higher intensity and diversity of running modes they can switch during the training easily and try all of them. Some want to experience more interactive running or arrange some recovery sessions. Nevertheless, we gathered the most obvious pros of compact treadmills you’ll definitely share with us.

Our expert Jacek Szymanowski told us his own benefits from using a compact treadmill:

“Compact treadmill is an amazing piece of equipment to get your steps or some easy run when can’t go outside (lockdown, bad weather) however if you’re looking for something that will support your interval work with higher intensities – look somewhere else 😉”

✅ All-Round Health Improvement

Having a compact treadmill brings many positive changes to your lifestyle and well-being. With an everyday running session, you’ll succeed in improving your general wellness, staying fit, burning more calories, and losing weight compared to the constant sedentary position because of working duties.

You can take a compact treadmill and simply put it under the working desk and have some walking without being distracted from your tasks. This option makes a treadmill useful fitness equipment for office workers.

It’s a great way to train your heart muscle and pump up your cardiovascular system while improving blood circulation. Alongside this, you’ll be able to promote your mental health greatly.

Although the most important point is that a 30-minute treadmill running session enables you to burn 200-500 calories depending on your weight and height, and training intensity.

✅ A Low-Impact Cardio Workout

Treadmill running ensures your knees and joints’ safety due to the applied cushioning and shock-absorption technologies used to build a reliable belt surface and upgrade its functionality. You can have a minor impact while running on the treadmill compared to the same workout outdoors.

✅ A Chance to Customize Your Training

You can run your favorite courses, sync with the fitness application and pre-set program to make your running session more diverse. With an option of treadmill interactivity, you can arrange immersive training that encourages you for better results by surpassing your previous data and also comparing them.

Additionally, you can make a workout more personalized by challenging different muscles and setting new distance goals.

✅ Versatility

In fact, a compact treadmill can be used to improve your current running performance, or just start your running activity at a moderate pace, or it can even be a fitness equipment for rehabilitation. The majority of compact treadmills have two modes: running and walking.

So, you can choose the variant that suits your intentions and conditioning. It can be a light walk or jog for rehab, moderate interval training, or intensive running as a part of marathon preparation.

What to Look For in the Best Compact Treadmill?

Pay attention to the following aspects when selecting a fitting compact treadmill to choose the model that will fully cover your needs and even surpass your expectations.

1. Speed Range Adjustment

Speed setup influences your workout intensity. Some compact treadmills offer a maximum of 5 or 7 mph of the speed range, others come only with 3 mph. There are also 2 in 1 running machines with the possibility to switch between the walking and running modes.

So, when choosing a compact treadmill, consider your running style, average stride length, pace, and generally what training mode you like most. Maybe, a 3 mph speed won’t be enough for you since you plan to do intensive running.

2. Dimensions

Before purchasing a folding or compact treadmill, you should know how much space you have to store it and keep it folded for running training. Generally, such gear comes in smaller sizes than standard commercial treadmills, although it’s better to get assured that you have enough living space to spare.

3. Additional Features

The possibility of spicing up your workout also can’t be underestimated because it plays an important role in making your progress in running stable and gradual.

Due to extra perks like app compatibility, tracking your performance metrics, incline option, pulse sensors availability, etc., you’ll know more about your fitness level, and capabilities, and will find ways to improve it. That’s why pay attention to incline capabilities.

It can be adjusted manually or automatically via remote control or just press the needed buttons on the console. This way, you’ll make your running more challenging and engaging.

4. The Length of the Running Surface

The running surface or a belt length is connected directly with the treadmill speed range and an athlete’s height. That means a higher runner requires a longer treadmill belt and a shorter athlete needs a shorter model.

For better comfort choose those running gears with at least 45” length: such treadmills fit well for dynamic warming up and running. But, if you plan to walk or jog, the running belt 40-42” long will be enough for you.

5. Motor Capacity

When picking up a treadmill, you may notice two options: motor HP, known as motor peak horsepower, and CHP which is continuous horsepower. Unlike peak horsepower which is a treadmill’s maximum power, continuous horsepower shows the consistently maintained power a gear can keep during the dynamic running session.

The higher CHP a treadmill has, the faster you will run. The stronger a motor is, the more weight it can handle. Therefore, if you plan to walk only, 2.5 HP will be enough, but for running you need at least 3 HP, so the treadmill will be able to withstand all the tension.

6. Adjustability

This is non-negotiable because you need a treadmill that adjusts to your fitness goals and the workouts you want to do. Look for something that has an adjustable incline so you can vary the intensity and the type of terrain.

Tips From the Champ

When choosing a new compact treadmill for your home gym, make sure to keep your priorities straight; you want a sturdy frame, a reliable motor, and a foldable design. Choose a model with a control panel that’s easy to use and makes workout adjustments seamless. If you’re looking for something extra durable, find a treadmill with a thicker belt made of high-quality materials. Make sure it has an emergency stop mechanism and non-slip handles.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

7. Monitor Functionality

The monitor is the display and the controls of a treadmill. High-end treadmills offer an intuitive, user-friendly monitor that offers valuable info (e.g., speed, time, distance, incline, calories burned) and interactivity (e.g., speed/incline adjustment, fan switch, program selection, heart rate monitoring, etc.) to the user.

More advanced monitors might also offer connectivity features such as Bluetooth or compatibility with fitness apps. If you’re someone who prioritizes progression tracking, look for a treadmill with a versatile and feature-rich monitor.

8. Portability

This is key if your space is limited or if you plan on moving the treadmill at all. A lot of treadmills have space-saving designs, like foldable frames. Another thing you need to look out for are transportation wheels; they’ll make your life a lot easier if you need to move the treadmill.

ProForm Carbon TLX

• Dimensions: 35.1’’W x 74.3’’D x 59.1’’H
• Display size: 7’’
• App: iFit
• Product weight: 249 lbs
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Running deck size: 20’’x60’’
• Speed range: 0-12 mph
• Incline/decline options: 0-12%
• Additional features: ProShox cushioning, folding design
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 1-year parts, 1-year labor

CHECK LATEST PRICE

This treadmill stands out from the rest because it’s spacious, yet foldable so it won’t take up space when it’s not in use, and it comes at a very good price. You’ll be surprised at its specs because, looking at the price, you would expect something smaller and more basic.

The first thing you’ll notice is that it will work for people of all heights. It has a large running deck, which means it can accommodate longer strides comfortably. As far as the performance goes, nothing to complain about here. Its 3.0 CHP motor gives consistent performance and it can speed up to 12 miles per hour.

The incline level ranges from 0 to 12% (no decline, though) and it simulates different terrains to enhance workout effectiveness and intensity. Additionally, the ProShox cushioning system minimizes impact on joints and makes your exercise experience comfortable even during intense sessions.

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

Make sure that you know how to switch on it after unpacking: read the user manual attentively to know what functionality range is possible. Don’t forget to lubricate the tread before you use the machine.

Then, try to launch the console and press the available buttons to get assured that it functions well. Try to adjust the speed and incline.

2. Do Some Warm-up Exercises

Don’t forget to warm up before the running training. This is highly important for those who use a treadmill for the first time and have no prior running experience. Stretching can help you to activate muscles and launch blood circulation, so you won’t get accidental strains when stepping on the deck improperly.

3. Make First Steps

Now, it’s time to step on the treadmill: but, remember not to step on the belt when it starts moving. It’s recommended to step on the sides of the belt and then step on the running surface.

You should start with a minimal speed, so you can easily walk as you walk on the street. Then gradually increase the speed to start jogging, so your body gets accustomed to the tempo and speed. 

Only after you feel that everything is ok and your pace is in unison with the treadmill’s speed, you can increase your tempo. You can place your hands in the handrails if they’re available for keeping balance.

4. Listen to Your Body

Don’t overtrain, especially if it’s your first time using a treadmill. It’s better to run at an average pace and speed to get accustomed to such a running mode and a treadmill itself.

Like in the beginning, finish the training gradually by slowing the speed down by step to avoid injury. Do cooling down exercises by stretching your body, particularly focusing on lengthening your glute muscles, hamstrings, and calves. That will prevent tightness and soreness.

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

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

Sergii Putsov

20 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience

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Jacek Szymanowski

M.Sc.Eng. Biotechnology, Sports Nutritionist

• Instagram

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:

1. 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/
2. The Positive Effects of Running on Mental Health // Pubmed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32970641/
3. Warming-up and stretching for improved physical performance and prevention of sports-related injuries // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3849057/
4. 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/
5. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team.