What is the best rated treadmill

Moderate daily running can strengthen the body and enhance physical resistance, making it a simple and convenient way to stay fit. However, cities are often crowded, and suitable places for running are few and far between. Additionally, outdoor running is frequently affected by factors such as time, weather, and air pollution. As a result, many families choose to purchase a treadmill for home use.

However, with numerous models available on the market, selecting the right treadmill can be a significant challenge. Let’s discuss how to choose a treadmill.

Running Belt Area

The size of the running belt directly affects the running experience. For example, a narrow and small running belt makes it difficult to move your legs freely and requires caution to avoid stepping off the belt, which could lead to injuries. Therefore, it is not recommended to choose a treadmill with an overly small running belt area.
For home use, the recommended minimum length of the running belt should be at least 140 cm, and the width should be at least 45 cm. Note that the above dimensions refer to the effective length and width of the running belt, not the overall dimensions of the treadmill.

Motor

The motor is the core of the treadmill; the higher the motor’s power output, the stronger the performance. However, a larger motor is not necessarily better. A larger motor not only costs more but also leads to overpowered performance, which can be wasteful.

Currently, treadmill motors primarily come in two types: brushed motors and brushless motors. Among these, brushless motors offer higher efficiency, lower noise levels, and longer lifespans, making them the optimal choice.
The motor’s power output includes continuous output horsepower and peak horsepower, measured in HP. Peak horsepower refers to the maximum power output over a short period, which is not very practical. When selecting a treadmill, we primarily reference continuous output horsepower.
Continuous output horsepower can be chosen based on your weight. For example, individuals weighing up to 180 pounds can choose a treadmill with 1.0-2.0 HP; those weighing 180-240 pounds can choose a treadmill with 2.0-3.0 HP; if your weight exceeds 240 pounds, you can choose a treadmill with 3.0 HP.

Shock Absorption System

The shock absorption system of a treadmill determines whether it can effectively protect your knees and reduce noise. After all, no one wants their downstairs neighbors to come up and complain while they’re running, which could strain neighborly relations.
Currently, treadmill shock absorption systems are primarily divided into spring shock absorption, silicone shock absorption, airbag shock absorption, suspension shock absorption, and combination shock absorption, among others.

• Spring shock absorption:An entry-level shock absorption system with a simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance. However, it produces significant noise, has strong rebound, wears out quickly, and has a short service life, making it unsuitable for long-term use.
• Silicone shock absorption: A commonly used shock absorption method in mid-to-low-end models, it effectively absorbs impact forces. The quality of silicone shock absorption depends on the quantity and quality of the silicone. The more silicone columns, the better the shock absorption effect and quality.
• Airbag damping: Installs cushioning airbags between the running belt and running deck, similar to silicone damping. The effectiveness of airbag damping also depends on the quantity and quality of the airbags.
• Suspension damping: The running deck is not fixed to the frame but suspended from the frame via elastic support components such as rubber blocks or hydraulic cylinders. This offers excellent damping performance, high stability, and a long service life. It is commonly used in high-end treadmills but is relatively expensive.
• Combined Shock Absorption: Multiple shock absorption methods are used simultaneously, such as combining spring shock absorption with silicone shock absorption. This not only enhances shock absorption performance but also reduces costs, making it a commonly used method today.

Incline

Most treadmills have a built-in incline feature, which helps reduce knee impact and prevent knee injuries. Different inclines suit different user groups.
For beginners, an incline of 0-2° is recommended, as it exerts minimal pressure on the knees but has a lower fat-burning rate.
The ideal incline for daily running is 2-5°, which balances knee protection with enhanced fat-burning efficiency while also strengthening leg muscles.
For users engaged in high-intensity interval training, mountain climbing training, or those seeking increased difficulty, a high incline of 5-10° can be selected. This incline significantly increases fat-burning efficiency but also increases pressure on the knees and calves.
Additionally, there is a downhill design, primarily targeting specific training scenarios, such as simulating downhill running in off-road conditions. Downhill running increases pressure on the knees and ankles, but it is rarely used in daily life and is not essential for most people, so it is not recommended.

Other Features

Treadmills often come with additional features, such as foldable designs for easy storage, which are suitable for households with limited space. Other features include heart rate monitoring, Bluetooth speakers, screen configurations, and maximum running speed, which can be selected based on individual needs.

Budget and Brand

It is not recommended to choose overly inexpensive treadmills, as models priced below 1,000 yuan typically have poor build quality and limited exercise effectiveness. If your budget is limited, you can opt for an entry-level model under 2,000 yuan, which is suitable for light exercise and daily workouts. Treadmills priced between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan are more suitable for most people and offer a wider range of options. Additionally, treadmills under 3,000 yuan generally have average shock absorption; high-end models typically cost over 5,000 yuan, making them suitable for affluent families with higher budgets. These models are reliable and convenient, with minimal risk of issues.