Top 7 Best Treadmills for 2017

There have been countless studies showing that adding just 20 minutes of walking per day to your daily routine can significantly improve your health. The question, however, is how do you fit 20 minutes of walking or jogging into your busy daily routine? The answer: use a treadmill. Owning a treadmill will provide you with a convenient way to achieve your daily fitness goals.

But keep in mind that not all treadmills are built the same way. Some are designed to be fully interactive with pre-programmed routines, and while most are designed for running and jogging, others are made just for walking. It’s important that you select the right style and type of treadmill that will help you succeed in achieving your personal exercise goals.

After investing 36 hours into researching, comparing and analyzing 65 different treadmills, we created this list of the seven best units, as well as a buying guide and comparison chart.

Now that you have decided that you want to use a treadmill as part of your healthy lifestyle routine, the next step is discovering which treadmill to purchase. Treadmills have many different features, come in different sizes, and provide different work out benefits. Pricing on treadmills can vary extensively, so it is very important to know exactly what you want before purchasing so you are not paying too much or too little to get what you desire.

Establish Your Workout Routine Basics and Pick Space For Your Machine

Before you make any type of decisions about purchasing a treadmill, you will need to establish what your goals are for your workout routine. Why is this so important? There are different lengths of treadmills that are available and the length of the treadmill track will make a difference in your routine.

If you are planning to only use the machine for walking, then you do not have to really worry about the length of the track. Shorter tracks will work for walking even if you have a long stride. However, if you are jogging or running, you will need to have a longer track for safety and comfort. Runners should opt for belt lengths of 50 inches or more.

In addition to length, runners must also consider the width of the belt. A minimum of 20 inches is necessary for safe running, with 22 inches being the optimal width for running. Walkers can use slimmer belts of they do not plan on increasing to running in their routine at a later date.

Once you have established how you are going to use the treadmill, you can then measure the area for which it is intended. Knowing how much space you have will allow you to determine if you need a folding treadmill.

Decide What Features You Want

Everyone has a routine in mind when they decide to begin using a treadmill. Having a general idea of what you will expect from your treadmill will allow you to purchase the right machine.

• Incline. Do you want to increase the intensity of your workout right away or as you progress? Not every machine has the ability to increase the incline. Some machines offer manual inclines while others will do it automatically.
• Tracking. Are you adamant about tracking your heart rate or other statistics? Some machines do not give you the ability to track this information other than when in use. Other machines will work with programs like iFit so that you can track your progress.
• Amenities. Do you want Wi-Fi capabilities? Do you need a large LCD screen? Do you want a place to dock your tablet or music device? Do you want a fan or cup holder? All of these things are important questions to ask before you make a purchase.

Set Your Price Guidelines

Treadmills can range in price from $200 to $2,500 or more. You will need to know exactly what features you are looking for in a treadmill so that you are only buying what you are going to really use.

Basic models are designed with very few frills. You may have a small digital display that keeps track of the steps, distance, and possibly heart rate. Most do not have any additional amenities such as fans, adjustable inclines, or speakers for your music device. Basic models are also usually more lightweight in construction and have weight limits for the users.

More expensive models will include many additional features. These machines often have the ability to interact with fitness apps, have set routines for users to follow, and include perks like fans, tablet holders and external speakers. More costly models generally have different inclining positions, either changed manually or automatically, and they often have superior shock absorber systems for more comfort while using.

Once you have made all of the choices listed above, it is important to understand the mechanics of the machine before making your purchase.

Motor

The motor of your machine is very important. Your motor ensures that the machine functions properly. You will want a minimum of 2 horse power for a machine that you use for walking or jogging, and a minimum of 2.5 if you are a runner. If you are an endurance runner or are over 250 pounds, you will want to opt for a stronger motor of 3 horsepower or higher so that there is not significant strain on the motor while using.

Treadbelt

Single-ply tread belts are more likely to wear out faster than those that are two or four ply. A thicker belt will also run more quietly when in use. Many manufacturers will often omit the type of track that their machine carries, so it is very important to verify this information before purchasing. More expensive machines often have four ply belts, but this is not a guarantee.

Cushioning

Cushioning or shock absorber system is the part of the machine that reduces the impact of exercising on your joints. Proper cushioning is necessary for those who are going to use their machine for more than 30 minutes at a time or for running or jogging for any length of time. Many machines will say they have cushioning “effects,” this does nto necessarily mean that they are designed with shock absorbing qualities. Look for machines that explain \how they protect your joints from impact stress.

Belt Speed

If you are a runner, you will want to search for a machine that is capable of at least 9 miles per hour. Anything slower than that can reduce the effectiveness of the workout and may even be damaging to your body as you try to reduce your speed while running. Machines that can accommodate 12 miles per hour are the ultimate speed for runners, especially those with a longer stride.

Programming

Look at the type of programming that is offered standard with the machine. Some models will include a few routines that you can follow or use freestyle, but do not include any other features. Some models are totally interactive and provide you with everything you need to track your progress and increase your performance.

Warranty

Every manufacturer will offer a different type of warranty. Some of the more expensive machines will have lifetime warranties on the body of the machine and extended warranties on the motor. Smaller machines may only offer a 90 day guarantee. This is something that you really need to look at closely so that you remain protected as a consumer.