Whether you decide to purchase a treadmill as an addition to your workout routine or to start a new exercise regimen, there are phenomenal year-round benefits to using one. If it’s raining or snowing outside, having your own treadmill at home can motivate you to stay in shape without having to face harsh weather conditions. Likewise, a treadmill allows you to control the environment by deciding on the incline as well as the speed.
There are two types of treadmills that you can purchase for your home gym: motorized treadmills and manual treadmills. The best one for you depends on your athletic ability and how you plan to use it. A motorized treadmill uses power and needs to be plugged into an outlet, whereas a manual treadmill is propelled by your own energy.
If you're looking to achieve a great home workout on a treadmill with several inclination settings, speeds and easy-to-use features, a motorized treadmill may be best for you. A motorized treadmill is heavy and meant to be placed in a secure workout space. It requires a power source but often is simple to operate by using buttons or digital controls. You can find a good motorized treadmill between $329-$650.
Motorized treadmills are a great choice for those looking to place a treadmill in a permanent place. Once you plug it in, you can quickly enjoy its various user-friendly features and settings that are generally hassle-free. These are perfect for beginners and athletes alike, as speed and incline can be adjusted to your preferred pace using buttons on the control panel. Even if you are looking to walk leisurely, a motorized treadmill will provide you with a place to do so.
Motorized treadmills can sometimes be a safety hazard. If the wrong speed is selected or if the setting options are misunderstood, you could be thrown off of the treadmill or injured. Treadmills are not toys and should only be used once you understand how to operate them. Additionally, they are pricier than manual treadmills and heavier to transport.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7610 Motorized Folding Treadmill: available at Dick's Sporting Goods This motorized treadmill is a great beginner, user-friendly option. It is well-cushioned to support your knees while you run and offers pause options during timed runs if you need a break. It holds up to 220 pounds and is on wheels for easy transport.
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black: available at Amazon This treadmill can hold up to 250 pounds and has a wide belt for walkers, joggers and runners to enjoy ample space. It has three manual incline settings and a bright LCD display screen. Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill: available at Dick's Sporting Goods This larger treadmill is great for joggers and runners alike. It is durable and easy to assemble. It holds up to 300 pounds, can go up to 10 mph and inclines up to 10%. This treadmill also comes with a built-in fan and Bluetooth connectivity.
Manual treadmills do not require any electrical power to operate since a magnetic force creates the machine's resistance. As your feet move on the belt, the magnetic pull reacts to the belt. The faster or slower you run, the faster or slower it will move. When you stop, it stops. This gives your body full control over the intensity of your workout. Manual treadmills are a great option if you are looking to place the treadmill in a room without a power supply or plan to relocate it around your house. Typically, they cost less than motorized treadmills at a price between $140-$250. If maintained and used properly, manual treadmills can last for several years.
These treadmills are perfect for smaller spaces, as they are less bulky and easy to maneuver and store than motorized models. They are fairly quiet when in use, so a manual treadmill may be worth considering if you live in a household with other people. Because manual treadmills do not require a power source and run entirely off of user energy, they are also considered an environmentally conscious choice.
One of the biggest cons of using a manual treadmill is that they are more labor-intensive to operate before your workout begins. In order to set your incline, you must manually adjust the unit. Since these treadmills run off of user-power, this type of treadmill could be too strenuous if you are not in peak physical condition or do not have great lower body strength.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill: available at Amazon This conveniently quiet, durable, foldable treadmill holds up to 220 pounds and is easy to set up. It's ideal for walking and jogging in small spaces.
Fitness Reality TR3000 Maximum Weight Capacity Manual Treadmill with "Pacer Control" and Heart Rate System: available at Amazon This treadmill can hold up to 325 pounds and is great for jogging and running. With three incline settings and various levels of magnetic tension, it provides flexibility when deciding on how strenuous you would like your workout to be. Stamina Avari Magnetic Treadmill: available at Dick's Sporting Goods The Stamina Avari treadmill is a small yet durable choice for someone looking for flexibility in settings at a great price. It offers eight different levels of intensity and inclination and includes an electronic monitor that tracks time, speed and distance.
If you are looking to condition your lower body to supplement a running routine, a manual treadmill may be best for you. These are a great, less-expensive option for those looking for a smaller, easy-to-maneuver treadmill and who don't mind using their own strength in order to operate the belt and get a workout. If you prefer to rely on an electrical outlet to power your treadmill and for the belt to move at various speeds and inclines completely on its own, then you would likely benefit from purchasing a motorized treadmill. Motorized treadmills are also a great choice if you want to keep a steady pace for a specific amount of time or want to closely monitor your interval training. If you're new to treadmilling or are concerned about straining muscles, the moving belt and powered unit of a motorized treadmill will likely be the easiest option, regardless of your athletic ability.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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