The width of the treadmill, as well as its length, must be selected individually. Indeed, to subjectively assess whether the simulator is right for you, you need to take into account many features:
- How tall are you.
- How much do you weigh.
- What is your stride length?
- How intensely are you going to exercise, etc.
In other words, to choose the right exercise machine, you just need to walk or run on the treadmill and determine:
- How comfortable do you feel with this?
- Are your movements constrained?
- Does the length of the treadmill limit the width of your steps?
If during “full contact” you do not experience any discomfort, then the sports unit is suitable for you and you can take it.
Width and length of running belt
Here the choice is influenced by a person’s build. The higher the height and the greater the weight, the wider and longer the canvas is needed. This gives maximum comfort when running. Nothing should restrict a person’s movements; it is important to feel complete freedom of movement so as not to interfere with the correct execution of the exercises. If the path is purchased exclusively for walking, you can choose a narrow surface. The same applies to thickness - 15-20 mm is enough for walking, but for long intense workouts it is better to take a more reliable canvas - up to 25 mm. The standard size of the running belt is 120x40 cm. This model is suitable for a person with an average build – height up to 175 cm, weight up to 85 kg.
Recommended running belt sizes:
Height up to 170 cm:
Length from 120 cm Width from 40 cm
Height up to 180 cm:
Length from 130 cm Width from 45 cm
Height from 180 to 200 cm:
Length from 140 cm; Width from 50 cm
Engine power
As practice shows, when choosing a treadmill for walking and light running, buyers often choose a machine with less engine power, believing that it is needed only for intense training. This is wrong! The slower the running speed, the more powerful the machine's motor should be. When running, the user spends most of the time in the flight phase, and when walking, the pressure on the running belt is constant, which requires more engine power. In addition, the better the engine, the longer the machine will last, and the running of the belt will be smoother.
Treadmills can be divided into groups according to motor power:
- Up to 2.5 hp – domestic
- From 2.5 to 3.5 hp - amateur
- From 3.5 to 5.0 hp – semi-professional
- More than 5.0 hp – commercial (for halls)
conclusions
Running belt width
– one of the main practical indicators. It must be taken into account among the main factors when choosing a specific model. The more active and long-lasting workouts await your purchase in the future, the more it should have a sufficient reserve in the area of the track.
And don't forget about the total weight of the machine. The heavier the treadmill, the more reliable it is. A steel frame weighs more than an aluminum frame, it is much stronger and more stable; There are no unpleasant vibrations or bouncing while running.
This device will serve you and your family for a long time.
Tilt angle
The minimum recommended tilt angle of 1-3% will better simulate natural movements. To increase the load during training, use programs with a noticeable increase in the angle of inclination. This not only develops endurance, but also engages the muscles of the abs, arms and shoulder girdle. There are only two types of tilt angle: mechanical
and
electronic
(electric/automatic). In the first case, you need to manually set the inclination angle and then start training. In the second option, the user presses a button and the treadmill changes the incline on its own. If you have used a built-in training program (such as "Humps" or "Hills"), the incline will change automatically. Comfortable!
Preset programs, training programs
Different models of treadmills may have a different number of preset modes, but the basic ones are the same for all manufacturers. Here is a list of the main programs:
- Manual control (MANUAL). The track and load parameters are determined by the user and remain unchanged until a new adjustment is made.
- User programs (CUSTOM). In this mode, you can independently choose the speed of movement and the angle of inclination of the belt, the intensity and duration of the workout. The settings you make are saved in the treadmill's memory and can be selected later in the menu.
- Quick start (QUICK START). It is most often used as a warm-up to warm up the muscles before an intense workout. The mode is activated immediately after pressing the corresponding key.
- Interval (INTERVAL). This program alternates periods of exercise and rest, which allows you to most effectively strengthen the cardiovascular system through active oxygen consumption.
- Fat burning (FAT BURN). The regimen is aimed at actively removing subcutaneous fat deposits through long-term training at constant low load.
- Program for training berry muscles (GLUTE). In this mode, the treadmill's running belt is automatically adjusted to a specific incline angle.
- Burning calories (CALORIE). During training, the intensity is brought to a predetermined maximum level, at which 2/3 of the training time is spent. At the same time, the calories burned are counted.
- Intensive mode (STRENGTH). Allows you to increase muscle mass by gradually increasing the load to the maximum level and maintaining it for 1/4 of the workout, after which the intensity decreases.
- Random sequence (RANDOM). In this mode, the load level changes randomly, adding variety to the training process.
- Cool down (COOL DOWN). Stopping the treadmill belt in steps allows you to gradually relieve muscle tension and restore your heart rate after an intense workout.
- Hills (HILL). This mode smoothly changes the incline of the treadmill, providing an imitation of walking or running on hilly terrain, going uphill and downhill.
- Track (TRACK). Using this mode, the user must cover a given distance in order to evaluate the dynamics of training results.
Heart rate controlled treadmill programs. By changing various parameters, they maintain a given heart rate value, which is measured by a telemetric or touch sensor.
- Target heart rate (TARGET HRT). The required heart rate is maintained by automatically changing the resistance to movement.
- Pulse recording “interval” (HRT INTERVAL). The required heart rate is maintained by alternating the load level.
- Hill heart rate tracking (HRT HILL). The inclination of the treadmill changes in such a way that the target heart rate is maintained.
- Fitness test (FITNESS TEST). The program allows you to assess the degree of current physical fitness. The heart rate sensor estimates your heart rate immediately after your workout. Depending on the time it takes for the pulse to return to normal, the user’s fitness level is determined.
Depreciation
All electric treadmills have it. Cushioning is designed to absorb shock, protecting the spine, joints and muscles. The more advanced the shock absorption system, the better it copes with the increased load when running fast or the user weighs heavily. We advise you to pay attention to this parameter for those who purchase a treadmill for rehabilitation, recovery from injury, or need special attention to the health of their legs and back.
Kinds:
- Mechanical ones do not have a motor that is responsible for movement, so you need to physically turn it with your feet while running. Such a system does not allow the belt to move smoothly and evenly, which is why the comfort and effectiveness of training decreases significantly, and the load on the knee joints and spine increases.
- Magnetic ones are closest to the mechanical type, but have a smoother ride, since the blade is set in motion due to the influence of a magnet together with the efforts of the practitioner.
- Electric ones are equipped with a full-fledged motor, which is responsible for the movement of the canvas in some cases, for its lifting. Such models are more wear-resistant, efficient due to uniform movement and the ability to personalize parameters, be it speed or inclination. Therefore, we recommend choosing this type.
After you have selected the class of the treadmill, with an approximate budget, you should pay most attention to the characteristics that directly affect the efficiency, comfort and safety of training. This
- engine power;
- width, length of the canvas;
- the possibility of lifting it;
- shock-absorbing system.
Below we will tell you more about each of them:
Guarantee
A guarantee from the supplier can indicate the quality of the equipment. Be sure to check what warranty period applies to the frame
,
engine
and
console
of the simulator. The minimum period is 12 months. The larger it is, the longer you can rest assured about the durability of the treadmill.
Specialist consultation
— help with the right choice and answers to all your questions via chat and by phone.
Compare selected products
- one touch for greater convenience and time saving on the site.
Just press the SCALES button. (picture) The “Top Sellers” sticker
will tell you which models are the most popular today and what our customers choose most often.
Customer reviews
are a pleasant bonus and a reliable assistant in choosing a treadmill for your home. Pay attention to additional photos and videos in the description of our products; real customer reviews are priceless!
How to save space on a treadmill?
Many electric models in the home segment have a simple and reliable folding system using one or more gas closers. The system under consideration makes it possible to almost halve the space occupied by the simulator (see Fig. 1 - option 1). In such paths, the lowering of the running belt occurs slowly with a slowdown at the end of the unfolding cycle, which eliminates the possibility of injury. It is also worth remembering that it is necessary to transport the treadmill only with the safety belts installed, which eliminates the risk of the model unfolding during the transfer process.
Rice. 1 - Normal and compact folding of treadmills.
If the issue of saving space for the exercise machine is paramount, then a partial solution to this problem is to purchase a treadmill with a compact folding system. In this case, the simulator and console are transformed in a horizontal plane with the ability to remove the simulator even under the bed (see Fig. 1 - option 2). But such models have modest technical characteristics; they are not worth considering seriously: a user even with average parameters is unlikely to like this option.
Some brands have taken an unconventional route. For example, OXYGEN introduced a few years ago the F-CONCEPT model, which when unfolded is a treadmill, and when folded it turns into a banquette or coffee table.
