Running is the most accessible sport (after chess and checkers) that almost everyone can play, regardless of age, gender and weight. Running helps to lose weight, saves from stress and improves blood circulation. In order to run in an apartment, you should buy a special simulator. And it’s worth choosing which one is better to buy a treadmill for your home, paying attention to their features – drive, dimensions, motor characteristics and functionality.
The reality is that you don't have to spend an obscene amount of money to get a good treadmill. For less than $1000, you can find treadmills with a wide variety of basic yet great features. While not as fancy as some high end treadmills, they get the job done. But with the abundance of budget treadmills on the market, how do you sift through them and figure out which ones are really worth it? This is where we come in. We've compiled a list of the best treadmills that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
High-quality treadmills usually cost at least $ 1,000, but you can certainly spend less without a lemon. The inexpensive treadmills listed below are gaining positive customer reviews for their quiet operation and high-quality features such as double-layer tracks, 3.0 CHP motors, and even iFit technology. Build your home gym without breaking the bank with one of these top treadmills under 1000.
Most home treadmill buyers will be satisfied with a $999 machine. The exception is customers who expect their treadmills to be used heavily due to the user's weight, intensity, or frequency of exercise. The best treadmills under $1,000 usually have a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. A person weighing about 225 pounds or more will benefit more from a treadmill with a higher weight capacity. The machine will likely last longer without breaking down because it won't run as close to maximum power. Investing in a better treadmill is also a good idea if the treadmill will be used for running rather than walking, and regularly rather than infrequently.
According to the principle of operation, all simulators can be divided into two types - electrical and mechanical. The first is driven by a motor, the second is directly due to the pushing of the tape with your feet when walking / running. When choosing which is better, a mechanical or electric treadmill, it is worth considering not only the features of their work, but also the main advantages and disadvantages.
The main part of the treadmill is its canvas, which for mechanical models only works if the user is walking or running. When accelerating a training person, the speed increases, when slowing down, it decreases. When the athlete stops, the canvas also stops. Therefore, there are only two ways to adjust the load level - tilt the walking belt or adjust the braking force using the front shaft.
Another type of device that does not have a motor is a magnetic simulator. Its track is also driven by the movements of the user. But, unlike just a mechanical track, the canvas of this device moves very smoothly, which allows the equipment to wear out less. Smooth sliding is ensured by the fact that the drive magnetizes the tape, pulling it along the length.
Reasons to choose a mechanical treadmill:
Among the disadvantages of such equipment can be noted a high load on the joints and muscles. It appears due to the “naturalness” of the movements and the need to set the canvas in motion with your feet. The situation is aggravated by the unevenness of the track. Therefore, it is not worth using the simulator for those who have joint problems, thrombosis or varicose veins.
Another disadvantage is the inability to select the same number of modes that electric models have. In addition, exercising users may not train at full strength - while electrics do not provide such an opportunity.
The electric treadmill is equipped with an electric motor, which sets the canvas in motion. The driving speed, the maximum value of which depends on the engine power, is set using the control panel. Tracks of this type are considered more popular than mechanical models - but they are more expensive.
When choosing which is better - a mechanical or electric treadmill, it is worth considering the following advantages of the latter:
Among the disadvantages of electrical devices, they note the high price and the need to connect to the mains when using. Due to the latter feature, the device should be placed at a relatively short distance from the sockets - and it is unlikely that it will be possible to install it on the street. In addition, the cost of the simulator owners to pay for electricity increases.
When choosing a treadmill for your home, first of all, you should pay attention to the size of the canvas. The average width of this element for most models is from 35 to 55 cm. The length of the canvas is in the range of 1.1-1.45 m. The dimensions should correspond to the dimensions of the room where the device will stand. In addition, the larger the track, the more powerful the engine must be. And also choose the right simulator for the height and length of the steps of users. The dimensions of the canvas should be such that a person does not stumble. For users of average height, a width of 40 cm and a length of 125 cm are sufficient.
The number of layers of fabric affects the comfort level of athletes. The more of them, the softer the track moves and the less chance of injury. Therefore, a good option for a person who has joint problems is a multi-layered canvas. And to enhance the orthopedic effect, you should wear special shoes - sports sneakers.
An important point can also be the angles of inclination, with the help of which the load on the muscles changes. The simplest options for the home allow you to change this indicator only manually. For semi-professional and professional models, a control panel is used for this. The angle is changed by an electric motor, which makes the operation more convenient. Although such devices are several times more expensive - and this is also worth considering when choosing.
Before choosing an electric treadmill, you should pay attention to the parameters of the motor. The speed of movement of the canvas, and the maximum speed, and the weight that the simulator can withstand depend on them. When choosing power, it is worth considering that both the peak value and the constant value can be indicated in the technical parameters. The maximum value is only relevant for web acceleration. And you should choose a track according to constant power.
Another parameter that affects the performance of the motor is the reliability of the simulator. The more powerful the engine, the longer the machine will last. On the other hand, the smaller the size of the canvas, the less productive unit is needed for its movement. For example, for tracks designed for a person weighing 80-90 kg, a 1.5-1.7 liter electric motor is well suited. With.
Before choosing a treadmill for your home, pay attention to the control console. A minimum set of options have mechanical and budget electrical models. The best functionality is in professional equipment. In addition to many modes, it allows you to receive information not only about speed and distance, but also about calories, steps and mode settings. From the panel, you can control most of the settings, change the angles of the canvas, and sometimes even control watching videos, listening to music and using the Internet.
Another important feature of the control panels is a safety key that allows the treadmill to automatically stop when an athlete falls. This makes the simulator safer for exercising people. Some models have touch sensors that protect the athlete even more reliably than a key.
Most home exercise equipment is equipped with heart rate monitors that allow you to control the level of load on the heart. Sensors can be installed on handrails, cling to the body, and even represent a point on the panel that you need to touch with your finger to check the pulse.
Having become acquainted with different selection criteria, it is possible to draw certain conclusions. Before you choose a treadmill for your home, you should choose what parameters it should have. And the best option in 2022 may be this model:
For an ordinary user, a mechanical model is enough, for an athlete and a person who has joint problems, only an electric one is needed.
The warranty period for such equipment should be within 1-2 years for the entire simulator as a whole and up to 3-5 years for spare parts. The highest quality models have a lifetime warranty.