How to Choose the Best Treadmill For Your Fitness Goals

Anyone who wants to run in the comfort of their home will find a treadmill a great investment. When shopping for a new treadmill take into consideration your running goals (and budget), as well as the frequency you intend to use the treadmill.

This smart treadmill is sleek and folds flat. It can be easily tucked under a bed, or leaned against a wall. It comes with a 30-day free trial of iFIT which grants you access to professional trainers, workouts, and more.

1. Speed up

The best treadmill speed for jogging, walking and running depends on your fitness level and your goals. You should increase your speed gradually, and the treadmill is a great method to achieve this. It is not advisable to run too fast on a treadmill, as this will cause you to exhaust yourself quickly and could cause injuries. If you're new to running, begin with a slow jog, and gradually increase the speed.

Treadmill speeds are measured in miles per hour, and normal running speeds are measured in minutes per mile. To make sure that you're working at the right pace, try to adjust your treadmill at home speed to match the minutes-per-mile reading on the chart. You can improve your running technique by adding a couple of tenths to your treadmill speed.

Beginners should start off with a walking pace on the treadmill and then gradually work up to jogging, which is typically around 3 mph. This is a moderate pace to walk and does not place too much stress on the back, legs and knees. Jogging requires more strength and endurance for the legs than walking. You can achieve an average speed of six mph or more on the treadmill, based on your height and stride length.

A ideal treadmill for running must have a high maximum speed of 15 mph, and an incline of 15 percent. It should have an USB charging port as well as a built-in USB fan. It must also be quiet enough to be suitable for indoor use. It is recommended to choose a treadmill that has an extremely sturdy frame that is able to withstand upto 400 pounds in weight. It should also be simple to fold and move around, so it is suitable for home use.

A quality treadmill will come with many additional features, including a tablet holder, USB charging port, and a variable incline. It should have a large deck to accommodate runners of all sizes. It should be easy to install and use and include a safety cord that can stop the treadmill from moving if you are pushed forward or thrown off by an obstacle.

2. Incline

If you're looking to take your exercise routine to the next level, then a treadmill with an adjustable incline is necessary. You can increase your energy levels by increasing the incline as you walk or run. It also boosts your oxygen intake, which improves your cardiovascular endurance.

Be aware that adding an incline is a huge step in the direction of intensity. It is best to start small and gradually increase. It's essential that an incline treadmill can be adjusted easily, and has a wide enough range for you to be able to change the angle as needed. Regardless of your fitness level, it is recommended that you start with the lowest incline of 1 - 2% to allow your body to adjust to the increased calorie-burning and muscle building.

Walking at a slight incline on the treadmill can boost the amount of calories burned by as much as 17 percent, compared to walking on a flat ground. This is especially beneficial if you're trying to lose weight and lower the body fat percentage overall. Ideally you should warm up for a minute before increasing the incline of your workout. Walking at an angle of 1% is a great exercise to help your body burn more calories and improve your posture.

You could also increase the incline for a more intense running workout, such as interval training or tempo runs. The incline can help increase your heart rate and make your muscles be more active, which will lead to more calorie-burning. However, you should be certain to monitor your RPE often throughout your workout to ensure that you're not overexerting yourself.

A treadmill with a steeper angle can also make you feel like you are hiking or climbing a hill outdoors. But, you must make sure that the incline of your treadmill is set up properly to avoid injury. If you're unsure how to set it up you can consult an expert trainer to help you set your treadmill before you use it to do an incline workout.

3. Workouts

The best treadmill workouts offer many challenges, which allow you to burn calories and tone muscle groups all over your body. Running on a steep slope for instance, can strengthen the muscles in the glutes and calves. This can aid in maintaining and building an athletic, lean leg structure that is essential for a healthy weight loss. When you are lifting weights while running on the treadmill will also stimulate your shoulders, back, and arms.

Treadmills enable you to exercise more efficiently than outdoors. For instance, running at a faster rate can ease the stress on your knees and lower back. The treadmill allows you to gradually increase your cadence as you become stronger and fitter, which can prevent injury and speed up recovery.

Many treadmills best have built-in workout programs and apps that help you complete various exercises. You can decide to follow along and exercise at the same pace or attempt a new challenge with the help of an expert. Many treadmills track your progress so you know where you've been and how many calories been consumed.

In addition to treadmill exercises, there are also lots of online resources for free that can help you get inspired and help you reach your fitness goals. The Peloton app, for instance offers thousands of running sessions, so you can choose one that suits your skill level.

When purchasing a treadmill, it's important to consider physical factors like belt size and horsepower, as well as incline variability. It's recommended to look at the features of a treadmill such as touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, and easy-to-adjust buttons. Kollins Ezekh, a personal trainer and life coach suggests choosing a treadmill that offers various workouts that target various muscles.

You can still reap the benefits of a good treadmill if you have a limited budget. The Horizon EZ-Pro is inexpensive but it still provides plenty of functions with a quick-dial knob which allows you to quickly increase the speed or increase the inclined. It's also lightweight and folds flat so that you can easily put it under your bed or lean it against the wall.

4. Safety

Despite their many benefits, treadmills can be hazardous when used in a way that isn't properly. There are risks associated with falling off and getting injured by overheating, tripping or sliding. Before starting an exercise routine treadmill users frequently should discuss safety concerns. Also, it's important to consider the other people who could be using the treadmill. If you think that pets or children might use the treadmill, it is best to place it in a space that is out of reach. The same goes for roommates and unsuspecting guests who may not be aware of how to operate it.

It is important to start slow on a Treadmill best, then increase the speed and the incline gradually. You can avoid injuries to your muscles and joints by avoiding working them too hard. Remember to disconnect the safety key and remove it from the machine when you're done using it. The key is designed to stopping the belt on the treadmill in the event that you lose your balance or fall off.

A good treadmill should have a sturdy frame that can support your weight and not bend or twist. It will be easy to read, with an LCD display that shows your heart rate and other information. It should be quiet enough to allow you to listen to music while exercising or watching television.

Some of the top treadmills allow you to simulate terrains that are hilly outdoors, allowing you to prepare for an uphill event or race. You'll need to choose a treadmill with an incline that is in line with the level of the hills in your area. You can also connect your phone to the built-in speakers on top treadmills to listen to your preferred music while you run.

Talk to your doctor before you buy a treadmill. It is also recommended to buy an item that is easy to fold up and be rolled away after you've finished using it.