How to choose a treadmill?

Have you decided to keep fit with home fitness and, among all the equipment available, have you chosen to buy a treadmill? Great decision!

The treadmill allows everyone to train at different levels of intensity, from fast walking, to running, to routes with different slopes. And it allows you to do it at home, without problems of time, climate, uneven terrain or traffic and with the possibility of customizing the workout based on age, height and body weight.

Technical features

HOW TO CHOOSE THE TREADMILL THAT CAN PERFECTLY MEET YOUR NEEDS?

It is difficult to find your way among the various price ranges, the many brands and the numerous features: let's see which characteristics must necessarily be taken into consideration to make an informed choice that will give you satisfaction.

SIZE

There are treadmills of different sizes , the variable mainly concerns the size of the running belt. When choosing, you should always keep in mind your body size and height. If the treadmill will be used by a person between 150 and 170 cm tall, a running belt size of 120 cm to 130 cm is recommended. If the user will be between 170 and 180 cm tall, then it is preferable to choose a running belt length of 130 cm to 140 cm. For a person taller than 180 cm, the running belt should have a size between 140 cm and 150 cm.

MOTOR

the power of the engine is the element to which the duration of the treadmill is also strictly connected. A high number of horsepower guarantees more resistance to effort and consequently greater duration over time. Obviously the choice also depends on the time for which you intend to use the equipment (how many hours per day) and also in this case it is necessary to take into account the build of the athlete who will use it: if the weight is less than 100 kg then a power between 1.5 Hp and 2.0 Hp will be sufficient. If the weight of the person who will train exceeds 100 kg then it is preferable to choose a treadmill with an engine power of 2.0 Hp to 4.0 Hp.

PROGRAMS

Most treadmills on the market are equipped with different programs that simulate different types of routes or exercises, with sprints, routes that simulate climbs and descents, programs that keep the heart rate constant and so on. The presence or absence of these programs influences the choice of the equipment to buy only in part, because the use of predefined training programs rather than your own programs or free running is a completely subjective factor.

IMPACT ABSORPTION

The treadmill is often used instead of classic outdoor running to avoid possible injuries due to uneven terrain and to avoid putting too much strain on the ankles, knees and back. This is why it is essential that the treadmill's carpet can absorb the impact of the foot on the belt well. Before purchasing a treadmill, it is therefore necessary to check that it is equipped with a good shock absorbing system , to avoid problems affecting the joints.

WHICH BRAND TO CHOOSE?

On our website Fitmax.it there are over 10 Brands producing treadmills, so it is not always easy to choose...We can identify 4 main Brands for the Home Fitness sector and 4 main Brands for the Commercial sector:

TOORX/EVERFIT

It currently offers the most complete range of treadmills for home use in terms of price range, from space-saving to the most performing treadmills for the demanding runner; excellent and widespread after-sales service with on-site assistance throughout Italy.
JK FITNESS

Another Italian player that makes a very interesting range of treadmills for home use, currently has in its range the best space-saving treadmill on the market, JK Supercompact 48.
NAUTILUS/BOWFLEX

Treadmills with a USA concept dedicated to the most demanding runners! Large running belts, high-tech hexagonal cell cushioning system, Bluetooth connection as standard on all consoles; if you don't have space problems, these treadmills will give you great satisfaction, guaranteeing the performance of a professional treadmill in your home!
HORIZON/MATRIX FITNESS

Asian giant Johnson offers a range of treadmills suitable for both home and light commercial use, with the Matrix Fitness range.
Toorx Professional

Professional treadmills designed for intensive use, equipped with self-lubricating belts and multimedia consoles, unbeatable value for money.
JK Diamond

Refined design, different belt sizes, highly appreciated in small gyms and PT studios for their compact size and quiet operation.
Matrix Fitness

Professional treadmills with fixed or foldable structure, possibility to choose 3 levels of multimedia console to make your training more interactive, excellent quality of plastics and construction materials.
Spirit Fitness

Very robust treadmills, suitable for light commercial use, also includes some models suitable for medical/rehab use.