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Treadmills make a great addition to any home gym, giving you the freedom to challenge your stamina, endurance and take your fitness to the next level without even leaving the house.
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- Why you would want a treadmill
- Before you start looking
- Start with your goals
- Measure your workout space
- Features to look for
Whether you walk, jog, or sprint, a good treadmill is a great investment to add to your home gym, and can benefit a range of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, from beginners to pros.
With so many models, brands, and variations out on the market, it can be a challenge to know which type of treadmill would be right for you and your fitness goals. In this guide, we'll share our top tips on how to buy a treadmill, and things to look for (and to watch out for), so you can take your fitness goals to the next level. Walk this way.
Why Would you Want a Treadmill?
There are many reasons why you would want to add a treadmill to your home gym or workout routine. From being able to work out from the comfort of your home to improving your cardiovascular fitness (all while binge-watching your favourite show), treadmills are relatively easy to use and incorporate into your workout routine. A treadmill has many benefits, and some of them include:
Some of the benefits include:
- Workouts aren't restricted by time or weather
- The cushioned deck helps lessen the impact on your knees compared to running outside
- Save time and money on a gym membership
- Can build fitness quickly
- Walking and running can be very therapeutic and help with not just physical health, but mental and emotional wellbeing
- Can be useful for people who work from home and who need to stretch their legs throughout the workday
Before you Start Looking
Before you start looking, it's a good idea to think about how you plan to use the treadmill (such as walking versus running or jogging), what your goals are, and what features would suit your lifestyle – is a workout fan a non-negotiable?
Start With Your Goals
Before purchasing a treadmill, it's helpful to think about your goals, so you can better understand your motives behind getting a treadmill. Some of your goals could include:
- To increase steps and overall fitness levels
- To improve cardiovascular health
- To help work toward a training goal like a running event, team or individual sport
- Creating/completing a home gym
- Injury rehabilitation and rebuilding fitness
- Weight loss and weight management
Whatever your goals are, write them down, and then you'll be able to see what your top motivations are and how you can achieve them. This will help when deciding on which treadmill features would be best suited for your goals.
Measure your Workout Space
It's really important to measure your space before purchasing because treadmills take up room. It's recommended to leave around 60cm per side of the treadmill and at least 180cm behind the treadmill for use.
This will help protect your space and give you enough room to move without feeling trapped in your space.
If space is limited, all our treadmills are folding and come with wheels for easier transport and storage when not in use.
What Features to Look For
Treadmill features can vary greatly from model to model and certain features may only be available at certain price points. To help you short-list your choices (including non-negotiables), these are some of the features to consider.
Belt Size
Treadmill belts vary in size, so it is important to choose the right size for your height and stride length – and anyone else who might be using it. There's not a one-size-fits-all approach to this.
Ensure the running belt is long and wide enough to accommodate your stride comfortably and safely. A belt that's too small can feel restricting.
Belts generally can range from 33 cm wide to 56 cm depending on which model you choose. And length can range anywhere from 100 cm to 152 cm.
Cushioning
Cushioning on a treadmill deck (and belt) is designed to reduce the impact on joints and muscles during workouts. It helps absorb shock and provide support, which can minimise the risk of injury and enhance overall comfort.
The type of cushioning you need really depends on personal preference. Some may prefer a soft, bouncy feel, whereas others may prefer a firmer feel, which is why it's good to test-drive this feature first.
Horsepower
The horsepower (HP) or continuous horsepower (CHP) rating measures the treadmill's motor power. CHP is crucial to take into consideration before purchasing a treadmill as it indicates how much power a motor can put out continuously in comparison to when it is operating at its peak.
A treadmill with higher CHP will allow you to run long distances with minimum noise disruption. The amount of horsepower you require will also be dependent on your weight and type of workout.
Incline and Decline
You can vary the intensity of your workout and increase calorie burn with inclination and decline features. This can help mimic training in natural terrain which will help build endurance and target different muscle groups.
Some treadmills go up to a 12% incline, while others might reach heights of up to 40%. Most decline options range anywhere from -3% to -6%.
Speed Range
Make sure the treadmill's speed range aligns with your fitness goals. Some treadmills offer speeds up to 19km/h or more, suitable for intense running workouts.
If you plan to just hit the deck with a walk or slow jog, 10km/h is a good pace for walking & jogging while 12-16km/hr is good for running – but this can vary from person to person.
Display Panels
Look for a console that is easy to use and displays relevant metrics such as speed, distance, time, and calories burned – if these are important to you. Some models offer LCD touchscreen, pre-set workout programs, heart rate monitoring, and connectivity options.
Workout Apps
The range of treadmills offered at rebel are iFIT Bluetooth Smart Enabled. IFIT is an interactive personal training experience membership that provides you with countless treadmill workouts to motivate you and help you reach your fitness goals.
And not just that, iFit can automatically increase/decrease speed and incline to match the terrain of the real-world track to help give you a more realistic run experience.
There is also a range of free content curated by fitness experts, with the option to upgrade to a monthly membership to unlock additional exercises. These workouts can be displayed on your built-in screen or connected to your device such as an iPad, tablet, or TV.
Durability and Stability
A sturdy frame and construction are essential for safety and longevity. It's a good idea to look for treadmills made from high-quality materials with a stable build.
Warranty
Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, including coverage for the motor, frame, parts, and labour.
All of our treadmills have a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Price and Value
Treadmills can differ greatly in price due to their features and overall construction. Top-end models (which come with higher price tag) have additional features, advanced tech and more comprehensive workout options. Some additional features you can expect from high-end models are:
- Colour LCD touchscreen display – size varies on price
- Incline and decline features
- Built-in entertainment system
- Trainer-led workouts
- Speakers and Bluetooth connectivity
- Higher maximum speed, incline, and higher user weight limitation
- Advanced workout options
- Longer and wider belt
- Headphone compatibility
- Tray or compartment to hold your water bottle and belongings
- Workout fans
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sturdier and quieter
Treadmill Accessories
Before you buy, it's important to also consider some accessories you may need add-to-cart to help keep your space tidy and mark-free, along with any products to keep your treadmill running smoothly.
Treadmill Mat: A treadmill mat will protect your floor and your treadmill. It will also absorb noise and vibration as well as aid with airflow under the unit.
Cleaning Accessories: Making sure your treadmill is cared for will mean the difference in how well your machine operates and how long it will last. Our Proform Treadmill Accessory Kit comes with a range of cleansers and lubricants to keep your treadmill deck moving smoothly, as well as keep the frame and console clean and fresh after use.
Delivery and Installation
Would you like it to be installed? All of our models have this additional service for an extra cost. The product can be installed, and all packaging removed so you can focus on one thing – taking it for a test run.
There might be limitations for installation in your area, so it's a good idea to double-check with our team before you add to cart.
As you can see – there's a range of features to consider, with many of them coming down to budget. But going in armed with the knowledge of what is available and what you need to meet your fitness goals is key.
Ready to shop?
Discover the full range of treadmills and accessories from rebel now or head in-store and talk to one of our friendly staff to help you choose the right one for you.