Treadmill Guide

Treadmills – A Quick Guide

If you are looking to buy a treadmill for continuous duty operation (i.e. non-stop) then do not consider a domestic treadmill.

However, for the home you may want a treadmill that other family members can use throughout the course of a normal day. In this situation, a heavy-duty domestic treadmill will do the job well.

If you are considering a treadmill for a health club or gym, then you should only consider a commercial treadmill.

If you are planning to jog or sprint, the greater the treadmill surface area you have to run on the better. Always choose a treadmill that has a wide running belt so that you have some degree of latitude whilst exercising. There is nothing worse than restricting your freedom of movement whilst working out or even worse tripping up on any obstacles that surround you!

The type of running platform which your treadmill will have depends very much on its physical loading capacity and of course its price. Small domestic treadmills that can only handle body weights not exceeding say 60Kg (approx. 132lb) will come fitted with just a single deck directly mounted to the machine’s subframe.

Larger treadmills for home use normally have a cushioned running deck that sits on a number of elastomer cushions that are mounted to the treadmill’s sub-frame. Treadmills.org.uk recommends the latter treadmill design because a cushioned deck provides impact absorption and gives you some degree of protection and comfort during your workout.