Treadmill Buying Guide

Due to the increasing popularity of home exercise equipment especially treadmills, you can now purchase a treadmill with as many features as most commercial models for less than you may think!
Purchasing a treadmill can be a daunting experience, so we have outlined a few essential tips to bear in mind when finding the right model for you….

What is your budget?

Treadmills can vary in price enormously depending on the features and design. A high end treadmill, like the Nautilus T7.14, can cost upwards of £5000, not everyone can or wants to spend £5000 on a treadmill. As with most exercise equipment you get what you pay for, basic motorised treadmills such as the York T101 Treadmill, start at about £400.  Generally a more expensive treadmill will be more stable to run on, have a more cushioned running deck and have numerous programs as well as heart rate controlled programs.

How much space do you have?

Treadmills are large pieces of exercise equipment, and you need to consider this carefully when purchasing a treadmill. You do not want to find that it does not fit in your desired room once it has been delivered. Measure the space you have available and check the dimensions of the treadmills you like before purchasing, if space is an issue consider a folding treadmill. Some, like the Reebok i-run plus are now designed to fit under a bed! Remember motorised treadmills will also need to be near to a power socket. You’ll see that were possible we show the folded and non folded dimensions of each treadmill in the treadmill product specification. If you have any doubts about whether the treadmill you like will fit in your desired room please contact us before ordering. 

How will the Treadmill be used?

Running or walking? If you intend to primarily use the treadmill for walking then a top speed of 6 mph (10km/h) and a smaller deck maybe all you require. If you are intending on using the treadmill for running then a larger deck, 128cm long and 40cm wide is the minimum we would recommend. The maximum speed of the treadmill should be at least 2mph faster than your regular running pace to ensure the life of the treadmill motor. If you look at the specification of the treadmills we sell you’ll see that we show the dimensions of the running deck and the top speed of the treadmill.

Who is going to be using the treadmill?

Will the treadmill be used by someone other than you? If so you will need to consider their requirements, maybe they are heavier than you? If so you will need to purchase a treadmill with a maximum weight rating above their weight.
Are they much taller than you and going to require a longer running deck? Do they suffer from joint pain and require a more cushioned running deck? Manufacturers such as Tunturi invest a lot of time and money into ensuring that their running decks are absorbent enough. Treadmills such as the Tunturi T40 and the Bremshey Control T treadmill have an orthopaedic running belts which help reduce the impact on your joints.

What is the difference between continuous duty and peak duty motors?

Continuous duty means how much horsepower can be constantly delivered regardless of the user’s weight. Peak duty is the maximum horsepower that a treadmill can deliver. When selecting a treadmill always look for a treadmill with a minimum of 1.5 continuous duty HP. All of the horse power ratings on exercise equipment are continuous duty HP ratings.

Is the treadmill covered by a warranty?

All the treadmills sold on exercise equipment come with a minimum 1 year parts and labour warranty. 90% of the treadmills come with a 2 year parts and labour warranty. All of the brands that we represent provide comprehensive warranties. You do not want to have a treadmill for which you are liable to send back to the supplier if it has a fault. None of the treadmills sold on exercise equipment have a return to base warranty and most of the manufacturers, like Tunturi, provide a 15 year frame and motor warranty on their treadmills.


What is heart rate control and how does it benefit me?

Heart rate control programs work by adjusting the intensity of a program to keep your heart at a preset level. This level will be a percentage of your maximum heart rate, as a rough guide to calculate your maximum heart rate, deduct your age from 220 e.g. if you’re 35 years of age then your maximum heart rate is around 185. Depending on your fitness level you should work out to a percentage of that figure between 55% and 80%.

When using a heart rate controlled program the treadmill will need to know your heart rate constantly. This can be either via the heart rate hand grip sensors or via a wireless telemetric heart rate strap, such as the Sigma ones we sell, which sends your heart rate via radio waves to the console. Many of the treadmills we sell have heart rate hand grip sensors; although the disadvantage of using these during a heart rate program is that you have to keep your hands connected to the sensors which can impede your running. This is where looking for a treadmill which you can use a heart rate strap with is useful, as you do not need to worry about holding onto any sensors whilst working out. Most of the treadmills on exercise equipment have built in receivers and some, such as the Bremshey Pacer T treadmill, come complete with a strap.

Most treadmills will keep your heart rate at the preset rate by increasing or decreasing the incline of the treadmill dependant on your heart rate. Some of the more expensive treadmills, such as the Tunturi 60 treadmill have a speed controlled heart rate controlled program as well as speed. Heart rate control programs offer a safe and effective way to workout.

What are programmes and how do they benefit me?

It is often difficult to motivate yourself when you’re always using the same routine! Purchasing a treadmill with programmes maybe the answer. Having pre-set or even customisable workout programs are a great way to provide some extra variety and motivation. There are programs such as rolling hills and fat burn which increase and decrease the speed and sometimes the incline of the treadmill to provide a varied and motivating workout. Most mid and high end treadmills now offer heart rate controlled programmes such as the Bremshey Ambition T treadmill which using your heart rate increase or decrease the incline of the treadmill. This keeps your heart rate as close as possible to your pre-set optimum rate. This is a safe way to exercise and can help focus your workout on weight loss.

How is the incline adjustable and how does it benefit me?

Most treadmills allow you to adjust the incline of the running deck; cheaper treadmills generally have manual incline adjustment. Meaning that you have to dismount the treadmill and change the incline manually. Many mid and high end treadmills, like the Bremshey Control T treadmill, have an automatic incline, adjustable from the console. Increasing the incline intensifies and varies your workout and most treadmills allow between 10-15% incline.
We hope this treadmill buyers guide has been helpful if you have a question please contact one of our friendly team.