Why a Treadmill?

Treadmills are the best-selling home exercise machine in the U.S. for good reasons. A study that compared exercisers who worked out equally hard for the same time on several different types of machines found that they generally burned the most calories on a treadmill. Our own research has shown that treadmills are less likely than other machines to sit unused. Treadmills let you adjust your workout from a saunter to a marathon. And like any home exercise machine, they let you work out in a cozy setting at any hour.

Why are there so many treadmill & elliptical choices?

Same reason there are so many different cars. Treadmill and Elliptical Trainers come in varying ranges of quality, features, and power. Our treadmill buying guide will help you choose the right treadmill for your needs.

What Treadmill is best for me?

Your treadmill purchase should be based on your needs and what is best for your exercise program. Check out our Treadmill Buyers Guide for a more indepth look at what will work for you. We also offer a Treadmill Comparison Chart that will allow you to compare different treadmill brands and models by a number of different factors.

Before you walk or run on your treadmill

Is the console sensibly laid out, and are functions intuitive, so that you needn’t rely on the manual?

Are letters and numbers large and easy to read? The best monitors show lots of data (speed, distance, elapsed time, calories burned) continuously, rather than scrolling from one readout to another. Look for a light-emitting diode (LED) display, often easier to read than a liquid-crystal display (LCD) like that on a digital watch.

Can you use the controls to set a specific speed or incline? They should be large and conveniently placed. Electronic touchpad controls are better than manual slide controls, which can be hard to adjust and don’t let you set a specific speed.

Is there a large stop button and an effective emergency-stop key?

Is the belt big enough? If you run, a large belt is especially important. If it’s too short (less than about 50 inches), you could slip off the back; too narrow (less than about 18 inches) and you could step on the side rails. Walkers needn’t be as concerned about belt size.

Does the motor have enough horsepower? More horsepower means the motor labors less to maintain speed smoothly under various weights. Serious runners and heavier people should look for at least 2 hp. Look for "continuous duty" horsepower, not "peak."

Is the deck at least 3/4-inch thick? All the models we tested this time are at least that thick, but in the past, some treadmills with decks only 1/2-inch thick cracked in our durability test.

Does the deck fold, and is there an effective safety latch to hold it shut when folded? Automatic latches or spring-loaded metal pins are better than plastic clips or pins slid into place manually.

Is there a heart-rate monitor? It shows whether you’re exercising at an intensity suited to your age and likely to improve your cardiovascular health. Some treadmills incorporate feedback from the monitor to alter incline and keep you in a particular heart-rate zone. The best monitors consist of a chest strap that senses heartbeats and wirelessly transmits your heart rate to the treadmill’s console. Less accurate and less convenient monitors make you grip a sensor or press your thumb into it.

While you walk or run on your treadmill

Does the belt start and stop gradually?

Is there a wide range of speeds? The models we tested go from about a half-mile per hour to at least 10 mph, fast enough for all but elite runners. Make sure that the speed feels constant even when your feet hit the belt and that the motor doesn’t sound labored.

Does any calories-burned display ask the user’s age, sex, and weight? Those that do are likely to count calories more accurately.

Are there enough preset exercise routines that vary speed and incline to simulate the hills and speeds of an outdoor workout?

Are there customized programs? Some treadmills let you create and store your own programs.

Are handrails placed so that your swinging arms don’t hit them?

Is the motor housing forward enough so that you don’t step on it?

Does the deck lie flat at its minimum incline setting? Some are always tilted slightly uphill, which makes the workout more challenging. Beginners may want to start flat.

Does the deck absorb shocks? Treadmills are easier on the joints than is pavement, but some let you adjust cushioning.