Treadmill Buying Guide (Interactive Video) _ Consumer Reports

**Choosing the Right Treadmill: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Fitness Machine**

When it comes to finding the right treadmill, there are many factors to consider. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your fitness goals and budget. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different types of treadmills, their features, and what to expect from each type.

**Treadmill Types: Budget Folding, Folding, and Non-Folding**

Consumer Reports divides treadmills into three categories: budget folding, folding, and non-folding. Budget folding treadmills typically range in price from about $300 to $11,000. These models offer a display for speed, distance, time, and calories, as well as the convenience of folding up to save space. However, they often come with tradeoffs such as shorter warranties, less powerful motors, and lighter weight materials that can make them feel less stable than more expensive models.

If you prefer walking, a budget folding treadmill should work fine at a minimum. But if you want to jog or occasionally run, you may find that the deck is too short for your stride. In this case, it's best to opt for a non-folding treadmill, which typically have longer decks made from thicker materials and more powerful motors to accommodate faster paces and heavier users.

**Non-Folding Treadmills: A Better Option for Runners**

Dedicated runners should look for non-folding treadmills, which often boast the highest maximum speeds and inclines. These models also tend to have longer sturdier decks that can accommodate a runner's stride without feeling too short. However, they are typically the priciest option and take up more space.

**Treadmill Features: What to Expect**

Most treadmills come with various features such as docks for electronic devices, USB ports, and wireless connectivity. Some models may also offer fans or fitness trackers, but these can often be purchased separately. When it comes to exercise programs, manufacturers have different names for them, but some basic patterns to look for include hill climb, stepped or varied interval, slow long distance, and random heart rate monitors.

For walkers, hand grip monitors are sufficient, while runners may find chest strap monitors more convenient and accurate. However, not all treadmills come with these features, so be sure to check before you buy.

**Testing a Treadmill: What to Look For**

Before buying a treadmill, it's essential to test it in person. This will give you the opportunity to see how well-made it is, whether the footrails are comfortable and easy to use, and if the controls are intuitive and responsive. Consumer Reports recommends looking for solid construction, wide footrails, and one-touch speed and incline buttons.

Additionally, make sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A reputable brand should offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, as well as at least one year of coverage on labor.

**Conclusion**

Choosing the right treadmill can be overwhelming, but by understanding the different types, features, and what to expect from each type, you can make an informed decision that meets your fitness goals and budget. Remember to test a treadmill in person before buying, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from experts.

**Resources**

For more information on treadmills and exercise equipment, visit Consumer Reports' website at consumerreports.org. There, you'll find in-depth reviews and ratings of various models, as well as expert advice and guidance to help you make the best choice for your fitness needs.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis durability challenge is just one of the workouts every treadmill must endure inside Consumer Reports Labs testers also assess how well a treadmill is constructed measure how well it will fit the typical user and rate its overall performance this guide will get you off and running with expert advice on picking the best treadmill for you this video is interactive so click any chapter to skip around subscribers to our website can access our specific brand recommendations and exclusive product ratings treadmill prices can run from as little as $300 all the way up to more than $10,000 finding the best treadmill depends on whether you want to walk or run your overall fitness goals and how much space you have if you're going to use a treadmill mainly for walking most models we tested should fit the bill but if you want to run you'll need to consider the construction and deck size of the treadmill more carefully and don't forget about speed and incline the fastest treadmills deliver speeds of about 12 to 14 mph this might not sound so Speedy but 12 mph is a 5 minute per mile Pace that's fast enough to win the New York City marathon when it comes to Hills and inclines a 15% grade is about the maximum you can find which should be plenty steep for most people be realistic about your fitness goals and what features you actually need in a treadmill before you spend extra money on things you might not use let your goals determine which treadmill is best for you Consumer Report says if you the type of Walker or Runner who wants to be entertained while exercising look for treadmills with a variety of built-in fitness programs along with Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity if your approach is more No Nonsense feel the burn then focus on treadmills with a wide range of speed and incline settings as well as heart rate monitoring and other programs specifically designed to help you reach more intense fitness goals treadmills that score very good to excellent in our exercise range tests can support novice exercisers to seasoned Pros we'll talk more about programs and features in the key features chapter also important make sure you have a big enough area for your treadmill on average treadmills measure about 77 in long and 35 in wide a folding treadmill will take up about half of its length once folded for easy access and safety you'll want a clear area of about 2 to 3 ft on each side and about 6 to 8 ft at the back of the treadmill all treadmills are essentially a machine with a moving belt that allows you to walk jog or run beyond that manufacturers offer different options and features at different price points to help you narrow the search based on your needs and budget Consumer Reports divides treadmills into three categories budget folding folding and non-folding budget folding treadmills typically range in price from about $300 to $11,000 if you prefer walking a budget folding treadmill should work fine at a minimum they offer a display for Speed distance time time and calories and as their name implies they fold up to save space but convenience and price come with some tradeoffs when Consumer Reports assesses how well treadmills are constructed models in this price range don't score as well as pricier versions in general they tend to have shorter warranties less powerful Motors and are constructed with lighter weight materials which can make them feel less stable than more expensive models they frequently have shorter decks which aren't great for runners with a longer stride if you want to jog or occasionally run and then store the treadmill between workout sessions Consumer Reports tests show that paying a little more money for a mid-price folding model buys you a more durable treadmill plus they often come with a large variety of exercise programs so you can mix up your workout however the decks on some may be too short for runners with a longer stride so be sure to check this out before buying dedicated Runners should opt for a non-folding treadmill these typically have longer sturdier decks made from thicker materials and more powerful Motors to accommodate faster paces and heavier users these also boast the highest maximum speeds and inclines but when it comes to variety they tend to provide fewer built-in programs they're also the priciest and take up the most space many treadmills come with docks for electronic devices along with USB ports and wireless connectivity so you can tune in while working out other models offer features such as fans and fitness trackers but our our experts say they might not be necessary and can be purchased separately think of it this way it's easier and less expensive to replace a fan when it's not connected to a treadmill built-in exercise programs are great for adding variety and intensity to your workout some manufacturers offer lots of programs but Consumer Report says you can get by with just a few basic programs that address specific types of workouts manufacturers all have different names for these programs but some basic patterns to look for are Hill Climb stepped or varied interval slow long distance and random heart rate monitors help you track how hard you're working and measure your exercise intensity Walkers will be fine with hand grip monitors for runners Consumer Report says consider a chest strap monitor when you're moving fast they're more convenient and can give them more accurate and consistent reading but not all treadmills come with them and chest straps you buy separately might not be compatible with your treadmill so be sure to check before you buy our experts strongly recommend testing the treadmill in person before you buy it here's what to look for at the store first look for solid well-made construction wide Foot Rails allow you to get on and off the treadmill easier try the handrails and handles and make sure they feel comfortable and don't get in the way when you're walking or running also check that your feet don't hit the motor housing while you're on the Move Consumer Reports finds a motor housing shaped like this is ideal try out the controls too you want them to be easy to read and operate when you're moving it full speed for added convenience a treadmill should have OneTouch speed and incline buttons check the return policy and warranty Consumer Reports recommends 3 to 7 years of coverage on parts and at least one year on labor a treadmill should have a lifetime warranty on the frame look for a lifetime warranty on the motor too and skip the extended warranties as our surveys show they're not necessary now that you've got the basics visit consumerreports.org to subscribe and find our specific treadmill ratings based on on our in-depth expert testing we're not for profit and we pay for all the items we test thanks for your supportthis durability challenge is just one of the workouts every treadmill must endure inside Consumer Reports Labs testers also assess how well a treadmill is constructed measure how well it will fit the typical user and rate its overall performance this guide will get you off and running with expert advice on picking the best treadmill for you this video is interactive so click any chapter to skip around subscribers to our website can access our specific brand recommendations and exclusive product ratings treadmill prices can run from as little as $300 all the way up to more than $10,000 finding the best treadmill depends on whether you want to walk or run your overall fitness goals and how much space you have if you're going to use a treadmill mainly for walking most models we tested should fit the bill but if you want to run you'll need to consider the construction and deck size of the treadmill more carefully and don't forget about speed and incline the fastest treadmills deliver speeds of about 12 to 14 mph this might not sound so Speedy but 12 mph is a 5 minute per mile Pace that's fast enough to win the New York City marathon when it comes to Hills and inclines a 15% grade is about the maximum you can find which should be plenty steep for most people be realistic about your fitness goals and what features you actually need in a treadmill before you spend extra money on things you might not use let your goals determine which treadmill is best for you Consumer Report says if you the type of Walker or Runner who wants to be entertained while exercising look for treadmills with a variety of built-in fitness programs along with Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity if your approach is more No Nonsense feel the burn then focus on treadmills with a wide range of speed and incline settings as well as heart rate monitoring and other programs specifically designed to help you reach more intense fitness goals treadmills that score very good to excellent in our exercise range tests can support novice exercisers to seasoned Pros we'll talk more about programs and features in the key features chapter also important make sure you have a big enough area for your treadmill on average treadmills measure about 77 in long and 35 in wide a folding treadmill will take up about half of its length once folded for easy access and safety you'll want a clear area of about 2 to 3 ft on each side and about 6 to 8 ft at the back of the treadmill all treadmills are essentially a machine with a moving belt that allows you to walk jog or run beyond that manufacturers offer different options and features at different price points to help you narrow the search based on your needs and budget Consumer Reports divides treadmills into three categories budget folding folding and non-folding budget folding treadmills typically range in price from about $300 to $11,000 if you prefer walking a budget folding treadmill should work fine at a minimum they offer a display for Speed distance time time and calories and as their name implies they fold up to save space but convenience and price come with some tradeoffs when Consumer Reports assesses how well treadmills are constructed models in this price range don't score as well as pricier versions in general they tend to have shorter warranties less powerful Motors and are constructed with lighter weight materials which can make them feel less stable than more expensive models they frequently have shorter decks which aren't great for runners with a longer stride if you want to jog or occasionally run and then store the treadmill between workout sessions Consumer Reports tests show that paying a little more money for a mid-price folding model buys you a more durable treadmill plus they often come with a large variety of exercise programs so you can mix up your workout however the decks on some may be too short for runners with a longer stride so be sure to check this out before buying dedicated Runners should opt for a non-folding treadmill these typically have longer sturdier decks made from thicker materials and more powerful Motors to accommodate faster paces and heavier users these also boast the highest maximum speeds and inclines but when it comes to variety they tend to provide fewer built-in programs they're also the priciest and take up the most space many treadmills come with docks for electronic devices along with USB ports and wireless connectivity so you can tune in while working out other models offer features such as fans and fitness trackers but our our experts say they might not be necessary and can be purchased separately think of it this way it's easier and less expensive to replace a fan when it's not connected to a treadmill built-in exercise programs are great for adding variety and intensity to your workout some manufacturers offer lots of programs but Consumer Report says you can get by with just a few basic programs that address specific types of workouts manufacturers all have different names for these programs but some basic patterns to look for are Hill Climb stepped or varied interval slow long distance and random heart rate monitors help you track how hard you're working and measure your exercise intensity Walkers will be fine with hand grip monitors for runners Consumer Report says consider a chest strap monitor when you're moving fast they're more convenient and can give them more accurate and consistent reading but not all treadmills come with them and chest straps you buy separately might not be compatible with your treadmill so be sure to check before you buy our experts strongly recommend testing the treadmill in person before you buy it here's what to look for at the store first look for solid well-made construction wide Foot Rails allow you to get on and off the treadmill easier try the handrails and handles and make sure they feel comfortable and don't get in the way when you're walking or running also check that your feet don't hit the motor housing while you're on the Move Consumer Reports finds a motor housing shaped like this is ideal try out the controls too you want them to be easy to read and operate when you're moving it full speed for added convenience a treadmill should have OneTouch speed and incline buttons check the return policy and warranty Consumer Reports recommends 3 to 7 years of coverage on parts and at least one year on labor a treadmill should have a lifetime warranty on the frame look for a lifetime warranty on the motor too and skip the extended warranties as our surveys show they're not necessary now that you've got the basics visit consumerreports.org to subscribe and find our specific treadmill ratings based on on our in-depth expert testing we're not for profit and we pay for all the items we test thanks for your support\n"