An indoor treadmill is a great solution for keeping fit, improving health, and losing weight. Home workouts are convenient for accessibility, time and cost savings, the ability to train all family members.
There are many options to choose from in terms of price, equipment, type. But it is better to familiarize yourself in more detail with the varieties and characteristics of treadmills before buying. Then the choice will be unmistakable.
Types of treadmills, their pros and cons
Treadmills are mechanical, magnetic, and electrical. This division is due to the different types of drives used in the simulator. Accordingly, the tracks will differ in price, functionality and have individual advantages and disadvantages.
Mechanical
A mechanical trainer is the simplest type of treadmill. The belt rotates through movement while running. The faster a person runs along the canvas, the higher the rotation speed. In this type of device, the load is regulated by the angle of inclination of the running belt or by the brake shaft.
Advantages of mechanical type models:
- full autonomy from electricity;
- light weight;
- relatively low cost;
- simplicity of design;
- small dimensions.
Minuses:
- minimum set of functions (a simple screen will display the speed, consumed calories, exercise time, distance traveled, heart rate);
- a set of programs is missing;
- you can only work on an inclined surface (the canvas will not move without an exposed angle);
- the presence of jerks during movement;
- lack of amortization or its small parameters, which subsequently has a detrimental effect on the condition of the joints.
Therefore, a mechanical treadmill is suitable for a healthy person who does not need long-term and intense sports.
Magnetic
More advanced simulator. In it, the tasks of acceleration, stopping and traffic intensity are performed by the engine. Such tracks are equipped with a magnetic drive, which contributes to the magnetization of the web, as well as uniform pressing of its entire length. Because of this, a smooth and almost silent operation occurs.
Advantages:
- relatively low price;
- small size;
- quiet, smooth operation;
- adjustment of loads;
- minimal rubber wear.
Minuses:
- exposure of joints to increased stress;
- lack of programs;
- minimum set of parameters.
Electrical
The main parameter that distinguishes such a treadmill is equipment with an electric motor. This detail expands the training possibilities and also makes the belt move smoothly.
Advantages:
- the presence of an on-board PC makes it possible to program the modes, set them to your liking. PC can act as a personal trainer;
- modern models include an MP3 player, Wi-Fi and other systems;
- the safety key responds to the runner slipping off the belt. The track stops instantly;
- equipment with high-performance shock absorption;
- a large number of training programs;
- lesson on a flat surface;
- high reliability;
- ease of use.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- dependence on electricity;
- large dimensions, weight.
Foldable (compact)
Folding tracks are found mechanical, magnetic, and electrical. This model was created to save space, make storage and transport more convenient.
Compactness is the main advantage of this type of simulator. This is an ideal solution for the owner of a small home or office. The device is easy to fold and vice versa - to bring it into working condition.
How to choose a treadmill for your home?
When choosing a simulator, you should pay attention to the parts of the device, their functionality and other characteristics.
Engine
The engine ensures the work of the web itself. Engine power directly affects the spin speed of the treadmill. Powerful motors over 1.6 hp suitable for professional athletes. They often use the treadmill at peak speeds, especially during interval training.
For ordinary users with a weight of up to 85 kg, an engine up to 1.5 hp is suitable. or slightly more if the mass is above average. This will extend the life of the unit and reduce breakdowns. A smart choice is to purchase a device with maximum constant, but not peak power.
Running belt
The ribbon is one of the elements that require special attention when choosing. To make it convenient to exercise on the simulator, you should know the optimal parameters of the running belt: 1.2 by 0.4 meters. But it is still necessary to take into account the length of the stride, the speed used and the weight of the future owner.
One of the main indicators of a running belt is cushioning as well as thickness. The presence of softness and elasticity of the tape makes it possible to extinguish inertia from kicks during running or steps, thereby reducing the load on the joints. The multi-layered fabric gives a chance, instead of installing a new one, to change the used side to the wrong side.
Dimensions and stability
The size of the treadmill should be optimal for the installation site in the home. Leave enough free space near the device (at least 0.5 meters). Therefore, if this is not possible, you should think about buying a folding option. Internal dimensions should not hamper movement in the form of narrow handrails.
Running comfort and safety is the task of the supporting surfaces. The treadmill needs to be positioned correctly on a perfectly level floor. Stability is also important for the absence of injuries and durability of the work.
Control Panel
The simulator is equipped with a panel that has the functions of monitoring training, measuring heart rate, distance traveled, energy expended and displays data on the display. This part of the treadmill should contain a set of programs that track the progress of the exercise.
It will not hurt to include an MP3 player in the package, who needs it. It is worth checking the backlighting, the quality of the screen, its parameters.
Additional functions
Some users may not need a multitude of programs. 8-9 will suffice. Also, multimedia options (TV tuner, audio system, and Wi-Fi) are not needed by everyone.
And the inclusion of the listed add-ons and the number of programs affects the price of the device. Therefore, it is advisable to decide on the entire configuration and the name of the functions.
Required programs:
- heart rate monitor;
- interval training;
- fitness test;
- "Hills".
In addition to all the above criteria, it is desirable to take into account height, weight, level of physical fitness. And, most importantly, to identify the reason for the purchase: strengthening the heart muscle, maintaining or restoring shape, losing weight, rehabilitation, as an addition to other types of training.
Treadmill models, prices
Each type of simulator is represented by its own samples. Several models are among the best to buy.
Namely:
- Torneo Sprint T-110;
- Body Sculpture BT 2860C;
- Housefit HT 9164E;
- Hasttings Fusion II HRC.
Among the presented treadmills, you can choose a device, focusing on personal needs, financial capabilities and other criteria described below.
Torneo Sprint T-110
Home mechanical treadmill. The device is from an Italian manufacturer. The type of construction is folding. Load type - magnetic. The number of loads is 8.
Performs tasks:
- adjusts the angle of inclination in manual mode in eight variants. Change of angle by 5 degrees;
- fitness test (measures speed, energy expended, and speed);
- heart rate monitor.
There are disadvantages: small heart rate measurement sensor (attached to the auricle), significant running noise.
Ribbon options: 0.33 by 1.13 meters. Equipped with shock absorption. The maximum user weight is 100 kg. The simulator weighs 32 kg. Its height is 1.43 cm. Transport wheels are included in the package.
Price: from 27,000 - 30,000 rubles.
Body Sculpture BT 2860C
Magnetic view simulator, made in England. The treadmill is foldable.
Pros of the device:
- tilt angle is mechanically adjustable (step type);
- infinitely variable Hi-Tech system that changes the load level;
- LCD monitor displays speed, calories burned, distance traveled;
- the presence of a heart rate monitor. The cardiac sensor is fixed in the handle;
- equipped with transport rollers.
Minus - you cannot independently set the type of training, as well as the lack of a professional level.
Canvas size: 0.33 by 1.17 meters. The maximum weight for use is 110 kg.
Price: from 15,990 rubles. The average cost is 17070 rubles.
Housefit HT 9164E
The country of origin of this treadmill is USA. Assembly - Taiwan. Load type - electrical. This folding model weighs 69 kg.
Advantages:
- motor power - 2.5 hp;
- maximum web speed - 18 km / h;
- the tilt angle is automatically adjusted (smoothly);
- there is a heart rate monitor (the heart rate sensor is located on the handle);
- equipping with a fitness test (monitoring of calories burned, distance covered, speed, time);
- the tape is equipped with shock absorption;
- the presence of stands for books and glasses;
- equipping with 18 programs.
Disadvantages: no professional level of training, large weight and dimensions.
Ribbon options: 1.35 by 0.46 meters. The simulator is 1.73 m long, 1.34 m high. The maximum weight for use is 125 kg.
Price: 48061 - 51,678 rubles.
Hasttings Fusion II HRC
American model made in China. Folding type. Weighs 60 kg. Folding takes place in hydraulic mode. It has an electrical type of load.
Advantages of this treadmill:
- quiet operation of the engine, which is equipped with forced cooling. Its power is 2 hp;
- maximum web speed - 16 km / h;
- a two-layer tape with parameters 1.25 by 0.45 meters has a thickness of 1.8 cm. Equipped with elastomer cushioning;
- the presence of an on-board PC;
- pulse and speed sensors are attached to the handles;
- display - liquid crystal;
- the angle of inclination is adjusted manually and automatically up to 15 degrees in a smooth manner;
- 25 programs are set manually;
- there is an MP3 player.
The maximum user weight is 130 kg.
Disadvantage - no possibility of professional use, heavy weight.
Price: from 57,990 rubles.
Owner reviews
Acquired Torneo Sprint T-110. Folds compactly. The control panel contains a self-explanatory menu. Also, a wire with a clip leaves the panel. It attaches to your hand and records calories, distance traveled, speed and workout time.
High-quality stops - the floor is intact in 8 years. Two durable casters allow me to reposition the machine. The whole family, even guests, use the path. Children adapted it for play and development. There were no breakdowns. True, the canvas slightly changed color from the sun.
Alina
I have been using Body Sculpture BT 2860C for three years now. I used to go to the gym, but sometimes skipped classes due to lack of time. I decided to equip the house with a mini gym for training.
The treadmill weighs a lot, but the transport wheels solve the problem. The mechanical treadmill contains a user-friendly screen that shows all the parameters I need. Running is not very comfortable, but walking, choosing the speed, is excellent.
Darya
I chose Housefit HT 9164E for the rehabilitation of the injured spine. Other models did not fit - I weigh 120 kg. Although not cheap simulators, full compliance with my parameters made me happy. I also liked it: quiet operation, good assembly, ease of use. I recommend to everyone.
Michael
My husband and I bought Hasttings Fusion II HRC. They gave a decent amount of money. And although it is stated that it was made in America, it was probably collected in China. This affected the quality of some parts. The American motor is working properly. But the quality of the frame, the canvas disappointed. After two years of use, the soundboard cracked. The treadmill isn't worth the money.
Olga
I have been using a simple mechanical model Torneo Sprint T-110 for a year now. I bought it to lose weight, improve endurance. There was not enough money for an electric simulator. But this is enough for now. I still can't study for a long time.
Everything I need is displayed on the screen. I like the ease of operation, small size. The device is not heavy, however, it is a little noisy when running. But I go more often. For myself, I did not notice any shortcomings other than noise.
Sophia
Choosing a treadmill for your home is not that difficult. You need to decide on the type of device drive, its functionality, the "stuffing" of the on-board computer, if any. Consider all the pros and cons.
The main thing is health safety, so you should take into account possible diseases and consult a doctor before buying. Better to buy a model with a good shock absorption system and health monitoring.
