Are you looking to take the next step to get in shape? Buying a treadmill is a great way to get a cardio workout without having to leave the house. Gym prices add up fast, and the weather isn’t always nice enough for a run, but none of that matters when you build your own home gym.
What Makes a Good Treadmill?
Treadmills are a big investment, so you’ll want to make sure the one you buy will work for you. Here are some things to consider before you make your choice.
- Size: Like most exercise equipment, treadmills take up a lot of space. Plenty of treadmills can fold to combat this issue, and others are made to be smaller. If space is a concern for you, a more compact model is a better option. Tread width and length is also important to the workout; a wider tread gives you more room for a comfortable run.
- Exercise intensity: Different treadmills give varying levels of quality exercises. Most treadmills can move at many different speeds, usually ranging from 0-10 mph, and run at an incline for a tougher workout. Some can even decline to mimic the feeling of running downhill.
- Technology: Modern treadmills have tons of different features, and it’s hard to keep track of them all. iFit and Zwift compatible treadmills allow you to run alongside other people with real live trainers walking you through your exercise. Treadmills can also have heart rate monitors, workout profiles, speakers, and built-in fans.
- Comfort: Some cheaper treadmills are stiffer, which can make it uncomfortable to run on for long periods of time and can be harmful if you have weaker joints. So, you’ll want to make sure the treadmill you’re buying will be comfortable for you.
- Noise: Treadmills can get pretty loud, especially during intense workouts. If you’re trying to follow an online class or just watching Netflix while you run, you want to buy a quieter model.
The Best Choice for Most People: ProForm 505 CST
Whether you’re just looking for an easy way to get back into shape or building a home gym, a good treadmill is the foundation of a great workout. The ProForm 505-CST is everything you could ask for in a treadmill and more. It has a 20″ x 55″ belt with extra cushioning for less strain on your legs and joints. The treadmill goes from 0-10mph and can incline from 0-10 degrees.
The 5″ backlit LCD displays workout information and your heart rate from the machine’s grip pulse sensors, so you can keep track of your progress. The 505-CST has an aux port for its dual 2-inch speakers letting you play music while you run. The treadmill can connect to iFit via Bluetooth where you follow along with all of the online courses and activities it has to offer.
This machine is a great way to get back into shape with all the comforts of modern technologies, all for an affordable price; the ProFrom505-CST is the best treadmill for most people.
ProForm PFTL60916 505 CST (2016 Model)
The ProForm 505-CST is an incredible value. This treadmill has everything you could need for an amazing cardio workout and all for an affordable price.
$599.00
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The Runner-Up: NordicTrack T 6.5 S
It was hard to narrow it down to just one choice for best treadmill, so we had to include the runner-up. The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a great piece of engineering that’s almost a perfect match to our top pick. It also has a 20″ x 55″ belt that can accelerate up to 10 mph and incline up to 10 degrees for a high octane workout.
You can measure your progress on its 5″ backlit display using its grip pulse monitors and listen to music on the built-in speakers. The T 6.5 S also connects to iFit using Bluetooth, so you can train with people all over the world. If our top pick just doesn’t seem right for you, give the NordicTrack T 6.5 S a look.
