10 Best Treadmills in 2022 (Personal Trainer-Reviewed)

People buy treadmills for either walking or running, or both! In order to make your workout go smoothly, there are several things you need to consider.

Treadmill motors are usually described in units of continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). The motor usually ranges from 1.5 CHP to 5 CHP. If you plan to walk, we suggest looking for a machine with 1.5 CHP to 2 CHP for average-weight individuals.

If you plan to run, it's better to choose a motor of 2.5 CHP or higher. Plus, if you're an individual of above average weight or height, it's best to look for motors that have a higher CHP than these recommendations. You can use BMI charts to determine whether your weight is above average for your height. For manual treadmills, it's best to consider the maximum weight recommendations. 

Manual treadmills that don't require electricity are an additional option. The belt moves as your feet do, but these treadmills do make for a more strenuous workout. While manual models help you save on your power bill, they aren't as sturdy and require manual incline adjustments. Manual treadmills are best for those who plan on walking.

Always measure your room space before buying! Most importantly, make sure that you have as much space as possible behind the machine to prevent the risk of accidents. You should also take into account that a treadmill will raise you up higher, so be careful of low ceilings and nearby ceiling fans.

Folding treadmills are a good option for compact storage when you’re not using them. They're also easier to transport when you’re moving to a new place. In addition, they make cleaning much quicker for you. You will have an easier time cleaning the machine itself, underneath it, and the surrounding areas. 

Everyone wants to focus during a workout in order to get the best results. In the case of running, treadmill cushioning and stability are what you need to look at. Their benefits are not only to increase your running performance but also to prevent the risks of injury.

Every step on the treadmill’s deck creates pressure on your knees and joints. Cushioning helps to support your joints during running and can also stop the belt from moving around with every footstep. 

Belt thickness or width is something to look into as well, as it can impact cushioning. The ideal thickness is different depending on whether you're mostly a runner or a walker. Most treadmills for home use have a belt thickness between 0.8 millimeters to 1.1 millimeters. Commercial-grade machines will typically have a belt thickness between 1.8 millimeters and 2.2 millimeters. 

Stability is another important thing to check. We suggest that you check a lot of reviews and compare before buying. Customers may comment that the treadmill is a bit shaky or feels unstable during use, and that's a good indicator that you should stay away. Many treadmills require some home assembly, and this can also contribute to how stable a treadmill is.

In addition, an emergency stop button or clip is another important function that most people overlook. These ensure that the machine will automatically stop if you get too close to the back edge of the treadmill. This can reduce the chance of falling from the treadmill.

Many home treadmills offer control panels with preloaded workout and training programs for different fitness goals, such as weight loss or building endurance. These programs automatically adjust the treadmill's incline and speed.

Some have predetermined workout times, such as 45 minutes. Others let you set the time and enter your current age and weight. The programs use this information to make adjustments depending on your personal heart rate range for fat burning and cardio. 

There should also be an option to operate motorized treadmills in manual mode, which lets you have complete control over the incline and the belt's speed. Separate controls on motorized treadmills should let you manually adjust the belt's speed and incline during your workout.  

Another feature you might want to consider is a treadmill that comes with a desk that gives you the chance to read books or use a tablet during your workout. Some treadmills also have docks for cell phones, spaces for water bottles, and cooling fans with adjustable speeds.

No matter how many options a treadmill has, you should make sure it's easy to use! A treadmill that has a lot of options may not be worth it if you can’t figure out how to use all of its features. Check reviews to see if buyers thought it was easy to use, or at least make sure it comes with a good user manual or playlist of YouTube videos.

Several treadmill manufacturers integrate technology, such as iFit and the Peleton app, that allows you to connect to Google Maps, interact with coaches around the world, and race with other users to increase your motivation to work out. These features often require an additional subscription, so make sure to check this before you buy.

Some treadmills come with heart rate monitors that connect to your chest while you're working out. Connected monitors provide better accuracy than handgrip monitors. You will also benefit from continuous monitoring so you can gain insights into your heart rate variability. Another advantage is the ability to measure how long you were in fat-burning or cardio modes.  

Of course, built-in technology features do not stop with subscription workout apps and heart rate monitors. There are also LCD televisions and speakers for your music. Connect your smartphone and listen to your favorite workout playlists from an app like Spotify or Amazon Music. 

As a treadmill is a long-term investment, a warranty is another important thing that you should carefully check. Shorter warranties usually mean a lower quality treadmill because it can possibly break sooner. A 10-year frame warranty and two-year general warranty are what we recommend. 

However, buying a treadmill online can be more complicated because you don’t get to ask questions directly to salespeople. If you’re unsure about the warranty, it’s better to call the seller and ask them for confirmation. You can also check reviews to see if previous buyers have had any issues resolving problems.

Other important things to consider are a treadmill's weight and assembly. Manual treadmills weigh about 60 pounds. However, motorized treadmills weigh 200 pounds or more. Figure out whether you will need help moving the treadmill to your designated workout space. Also, ask whether you can include assembly services. The process can take hours and be confusing if you try to do it yourself.