Treadmill Review

Although many runners continue training outside during the tough Canadian winters, some simply resign themselves to less-frequent workouts and the inevitable reduced fitness. This season, rather than losing hard-earned summer miles or delaying an early spring race, consider training indoors on a treadmill. When combined with a positive attitude and a proper training program, modern treadmills are an effective tool for maintaining and even improving fitness during the winter months.

Here are a few buying and set-up tips for a more effective and enjoyable indoor running experience.  

Commercial or Residential Units

Most manufacturers build treadmills for health clubs as well as home use. Other than being more expensive, the commercial units deliver excellent durability under continuous use.  Unfortunately, the price for these units is too high for most runners. Luckily, many high-quality residential units are good enough for serious home training.        

Motors

The treadmill motor drives the belt and the incline mechanism. Larger, durable motors cost more but are necessary for driving longer belts at higher speeds. A 2-horsepower motor is the minimum for serious training while the larger 2.5- and 3-horsepower motors ensure consistent long-term performance. Speak to a salesperson and confirm the motor power matches your training speed. 

Belt Cushioning

All treadmills have a cushioned running belt for less impact on muscles and joints. Some manufacturers however, use more cushioning resulting in a bouncy ride for certain runners. Try out the treadmill at the showroom before buying.

Belt Size

Longer and wider belts provide a larger running surface ideal for faster training, or for runners who want to have more lateral space. The drawback of these larger belts is an increased “footprint” floor size, higher cost and the need for larger motors to drive the belt. 

Incline

Competitive runners will prefer treadmills with a greater amount of incline for more realistic hill workouts.

Features

Conveniences available on treadmills include heart rate monitors, radios, fans, pre-programmed workouts and even flat screen TVs. If you don’t need them, you can save money by buying a functionally similar model without the add-ons. 

Size

Most treadmills require a substantial amount of floor space – think medium-sized couch. Measure the area for the treadmill and compare it to the actual unit before buying.

Controls

Make sure all the controls are easily accessible even during difficult interval training. Again, try the machine on the showroom before buying. 

::GEARBOX
L7 Pro Sport Treadmill – $3,600
Landice
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Rock-solid and without a hint of flex, the Landice L7 Pro Sport Treadmill (LL7PST) is a superb unit for runners seeking a durable high-mileage treadmill. The rugged 3-horsepower motor easily drives the 20 x 58-inch belt and in typical home use, should last indefinitely. The VFX shock-absorbing system delivers a gentle joint-saving ride, while the console provides easy access to wireless heart rate monitoring and other basic stats.

::GEARBOX
T5 – 5 Treadmill – $4,500
LifeFitness
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LifeFitness treadmills have an excellent reputation, and the T5 – 5 shows why. The machine showcases a massive running surface, exceptional build quality and a patented FlexDeck shock-absorbing system for painless extended training. The computerized console offers a good variety of workout options, wireless cardio monitoring and is programmable for up to four different users.

::GEARBOX
PS 300 Treadmill – $3,200
True
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There is no doubt that True builds great treadmills. The PS 300, with its commercial-grade construction, reaffirms this notion. The materials are solid and well chosen, and the 60-inch track is long enough for the tallest runners. The PS 300 comes with a unique orthopedic belt and Soft System suspension for impact-free running. A well laid-out console provides useful feedback, including a Cruise Control setting that maintains a desired heart rate by automatically adjusting the treadmill’s speed and elevation.

::GEARBOX
T9600 Deluxe -$2,900
Vision
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Vision builds treadmills with the option of buying each model in three different feature configurations: Simple, Deluxe and Premier. The three models reflect the complexity of the console features, allowing runners the option of buying the same quality treadmill at a lower price if they forego computerized bells and whistles. The durable three-horsepower motor pumps out plenty of speed, while the orthopedic belt and eight variable-durometer elastomers reduce impact. 

::GEARBOX
9.33 – $3,788
Precor
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As a 20-plus-year veteran in the treadmill business, Precor knows how to craft a good machine. Their units are some of the best in the business and the relatively high prices reflect that fact. A powerful motor and almost maintenance-free design assure care-free extended use for the serious runner. Precor’s Integrated Foot Plant Technology monitors the foot strike and automatically adjusts the belt speed for a smoother ride. Combined with the impact-softening Ground Effects Cushioning, the 9.33 is a great choice for committed treadmill users. 

::GEARBOX
TR32 – $3,800
SportsArt 
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With a 3.2-horsepower motor, built-in cooling fan and information-rich console, the TR32 delivers solid performance for serious indoor training. The unique ACS cushioning system is manually adjustable, allowing runners of different weights and strides to customize their cushioning experience. The impact reduction is significant, without any of the “running in sand” feeling runners complain about with some other systems. A solid and durable design.