What are the Different treadmill types? Read on as we comprehensively cover them.
The market offers a wide range of treadmills. Quality, performance, flexibility, portability, and foldability are some of the features to look for in a treadmill.
Treadmills differ when it comes to features, quality, costs, features, and characteristics. It is thus important to understand the various types of treadmills so as to make an informed purchase decision.
A good treadmill should work properly and last for a long time.
Before we look at the different types of treadmills here are some features to consider.
- Incline-inclination percentage is very important if you need to mimic real-world terrains when running, jogging, and walking, the bigger incline the more challenging exercises will be.
- Compact and Foldable– a foldable, compact, lightweight treadmill comes in handy especially if you live in small spaces and apartments, they also have wheels for portability and easy transportation.
- Cushion-Cushioning on the treadmills helps soften impacts and simulate an outdoor running experience. The belt should also be non-slip and shock-absorbing.
- Motor– A powerful motor with a quick and smart response makes it easy to support different exercises, the motor should also be quiet not to disturb others.
- Bluetooth and Speakers– Bluetooth connectivity helps you play music while exercising from your phone.
- Large Console or Display– to clearly show speed, calories, speed, distance, and other parameters
Different Treadmill Types
Let’s have a look at the different treadmills types:
Manual Treadmills
A user in a manual treadmill moves by using a belt and rollers and their effort.
You simply set the level of this incline load, and magnetic tension and begin running. They are one of the cheaper and lightest treadmills.
- Design Elements
Manual treadmills need no electricity and the action of walking or running across the bottom of the machine makes the treadmill move. They are designed in such a way that the chances of being hurt are fewer as the running belt only starts when you commence walking or running on it. Cushioned handles ensure comfort and also have a robust running belt. A manual treadmill is the best option if you have never run or walked on a treadmill.
- Features/Styles
Manual treadmills have many features and come in a wide range of prices. Most have limited features so they are not the type with monitors to measure heartbeat, speed, distance, and such activities.
Most of these treadmills have features like a fold-up design as they have no electronic parts. This makes them easier to collapse and store as well.
- Purpose
They are made to ensure that you have an excellent workout irrespective of your fitness level. They make you do all the work unlike electronic ones hence making you feel like you are getting a better workout. So, if you are on a limited budget and are interested in getting healthier and into great shape, manual treadmills are perfect for you.
- Sizes
They vary in size with the smallest being approximately 39 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 43 inches high, and the largest being about 50 inches, 24 inches, and 47 inches high. The precise size of the treadmill is very paramount if you have limited space in your home or if you are wondering which room to place it in.
- Materials
All manual treadmills are built of high-quality and robust materials such as PVC running belts, comfortable foam handrails, and frames made of heavy-duty steel. They are usually LED operated which needs batteries. They can be counted on to work the way they are supposed to and last for a long period of time.
Motorized/ Electric treadmills
Motorized treadmills allow you to set the pace of your workout. They mostly have a feature that lets you increase and decrease the degree of incline.
- Design
These treadmills are designed to be a little tougher and larger in size. They need a permanent place in your home as they are heavier thus harder to move. They are usually made for commercial use and are what you’ll see in professional health clubs and fitness centers.
- Features/styles
There are so many features and styles when it comes to motorized treadmills. Some include includes that range from 6 to 40% to add some extra enthusiasm to your workout, screens that are quite large, screens that display videos, electronic measurements for speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned, and high-quality materials for the running platform, easy touchscreen design, self-cooling motors and so much more. Nonetheless, these treadmills usually accommodate individuals with a weight of more than 300 pounds meaning they can accommodate almost everyone.
- Purpose
Motorized treadmills are designed to provide you with the best workout possible. They have accessories and amenities that ensure a less painful workout so that you enjoy optimum health for a lifetime. They are ideal for both beginners and experienced exercisers as well.
- Sizes
The sizes of electric treadmills are unique and numerous but the collapsed size is in most cases approximately 70 inches long, 40 inches wide, and 72 inches high. There are also small ones and the foot platform size can be as large as 22 inches by 60 inches facilitating a comfortable jog. Their sizes are ideal for joggers of all sizes and heights.
- Materials
These treadmills are made of various materials. As much as the materials used differ, they are all strong and durable especially as many of them are used in commercial places like gyms and fitness centers. They usually have heavy stainless steel frames and running cushions that are cushioned. Besides that, they have padded handles for a strong and comfortable grip.
Hybrid Treadmills
These treadmills are also referred to as tread climbers and have the benefits of both a treadmill and an elliptical trainer as well. Typical treadmills have only one running belt and are used for walking and running.
Tread climbers are a combination of three exercise machines in one. They have two autonomous treads lets that go up and down and can be used as ordinary treadmills, stair climbers, and as elliptical machines.
- Features/Styles
Hybrid treadmills have numerous features and styles. They are pretty easy to use although they may sound sophisticated. They have features like oversized pedals, large seats that are cushioned, superb manufacturer’s warranties, pre-programmed workouts, user-friendly instructions, and programmable LCD features for measuring speed, heart rate, and other variables. These treadmills let you switch from a high-impact treadmill to a low-impact bicycle or other machines so that you get the best of these activities.
- Purposes
Hybrid treadmills ensure that you have more than one way to exercise so as to ensure that there is no boredom when you do the same exercise day after day. They provide effective and high-quality workouts without high costs.
- Sizes
The size differs based on the brand and model but they usually have an average size of 60 inches in height and 57 inches in length. They are available for both home and commercial use and for beginners and seasoned professionals.
- Materials
They are made with stainless steel frames, seats, and platforms that are cushioned and outstanding warranties. They are made to last so that you enjoy them for a lifetime.
Medical Treadmills
This is another treadmill type that is made larger than regular treadmills. It allows individuals to walk or run at a lower percentage of their body weight.
- Design
They are designed to be operated digitally as they must be completely accurate at all times. Most medical treadmills are made to work with a specific type of medical equipment that produces the measurements that doctors are looking for with patients. To minimize wear and tear, they are made with fewer moving parts and have a controlled soft start for patient comfort and accommodation. An AC-driven system ensures the most precise speeds irrespective of the patient’s weight.
- Features/ Styles
Medical treadmills include extra-large sizes, easy-grip handles, and the ability to take measurements at .1 miles per hour increments. They are also able to accommodate a patient with more than 400 pounds and have additional features like emergency stop buttons and long and short handrails. Excellent warranties are also associated with these treadmills.
- Purposes
They are designed to conduct an accurate stress level test and is manufactured to perfection so that it works efficiently on patients of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels.
- Sizes
They vary in size but most are approximately 80 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 48 inches long. Some are however larger or smaller than this.
- Materials
They are built with the highest quality materials such as double-sided decks for shock absorption, a belt system that aligns itself automatically, and safety handrails made of premium tech steel.
Under Desk Treadmill
This is a combination of walking or running treadmills and office desks. The idea behind it is to use a treadmill for walking and a desk for office jobs while walking.
The treadmill allows you to burn a huge number of calories after walking a few hours daily without overstretching joints and muscles and doing your work simultaneously.
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