Buy treadmills cheaply: Consumer tips
Moreover, these treadmills are relatively unstable, but they are completely maintenance-free without a motor. Electrically operated models are better for running. They feature speed control and usually have a maximum speed between 9 and 18 km/h. Typically, direct current motors are used in home devices. Studio equipment, on the other hand, is equipped with three-phase motors, which, like the mechanical variants, are considered completely maintenance-free. In general, the higher the horsepower of the motor, the smoother and rounder the belt runs. There are foldable and permanently mounted treadmills.
What characterises a treadmill?
Treadmills are weather-independent and allow for running training in dry conditions at any time. They are suitable for burning calories and training endurance as well as leg muscles. Additionally, thanks to the integrated cushioning, running is gentle on the joints. With electric treadmills, you can enjoy pre-installed interval programmes or the option to save your own settings and programmes. Often, there are also additional comfortable extras such as a drink holder, a CD player or a fan available on the front. An additional advantage of an electric treadmill is the fixed adjustable speed and load as well as an electronic incline adjustment.
What should be considered when buying a treadmill?
It is particularly important that the running belt is at least 45 centimetres wide and equipped with a rough profile, as this material is non-slip. The treadmill should also have a minimum length of 1.3 metres to ensure it is stable with the mentioned width. For normal jogging and running, motors with 1 to 1.5 horsepower are sufficient; if you want to train for speed and sprints, it should be at least 1.5 horsepower. The drive shafts must be made of steel. The thicker the shaft diameter, the better the drive shaft. A crowned shaft, as is common in studio equipment, is particularly recommended as it prevents slipping. The lubrication of the treadmill is best done with Pertinax plates or silicone oil. Plates with a wax coating are maintenance-free but produce an unpleasant hissing noise during use. Pertinax, multiplex, or MDF boards are recommended as running surface materials. Chipboard or wood boards with a melamine coating are less suitable.
The optimal cushioning for a treadmill consists of a combination of plate material and rubber elements. For the necessary safety in electric treadmills, a conveniently placed emergency stop switch must be integrated. Good treadmills also offer an emergency stop orientation that can be held in hand while running and can be pulled immediately in case of stumbling. A stable frame is also essential. The higher the weight of the treadmill, the firmer its stand. Handrails and supports should be as long as possible, and the operation should be clear and straightforward. A display of speed, time, distance, incline, pulse, and calorie consumption is sufficient. Individual programming options on four to six memory slots are useful for adapting to personal needs and are available in good electric treadmills. A reliable quality indicator is if the treadmill is marked with the CE label and complies with the standards EN 60335-1, EN 957, and EG 89/336/EWG.
