And while the safety key (sometimes called a clip) on a treadmill can help save you from falling (they brake the machine immediately when you pull it), it can double as a choking hazard for small children. If your space allows, storing your treadmill in a locked room can prevent kids from prying it in the first place.
Runway care and maintenance
According to some manufacturers, if you leave a treadmill in a garage or outside where the temperature drops below freezing or humid air soaks into the machine, it will stop working properly. Sure, it might seem more convenient to store it out there than in your living room, but be aware that doing so will void most warranties.
Wherever you keep your treadmill, know that you’ll need to give it a little love every now and then to keep it running smoothly. “Belts need oil every now and then, depending on how much they’re used,” says Clemente. (Check your owner’s manual to see which type of lube is best for your model and the recommended time between lubes.) NordicTrack recommends wiping off sweat after each workout so moisture doesn’t damage electrical components and do a deeper cleaning with a damp cloth and vacuum once a month to prevent corrosion.
Also, any time you feel the belt slip a little, that’s a sign that the material needs to be tightened. Discover this user manual to learn how.
Frequently asked questions
TL;DR; We understand that sometimes you just want quick facts to help you make a quick choice. To summarize some of the most important information about choosing the best treadmill, we’ve shared some of the most frequently asked questions. if you skip all the others, read this:
What is the best treadmill for home use?
We choose it ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill as the best treadmill for home gyms thanks to its powerful motor, nice range of incline options and huge HD touch screen that connects to iFit so you can stream training sessions in a range of different ways. And even though it’s a high-caliber commercial-grade machine, it folds down so it doesn’t take up all of your living space.
What is the best treadmill brand?
Ng says that both NordicTrack and Sole stand out as two of the best treadmill brands. Both offer durable treads with strong horsepower, good tilt capabilities, and useful details like water bottle holders and spots for a tablet or phone.
Is a cheap treadmill worth it?
If you buy a cheap treadmill, you may find that the machine doesn’t have the power, durability, or features you’d want for a long run or complex workout. But that might be okay if having a treadmill at home makes it easier to run on days you’d otherwise skip a workout. “It serves a purpose,” Felsenhal tells SELF. “If you don’t have time to run outside, I’ve had people do even half an hour [on a treadmill].” Everyone has their own personal goals when jumping on a treadmill, and even a cheap machine will allow you to record a solid workout.
Which is better: a treadmill or an elliptical?
While both treadmills and ellipticals can give you an aerobic workout, they do so in two very different ways. Which one is best for you depends on your goals, preferences, and what your body can handle. As SELF previously reported, an elliptical allows you to move in a smooth, joint-friendly motion that avoids any pounding your joints take with each step while running. That’s why Ng recommends them to athletes who have pain or discomfort when running. However, Felsenthal points out that if you’re trying to become a better runner, you too box run without pain, “you could benefit much more from a treadmill.” It challenges the specific muscles needed for running—like the calves and glutes—and typically, the feet have more options to adjust speed and incline to get a harder workout.
How long are the runways?
Clemente says a quality treadmill can last 10 to 15 years if you take care of it. Although this lifespan can be a double-edged sword. “They still work, they still run and they actually still look like they’re in good shape,” he says. “But they may not have all the latest [features] like digital screens”. Know that when you own a treadmill, you’re making a long-term commitment.
