And while the safety key (sometimes called a clip) on a treadmill can be helpful to save you from a fall (they immediately brake the machine when pulled), they can double as a choking hazard to small children. If your space allows, storing your treadmill in a locked room can keep kids from getting curious about it in the first place.
Treadmill care and maintenance
According to some manufacturers, if you leave a treadmill in a garage or outside where the temperature dips below freezing or the humid air soaks into the machinery, it will stop functioning properly. Sure, it might seem more convenient to stash it out there than in your living room, but beware that most warranties will be voided if you do.
Wherever you keep your treadmill, know that you will need to give it some love every once in a while to keep it running smoothly. “The belts need lubricants every now and then, depending on how much they’re used,” Clemente says. (Check out the user manual to see what kind of lubricant is best for your model and the recommended time between grease-ups.) NordicTrack recommends wiping the sweat off after each workout so the moisture doesn’t damage the electrical components, and doing a deeper cleaning with a damp cloth and vacuum once a month to avoid any corrosion.
Also, anytime you feel like the belt is slipping a little, that’s a sign the hardware needs to be tightened. Dig out that user manual to find out how.
FAQs
TL;DR? We get that sometimes you just want fast facts to help you make a quick choice. To summarize some of the most important info about picking the best treadmill, we’ve shared some of the most frequently asked questions; if you skip everything else, read this:
What is the best treadmill to use at home?
We choose the ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill as the best treadmill for home gyms thanks to its powerful motor, nice range of incline options, and massive HD touchscreen that connects to iFit so you can stream workout classes in a bunch of different modalities. And even though it’s a high-caliber commercial-grade machine, it folds up so it doesn’t completely take over 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. They both offer durable treads with strong horsepower, good incline 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 might find the machine lacks power, durability, or the features that you’d want for a long run or complicated workout. But that might be okay if having a tread in your home makes it easy to run on days you would otherwise skip a workout. “It serves the purpose,” Felsenthal tells SELF. “If you don’t have the time to run outside, I’ve had people just get even a half hour done [on a treadmill].” Everyone has their own personal goals when they hop on a treadmill, and even a cheap machine will allow you to log a solid fitness sesh.
What 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 is best for you comes down to your goals, preferences, and what your body can handle. As SELF previously reported, an elliptical lets you move in one smooth, joint-friendly motion that avoids any of the pounding your joints get with each stride while running. That’s why Ng recommends them to athletes who have pain or discomfort when running. Yet Felsenthal points out that if you’re trying to become a better runner, and you can run without pain, you “could benefit from a treadmill a lot more.” It challenges the specific muscles required to run—like the calves and glutes—and typically, treads have more options to adjust the speed and incline to get in a harder workout.
How long do treadmills last?
Clemente says a quality treadmill can last 10 to 15 years, if you take care of it. Though that lifespan can be a double-edged sword. “They’re still working, they’re running, and they actually still look like they’re in good condition,” she says. “But they may not have all the newest [features] like digital screens.” Know that when you get a treadmill, you’re making a commitment for the long run.
