Thank you to Premium Jane CBD for sponsoring this episode of Run Lift Mom, where I discuss top tips for purchasing a treadmill.
You can use code RUNLIFTMOM for 20% off anything on the site. I love the Citrus Flavored Oil!
In a perfect world, you’d never need to run indoors. This is real life, though. You can’t get a babysitter for every training run.
This is less a “buy this model and brand” article/audio podcast and more a walk through of the features you should consider.
I don’t think the unit I own would work for everyone but I know my considerations during the process will help.
Having been both a consumer and a salesperson in this process, I want to assume you’ve done a few things before walking into a showroom or narrowing down online.
Where will you put it?
First, make sure you measure the space and know you’ve got enough room. You’re not going to want to move that thing twice, and if it arrives and doesn’t fit you’ll be sorry.
Some warranties will not cover a unit that isn’t in a climate controlled space, so read the fine print if you plan to set uo in your garage. There’s nothing like paying an additional $2,000 for an extended warranty only to learn you’ve inadvertently voided it!
Confirm your Budget
Second, have a budget in mind. For a new unit covered by a warranty, you are looking air anywhere from $1500 – $5000. You get what you pay for in a piece like this.
Get your space ready, stay within the bounds of your budget and look for the following features:
1. Continuous duty motor
You want a motor with a “continuous duty” power rating, which means the motor is taken to top level and tested for a long duration.
This is a more accurate measure of motor power and this kind of motor will have a longer life. The term “peak duty” and “treadmill duty” is not the same thing- it means it was taken to top speed in testing and brought right back down rather than being run for an extended period of time.
Most treadmill motors range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP. You will want to look for at least a 2.0 HP continuous duty motor and this should be adequate.
If you run a lot or have multiple users, get a 2.5 HP motor. Our household has 3 regular users, including me (a marathoner) so this is what we needed.
2. Box frame
Look for a high alloy steel or a heavy aluminum treadmill frame that is a “box”, not a “T frame”. This essentially means the frame is stronger and can accommodate heavier users and higher impact.
Steel is the best choice because it is heavier, sturdier and will last the longest. If you need a piece that folds for storage, you may have no choice but aluminum, so double check warranties.
Most quality treadmills offer lifetime frame warranties, but with regular use, your treadmill will require annual service. Look for a warranty with a minimum of 1 year labor and 1 to 3 years for parts on the motor, deck, belt and electronics.
3. Features
Think about the people who will be using the treadmill as you shop features. Match the features, such as a deck presence, to the users.
I mentioned earlier our household and multiple users. Allow me to go deep on that.
We have a flex deck on our treadmill because, as a marathoner who frequently trains indoors, I prefer a harder deck. My Husband and Father in Law prefer a softer deck because they have concerns about their joints.
Most units come with some sort of tablet holder or stand; if not, you can buy it third party. You may not need a large screen on the console itself if you aren’t going to follow in-system workouts.
I encourage you to think about your running habits and make a list of features. Do you like to have a water bottle nearby? Does the console have one? Do you live in a hot climate and need a fan in unit? There are features unique to every runner!
I hope this has helped you with your treadmill research. It’s a big decision and you are worthy of the expense, Mama! I’d love to hear what you got over on Instagram!
The podcast episode associated with this post is made possible by the support of Premium Jane CBD. Use code RUNLIFTMOM at checkout to save 20% off anything, including the Citrus CBD Oil mentioned in the episode.
