Treadmills: What to Know Before Buying Plus 6 of the Best for 2019 – Men’s health UK

If you prefer working out at home, buying a decent treadmill can be a sensible choice and a sound investment in the name of improved fitness. Even if you’re a dedicated runner who swears by the benefits of outdoor training — of which there are many — a treadmill can be a game changer when the mercury drops and winter kicks in.

That said, not all treadmills are created equally. You’ll want to take time to consider what you need from your treadmill. For example, how many people will use it? Where will it go? How much noise is too much? How much can you spend?

Below, we explore all of this and more to help you identify a treadmill that will transform your fitness on the cheap. Take a step this way.

Budget

Needless to say, there’s a huge price range to play with when it comes to finding a treadmill, with some online retailers offering a cheap treadmill for a slice over £200. On the flip-side, there are treadmills retailing for north of £10,000. We won’t feature either price point here, but be sure to consider what you’re willing to part with for your treadmill. Generally speaking, you’ll get more features with a higher budget — machines over £1000, for example, will usually feature app connectivity and customisable training features.

Functionality

Take a moment to consider how you need your treadmill to operate. Folding treadmills, for example, are incredibly handy for those with limited space or who want to keep things tidy. However, they may offer a limited belt size and speed.

(Related: The ultimate treadmill workout to burn fat and build muscle)

Similarly, do you need an all-singing, all-dancing treadmill displaying hundreds of training variables, or will you be perfectly happy with two toggles for speed and incline? Measure the space available to see if it will fit the treadmill in both folded and unfolded states and if you need to manoeuvre the equipment around. Measure twice, buy once.

Belt Size

For running, the treadmill’s moving belt should be at least 48 inches (121cm) long and 18 inches (45cm) wide. If, however, you’re over 6ft and have a long gait, opt for a 52-inch (132cm) to 54-inch (137cm).

Speed and Features

Will you need a heart rate monitor and customisable workouts, or just a moving belt, safety features and a few toggles? Some treadmills that we’ve featured below come with Bluetooth connectivity, HIIT workouts and ZWIFT functionality, but each option can be matched to your budget and expectations.

(Related: The best men’s running trainers for 2019)

Incline

Running on an incline will help you make the most out of your training. Similarly, decline options help similar outdoor conditions — particularly suitable if trail running is your bag.