Posted: June 26, 2006

Running: Advice on Buying a Treadmill for Runners

By Fred Waters

As a fellow runner, one of the most frustrating experiences is when you cannot run due to inclement weather, including rain, snow, heat and cold. That is when a treadmill becomes an excellent alternative to running outdoors. When you have access to a treadmill you will find that your running routine will never be interrupted by Mother Nature.

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a treadmill, especially if it will be used primarily for running or jogging.

How Much Should You Spend?

As a runner you will need to purchase at least a moderately priced treadmill. Sorry, the Wal-Mart, Sports Authority, Target specials won’t cut it. They are neither built for the rigors of running, or for extensive use.

You need a treadmill that is built to take an excessive beating. It doesn’t need to be commercial quality, but it still must withstand the constant impact of running. A treadmill must absorb as much as 2.5 times the weight of a runner with every stride. Multiple that by tens of thousands of strides and that is considerable abuse. Therefore you want a treadmill that can handle continual impact.

I recommend you spend at least $1,500 for a treadmill primarily used for jogging, and $2,000 or more for a good running treadmill. If you are a competitive runner you should start looking at some of the top brands like Landice, Precor and True.

What Will You Use the Treadmill For?

Price is not only a factor when considering a treadmill. Depending on how you plan to use the machine, you want a treadmill with the specs and features that will help you attain your goals.

Casual joggers who are of average height can get by with a treadmill that has a 20” x 54” running surface. Runners who are into interval training should consider a treadmill with a longer deck. Depending on your height, you want one that is at least 56”-58”. You’ll find with shorter decks you feel like you are about to fall off the end.

You also need an adequate motor. You gauge a motor by the horsepower of the continuous duty, not peak horsepower. Peak horsepower is the maximum horsepower a treadmill can reach. Continuous-duty horsepower is a measure of sustained power during regular use. The continuous motor power is what is consistently delivered during heavy usage, over an extended period of time.

Joggers should consider a minimum 2.5 hp continuous duty, while runners want to consider a minimum of 3.0 hp continuous duty. Also weight is an important factor. The more you weigh the more strain on the motor. You want a treadmill with a motor that can adequately accommodate the extent of your training and your weight.

It should be noted like cars not all treadmill motors are of equivalent quality. And since there are no real standards, manufacturers often exaggerate the continuous duty horsepower. Stay with well known brands that have a good reputation, and you should get an adequate motor.

Other Factors to Consider:

What are your short-term and potentially long-term goals? If you are a casual jogger, but have a desire to compete in marathons, buy a machine that will accommodate your future fitness training.

If there are going to be multiple users you will need an upgraded machine to handle the additional strain. You don’t need a commercial model, but you need a treadmill built to handle numerous hours of usage per week.

What features are desirable? I personally like to control the intensity of my treadmill workouts manual. But others prefer the challenges provided by numerous programs, including interval training. Another feature that is extremely popular is heart rate control. By controlling the intensity of your workout by your heart rate you can optimize your exercising. The combination of heart rate control with interval training is becoming very popular for competitive runners.

Warranties Reflect Quality

One last suggestion, that is extremely important, is to purchase a treadmill that has a reasonable warranty. Warranties are a statement about the quality of the machine. A manufacturer could not back a treadmill with an extensive warranty if it is poorly built and constructed with cheap component. They would go broke. I recommend you purchase a treadmill with a minimum 5 year motor, 2 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.

These are just a few guidelines that are important when purchasing a treadmill for running. Buying the right treadmill NOW will prevent you from have to buy again in the near future.

Fred Waters worked in the treadmill industry for a number of years. He is the author of the Treadmill Ratings and Reviews web site, where you will find reviews on over 90 popular treadmills.

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