The treadmill is arguably one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment out there. Gyms are typically lined with several rows of treadmills and they usually are never empty. Most of the time, gym-goers start and end their workout sessions with a good ol’ run in the mill. It’s no surprise then that it is also one of the most sought-after pieces of home exercise equipment. Having your own treadmill at home gives you more options for exercise, especially when the weather is keeping you from going out or you simply don’t have time to hit the gym.
The treadmill is the ultimate fitness upgrade for your home. But to help you choose from the myriad of options available, here are 5 major things you should consider when buying a treadmill.
1. Size Matters
It goes without saying that the treadmill you buy should fit in your home or whichever part of the house you plan to put it in. If you want something that you can easily stow away when not in use, you might want to invest on a foldable one. But our advice is to have the measurements of your designated workout area ready prior to buying a treadmill.
If you do not have a lot of space, a slim option is the JK Exer Cheer 465 Treadmill (original price: P38,990; sale price: P31,192).
2. Budget, budget, budget
For most, budget is the number one consideration when buying a piece of exercise equipment. As with anything you spend your money on, it’s important to get the best from what you can spare. Thanks to technological advancements, finding a quality treadmill that will last a long time need not be too expensive.
The Core BT-60 Treadmill (original price: P34,995; sale price: P19,995) is one of the best-selling treadmills at Toby’s Sports. With a 1.50HP motor, a 40x120cm running surface, and a 2-position manual incline, the Core BT-60 Treadmill is ideal for both walkers and joggers who like a challenging workout without breaking the bank.
Motor: Optimal 1.50 HP I Elevation: Manual 2 Levels I Maximum User Weight: 100 kgs. I Speed Range: 1-12 kph. I Running Deck: 40 x 120 cm.
3.Think Motor
Looking to get the longest life out of your home treadmill? Better do your research on motors, which controls the belt drive and the inclination in most treadmills. The faster you go, the more powerful the motor needs to be, so if you plan to use it mainly for walking and occasional running, then you might not need to go beyond a continuous duty motor of 1.5 horsepower. But if you plan to run frequently, then it is best to go for a treadmill with continuous duty motor of 2.5-3.0 horsepower.
The Sole F63 Treadmill (original price: P104,995; sale price: P84,000) is one of the best and most versatile in its price range. It has a 3.0 continuous duty horsepower motor that can get you up to 16 kph and a running deck that can tilt up to 15%. It also provides shock absorption that greatly reduces impact on the feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine, making it comfortable for frequent runners or for users with running- and walking-related injuries. It also consistently wins in head-to-head comparison tests for premium treadmills.
Motor: 3.0 HP I Incline Range: 0-15 Levels I Maximum User Weight: 150 kgs. I Speed Range: 1-18 kph. I Running Deck: 10 x 1,525 mm. I Workout Programs: Manual, 5 Programs, 2 Users, 2 HRC
4. Features
Do you want a treadmill that lets you connect to all your gadgets? Or are you just after one that measures your heart rate, no muss no fuzz? Knowing what features you want or need from your treadmill is important, so you don’t overspend on features you know you will end up not using.
The Sole F80 2016 Treadmill (original price: P 132,995; sale price: P106,380) has all the important features you need. It has a strong 3.5 continuous duty horsepower motor that delivers challenging speeds up to 18 kph and inclines up to 15%. When not in use, the treadmill deck safely locks into place, 100% secured. It has a built-in Bluetooth 4.0 module that allows you to pair it with your Android and iOS devices and the Sole Fitness App. You can also track your workout progress, record and access your exercise data and workout plans. Additional features include cooling fans and speed and incline controls on the arm rests.
Motor: 3.5 HP I Incline Range: 0-15 Levels I Maximum User Weight: 150 kgs. I Speed Range: 1-12 kph. I Running Deck: 20x60 in. with CushionFlex Suspension I HRC I Display: Speed, Incline, Time, Distance, Calories, Pulse, Pace
5. Guaranteed Service and Parts
Unless you’re a mechanic and is very much skilled to open up and dissect your own treadmill, having proper warranty and motor service is important. Used treadmills of course do not offer such service, so always buy new and from a trusted retailer that offer at least 6 months warranty on parts and 1 year for motor and service.
As the leading sports retailer in the Philippines, Toby’s Sports offers warranty for all its exercise equipment with an expertly-trained after sales team that provides fast home service. They have a centralized service center (located in their HQ no less) for all the exercise equipment brands they carry, so you won’t need to look for service centers per brand. And they are fully-stocked with critical replacement parts. Each of their 53 stores nationwide also has designated exercise equipment specialists that can not only help you maintain your treadmill, but can also provide you with fitness tips for getting the most out of your equipment. Now that’s a bonus.
