Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for people of all ages. It can help us maintain a healthy weight, prevent medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It strengthens bones and muscles. It can improve mood, balance and coordination. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that more people are starting to walk.
The only problem with walking is that you can’t always do it outside. Since fitness experts recommend 30 minutes of walking each day, unless walkers have a gym membership, they can’t do it. Fortunately, there is an easy way to solve the problem – buy a treadmill.
Not all treadmills are created equal. With so many treadmills on the market today, it can be difficult to find the best one for your walks.
Since you will walk on the treadmill, there’s no need to pay the extra money for one that is for runners. Treadmills with a 3.0 CHP motor is sufficient for walkers. There are even some models that can give you the power you need with only a 2.5 CHP motor.
While motor capacity is a big factor when deciding on a treadmill, you also want to consider speed and incline. Max speed is what you’ll want to make sure your treadmill can achieve. Some people may want one that can provide 10 mph, while others may want one with the ability to provide 12 mph. The incline provides more muscle strengthening, but it’s not for everyone. If you don’t feel you will be using the incline to certain levels or at all, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a treadmill that only incline slightly or not at all. Just be careful not to choose the least expensive model you can find because then can be made with low quality materials, which can give you a short lifespan.
Other factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a treadmill is max user weight, the size of the treadmill, and the brand. Some models may be too big for the space you have available in your home, or they may shake when the speed is too high. The best way to know if a particular treadmill will stand the test of time and your workout is to read reviews online.
When you read a review online about a particular treadmill, you will be able to see what other people’s experiences were with it. This can help you determine if the one you’re considering on purchasing will provide you everything you need for your walks.
Walking Treadmills
To get started on your research for the best walking treadmills, here are some of the ones that have been identified as good ones for walkers.
Horizon Fitness Elite T7 – This treadmill has a 2.75 CHP motor with 42 workout programs. It has an extra wide blue LCD console, so you can monitor how you are doing during your walk. The average price of it is $1,500.
Matrix TF50 – This treadmill has a 3.25 CHP motor with a max user weight of 400 lbs. It can handle speeds up to 12.5 mph, and can incline up to 15%. The average price is $2,699.
ProForm PRO 2000 – This treadmill has a powerful 3.5 CHP motor with 32 workout programs. It comes with great warranties, which can give you peace of mind in this investment.
NordicTrack C1650 – This treadmill also has a 3.5 CHP motor, but comes with 24 workout programs. With the built in Internet browser, you can walk and browse the Internet on the 7 inch screen.
NordicTrack C990 – This treadmill is perfect for walkers because it has a 3.0 CHP motor. With goal-oriented workouts, walkers can hit goals easily with the heart rate, pace, distance and time monitors. This particular model features a tablet holder, so you can access your files, music, and apps while you’re exercising.
SOLE F63 – For those of you who have a tight budget, this may adequate with the price tag being less than $1,000. It comes with a 3.0 CHP motor, 10 workout programs, and the ability to create 2 custom workouts. It also has an audio port and built-in speakers to play music while you walk.
Freemotion 860 – This treadmill has a unique feature. It has a decline feature, so you can go downhill as long as uphill. The incline and decline ranges from -3% to 15%. The seven-inch color touch display has an Android browser built into it for the Internet. The motor is 3.8 CHP, which makes it powerful enough for walkers and runners. Max user weight is 375 pounds and the belt measures 22 inches wide and 60 inches long. It comes with 34 workout apps, so there’s plenty of options for a great workout.
Types of Walking Treadmills
Treadmill manufacturers design treadmills for people of all levels and lifestyles. As you research walking treadmills, you will notice there are three different types:
- Budget Folding Treadmills
- Folding Treadmills
- Non-Folding Treadmills
The budget folding treadmills will be the least expensive, but they may not provide enough room for walking and the features you would like to have while walking. It has the shortest running belt compared to the folding and non-folding treadmills. This can be an issue for people who have wide strides. Many of them include a display for speed, distance, time, and calories burned. This is all many people want for tracking their workouts. Most budget folding treadmill models do not include the chest strap for heart-rate monitoring. The folding treadmill is great for small spaces. It can fold up to be placed against a wall to free up room. It’s also good for people who travel or would like to take their treadmill with them to different places, such as a friend’s house. Most of them come with exercise programs and heart rate controls, along with all of the features included in budget folding treadmills. Non-folding treadmills offer a sturdier deck and long running belt. It’s perfect for walkers with a wide stride. These come with the most features such as heart rate controls, max speeds, steeper inclines, and higher max user weight.
Research, Read, and Review
Buying a treadmill is an investment in your health. Some people say if you don’t use the money now on being active, you’ll use it later on medical bills.
Use TreadmillReviews.com to get the information you need when purchasing a treadmill for walking. You will find honest answers to your questions here just by reading about the experiences of others.