Dick’s Sporting Goods Treadmills

PINPOINTING YOUR GOALS

If you were to own a treadmill, what would you use it for? If you just want to get some extra walking in, you might be fine with a basic, less-expensive treadmill that gets your legs moving. If you’re interested in running on a treadmill, you’ll want a sturdy machine with a quality motor. And if you want a treadmill that allows you to train for a marathon, it’s a good idea to choose the highest-quality treadmill you can afford.

When shopping, it’s also important to consider the number of people who will use the treadmill. The more users there are, the tougher and more durable the treadmill should be. The reason: putting too much strain on a treadmill motor will cause it to break down sooner than it otherwise would.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Here are the most important product features to evaluate when you’re shopping for a treadmill.

Control panel & interface

Every treadmill has some sort of control panel. It’s up to you to decide which type of control panel suits you best. Some treadmills have built-in color screens that allow you to view your progress in real time. Other treadmills feature simple displays that give basic stats such as distance traveled and pace.

Decide what kinds of controls feel most natural to you, and make sure they are easy to press. Unresponsive buttons could spell trouble when you’re running fast and need to slow down.

Noise output

All treadmills produce some kind of sound. The sturdier the machine, the less rattling there will be. But regardless of which treadmill you buy, be prepared to accept some degree of noisiness from your treadmill. If noise output is one of your top concerns, it’s a good idea to physically test a treadmill so you can hear for yourself how loud it is.

Impact protection

Training on a treadmill puts less stress on your body than outdoor running. The surface is softer than pavement, and it’s more forgiving on the joints. If you’re concerned about protecting your joints from impact, test out a treadmill before you buy it. Most treadmills should provide plenty of shock absorption, but the best way to gauge this is by feel.

Motor

For most at-home treadmill users, a 2.0 continuous-horsepower motor should suffice. Walkers don’t need to worry too much about the motor, but avid runners and those who intend to share the treadmill with multiple people should opt for the most powerful motor they can afford.

It’s also important to take note of the treadmill’s warranty. Make sure there is a warranty for the motor and that it lasts longer than a few years. Along with the electronics, the motor is often one of the first components to fail on a treadmill.

Size

How big or small should your treadmill be? There are compact treadmills available, but they’re not suitable for all people.

For example, taller runners may find that a compact treadmill limits their stride. The length of the belt should accommodate a walker or runner’s stride.

The width of the belt is important, too. You may be tempted to buy whatever treadmill would fit into your intended workout space, but it’s very important that you feel comfortable walking or running on your new equipment.

If space is an issue, there are also great folding treadmill options available. These types of treadmills are ideal for users with limited space.