Buying a treadmill is exciting, especially if it’s your first one! But it can be a hard to decide which one to buy, with so many types, models and brands on the market; it’s hard to know what the best treadmill in South Africa is.
To make it easier, our complete treadmill reviews South Africa's buying guide will help you compare and decide:
Which type of treadmill is best for you?
What’s the difference between each type of treadmill?
What factors do I need to consider when comparing the variety of treadmills in the market?
What is a treadmill?
A treadmill is a static running device that lets you run or walk indoors. They consist of a deck with a belt that turns as you walk to allow for a continuous stride, two arm rests/guards to the sides, and a front console used to monitor performance. The belt moves to the rear of the machine, which forces the user to run or walk at a constant speed to match that of the belt.
Treadmill types: Electric (Motorised) treadmill vs Manual (Magnetic) treadmill
Electric treadmills are powered by a motor that makes the belt move to assist you as you walk or run. When choosing electric, the best treadmills to buy should have adjustable speed and inclines, along with other features such as programmable training programs.
Manual treadmills are muscle-powered and don’t require electricity to operate, making them a good option for locations with no outlets or those who want to keep their electricity bills down.
What to look for in a treadmill
What are good treadmill brands? What should you look for in the best home treadmills in South Africa? Should you consider new or used treadmills for sale?
These are just some of the questions you might be asking yourself, and before you buy one of the newest treadmills for sale in South Africa, you need to know which features to look for.
Buying a treadmill new is the way to go so that you know exactly what you’re getting. This is a serious piece of equipment and buying new ensures you know the complete history and have a manufacturer warranty just in case.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when looking for the perfect treadmill:
Running space – Probably the most important thing to think about. If the belt is too small you’re more likely to trip and you’ll have to shorten your stride which is bad for form and decreases performance.
Smaller people with naturally shorter strides can probably manage with a smaller belt. If you are tall, long-legged or just have a long stride, don’t be tempted to compromise on size to save a little money as you’ll regret it in the long run!
Programs – Easy, one-touch displays and fast response in the console is a must, especially if you do a lot of HIIT or interval training. The ideal treadmill should have adjustable speed and incline as well as plenty of pre-programmed sets so you can press a button and just focus on the stride, rather than pressing buttons and settings.
Horsepower – It seems obvious but the higher the horsepower (HP), the more powerful the motor, and the harder you’ll be able to push your treadmill and therefore yourself! Serious runners should look for a high HP motor.
Frame – Buying something that’s durable and made from high-quality materials is a must. Even better if it’s powder-coated as it’ll mean the machine is more resistant to chipping and scuffing so it looks in top condition for longer.
Shock absorption – Many treadmills come with a shock absorption built into the belt for a softer feel and more organic run.
Heart rate monitoring – Being able to monitor your heart rate is a huge bonus so you can easily stay within the zone you're aiming for.
Safety features – Having a belt or key that’s connected to an emergency stop brake is a great idea, especially if you have kids in the house who might find their way into the room.
Size of treadmill – It sounds obvious but check the footprint of the treadmill and be sure to measure the room you want it to sit in. Don’t forget to leave a little space around the machine too. There’s nothing worse than being squeezed against a wall during your run and having to actively hold in your arms the whole time.
Treadmill terminology:
Manual – a treadmill that you power just by walking on it.
Motorised – an electric treadmill that is powered by a motor and can be set to speed.
Belt – the moving part of the treadmill that you run or walk on.
Programs – pre-programmed workouts that the computer provides.
Display – what you see on the front control panel.
Incline – how steep the belt rises to mimic hills.
Running on a treadmill vs outside
You get more muscle activation outside and burn more energy than you do on a treadmill but you get convenience and all-weather exercise with a treadmill, so what are the benefits of treadmills vs outside?
This piece of equipment can have a solid place in your exercise regime and home gym and can definitely up your game. Not only are they great for those days when the weather is miserable outside, but they allow the chance for a hard cardio session at any time, day or night.
Even more so, they’re great for perfecting form and correcting stride. You’ll be more motivated to run consistent styles like a faster speed or hills with a machine pushing you, and they help create a sense of pace without the need for as much self-motivation as it takes outdoors.
