Top 3 Tips to Picking Out a Treadmill + a Great HIIT Workout

A great HIIT workout isn’t great without a treadmill that can properly cater to your needs. All treadmills are different, and some are better than others. When you’re picking out a treadmill that works best for you, there are many factors you have to consider, such as size, the special features (i.e., “bells and whistles”) and how much you want to spend. 

1.) Size

One vital factor in choosing a treadmill is the size. Where do you plan on keeping your treadmill? Treadmills come in many sizes, and if the treadmill doesn’t fit, it will create a tight space where you could be uncomfortable or unable to work out in. Measure the space where you’re considering putting the treadmill, and then measure the treadmills you want. This will help you figure out which treadmill best fits in your home. Once you find a treadmill with a good size for the amount of space you have, it’s important to consider the width of the running belt. You don’t want the running belt to be too wide or not wide enough. With the width of the running belt, you should also consider the amount of headroom you have while on your treadmill. You may need to take your height into account to make sure that you fit on your treadmill inside your house. You don’t want to be hitting the ceiling while you’re running on the treadmill!

2.) Special Features

What are the “bells and whistles” that are most important to you when it comes to your treadmill?  The amount of inclination also can help you figure out if the treadmill is what you want. It is good to check that the treadmill inclines if you want a more steep run, or if it doesn’t incline as much if you are not a fan of working out in a steeper environment. Technology is also an important feature to consider when choosing a treadmill as some treadmills are more technologically advanced than others. If you want your phone to connect to the treadmill or for the treadmill to show heart rate and miles per hour, you might want to consider a more tech savvy treadmill that is newer. Similar to technology, you may also want to consider if the treadmill has the ability to hold your water bottle or book, as the feature is also important for enjoyment while running. Having a water bottle holder to one person is just as important as Bluetooth may be for another person. This is why both are vital to consider when picking a treadmill. One final aspect to take into account is the amount of noise the treadmill makes when turned on or while in use. A more quiet treadmill may be necessary in a townhouse, apartment, or condo, while a louder treadmill could be tolerated in a house farther away from neighbors.

3.) Price

Finally, what is your treadmill budget? Price may very well be the most important factor as the treadmill of your liking must also fit your price range. It’s important to set a maximum price to spend on a treadmill so you aren’t caught overspending. Along with the price of the treadmill, there is also price for guarantees or warranties. You may want to pay attention to this when purchasing in case your treadmill breaks or stops working, the warranty could save you a lot of money if you are willing to put in an extra amount now. If you aren’t big on warranties, you could buy the treadmill used or refurbished as a way to save some money. If the treadmill you’re buying is brand new, see if you can rent it to test it out before making the actual purchase. This could also go along with the guarantee if the treadmill has a 30-day money back guarantee. 

Need help selecting the best treadmill for you? Check out ConsumersAdvocate.org for a comprehensive comparison and review of some of the top treadmills on the market.

20-Minute Treadmill HIIT Workout

Who says a treadmill can’t offer a great HIIT workout?! Try this workout the next time you want to get your heart rate going:

1. Start with a 5-minute jog at a reasonably steady pace to warm-up and get your muscles ready to go.
2. At the 5-minute mark, choose your “high-intensity speed” (aim for 10.0) and sprint at that speed for a minute.
3. Select your rest speed and walk at rest speed for 30 seconds.
4. Repeat the sprint at the highest intensity you can maintain adding an incline (preferably, 4.0) to mimic normal outdoor running conditions, and follow with 30 seconds of rest and recovery.
5. During recovery, walk at rest speed to lower your heart rate and prepare for the next high-intensity interval sprint.
6. Complete 8 to 10 rounds for a total of 20 minutes, including the workout and recovery.
7. Cool down with a walk at a lower speed for two to three minutes, and stretch it out to avoid cramping.