Treadmills

A proven calorie-burning machine, a treadmill is the perfect cardiovascular addition to any home gym, and at Fitness Superstore our treadmill range is unmatched. The treadmill you choose ultimately depends on your individual requirements, so it’s important to identify your goals before you purchase - whether that’s to lose weight, to recover from an injury or to train for an event - so you know in confidence that you’re buying the treadmill that’s right for you.

TYPES OF TREADMILLS

Folding Treadmills

Ideal for those short on space, a folding treadmill delivers all the benefits of a home running machine with the added bonus of saving valuable floor space. Once you’ve finished your run, simply lift the treadmill deck up towards the console to lock it in to place and halve the machine’s footprint. On certain models of folding treadmills, this process is automated, meaning it’s incredibly easy for just one person to operate, and reduces the risk of any injury or damage occurring. What’s more, folding treadmills are much easy to clean around and underneath than other alternatives.

Non-Folding Treadmills

More stable than a folding treadmill, a non-folding treadmill is built to withstand more intense usage. Often featuring high powered motors and larger decks, they are ideal for longer or faster runs, and often boast a higher maximum weight capacity too. Being larger units, a non-folding treadmill is a wise choice for home gyms with a little more floor space, but some models have the added benefit of in-built transport wheels to move the treadmill around easily if needed.

Commercial Treadmills

Popular in health clubs and gyms worldwide, commercial treadmills are designed to stand up to constant, intense use all day, every day. Incredibly durable, commercial treadmills allow you to walk, jog or sprint at high speeds on a larger running deck that accommodates all users.

Desk Treadmills

The desk treadmill is a revolutionary machine that removes the negative effects of a sedentary work life by allowing you to exercise your body whilst you work. Desk treadmills look very much like standard running machines, but they have an integrated desktop which can easily hold your computer, laptop or tablet.

TREADMILL BENEFITS

• Less impact on joints
  

  Running on a treadmill reduces the impact on your bones and joints, compared to running on pavements or road surfaces. To further reduce the impact, you may choose to purchase a running machine with an orthopaedic belt or additional cushioning.

• Reduced stress
  

  During cardio exercise, endorphins are released into your bloodstream. This release of endorphins produces a natural high, which in turn relieves stress.

• Improved cardiovascular endurance
  

  Exercise of any kind will increase your energy levels, and running is one of the best forms of exercise to help increase your overall energy.

• Increased lung capacity
  

  Running will help improve your lung capacity, making you stronger and healthier.

• Increased bone density
  

  The impact of running on a treadmill causes the body to increase the density of weight bearing bones, in an effort to accommodate the stress of the activity.

• Increased calorie burn
  

  Running is a weight bearing exercise, which means it burns more calories in comparison to rowing machines or exercise bikes.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TREADMILL

• Measure your workout space
  

  It’s imperative that the treadmill you buy fits comfortably into your allocated space. Measure the length, width and height of the available area and keep this handy when browsing treadmills. When measuring, make sure you allow extra space for mounting and dismounting. We recommend a 2ft clearance each side, 130mm at the front and at least 3ft at the back. Don’t forget that your treadmill will need to be located close to a power point.

• Running area
  

  We recommend a 51cm/20” wide belt for runners. In terms of length, at least 140cm/55” is advised for runners, while 127cm/50” will be sufficient for walkers. The longer and wider the belt, the more room for natural running fluctuation, wider strides and general comfort.

• Motor size
  

  Motor size should be at least 1.5 continuous horsepower (CHP). We recommend 2.5 CHP+ if you will be running or jogging regularly on the treadmill. If you’re all for high intensity, you’ll definitely want to opt for a higher motor size (3.0 or above). Generally, a quieter motor indicates a more powerful machine. 

• Speed and incline
  

  We recommend a speed limit of at least 16km/h (10mph) for runners. We suggest adding a couple of km/h to your regular running speed to keep up with you as you progress. Incline (gradient) is a fantastic feature on treadmills as this is a simple way to add resistance, target different muscle groups and reduce impact on your joints. Most treadmills offer a decent incline range. The wider range, the more intense a workout it offers.

• Cushioning and stability
  

  Track cushioning helps to protect your joints from impact. Compared to road running, a cushioned treadmill reduces impact by up to 40%, decreasing chances of injury and improving stamina. The sign of good cushioning is when a treadmill doesn’t shake, wobble or vibrate when in use. Most treadmills have good cushioning, while some advanced treadmills now feature variable cushioning, which delivers firm support on push off and cushioning for landing. ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills use external springs and have an internal elastometer. With every step taken, the deck relieves impact and propels you to your next step, providing not only impact absorption but energy return.

• Programmes/Apps
  

  Most treadmills have built in workout programmes to mix up your training and support different workout goals. Examples would be interval training, hill climbing or even custom workouts that you create yourself. Ideal for the more adventurous runner, more and more treadmills are starting to offer advanced workout options, such as virtual interactive training and access to online apps. These allow for more advanced progress tracking and limitless workouts. The more variety, generally the higher price the treadmill. Some examples include: 
   
• iFit: compatible with select NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills, iFit allows you to define your fitness goals and download a personalised 8-week training programme. Monitoring your nutrition, exercise, sleep and activity, iFit creates a tailored daily programme to maximise your training and health. Experience individualised, virtual workouts lead by the world's best trainers in the comfort of your own home gym.
• LFconnect: compatible with certain Life Fitness treadmills, the LFconnect app allows Apple and Android devices to track your progress, access personalized, tailored workouts, and serves as an in-workout display on your treadmill.
• Kettler World Tours 2.0/S-Fit App: compatible with select Kettler treadmills, the World Tours 2.0 module allows you to access virtual training and download virtual tours, while the S-Fit App offers three different modes – FUN, CHALLENGE and EXPERT.
• Explore the World: track time, distance, speed calories and heart rate, all while virtually traveling the globe and training in exotic locations on select Bowflex, Schwinn Fitness or Nautilus treadmill.
• SOLE Fitness App: keep track of your workout across three different display screens on your device, easily switching back and forth from the workout to view the internet, social media and emails. When your workout is finished, the data is automatically uploaded to your personal calendar for future reference. Compatible with select SOLE treadmills only.

• Weight capacity
  

  Never forget this crucial factor. We recommend choosing a treadmill that can handle about 20kg more than your own weight. This will ensure you don’t strain the motor. 

TREADMILL ACCESSORIES

Floor mats: Place under your treadmill for stability and to protect your floors from wear, as well as perspiration.

Heart rate monitors and belts: some treadmills offer wireless heart rate monitoring. Belts can be added for even more accurate readings. Alternatively, you can buy a heart rate monitor.

Advanced programming: modules can be purchased for additional workout programmes (select brands and models).

Why buy your treadmill from Fitness Superstore?

• We stock more treadmills than anyone else in the UK.
• You can try before you buy - and get expert advice from our in-store advisors - at any one of our 11 UK showrooms.
• We offer a range of payment options, including interest free finance and buy now, pay later schemes. You can find more information on our finance options page.
• Fastest delivery – many of our treadmills are available for next day or Saturday delivery, and you can even choose your delivery date
• Installation service available: All treadmills do come with instruction manuals, but we do offer an installation service for selected models. For more information call us on 01604 673000.
• 14-day Price Promise: Our 14-day Price Promise guarantees that you purchase a treadmill at the lowest price. If you subsequently find the same like-for-like product at a lower price, we will refund 110% of the difference immediately.
• Second hand and ex-display options: As well as brand new, we also have a small selection of second hand and ex-display treadmills available to purchase and pick-up from our store locations. For more information see our ex-display list of treadmills or contact us on 01604 673000