Treadmills

Treadmills are designed with a motor-driven belt that loops around the base of the machine. When switched on, the belt moves in a continuous loop that allows a person to walk or run while remaining in the same position. There are different designs of treadmills and all of them feature adjustable speeds so a person can move as slow or fast as they like. Some treadmills can also be adjusted to create an incline that mimics the effects of walking or running uphill. 

To learn more about how treadmills were developed, read our blog article about the history of a treadmill. 

Who should buy a Treadmill?

Treadmills are the ideal exercise machine for a home gym and help many people achieve their fitness goals in the comfort of their own home. They are the perfect exercise equipment for: 

• People who are busy: Many people want to exercise but don’t have the time or energy to leave their house before or after work. Treadmills are great for these people and make it easy to squeeze in exercise at a time that is convenient. Unlike running or going for a walk, treadmill exercise can stop at any point and the user doesn’t have to complete a route or return to the starting position. They also don’t require the time commitment or energy required to travel to a gym. 
• People who need to exercise from home: Some people are unable to leave their homes to go to the gym or exercise outdoors. They may be parents with small children or carers who need to stay home to look after somebody. Treadmills help these people reach their fitness goals without having to leave the house. 
• People who live in extreme climates: Whether it’s scorching hot summers or icy cold winters, treadmills allow people to exercise all year round without letting the weather stop them. They can be used day or night, in hot weather or cold weather, when it’s snowing and when it’s raining. 
• People who find it boring to exercise: Some people love exercise and others can barely get through it. Treadmills can make exercise easier as they allow you to walk or run while watching television, listening to your favourite music, or chatting with friends on the phone. This makes the time pass quicker!
• People who want to exercise in private: Outdoor exercise does not suit everyone. Some people feel uncomfortable running outdoors or in a gym in front of other people. Treadmills offer these people a way to stay fit from the comfort and safety of their own homes, without having to exercise in public. 
• People who want to lose weight: Treadmills make it easy and convenient to walk, jog, or run anytime. As a result, they can be the perfect tool in helping people burn calories and achieve weight loss and fitness goals. Whether you're using the treadmill to walk, jog, or run, you will be able to burn excess calories while also improving the health of your heart and lungs. 
• People who want to save money: Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of equipment at the gym. If you’re paying gym fees and mostly using the treadmill while there, you could save yourself money over time by investing in a treadmill for your home. Treadmills last several years and can be used by multiple people in the same household. 

What are the types of treadmills?

There are a range of treadmills available that differ in features, size, sturdiness, and function. These are the two main treadmill types:

Electric treadmills

Also known as motorised treadmills, these are the most popular type of treadmill you will find in home gyms. An electric treadmill can be adjusted for different speeds and some also adjust your pace automatically based on how you are performing. Most electric treadmills include an incline feature that makes your walk or run more challenging. Some even include a decline feature that mimics going downhill. 

A more high-end electric treadmill will include extra features such as LCD screens that display your metrics, including calories burnt or distances covered. Some even include speakers and Bluetooth compatibility so you can make phone calls, listen to podcasts, or jam to your favourite playlist. 

Magnetic treadmills

Also known as manual treadmills, these types do not have a motor and are propelled by the walking or running action of the person using them. As a result, they do not move at a consistent speed. Most magnetic treadmills have a slight incline to make it easier to build momentum and get the belt moving, however this makes the experience different to walking or jogging and it can take some getting used to. Many people consider magnetic treadmills to be a tougher workout since the machine is powered solely on the movement of the user. This makes them more difficult to use, particularly for beginners.  

Magnetic treadmills are the cheapest to buy but do not include the features found in electric treadmills, such as screens or adjustable speeds. They still include many benefits, however. Magnetic treadmills tend to be smaller and lighter than an electric treadmill and are usually designed to easily be folded up for storage. They are also more environmentally friendly since they do not require any electricity to operate. 

How to choose a home treadmill?

It can be challenging to choose the right home treadmill with such a range out there. To make it easier to search for the right treadmill, follow these guidelines: 

Consider how much space you have 

The first thing you should do before buying a treadmill for your home is think about how much space you have. Some treadmills are bulkier and take up more space than others. Consider where you will be placing the treadmill and measure that space to have an exact idea of how much you can fit. If you want to buy a treadmill that can be folded up, measure your storage space and find one that fits into that size. 

Be real about your workouts

It can be easy to get lost in the range of features available, so take some time to be honest about how you will use your treadmill. Will you be using it just for walking or will you be exercising heavily? Do you want different workout programs or are you happy to go at your own pace? If you plan on exercising heavily then you want a treadmill with a higher powered motor. If tracking your progress is a priority then look for a treadmill with a screen that displays metrics. If you plan only walking, you can save money and buy a smaller treadmill with a shorter track. Be truthful about your needs and don’t invest in fancy features if they’re just going to sit there unused. 

Plan your budget

The final step is to consider how much you can spend. Treadmills are available in a range of price points, so searching will be easier if you plan your budget before you start looking. 

What do you need to know before buying treadmills online

If you are buying a treadmill online, you want to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some things to consider before buying a treadmill online:  

The weight of the owner

Some treadmills can hold more weight than others. Typically, a more sturdy and robust treadmill will be marketed as able to hold more weight. This is called the weight rating. Cheaper treadmills may have a weight limit of 90-130 kg while stronger ones can hold up to 225 kgs. This is all based on the thickness of the treadmill deck. Before buying a treadmill, check the weight rating to ensure it is able to hold your weight. 

Max speed

Different treadmills have a range of maximum speeds. If you plan on walking, you will likely be OK with a treadmill that has a lower maximum speed. If you plan on running on your treadmill, you want to go for one that has a maximum speed of 15 kph or higher. 

Exercise programs

Treadmills come with a range of different programs that can heighten your workout and make it more challenging. Be aware that not all treadmills will offer the same type of workouts, so it's worth checking the details of a program before you buy a treadmill. Types of programs include speed-based programs, which change speed intermittently or incline-based programs which change the incline to mimic running through hills. Some treadmills have both of these. Other programs you might find on a treadmill include heart rate control, which allows you to train at particular heart rates. Some newer treadmills even include a Google Maps feature that allows you to go for a 'virtual run' anywhere in the world, with scenery and hills to match! 

Max incline

If you want to use your treadmill for weight loss, be sure to take into account the maximum incline. Most home treadmills have a maximum incline of 10-20% while others can have a maximum of 40%. Going for a treadmill with an incline in the higher range means you can burn more calories throughout your exercise.  

What is the Difference Between a Commercial and Home Treadmill?

Commercial treadmills are designed for high frequency use in public gyms, health clubs, and physio clinics. Because they are made for constant use, they differ from home treadmills in many ways, including material, build, durability, functionality, and size. These are some differences between commercial and home treadmills:

Size & weight 

Commercial treadmills are much heavier and more difficult to move around than home treadmills. They're designed to be set in one location, which may be impractical for a home gym setup. You will be hard-pressed to find a commercial treadmill that has the ability to fold up and be stored away like some home treadmills. That said, the heavier frame of a commercial treadmill makes it much sturdier and safer for use as it's less likely to shake or be knocked over while in use. 

Running belt

Commercial treadmills have a longer and wider running belt than home treadmills. This gives you more space to run which means you can do more intense workouts and use a wider stride. Most commercial treadmills also have higher quality running belts designed for extra comfort, grip, and joint protection, though high-end home treadmills will also have these features. 

Durability

Commercial treadmills are designed for continuous, long use by several different users. As a result, they are more durable than home treadmills. This doesn't mean that a home treadmill is inferior. Because it gets less use, it can last much longer than a commercial treadmill.  

Treadmills - where to buy them?

You can buy a treadmill from a gym and sports shop or specialist treadmill suppliers. Treadmill suppliers will have a more varied range of treadmills and be able to better advise you on your shopping needs. 

We are an online treadmill store and our customers enjoy fast shipping and delivery  on all our products across Australia:

• Treadmills For Sale Adelaide
• Treadmills For Sale Brisbane
• Treadmills For Sale Canberra
• Treadmills For Sale Central Coast
• Treadmills For Sale Gold Coast
• Treadmills For Sale Melbourne
• Treadmills For Sale Perth
• Treadmills For Sale Sydney

Browse through our categories to view our treadmill collection. For any questions about our stock, feel free to contact our team through the website.  

What exercise programs do I need?

Many treadmills are equipped with in-built exercise programs that make it easy to follow a routine. The type of program you need will depend on your goals, for example, if you wish to enhance your fitness or lose weight. 

One type of popular treadmill exercise program uses high-interval intensity training or HIIT. This involves alternating between a slow jog and a fast sprint. This kind of exercise allows runners to get more out of a workout in a shorter amount of time. Again, the type of exercise programs will depend on your brand of treadmill. You can also manually customise programs yourself by changing the settings during your workout. 

Is a treadmill good for any fitness levels?

Because cardio equipment treadmills can be adjusted from a gentle, slow walk to a fast sprint they are the ideal exercise equipment for people of all fitness levels and all ages. One of the main benefits of using a treadmill is the ability to adjust the exercise as you increase your strength and endurance. That means a beginner can use a treadmill just for walking, and as they start to build strength and endurance, can increase their pace to jog and run when they feel able. To learn more, check out our article on treadmill exercise for any level.

People of all ages can use treadmills if they do so carefully. For more information on what to look for, read our guide on how to choose a treadmill for seniors. 

What can you do during exercise on a treadmill?

One of the advantages of treadmills is that you can multitask while exercising. Here are some ideas for passing the time during your treadmill workout: 

• Listen to music
• Chat on the phone to friends and family
• Watch TV
• Read a book or listen to an audiobook
• Listen to a podcast or radio
• Send a voice note to a friend

You can also easily hop onto your treadmill while you wait for your food to cook or coffee to brew. 

What are the disadvantages of treadmills?

There are many benefits to using a treadmill however there are also some disadvantages to be aware of before you make a purchase: 

Stress on joints

Although treadmills have some cushioning, using them to run can still be a high-impact activity for the joints. If you have weak or sore hips, knees, or ankles, be careful with running on a treadmill and take breaks when you need to. 

Take up space

Treadmills require a good amount of space, and if you don’t have a dedicated area, it can be bulky. There are types that fold up and can be stored away, however these versions may lack the features you are looking for. 

Maintenance

Owning a treadmill requires maintenance such as lubrication every three months. If something goes wrong, it is difficult to repair them on your own and they will require professional help. 

Noise

Because of the motor and the belt, treadmills make a fair amount of noise when in use. This is a disadvantage to some, especially people who live with others who may not tolerate the noise well. 

Use less muscles

Because the treadmill is propelled by a motor, you use less muscles than you would by running outdoors (namely your hamstrings and glutes). An alternative option is to add some outdoor running from time to time. 

Treadmills For Sale - Summary

If you’re looking for a convenient way to exercise without leaving your home, treadmills are a great way to stay in shape. They not only offer cardiovascular exercise but can also assist in toning your entire body and losing weight. Give yourself the gift of good health and buy a home treadmill to keep you motivated, fit, and healthy - delivered anywhere in Australia and in stock now.

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