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Finding the best treadmill is tough. In a world full of choices for almost any product, treadmills are no exception. There’s a treadmill for every circumstance, and finding the right one can be confusing.
Treadmills have come a long way from their origins. Believe it or not, the first treadmills were a way to get prisoners to work, earning profits for prisons. Victorian era prisoners worked these devices, and their physical labor powered mills and machines. Only later did people start to see other possibilities.
Comparison Table
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1913 brought the first patent for a treadmill that qualified as a medical device. It was only a matter of time before people realized that the treadmill had health benefits. Over time, treadmills became more and more mainstream. In the 1960’s, the company Nautilus was formed. They would go on to change the exercise world forever as they created the Bowflex and an assortment of other exercise machines.
The Different Types of Treadmills
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It can be difficult to determine which type of machine is right for you. In general, there are three different types of treadmills. The manual treadmill is the most difficult to use regarding effort but can also potentially yield some of the highest rewards. As the name suggests, a manual treadmill requires your energy alone to get it moving. The power comes from your muscles, not electricity.
The positives of using the manual treadmill include a higher heart rate (due to the increased effort) and an easier workout on the joints. Plus, these are usually cheaper than the other types. However, manual treadmills aren’t for everybody. Some people want a different type of challenge. And, for them, the best treadmill may be motorized.
Motorized Treadmills
The motorized treadmill is one of the more popular types of treadmills. As the name implies, the motorized treadmill uses an electric motor. While that may sound like less of a challenge, motorized treadmill controls can put that challenge back into your workout and then some.
For example, you can speed up and slow down the pace of the belt. You can also raise and lower the incline. While the manual treadmill is primarily for walking, the motorized treadmill is excellent for running. Not only that, but it’s also more suited for people who want to run and exercise for a long period. Of course, the electricity usage means that running it will cost more than running a manual treadmill.
If neither of these fits your description of the “best treadmill,” then a third option may be just what you’re looking for. And it’s called a hybrid treadmill.
Hybrid Treadmills
Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, a wave of exercises swept through the United States. And the “right” one to use seemingly changed every year. But one of the things that stuck around is the hybrid treadmill. This type of treadmill combines a few elements of different exercise machines for a unique workout.
The elliptical is an example of a hybrid treadmill. An elliptical machine marries a treadmill’s inclines and declines with the motion of biking. Many different companies produce them, and there is a variety to choose from.
Hybrid treadmills can provide increased cardio and a lot of different kinds of exercise. However, they’re the most expensive of the three treadmill types.
How We Reviewed the Best Treadmills
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A variety of choices are available when reviewing products. For treadmills, one of the most popular features to review is the overall quality. Sure, the price is nice, and some cheaper treadmills did make this list. But, the list that follows takes into account features, price, and stability of the product. After all, you don’t want to buy a product that’s going to break down after two weeks of use.
Below are 2018’s best treadmills. Enjoy the list and make sure to do some shopping of your own after reading. A healthy body is a happy body. And, don’t fret if there are too many choices. The best treadmill is only a click away.
Best Manual Treadmills of 2018
Manual treadmills aren’t the most popular types of treadmills. Nonetheless, they still have their following. Three manual treadmills stood out for us. Take a look below and judge for yourself.
[amazon link=”B07BY2MTRD” title=”ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels” /]
[amazon box=”B07BY2MTRD”]
One of the finer manual treadmills on the market today, the Exerpeutic contains a couple of features that propel it into greatness. It has an LCD screen that can track everything from your heart rate to speed and calories. On the practical side, the Exerpeutic has an incline feature. Many manual treadmills don’t have this feature.
We were also impressed by the inclusion of large safety handles on the sides. These reassure the user that, at any age, they’re safe when walking on this treadmill. Two flywheels mean that the user has a more stable exercise on the machine when compared to other machines which use one flywheel.
[amazon link=”B004510DF2″ title=”Stamina InMotion” /]
[amazon box=”B004510DF2″]
Utilizing a couple of interesting elements, this exercise machine is up there when it comes to the best of the best. One of the great features is the non-slip track. When you work out, you sweat. And, if you’re not careful, you can slip. Some treadmill tracks don’t come built with sweat defense in mind. However, you can rest assured that the Stamina InMotion has you covered.
It folds for convenience so that you can place this treadmill practically anywhere. Additionally, it tracks things such as heart rate and calories burned, so you know what you’re getting out of your hard work. It’s one of the best treadmills on the market today. You can find this on Amazon.
[amazon link=”B00NAKNDDI” title=”Fitness Reality TR3000″ /]
[amazon box=”B00NAKNDDI”]
Most manual treadmills are utilized best for walking. While some offer jogging and running, they don’t always quite measure up. The TR3000 does. You can jog and run on this treadmill, and it holds up well under these conditions. Not only can you walk and run on this treadmill, but the belt itself is a bit longer than most other manual treadmill belts. This means a smoother exercise experience.
Featuring three varying degrees of incline, this is simply one of the best treadmills on the market. And, it’s an amazing buy, as the price range varies. The best treadmill doesn’t have to be hard to find. You may have already found it right here.
The Best Motorized Treadmills of 2018
Motorized treadmills are normally a bit pricier than manual treadmills, but they offer a host of additional features and health benefits. They run on electricity, and you can usually run and jog rather than just walk. When thinking about the best treadmill, you may find you’re more of a motorized person.
[amazon link=”B01DN01Z5C” title=”NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill” /]
[amazon box=”B01DN01Z5C”]
The Nordic Track uses its electricity in a variety of impressive ways. The motor of this treadmill is integrated with Smart technology, so it follows and changes the terrain of your run as you move along on your workout. It’s also self-cooling, so don’t worry about overheating the motor.
On-board workouts are another stellar feature of this treadmill. The machine comes pre-loaded with 38 different routines. Add to this the comfort of the track on your feet, and you’ve got a piece of exquisite exercise equipment that is tough to beat. If this sounds too good to be true, then this may be the best treadmill for you.
[amazon link=”B01DMZY0O6″ title=”Sole F80″ /]
[amazon box=”B01DMZY0O6″]
If you’re looking for something a little bit less expensive, then the Sole F80 is a great bargain, and it may just be the treadmill of your dreams. Featuring a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, the track is softer than its competitors. It’s foldable, can go up to 12 mph, and, maybe best of all, it’s covered by a lifetime warranty. It’s hard to find a deal much better than this.
The F80 also includes cooling fans to keep you from overheating. It also features a Peak and Valley graph. The future is now with this stunning display of treadmill technology. When you think of the best treadmills, this may be the one you think of first.
[amazon link=”B01DN017FK” title=”LifeSpan TR 1200i” /]
[amazon box=”B01DN017FK”]
When it comes to convenience and an array of features, look no further than the LifeSpan TR 1200i. Loaded with programs to whip you into shape, this motorized treadmill is a great deal on the manufacturer’s website. Its console readouts help keep you engaged with your workout, and its variety of programs will keep you on your toes.
If you want in-depth coverage of your workout, a USB port links you to an account you can set up through LifeSpan. Six compression shocks help ease the wear and tear on your body. Non-slip plastic on the rails makes sure you won’t slip and fall while getting into shape.
Taking everything into account, this may be the best treadmill on this list.
Best Hybrid Treadmills of 2018
Taking into account some different exercises and ways to exercise, the hybrid treadmill is an entirely new beast. Most are ellipticals, but they are so much more than that. They all have a lot to offer, and many might be considered the “best treadmill” because of all of these features.
[amazon link=”B01884ENKM” title=”Bowflex Treadclimber TC 200″ /]
[amazon box=”B01884ENKM”]
One of the newest hybrids, the Treadclimber TC 200, steps up the treadmill game. Featuring three workouts in one, a rotating pair of belts gives you an experience like no other.
You can change the incline rate, the tempo, and even track all of your bodily signals. With a tablet holder and a few gadgets, this is one of the best treadmills out there. It’s a little pricey. But, with all you get, it’s well worth the cash.
[amazon link=”B0090X09KY” title=”Sole E95 Elliptical” /]
[amazon box=”B0090X09KY”]
This may be the best treadmill on the market. Hands down, it combines the heavy-hitting technology and practicality of the most high-end machines. Built for your comfort, the E95 has enlarged foot pedals. This is a huge deal because the extra cushion and space allow the user to be completely comfortable when working out. Two custom hand grips, moldable to your specific style of use.
Add to these excellent features the built-in speakers and inclines with the ability to choose resistance, and you have a winner. The Sole E95 takes what you think you know about treadmills and blows it out of the water. This is a worthy addition to your home gym.
[amazon link=”B01DN04SHE” title=”Schwinn 430 Elliptical Machine” /]
[amazon box=”B01DN04SHE”]
Last, but certainly not least, the Freestride Trainer takes all the good things about a hybrid treadmill and amplifies them. Features such as a touchscreen make tracking your workout easier. Oversized foot pedals help you feel at ease, and built-in speakers keep you entertained while you shed those pounds.
One of the coolest features of this machine is that it runs quietly. Most treadmills make a lot of noise, but the Freestride Trainer simply hums with a soft tone. Carrying up to 375 pounds, it’s capacity is one of the largest of its kind. Built-in workout programs keep things so fresh; you’ll never get bored.
You get your money’s worth with this treadmill. This may be the best treadmill for you!
The Best Treadmill of 2018
After reviewing all of these fantastic treadmills, the one to take our top prize is the Sole E95 Elliptical. It combines so many great elements that it’s worth the price. The custom hand grips alleviate stress. The easy-to-use controls make it simple to customize your workout. And built-in speakers will make your workout fun. It’s the best overall package, and simply, the best treadmill.
Start Exercising Today
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It’s easy to be content with where you are in life. But, you should always strive to better yourself. Exercising has a host of wonderful effects on both the body and mind. Get started today. Even if it’s just for a little bit, you will feel so much better. And a treadmill could change your life.
