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A foldable running machine suitable for home use is handy if you don't want to brave the elements – or fork out for a gym.
Running has plenty of benefits for both regular gym-goers and fitness newbies – it can help you lose weight, loosen stiff joints and de-stress. But it's important you know what type of treadmill is best to help you reach your fitness goals.
Our guide highlights the key treadmill features to look out for, typical costs and where to buy a treadmill.
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Running or even regular walking has many benefits and being able to do this at home has several advantages:
Before you decide whether or not to buy a treadmill to use at home, consider your budget and the amount of floor space you have. Treadmills can get rather loud when they're operating at top speed, so keep your neighbours in mind as well – especially if you live in a flat that isn't on the ground floor.
These are often non-motorised and powered by your movement. You can easily grab one with a foldable design for around £100.
Budget-priced treadmills tend to have a manual incline, which means that if you want to run 'uphill' you need to prop the front of the treadmill up yourself using the adjustable feet.
Even the most affordable treadmills can usually measure your pulse – this isn't a feature reserved for expensive models.
If your treadmill doesn't come with a pulse monitor, you can try wearing a top-rated fitness tracker. See our best fitness trackers page.
Spending up to £300 will get you a few more features, such as pre-set programs or smartphone connectivity, but you may still have to manually adjust the incline.
You're likely to have to invest a bit more for the convenience of an electronically adjustable incline.
Pricier machines have incline levels that you can control mid-run, without having to stop and get off if you want a harder or easier workout. Expect to pay between £500-£1,000.
They usually feel more stable at high speeds compared with budget alternatives, and tend to be bulkier. Cushioned running decks will add a subtle, joint-saving bounce to your runs.
Premium treadmills with large touchscreen displays and bigger running surfaces can cost several thousand pounds.
If you're running on a manual running machine, you'll be using your feet to power the speed of the belt. That means the treadmill will come to a halt as soon as you stop moving.
Manual treadmills take more effort to use as the speed of the running deck isn't powered electronically. You might consider this a plus if you want a tougher workout, but there's a chance you'll crave the convenience of an electric machine.
As a manual treadmill doesn't need plugging in, you can use it anywhere as long as you have enough floor space. Most manual treadmills have wheels that let you move them around.
This is the most popular type of treadmill as they're easier to use than manual machines. As a result, expect to pay more.
Electric running machines plug into the wall and use mains power to control speed (and incline on higher-spec models). Some have large, touchscreen displays, though this is typically reserved for models exceeding £1,000.
Many electric treadmills have built-in speakers that you can connect to a smartphone or tablet via the headphone jack.
These are powered manually and feature a concave-shaped running belt. The process of you pushing down and then backwards with each stride is what keeps the belt turning.
In theory, a curved running deck will be comfier to jog on than a flat running deck. This is because the shape of the curved belt mimics the movements of your legs more closely. You also get to set your own pace.
As you're physically propelling the belt of the curved treadmill yourself, you'll be engaging more muscle groups than you would on a 'normal' treadmill.
Curved treadmills don't come cheap. Fitness brand Curve Runner sells its machines for around £3,000-£5,000.
Always consider the size of a treadmill's running deck (the surface you run on) when deciding whether or not to buy it; taller people may need a longer deck to accommodate a longer stride.
If you've got dodgy joints, look for a treadmill with a cushioned deck that will offer some bounce and reduce the pressure on knees and ankles.
If you want specific feedback on your workout and its intensity, shop for a treadmill with a detailed information console or screen.
These show you distance covered, calories burned and time spent running. Some of these screens are black and white, while pricier treadmills have large, colour touchscreen displays.
On some treadmills, the console will let you choose between different workout programs. A program is a mini course that automatically adjusts the speed (and incline, if available) at different points to simulate the varied landscape of an outdoor run.
Walking or running on a treadmill at an incline will simulate climbing a hill outside. You'll still burn calories if you're running on a flat treadmill, but experimenting with the incline settings can add some extra challenge.
A running machine that folds can be tucked away between workouts. This is ideal if you have limited space, or are using the treadmill in the living room, for example.
Most treadmills have a pulse sensor built into the handles. Holding onto these throughout your workout may not be practical if you're running and need free arm movement, but they do allow you to check in on how hard you're working.
Nearly all treadmills come with a safety key. The magnetic end attaches to the treadmill's centre console and the other end attaches to your clothing. These are intended to stop the running belt immediately if you lose your balance and come off the back of the treadmill.
If you move too far back on the running deck, the magnetic end of the key will break away from the console.
With any home gym equipment, you want to make sure you have enough space to use it correctly and safely, so below is a list of things to look out for:
When you're deciding where to buy your treadmill, only deal with trusted sellers online or in-store.
Do some research on the retailer before buying – check the returns policy and read customer reviews for the model you're looking at. In some cases, the retailer will help you set up the treadmill in person. Otherwise, you'll need to build it yourself.
Popular retailers that stock treadmills include:
Discover the best websites to buy from based on thousands of shoppers' experiences. See our guide on the best online shops and websites.
Most treadmill manufacturers advise against keeping running machines in the garage or other outbuildings for a number of reasons.
Garages can get chilly and cold temperatures could potentially damage a treadmill's belt, display and motor. Dirt and dust kicked up from the floor of the garage could also find its way inside the motor.
Check your warranty, and the manual, when buying a treadmill, as keeping it in the wrong spot could invalidate it.
If you're new to using a running machine, don't push yourself too hard to start with – as with any new exercise, this risks injury.
Even if you're familiar with treadmills from the gym, read instructions carefully as there may be some important differences from the machines you're used to.
Stay safe with our top treadmill tips:
For more exercise tips and fitness guides, see the NHS exercise guide.
Get headphones that will produce the best sound quality for your workout with the help of our expert headphone reviews.
Retailers and gym equipment chosen based on popular UK search terms and availability; we've only selected models from brands that achieved decent scores in our previous survey. Prices are correct as of July 2023 and obtained from manufacturer's own website where possible; otherwise, obtained from third-party retailers listed on Google Shopping.