Treadmills have become essential for commercial gyms, corporate wellness centers, and rehabilitation facilities. They offer a convenient and efficient way to improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and increase overall fitness. With the wide range of treadmills available on the market, choosing the right one for your facility can be overwhelming. Below, we’ve detailed everything you need to look for in a commercial treadmill.
Type of Treadmill
There are many types of treadmills, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the different types available is essential when considering a commercial treadmill. Here are a few to consider:
- Manual treadmills: The belt moves only when you walk or run, and there is no motor to power it.
- Motorized treadmills: Rely on a motor to power the belt, providing a smoother and more consistent workout experience.
- Slat belt treadmills: Use a series of interlocking slats instead of a traditional belt, which allows for more shock absorption and reduces impact on joints.
- Curved treadmills: A newer design that uses a curved surface to provide resistance and simulate outdoor running.
To select the correct treadmill for your gym, consider its needs and the types of workouts your members prefer. For example, a motorized or slat belt treadmill would be a better option if you have many runners. A curved treadmill may be the way to go to provide a more challenging workout for advanced users.
Shopping Tip
TRUE Fitness’s slat belt treadmill has a max speed of 12 mph, requires minimal maintenance, and has three emergency stop options, providing users with the ultimate workout.
Running Belt
The running belt impacts the comfort, durability, and performance of a treadmill, directly affecting the user’s experience as they run, jog, or walk. A high-quality running belt should be thick enough to provide cushioning and reduce the impact on joints. It should also be wide and long enough to accommodate users of various heights and running strides.
When evaluating a treadmill’s running belt, consider its material and construction. A multi-layered belt with a strong backing will last longer and provide a smoother running experience.
Buying a treadmill with a larger running surface is ideal since it provides more room for users to move comfortably. The industry standard for a treadmill running deck is 20 inches wide and 60 inches long.
Shopping Tip
As you browse treadmill options, read the product descriptions to determine the quality and size of the running belt. Look for terms such as “commercial grade” and “low-impact” to ensure that you are getting a durable and comfortable running surface.
Programming Features
Another thing to look for in a commercial treadmill is its programming capabilities. Many treadmills come with preset programs that users can choose from based on their fitness goals. These programs include hill climbs, interval training, speed intervals, and heart rate programs.
Speeds
Speed settings are essential for providing a range of workout options, from walking to sprinting. This enables more people to use the cardio machine, regardless of their fitness level. Look for treadmills with a wide range of speed options, including slower walking speeds and faster running speeds.
Incline Settings
Incline settings are another feature to consider when evaluating a treadmill’s programming capabilities. A higher incline mimics outdoor terrain and adds a more challenging element to workouts. It can also target different muscle groups and provide more variety in training.
Preprogrammed Workouts
Preprogrammed workouts offer users a variety of routines, such as interval training, heart rate control, and fat-burning programs. These can be especially helpful to individuals new to working out, as they provide guidance and structure for their workouts. Likewise, these workouts can help keep users motivated and ensure they get the most out of their treadmill sessions.
Monitoring Systems
Monitoring systems are crucial for tracking performance and ensuring user safety. Common monitoring systems on commercial treadmills include heart rate monitors, progress trackers, and calorie counters.
Heart rate monitors show users their approximate heart rate during workouts, helping them stay in specific zones, such as the fat-burning or cardio zones. Other monitoring systems, such as progress trackers, provide real-time feedback on distance, time, speed, and calories burned, allowing users to monitor their progress and set new goals.
Display Screen
Typically, the display screen shows the selected workout program and information collected by the monitoring systems. It may also display the user’s selected speed, incline, and calories burned. Some treadmills also show pacing, time spent working out, and heart rate. These details can help users stay motivated and maximize their workout sessions.
For instance, if an athlete needs to train for a race, they’ll likely track their pacing and time to improve their running speed. On the other hand, someone looking to lose weight may focus on distance and calories burned.
Connectivity
Modern commercial treadmills often have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to sync their workouts with fitness apps, listen to music, or watch videos. These connectivity features can help keep users engaged and motivated during their workouts.
Price and Quality
The price of a commercial treadmill can vary significantly based on its features, brand, and quality. When evaluating the cost, consider the treadmill’s durability, performance, and value.
Higher-priced treadmills often have advanced features, better construction, and longer warranties. However, you should always prioritize value and quality. Well-made machines are more likely to last longer and require less maintenance, making them a better investment in the long run.
Shopping Tip
Read reviews and compare prices to determine the best value for your budget. Remember that investing in a high-quality, durable treadmill can save you money in the long run.
Safety Features
Safety should always be a priority when buying new fitness center equipment. Safety features such as emergency stop buttons, handrails, and automatic shut-off sensors are essential for treadmills.
Emergency stop buttons allow users to immediately stop the treadmill in an emergency, while handrails provide extra stability and support for those needing it. Automatic shut-off sensors are crucial in preventing accidents and injuries, as they will turn off the machine if a user falls or steps off the treadmill unexpectedly.
Warranty
To protect your investment, purchase a warranty whenever you buy workout equipment. A commercial treadmill’s warranty should cover parts, labor, and electronics for at least two years. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
When comparing warranties, pay attention to the length of coverage and what the warranty covers. Likewise, some warranties cover machine repairs and replacements, while others only cover parts. Carefully read through the warranty information to ensure you get the best treadmill coverage.
Contact TRUE Fitness
Choosing the right commercial treadmill requires careful consideration of various factors. TRUE Fitness offers high-quality, durable treadmills with advanced programming features and safety measures. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your fitness center.