The different types of treadmills and how to use them

Treadmills, one of the few social distancing fitness solutions, can be adjusted based on fitness level, injury, and training needs

Photo by William Choquette/Pexels

When it comes to gym equipment, you can find strange-looking contraptions that target different body parts. But one popular equipment trusted by fitness enthusiasts and athletes is the treadmill. 

Running on a treadmill helps you focus on form and fitness since you don’t have to worry about the path you’ll be running on or the weather outside. You also get to adjust the speed, tempo, inclination of your path, and even motivations.

Some have more advanced features than others, but overall they’re easy to use since you simply run on the belt based on the speed and functions you select. Despite their simplicity, there are specific features and types that can cater to your body’s needs and restrictions.

A treadmill can incline the running belt to simulate uphill paths, helping burn calories and increase stamina due to increased stress on the body. Aside from the extra challenge, they can also have a cushioned running belt that may lessen the impact on your knees, ankles, and hip joints. Some even have adjustable cushioning and orthopedic belts that change the softness and firmness of the running deck and provide a better grip for running shoes while helping absorb impact.

If you are looking for a model with specific features in mind, we’ve listed here the general types of treadmills available in the market. You can also check out our guide on choosing a treadmill and online stores that deliver in Metro Manila. 

Manual treadmills

A manual treadmill uses the runner’s steps for the belts and rollers to move. You’ll be manually setting your own tempo so this may not be the best option for beginners. Plenty of manual models also have an incline feature if you want to train for uphill running or walking, but you’ll need to set it up at the beginning if you don’t want to interrupt your exercise. 

Powered or motorized treadmills

Similar to a manual treadmill, powered or motorized models use belts and rollers but run on electricity. You can also automatically achieve an incline at a push of a button without interrupting your workout.

When a runner falls or stops abruptly, it will still keep running unless there’s a safety pin so you should take extra care not to injure yourself. Due to its features, it may be a challenge to find a high quality powered or motorized treadmill under ₱50,000 ($1,000).

We like the Sole F80 as it fulfills the functions of a motorized treadmill with a maximum speed of 18 kph and 15 sets of incline. The F80 treadmill is recommended for techie athletes out there due to its Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and compatibility with the Sole Fitness App so you can share your progress with others.

Folding treadmills

Folding treadmills have foldable running belts, which make for more convenient storage. These treadmills are also portable, which make them great for those who wouldn’t want to miss a cardio workout even while traveling. But this is more advisable to keep at home.

Looking for one? Consider the Trax Jogger 2.0. This treadmill fulfills all the functions of a good quality motorized treadmill including an electronic incline, MP3 player connection, and a cushioned running deck.

Commercial treadmills

Commercial treadmills are built to withstand long and frequent use. You can usually find these in gyms. These also generally consist of a solid but cushioned running area, high-powered motors, motorized incline, and an interactive computer—often with a heart rate training feature.

This may be overkill for a home gym, but if you have the space and the budget there shouldn’t be a problem with owning one. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is an investment worth checking out. The 1750 is built to withstand long workouts with multiple features including interactive digital workout sessions with trainers that can control speed and incline.