Buying Guide
How to Choose a Treadmill
7 min read
Motor size, deck dimensions, cushioning and console features — what actually matters when buying a treadmill.
Motor and duty rating
For home use, look for at least 3.0 CHP. For any shared or commercial setting, an AC motor rated for continuous duty is the difference between a machine that lasts ten years and one that lasts two.
Deck size and cushioning
Runners want at least a 20" x 60" belt; walkers can go shorter. Cushioned decks reduce joint load but wear out — on a used machine, ask how many hours are on the deck and whether it has been flipped or replaced.
Buying used
Run it at speed before you buy. Listen for bearing noise, check for belt slip under load, and confirm the incline motor moves through the whole range.