Running, Walking & Jogging: Which Treadmill is Right for You?

Are you interested in adding a treadmill to your home gym? 

Treadmills are some of the most common types of cardio exercise equipment that you can find in commercial and home gyms. This is because they’re easy to use, provide a movement experience which feels natural to people, and can provide a high-quality cardio workout at any intensity you feel comfortable with.

However, before you purchase a treadmill, there are many factors you need to consider. The most important is how you will be using the treadmill. Will you be using your treadmill for jogging, running, or walking?

Thankfully, we are here to help! At Akfit, we’ve been operating as a Canadian specialty fitness store located in Sudbury, Ontario for over the last three decades.

Our fitness professionals work closely with our clients locally within northern Ontario and nationwide to help them find the perfect piece of fitness equipment for their fitness goals. One of the many questions our customers want to know is which treadmills are best suited for the type of activity they prefer - be it walking, jogging or running. 

Here we'll outline the basics of what to look for in a treadmill depending on your preference, and give you some recommendations.

Important Treadmill Features for Runners

If you are intending to use your brand new treadmill for running, there are a few features you should look for and factors to consider. 

Treadmill Motor with a High Horsepower

The motor is one of the most important parts of your treadmill as it takes on the majority of the work mechanically. 

When it comes to looking for a treadmill that is ideal for running, we recommend looking for a treadmill that features a motor that has a continuous horsepower of at least 3.0. This is especially important if you intend on using your treadmill for running 3-5 times a week. 

Longer Treadmill Belt

If you are a runner, you should look for a treadmill that features a belt with a length of 60 inches and a width of 18-22 inches. 

This is especially true if you are over 6 feet tall. A belt that is any shorter in length doesn’t provide much room for those with longer strides. 

If you are shorter than 6 feet tall, you may be able to get away with a belt that has a length of 55 inches, but we don’t recommend a belt any shorter than that. 

Durable & Comfortable Treadmill Deck

Further, runners would benefit from a treadmill that is built with enhanced durability. Additionally, the treadmill should provide a higher level of comfort than mid to low-range treadmills.

Ideally, a treadmill that provides less bounce is something you should look for. 

For example, the Matrix line of treadmills features variable response technology. This means each part of the deck has a different cushion source.

Near the front of the belt will feel slightly softer on your feet where they land with each stride. Whereas towards the back of the deck, the belt feels a little harder allowing you to push off from each stride more effectively. In turn, this deck structure is healthier for your joints when running. 

High Quality at a Premium Price Point

The truth is, ultimately you get what you pay for. 

If you expect to use your treadmill regularly for running (3-5 times a week), you should expect to spend around $3000 or more. At this price point, manufacturers can provide not only the bells and whistles in terms of user interface, but higher quality wear components from the motor up, which can withstand thousands of hours of use.

Important Treadmill Features for Walking & Jogging

If you intend on using your treadmill for walking or jogging, you won’t require all the features of a higher end running machine. However, there are still a few things you should look for before opening up your wallet. 

Treadmill Motor with Average Horsepower

If you are looking to jog on your treadmill regularly, we recommend finding a treadmill that features a motor with 2.5 continuous HP. 

This is slightly less horsepower than what is recommended for running. We don’t recommend a motor that is less powerful, especially when using the treadmill for jogging 3-5 times per week. 

When jogging at a consistent slower speed, the belt creates more torque on the motor and has less momentum to run. This in turn puts more pressure on your motor. This is especially dependent on the person's weight. 

Average Treadmill Belt Length

If you intend on using your treadmill for walking and the occasional jog, you may not need a belt that has a length of 60 inches. A 50 to 55-inch belt should be fine, depending on your height and stride. 

In fact, you could potentially settle for something a little shorter, but it won’t leave you much room for error. If you’re 6 feet tall, we don’t advise a treadmill belt any shorter than 55 inches.
 

Sturdy & Durable Treadmill Deck

Ideally, for a jogger, you should look for a mid-range treadmill with a deck that is still stable and durable, especially for those who are heavier. 

Additionally, casual users might consider purchasing a folding treadmill as they are easier to store. With that being said,  the deck (on most, not all), tends to provide more bounce.

Mid-Level Cost

When it comes to purchasing a treadmill for jogging, we definitely don’t recommend going cheap, say in the $1,000 price range. Treadmills in this price range usually aren’t stable nor durable enough to withstand heavy use, especially from heavy users. 

In turn, you should expect to spend around $1,500 up to $2,500 on a middle-level treadmill for jogging. For those interested in keeping their fitness up especially during winter months with the occasional stroll around 3x a week, our starter models priced around $900 will be fine.

Recommended Treadmills for Runners at Akfit

At Akfit, we sell a large selection of high-quality treadmills that are great for different fitness goals. Here are some of the treadmills we recommend if you intend to use your treadmill for running:

Our Entire Selection of Matrix Treadmills

At Akfit, we offer five different treadmills from Matrix: 

• Matrix T30 Non-Folding
• Matrix TF30 Folding
• Matrix T50 Non-Folding 
• Matrix TF50 Folding 
• Matrix T75 Non-Folding
  
  

The overall quality of Matrix treadmills are the most desirable for running. This includes a treadmill motor with a continuous horsepower of 3.0+, as well as a heavy-duty frame. 

The T50, TF50, and T75 treadmills, for example, feature a welded steel frame for maximum stability for workouts and users of all kinds. 

As previously mentioned, Matrix treadmills also feature a deck cushioning system called variable response technology. This cushioning system provides less bounce with each stride, a more comfortable landing for your feet, and a harder surface near the back allowing you to push off effectively with each step. 

Spirit XT685 Non-Folding Treadmill

The XT685 from Spirit is another treadmill we recommend for running. 

This treadmill features a large treadmill belt that is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, leaving more room for error, which is more ideal for runners with longer strides. 

Similar to the Matrix treadmills, the Spirit XT685 also features a cushioning system to help provide more comfort and less bounce with each stride. Additionally, the Matrix treadmill features a waxed-deck system that is designed to stand up to the impact of continuous running. 

As for the motor, the XT685 features a 4.0 HP DC motor, which should hold up to the requirements for serious runners. 

Recommended Treadmills for Joggers

One of our most popular and well-regarded mid-range treadmills is the XT285.

Spirit XT285 Folding Treadmill

This treadmill features a stable and durable enough frame for jogging and casual use. The motor itself is a 3.0 continuous HP motor. Moreover, there are 6 layers of cushions underneath the belt for a more comfortable experience which is also easier on your joints than a deck with no cushioning. 

The Spirit XT285 could be an option for runners, but it is more ideal for jogging if it is used regularly (3-5 times a week) due to the bounce it may create. 

Recommended Treadmills for Walking

Here is where it really depends what matters most to you. Budget and portability, or features & warranty. While our starter models are perfectly adequate for this use, they provide only the most basic features and may also require more regular maintenance and lubrication to get the most out of them.

Price & Portability - ProForm City L6

A sleeker look and smaller footprint make the City L6 an attractive option for those who don't foresee heavy use.

Features & Warranty - Horizon T101 Folding Treadmill

A larger deck, more powerful motor and better display give the T101 an edge at a similar price point.

At Akfit, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect treadmill that will help you reach your fitness goals, whether it be jogging or running. 

We hope this has given you a good, if brief overview of what to look for when treadmill shopping, however, these aren’t the only treadmills we sell at Akfit. 

Feel free to message us with any questions you have regarding our extensive treadmill selection. You can also visit us in-store at our Sudbury location.

Our fitness professionals will work closely with you and provide expert advice to help you find the perfect treadmill for you. 

If you have already decided on the treadmill that is best for you, we are happy to let you know that we offer delivery and installation services for your equipment. Simply submit a request for delivery.