Frequently Asked Questions: Treadmills

You might be thinking about purchasing a home treadmill, but you wonder which treadmill is really right for you. Read on for some frequently asked questions about treadmills.

Q: Are treadmills only for people who enjoy running?

A: You can perform several exercises on treadmills, including walking and jogging as well as running. The purpose of a treadmill is to get your body moving. Great results can be achieved by walking, incline training, and running on a treadmill. It’s also a great addition to HIIT workouts, weightlifting, and more.

Q: What makes one treadmill more expensive than another?

A: Treadmills that have a higher price tag may come with more advanced features like touchscreens, programmed apps, workout programs, larger and stronger motors, increased incline capability, and more.

Q: Why should I invest in a home treadmill when I can run outside for free?

A: Yes, you could run outside for free every single day! But the question is, “Do you?” Many who own a home treadmill find themselves exercising on a more regular basis. Having such a versatile piece of equipment in your home eliminates many excuses people use to avoid exercising for the day including:

“I don’t have time to go into the gym.”
“I don’t have anyone to watch my kids.”
“It’s too cold outside to run.”
“It’s too hot outside to run.”
“It’s too rainy outside to run.”
“It’s too dark outside to run.”
“I can’t leave my pet unattended.”
“I don’t feel safe running outside by myself.”
“I don’t feel comfortable exercising in front of other people.”

We encourage everyone to experience the great outdoors when practical, but we also understand the convenience and importance of a treadmill. With a treadmill, you can run no matter what the weather may be outside, and you don’t have to worry about dangers, such as oncoming traffic, strangers, or slipping on ice or gravel.

Q: Is using a treadmill as effective as running outdoors?

A: A treadmill will create an ideal running course that will not have hidden potholes, large branches crossing your path, and a variety of other obstacles that can make running hazardous. Not only is your running experience smooth and consistent on a treadmill, but you also have complete control over your speed and the incline. We recommend setting your incline to 1.5 to imitate the difficulty level of running on a flat road outdoors.

Q: Can I still get work done if I’m working at a treadmill desk?

A: You can choose your own pace while you use our custom-built desktop to do your work. It takes a slight amount of time to adjust to moving while typing on a computer or writing on paper, but in no time, you’ll be able to do it all. There are even a number of studies that show positive benefits to standing at a desk instead of sitting all day, as well as moving your legs while working at a desk to increase productivity and creative thought.

Q: What does it mean when fitness experts say that a treadmill offers a balanced workout?

A: With NordicTrack treadmills, you can adjust the speed and incline at which you run to create a balanced workout. With a treadmill enabled with iFIT®, you can purchase an iFIT membership and create workouts that have a perfect balance between a flat surface and inclined resistance. Also, you can bring more balance to weightlifting and HIIT exercises by adding a steady amount of cardio to your routine with a treadmill.

Q: Do treadmills require special shoes?

A: Any shoes you would run outdoors with would be suitable for walking or running on a treadmill. By using a treadmill, you’ll avoid gravel, broken glass, or other debris found in the road that may cause discomfort and injury.