Best Treadmills 2020: The Definitive Guide to Buying a Treadmill for a New Zealand Home
Our guide explains everything you need to know to buy the treadmill at the best price
Updated 16 July 2020
Treadmills are popular fitness tools in many New Zealand homes and offer comprehensive workouts in the comfort of your own home (without worrying about the weather, being around others, or fighting for the few treadmills at the gym).
This guide outlines everything you need to know before making a decision buy a treadmill. Prices vary considerably; we explain what matters most before you invest.
Our best Treadmill guide covers:
This guide outlines everything you need to know before making a decision buy a treadmill. Prices vary considerably; we explain what matters most before you invest.
Our best Treadmill guide covers:
Know this first: What Should you Look for in a Treadmill?
Before you shop for a treadmill, know what to look for in one. It may seem like a simple decision, but it’s harder than you think. Consider the following features:
1. The Treadmill Motor
2. The Quality of the Running Mat
3. The Walking or Running Surface
4. The Size of the Mat Rollers
5. The Incline
6. The Dashboard
7. Music
Remember - be specific about what you want as each treadmill has different dashboard features.
1. The Treadmill Motor
- Ask what the continuous horsepower rating is on a treadmill. This is your most important number. It tells you what the treadmill can deliver over lengthy periods. Ideally, you want a horsepower of 1.5 – 2.0hp or higher. Anything lower and you may be disappointed in its performance, especially if you are a runner.
- In addition to the motor’s speed, is its noise level. A loud treadmill may make you crazy and may even drown out your music as you try to work out. Read reviews or listen to the treadmill in the store to determine how loud it is and if it will annoy you. Listen not only for the treadmill’s motor but the vibration level too, as that can get on your nerves while you run.
2. The Quality of the Running Mat
- The quality of the running mat matters for a few reasons - the better the mat quality, the quieter the treadmill runs, and the thicker the mat or the better the quality, the longer it will last.
- At the very least, make sure the running mat is 2 ply construction for the best comfort and least amount of noise. The running mat should also be well oiled underneath (so it doesn’t stick to the running board and cause the motor to burn out prematurely).
- Think about how you enjoy running. Do you enjoy the hard pavement when you run outside, or do you prefer a more cushioned surface? You’ll find treadmills that span the spectrum of padded and cushioned surfaces to flatter surfaces, catering to different types of runners.
3. The Walking or Running Surface
- Your safety depends on the width of the treadmill. First, determine if you’ll walk or run on it. If you’ll do both, look for a treadmill that’s wide enough for you to run, as you need more room for running than walking.
- A treadmill meant for running should measure at least 43 cm wide, whereas you can get away with a 40 cm wide treadmill if you’ll only walk on it.
- Pay attention to the length of the walking or running surface too. Walkers need a length of at least 125 cm and runners need at least 135 cm. If you are exceptionally tall or a fast runner, you may want a longer length. Your stride helps determine the right length.
4. The Size of the Mat Rollers
- The mat rollers are what keep the mat rolling on the treadmill. The smoother the mat rolls, the safer your walk or run is, and the less noise the treadmill makes.
- Larger rollers allow the mat to last longer as it resists bending and undergoes less wear and tear. Large rollers also don’t have to work as hard, which reduces the amount of heat and friction, reducing the wear and tear on the mat. Mat rollers should be at least 2.5 inches for the smoothest run.
5. The Incline
- Do you like to run or walk at an incline? Do you want power or manual incline features? Power incline is the easiest and fastest way to adjust your height while you’re walking or running. Incline running or walking is one of the best ways to burn fat.
- Many treadmills have a one-button process that inclines or declines the treadmill for you quickly. This can be important, especially when you’re running out of breath and want to get the incline down fast.
6. The Dashboard
- What information do you want on your treadmill’s dashboard? Do you want to know how far you ran? The time it took? The incline you walked or ran at? How many calories you burned? Do you want specific programs that alter your course? Do you want your treadmill to track your heart rate? Do you want an emergency pull button if you feel sick or need to stop suddenly?
7. Music
- Do you want to be able to plug your phone or iPod into the treadmill to hear your music? Do you want Bluetooth speakers in it? What about the treadmill itself, do you want one that will talk to you into your earbuds, telling you what’s coming next, giving warnings, or alerts?
Remember - be specific about what you want as each treadmill has different dashboard features.
What Types of Treadmills are Available?
Treadmills come in all forms - the four options below explain what's available in New Zealand, and the pros and cons of each.
Option One: Walking Treadmills
Walking treadmills are the narrowest and have the smallest mat size. Walking treadmills usually have a light frame and slow motor. You may be able to adjust the incline, but you shouldn’t job on walking treadmills.
Pros:
Cons
Pros:
- A small size that fits just about anywhere
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Good for walking at fast speeds
Cons
- Not made for jogging or running
- The speeds may be too slow for anyone that prefers even speed walking
Option Two: ​Jogging Treadmills
Jogging treadmills have a larger mat size to allow for more running space and safety. Jogging treadmills measure 42 – 45 cm wide and 120 – 140 cm long. Jogging treadmills have a sturdier frame and a faster motor of about 2.5hp or higher.
Pros
Cons
Pros
- Good for joggers that like different running programs
- Sturdier frame lasts longer
- Safer mat size even for walkers
Cons
- The heavier frame makes it hard to move
- The wider frame makes it hard to find somewhere to keep it
Option Three: Running Treadmills
Runners run at incredible speeds and need a treadmill that can keep up with them. Running treadmills have a much larger mat measuring more than 45 cm wide and 140 cm long. The motor usually runs at 3.0hp or more.
Pros
Cons
Pros
- Can withstand fast running speeds up to 10 km/h
- A heavy-duty frame that lasts a long time
- Great for walking, jogging or running
Cons
- Its wide construction requires plenty of room around it
- Running treadmills are often expensive
Treadmill Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you choose a good treadmill?
A: Pay close attention to the mat size (make sure it’s wide enough for your walking or running) and the speed. If the treadmill doesn’t support your exercise, whether jogging or running, it will break down faster and could it put you in danger if it’s not wide enough to support running. Also pay close attention to safety features, such as handrails, emergency stop buttons, and mat roller sizes.
Q: How much horsepower does a treadmill need?
A: Walkers can get by with the least amount of horsepower, typically 2.0 hp. Joggers, on the other hand, need 2.5 hp and runners need at least 3.0 hp. Base your horsepower needs on your speed though. If you’re a fast jogger or a fast runner, you’ll need greater speeds than the minimum to keep up with yourself and to ensure the horsepower is enough for you.
Q: When is the best time of year to buy a treadmill?
A: Many manufacturers run sales on treadmills in January, right after everyone set their New Year’s resolution and are more likely to buy exercise equipment. You may find sales during other times of the year, but January typically offers the best deals.
Q: Is it okay to run on a treadmill every day?
A: While you should vary your exercise routine to wake up your muscles, there’s nothing wrong with walking or running on the treadmill every day. If you decide to do this though, make sure you choose a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand that type of wear and tear. Too much use on a ‘low-end model’ may cause it to fail prematurely.
Q: Is a treadmill worth the price?
A: Treadmills are an investment, but they are an investment in your health. You don’t have to worry about getting to the gym (and you don’t have to pay for the membership). You also don’t have to worry about the weather. There are no excuses why you can’t work out when you have a treadmill at home.
A: Pay close attention to the mat size (make sure it’s wide enough for your walking or running) and the speed. If the treadmill doesn’t support your exercise, whether jogging or running, it will break down faster and could it put you in danger if it’s not wide enough to support running. Also pay close attention to safety features, such as handrails, emergency stop buttons, and mat roller sizes.
Q: How much horsepower does a treadmill need?
A: Walkers can get by with the least amount of horsepower, typically 2.0 hp. Joggers, on the other hand, need 2.5 hp and runners need at least 3.0 hp. Base your horsepower needs on your speed though. If you’re a fast jogger or a fast runner, you’ll need greater speeds than the minimum to keep up with yourself and to ensure the horsepower is enough for you.
Q: When is the best time of year to buy a treadmill?
A: Many manufacturers run sales on treadmills in January, right after everyone set their New Year’s resolution and are more likely to buy exercise equipment. You may find sales during other times of the year, but January typically offers the best deals.
Q: Is it okay to run on a treadmill every day?
A: While you should vary your exercise routine to wake up your muscles, there’s nothing wrong with walking or running on the treadmill every day. If you decide to do this though, make sure you choose a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand that type of wear and tear. Too much use on a ‘low-end model’ may cause it to fail prematurely.
Q: Is a treadmill worth the price?
A: Treadmills are an investment, but they are an investment in your health. You don’t have to worry about getting to the gym (and you don’t have to pay for the membership). You also don’t have to worry about the weather. There are no excuses why you can’t work out when you have a treadmill at home.
​Three of the Best Treadmills Available in New Zealand Right Now
Our list below, which is in no particular order, covers three reliable and trusted treadmills available online and in stores around New Zealand. We have selected these based on average consumer reviews from customers locally and internationally, as well as various vendor websites and social media platforms both in New Zealand and, if available, overseas.
No Treadmill brand or retailer or brand has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any supplier or brand below.
No Treadmill brand or retailer or brand has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any supplier or brand below.
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Short-Term, Low-Cost Alternative: Hiring a Treadmill
Many fitness providers hire treadmills, avoiding the need to buy (and store) a treadmill long-term. Hiring vs buying is increasingly popular - with many models costing around $2,000, paying per week is attractive. While prices range, you can hire a treadmill for a year for around $500 to $900. Most people take an 8-week or 12-week option and commit to regular use.
Before hiring any treadmill, be aware:
Before hiring any treadmill, be aware:
- Entering into an agreement creates a credit contract, so you'll have to pay what you agree when you hire the treadmill
- Find out what the replacement or repair policy is before signing up to hire
- Confirm the delivery and collection pricing - i.e. is it free, or are there extra charges?
- Understand what the cleaning fees are when you return it, and/or the condition it needs to be returned in.
Final thoughts:
- Take your time when choosing a treadmill. It’s a large (and expensive) purchase that should last you for many years. Think about everyone that will use the treadmill, and where you’ll store it as it’s not something you’ll want to move often.
- It’s an investment in your home and your health, so take your time choosing the right one for you.
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