Comprehensive Treadmill Buying Guide

Getting yourself a good home treadmill can make a mountain of difference to your personal fitness and lifestyle. Keeping up with an exercise routine is a whole lot easier when you have that easy access to a rounded workout right at home. Hopping on the treadmill and pressing 'Go' will become second nature, helping you build a solid fitness habit without ever stepping outside.

But how do you make sure you're making the right decision when it comes to your choice of treadmill? These days, there are innumerable treadmill models on the market, so it's not always the easiest decision.

What To Consider

Budget

First, it's good to set a budget benchmark to help narrow down the decision. At LSG, we have a wide range of models in different price ranges, so there'll be something for everyone.

• AUD $300-$500
  Here you'll find some good walking pads and compact/foldable treadmills designed for light walking or for a Walk & Work setup.
• AUD $500-$800
  Mid-range models usually have a much sturdier frame, higher motor capacity (up to ~3 HP peak) and better cushioning. They're suitable for brisk walking and moderate running.
• AUD $800-$1,000+
  Higher-end home-use treadmills will have stronger motors, adjustable incline and interactive tech. Good for frequent runners or multi-user households.

Treadmill Workouts

Walking or Light Jogging

If your focus is on walking for fitness, rehab or general activity:

• Look for compact walking pads or entry-level models with moderate speeds (~6-10 km/h).

Jogging and Cardio Training

For consistent jogging and general cardio:

• Aim for a treadmill with at least a 2.0-2.5 CHP motor, decent belt cushioning and track lengths around 120 cm.
• Mid-range options like the Stride M3 are well-suited for this category.

Running and Interval Training (HIIT)

For serious runners and high-intensity workouts:

• Look for longer running decks (130-140 cm), incline and higher motor power (around 2.5-3.0 CHP or more).

Incline Walking / Fat Burn

If your goal is calorie burning and endurance:

• Look for treadmills with manual or automatic incline features (up to 12-15%).
• Incline walking increases intensity and is gentler on joints compared to running.

Treadmill Mechanics

Frame

First-time treadmill users might not think too much about the frame, but it can have a big impact on your workout. A good frame will keep you steady and safe as you intensify your workout, reducing vibrations and supporting more weight.

Consider the following:

• Design: A foldable frame is great for saving space, especially if you're working out in a small apartment or shared area. Look for models with soft-drop hydraulic folding systems.
• Stability: The frame should stay steady at high speeds and during incline workouts. A heavier frame usually means greater stability but make moving your treadmill more difficult.
• Noise Reduction: A solid frame helps absorb impact and reduces rattling, creating a quieter workout.

Motor

• CHP Rating (Continuous Horsepower):
  This indicates the motor's ability to sustain power over time (not just peak output). For most home users:
• 1.5-2.0 CHP is suitable for walking.
• 2.0-2.5 CHP works well for jogging.
• 2.5-3.0+ CHP is ideal for running or multi-user households.
• Noise Level:
  Lower CHP will reduce noise level, as will having a brushless motor. These reduce noise, making them great for apartments or early morning workouts.
• Smooth Speed Transitions:
  A good motor should adjust speeds fluidly without jerking. Digital controls and a reliable motor will have more responsive changes during workouts.
• Durability:
  A strong motor paired with a steel frame and good cooling system will last longer and require less maintenance.

Track Length

Choosing the right track length and width will give you a more natural stride and reduces the risk of missteps or accidents.

• Length:
• Walking: A track length of ~120 cm is usually enough.
• Jogging: Aim for 125-135 cm.
• Running: Look for 135-150 cm, especially if you're over 6 feet tall.
• Width:
• Standard width is 40-45 cm for walking.
• For running and more freedom of movement, 45-50 cm is ideal.
  A wider track adds stability and comfort, especially during fast-paced workouts.

Running Belt

The belt is the moving surface you walk or run on, and its quality directly affect your comfort and safety during your workout.

• Grip:
  Look for treadmills belts that provide a strong grip. Many LSG treadmills come with DuraGrip running belts that use an innovative groove pattern for maximum grip. They're also anti-static and noise reducing.
• Material:
  Most treadmill belts are made from layered PVC or rubber composites. Higher-quality materials reduce friction and noise.
• Maintenance:
  Some belts require periodic lubrication to keep them running smoothly.

Cushioning

Cushioning refers to the shock-absorbing system beneath the treadmill belt that reduces the impact on your joints as your feet strike the deck. Good cushioning is essential for protecting your knees, ankles and hips, especially for running or high-intensity workouts.

Most LSG treadmills feature our advanced ShockControl^TM Cushioning system, engineered specifically to enhance comfort and protect your body from harsh impact.

This innovative suspension system provides excellent support underfoot and significantly reduces the stress on your joints, ankles and feet.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is an important spec to consider because exceeding this limit can strain the motor, belt and frame. It can severely reduce the lifespan of your machine.

Choose a treadmill with a weight capacity at least 20% higher than your body weight.

Typical weight limits for home treadmills range from 100 kg to 150 kg. Many LSG Fitness treadmills support up to 120-150 kg.

Using a treadmill within its weight capacity helps maintain belt tension and motor efficiency. It also reduces the risk of mechanical failures and keeps your workout safe.

Technology

• Display Screens:
  This can include simple LED panels showing workout metrics to full-colour touchscreens with interactive menus.
• Workout Programs:
  Pre-set routines for walking, running, interval training, hill climbs and fat burning help you stay motivated and challenge yourself without planning every session.
• Connectivity:
  Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable syncing with fitness apps, streaming music or even connecting to virtual training platforms like Zwift.
• Heart Rate Monitoring:
  Built-in sensors on handrails or chest straps help you track your heart rate and stay in your target zone.
• App Integration:
  Many treadmills support apps for tracking progress, customising workouts or competing with others online.
• Entertainment Features:
  Speakers, USB charging ports and tablet holders make it easier to stay entertained during longer sessions.

Portability

• Folding Design:
  Many home treadmills have a foldable frame that lets you lift and lock the deck upright to save floor space.
• Hydraulic or Assisted Folding Systems:
  These mechanisms make folding and unfolding smoother and safer, preventing sudden drops or heavy lifting.
• Transport Wheels:
  Built-in wheels allow you to tilt and roll the treadmill easily from room to room or into storage.
• Weight:
  While a strong frame is important for stability, heavier treadmills can be harder to move.

Safety Features

• Emergency Stop Button / Safety Key:
  Most treadmills come with a safety key or emergency stop that instantly halts the machine if you stumble or need to stop quickly.
• Non-Slip Running Surface:
  A textured belt surface prevents slipping, even when your feet are wet or sweaty.
• Stable Frame and Low Deck Height:
  A solid, stable frame minimises wobbling, while a low deck height reduces the chance of tripping when stepping on or off the treadmill.
• Clear Display and Controls:
  Easy-to-use, clearly labelled buttons help prevent accidental changes in speed or incline.

Check out our blog on using a treadmill safely for more tips.

Conclusion

If you're ready to take on your next fitness challenge, explore the full range of LSG treadmills to take yours home today.

Still need help deciding? Get in touch with our team of experts and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

To get your workout started, check out our top 5 treadmill workouts for beginners.