Treadmill Horsepower Explained

Horsepower (HP) is a unit of power that equals 746 watts. It’s the main measurement we talk about when looking at a treadmill’s efficiency and performance, playing a central role in its ability to provide a smooth, consistent workout. Understanding HP will help you make a better decision about the right treadmill for you, as different ratings will better cater to different types of workouts.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about treadmill horsepower so you can be confident you’re choosing the right machine.

Horsepower Rating System

There are a few different elements that make up the horsepower rating system. Treadmill motor horsepower is typically listed in terms of peak duty, treadmill duty and continuous duty. Each of these ratings indicates the motor's capacity to handle different levels of intensity, helping you choose a machine that suits your fitness goals and preferences. Let's take a closer look at these ratings.

PeakDuty

Peak duty is the maximum horsepower a treadmill motor can briefly handle at its highest intensity. This rating gives an indication of how powerful the motor can be during short bursts of activity, such as sprinting. While this rating is important, understand that peak duty usually can’t be sustained over long periods, and so isn’t the best measurement for evaluating the treadmill’s overall performance.

Treadmill Duty

Treadmill duty is a bit more realistic, as it measures the motor’s performance under regular conditions, including walking and light jogging. It's often lower than the peak duty rating but still important for determining the general efficiency and endurance of the motor. The treadmill duty rating helps you understand the machine’s suitability for your typical workouts.

Continuous Duty

Continuous duty is the amount of horsepower a treadmill motor can maintain over more extended periods. This rating is particularly relevant for endurance training and longer workouts. A higher continuous duty rating means the motor can handle sustained bouts without overheating or wearing down. If you're planning to use your treadmill for intensive workouts regularly, this is the most crucial rating to consider.

Revolutions Per Minute

Revolutions per minute (RPM) is the speed at which the treadmill’s motor spins. This directly influences the torque produced by the motor, which is responsible for moving the belt. RPM is inversely related to torque: the higher the RPM, the lower the torque, and vice versa. Understanding this relationship is important when choosing a treadmill motor because a higher RPM might lead to less torque, which could make it harder for the treadmill to maintain a steady speed, especially during intense workouts. On the other hand, lower RPM means higher torque, which is essential for running at higher speeds or for maintaining a consistent pace under heavier loads.

Calculating Horsepower

The following formula calculates the maximum amount of horsepower for a certain amp on a circuit. Remember that a Horsepower is a unit of power that is equal to 746 watts. So calculating a machine’s rating will involve finding the amount of power (in watts) and dividing that by 746. 

The formula for horsepower is:

 HP = voltage x watts
            746
          

This equation helps you determine the maximum possible horsepower based on the motor’s electrical input. Understanding this formula can give you a more accurate idea of how much power the motor can generate and whether it meets the demands of your workouts. For example, if a treadmill uses 120 volts and 10 amps, you can calculate:

    HP =  120 x 10
            746

    HP =  1200
          746
            

HP =  1.61

This calculation indicates that the treadmill motor can produce around 1.61 horsepower.

How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

Here’s where your own personal goals and preferences will come in. For light walking, a treadmill with around 1.5 to 2.0 horsepower will be perfectly fine. If you plan to jog or run regularly, especially if you want to use extra free weights, consider a treadmill motor with at least 2.5 to 3.0 horsepower. For intense running or heavier users, look for motors with higher horsepower ratings (3.0 HP and above) for a smooth performance and better durability over time. HP of 4.0 or higher is generally reserved for commercial machines but can be found on home treadmills.

A higher horsepower will also be important for using a treadmill’s incline or for longer workouts. Higher horsepower ratings will prevent strain on the motor and optimise the machine’s performance throughout your workout.

Conclusion

Understanding motor horsepower will give you the tools to choose the absolute best machine for your needs. Choosing the right rating will mean that the treadmill will run at its most efficient setting, and last longer as a result.

For more advice on choosing the best cardio machine for your home, check out Choosing Your First Cardio Machine and explore our Top 5 Treadmill Workouts for Beginners to get started on your fitness journey.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to help you out.