FAQs

The price of a treadmill ranges from $849 for an entry-level model to $15,550 for a top of the range model. The build quality, power and size of the motor and the functionality of the console all impact the price.

Generally, there are a couple of things that will make a treadmill more expensive to buy:

1. Higher spec treadmills generally have a powerful motor and better overall build quality. For example, a cheaper treadmill may have a 1.5 Horse Power motor whereas a more expensive treadmill may have a 3 Horse Power motor. Not only will the larger motor handle greater weight and speed, it will also generally tend to last longer.

2. The functionality of the console can vary a great deal depending on the price of the treadmill. At higher prices, you would expect a touch screen interactive console with a wide range of preset training programs, bluetooth integration and more. Whereas at the bottom end of the price range you’ll tend to get a more basic console.

Treadmills can feel expensive but you really do get what you pay for.

The amount of electricity your treadmill uses depends on the size of the motor, how often you use the treadmill and speed you run or walk. Here is the method for finding how much a treadmill would cost in electricity: multiply the wattage of your machine by the number of hours you use it in a given month. Divide this number by 1,000 to get the total kilowatt-hours per month. Multiply the kilowatt-hours by the cost of electricity to figure your monthly cost. Find the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour on your electric bill.

How to calculate the likely electricity usage in 3 steps :

– Take the max wattage of your treadmill (let’s say 600)

– Multiply it by the number of hours you will use it per month. For instance, if you run for one hour a day for six days a week, multiple by 24 hours a month.

– Do the calculation : 600 w x 24 hours = 14,400 watts. A kilowatt is 1000 watts so that means that you’re using 14.4 kilowatts per month. In New Zealand, the average price per kilowatt hour is 0.25 cents, so that will equal roughly $3.60.

In New Zealand, treadmills measure distance covered in kilometres and the speed in kilometres per hour (kph). Treadmills typically default to the standard measurement for the country in which they are sold (this is why some treadmills in gyms are in MPH as they are imported). 10 kilometres is approximately 6 miles (so 10 kph is approximately 6 mph).

Many treadmills come with heart rate sensors to monitor your heart rate. Basic treadmills have hand grips with built in sensors but these require you to grip them while running which can feel unnatural (particularly if you are running fast). Many treadmills also have a chest strap (sometimes wireless), which is generally more accurate and much easier to use. More advanced treadmills will increase or decrease the speed or incline depending on the runner’s heart rate.

Yes, treadmills can be noisy. However, there are several ways to reduce the noise.

1. Use the treadmill on a level surface.

2. Place anti-vibration and non-slip pads under the corners/wheels.

3. Through usage, natural wear and tear can increase the noise the treadmill makes. So, regular maintenance is a must, especially the condition of the belt. Read our treadmill maintenance guide for more information.

In short, NordicTrack treadmills are very good. NordicTrack has specialised in home fitness for over 25 years and offers a wide variety of top-of-the-range treadmills.

You will find a wide range of NordicTrack treadmills in our EGym Supply stores.

Proform treadmills are very good, highly reputable machines. These treadmills are packed with innovative features like OneTouch, QuickSpeed and QuickIncline which allow you to change the intensity of your workout with a single touch; built in heart rate monitor and personalised workouts with iFit Coach.

On a manual treadmill, the runner has to move the belt ‘manually’ without the aid of an electric motor. If you don’t move, the belt doesn’t move. There is some evidence to suggest that running or walking on a manual treadmill requires more effort as there is no artificial momentum generated by the electric motor. This makes it more similar to walking or running outdoors. Manual treadmills also tend to be quieter than motorised treadmills.

On a manual treadmill, the runner has to move the belt ‘manually’ without the aid of an electric motor. If you don’t move, the belt doesn’t move. There is some evidence to suggest that running or walking on a manual treadmill requires more effort as there is no artificial momentum generated by the electric motor. This makes it more similar to walking or running outdoors. Manual treadmills also tend to be quieter than motorised treadmills.

Most manual treadmills only reach a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour, which means a runner of average fitness would struggle to get to a decent running speed. So, manual treadmills are generally not best suited to running. Also, most manual treadmills have a running deck that is around 114 cm long which is good for walkers but too short for most runners.

A manual treadmill can last up to 250,000 kilometres depending on your weight and how you use it.

Manual treadmills don’t have an electric motor so are often quieter than their electric counterparts.

As with an electric treadmill, there are several ways to reduce noise.

1. Use the treadmill on a level surface.

2. Place anti-vibration and non-slip pads under corners/wheels.

3. As with an electric treadmill, through usage, natural wear and tear can increase the noise the treadmill makes. So, regular maintenance is a must, especially the condition of the belt. Read our treadmill maintenance guide for more information.

A treadmill can last 10 to 12 years. With proper care, your treadmills could last far longer, depending on how often you use it.

Maximum weight limits on treadmills are often used as an indicator of strength and durability. In reality though, there’s a lot more to it. Reputable manufacturers strength test their products mechanically by rotating feet, electronic stress tests and with human runners of various weights.

So, a weight limit offered by these manufacturers can certainly be a good indicator – but you will also need to consider your running style as well. For example, a 90 kg heavy-footed runner, pacing 14 km/h will seriously stress a treadmill with a 130 kg weight limit. Likewise, a 120 kg walker will also stress the same treadmill.

The rule of thumb here is not to use treadmill weight limits as the only indicator of durability and strength.

At Elite, we only stock treadmills from recognised international brands that offer our customers the highest quality in terms of development, technology and testing, as well as long-term warranties and support. The brands we choose to work with include NordicTrack, FreeMotion, ProForm, Bowflex, Impulse and Landice.

In recent years the treadmill market has been flooded with cheap and inferior Chinese imports that compromise on quality.