AC adaptor
The AC adaptor enables you to connect the treadmill to an
electrical power outlet. Some of the
lower-end treadmills are not electric powered, i.e. they are manually operated
and use batteries to operate the console.
Belt
The belt of a treadmill is what you run, jog or walk
on. Different treadmills may have
different sized belts, i.e. some may be shorter and narrower while others may
be longer and wider. The shorter belts
are better suited to walking exercise and are typically found on the lower-end
treadmills, whereas the longer belts are typically found on the mid-range and
higher-end treadmills to accommodate the longer stride of running exercise.
Belt Thickness
A treadmill’s belt thickness is usually measured in what
is known as “ply thickness”. The
lower-end treadmills typically have thinner belts of maybe 1 or 2 ply compared
to the mid-range to higher-end treadmills which tend to have thicker belts of
maybe 3 or 4 ply or more. The thicker
the belt, the more comfortable it will to run on.
Bluetooth
connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity on a treadmill can be used by
different manufacturers for one or both of the following: wireless chest-strap heart-rate monitoring,
or wirelessly connecting to your own mobile device (tablet or phone) for data
transfer and/or access to online fitness apps.
CHP (Continuous
Horsepower)
CHP or Continuous Horsepower is the power a treadmill’s
motor can comfortably sustain over a prolonged period of continuous use.
Compact design
A treadmill with a compact design typically has a smaller
footprint so is ideal for those who don’t have much space in their home. However you need to take into account that a
treadmill with a smaller footprint means a shorter deck length which may not be
suitable for taller people.
Console
The console is the control panel situated at the front of
the treadmill from which you can choose workout programs, change resistance
levels and view workout data.
Continuous
Horsepower (CHP)
Continuous Horsepower or CHP is the power a treadmill’s
motor can comfortably sustain over a prolonged period of continuous use.
Cushioning system
Most treadmills will have some form of cushioning system
underneath the running belt to help absorb the impact of your workout. Some of the lower-end treadmills may not have
any cushioning system at all or maybe only light cushioning, whereas the
mid-range to high-end treadmills will have better cushioning systems. Cushioning systems are typically measured in
“hex” (hexagonally shaped cells) – the more amount of “hex” there is, the
better the padding / cushioning will be.
Custom workouts
Some consoles on the higher-end treadmills offer the
ability to customize your own workouts, i.e. it allows you to design and store your
own workout programs to suit your own individual needs.
Data export
Data export allows you to transfer your workout data from
the treadmill’s console to another source such as computer or mobile device (tablet
or phone). Different treadmills may
offer a different way of doing this, i.e. you may be able to export your data
to a USB stick via a built-in USB port on the console or wirelessly via
Bluetooth connectivity. Not all treadmills
offer the ability to export your workout data.
Deck
The treadmill’s deck houses the running belt and may be
wider than the running belt itself to add width between you and the treadmill’s
handrails.
Display screen
The display screen forms part of the treadmill’s console
and shows relevant workout data as you exercise such as time, speed, distance,
calories burned, heart-rate. Stats are
typically displayed in digital format on a clear LCD screen. Some screens on the higher-end treadmills
have a blue-backlit display that’s easier on the eyes.
Dual Track LCD
2 LCD display screens on a treadmill’s console instead of
a single screen is known as Dual Track.
Dual track screens are typically found on the higher-end treadmills with
the purpose of displaying a wider range of data and more in-depth statistics.
Fan
Some of the higher-end treadmills feature an integrated
cooling fan in their consoles which helps to provide a nice light breeze as you
exercise. Obviously, this isn’t going to
be anywhere near as powerful as a typical standalone fan!
Folding deck
Some treadmills feature a folding deck, i.e. you can fold
the deck upwards to save space when not in use.
With some of the lower-end treadmills you may have to manually fold the
deck up, whereas with the mid-range to higher-end treadmills the folding deck
is more likely to be electronically operated, i.e. you can just push a button
and the deck will fold up by itself.
Frame
The frame is the main structure of the treadmill to which
the deck and console are attached. The frame
is usually constructed from metal tubing for durability such as heavy-duty
steel.
You are reading
Part 1. Click on the links below to read
the rest of my A-Z Glossary of Treadmill Jargon, Features & Terminology
Explained:
N.B. It’s always
advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking
any new exercise regime.
*Prices/discounts/shipping
indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change
anytime. E&OE.
Related articles:
- A-Z Glossary of Treadmill Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 2 (H-P)
- A-Z Glossary of Treadmill Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 3 (Q-Z)
- Treadmill Price Range Guide
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- Nautilus T614 versus Nautilus T616 Treadmills for the Home Gym Compared
- Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill, Review
- Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill, Review
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450 (C2450) Treadmill with iFit, Review
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