Handrail controls
Some of the higher-end treadmills may have in-reach
handrail controls from where you can change the speed or incline level with the
simple press of a button instead of having to go into the console.
Heart monitor
The heart-monitor measures your heart-rate as you
exercise to help you stay within your target heart-rate zone. There are two different methods of heart-rate
monitoring used on treadmills – either pulse grip sensors integrated into the
treadmill’s handrails or via telemetric /Bluetooth wireless chest strap. Heart-rate monitoring may not be available on
some of the lower-end treadmills, whereas the mid-range to high-end treadmills
may offer one or both of the stated options.
HEX cushioning
Some treadmills feature HEX cushioning (hexagonally
shaped cell cushioning) under the running belt which helps to absorb the impact
of your workout for a more comfortable run.
The more HEX-cells there are, the better the cushioning will be.
Horsepower (HP)
A treadmill’s motor energy is measured in horsepower
(HP), i.e. a treadmill’s motor is rated by the amount of horsepower it can
provide. Therefore, the larger and more
powerful motors will have a higher HP rating.
The more high-powered the motor is, the more reliable it is likely to be
as it doesn’t have to work as hard to produce the same results as a
lower-powered motor.
HP (Peak
horsepower)
HP or Peak Horsepower is the top output limit that a treadmill’s
motor can reach.
IFit
IFit is a subscription based service which offers a wide
range of additional workouts by qualified fitness trainers, training routes
from around the world with Google Maps, online fitness tracking and much
more. Some of the higher-end treadmills
are IFit compatible, either directly on their own console’s screen or via an
app on your own mobile tablet/phone. You
won’t find this compatibility with the lower-end treadmills.
LCD
Liquid crystal display.
Incline
Many treadmills have an incline feature that allows you
to adjust the level of the incline by raising the front of the deck to simulate
uphill running. Some of the lower-end
treadmills may not have any incline options at all whereas other low-end
treadmills may have only limited incline range and may have to be adjusted
manually. The mid-range to high-end
treadmills will offer a better incline range with most of them being motorized,
i.e. adjustable via a push of a button on the console or in the handrails.
Levellers
Levellers are adjustable “feet” on the bottom of the
treadmill that enable you to level the machine on uneven floor surfaces.
Manual treadmill
A manual treadmill is not electrically operated, i.e. it does
not need to be plugged into a power/electrical socket. You just get on and go! No need to worry about finding a space near a
wall power socket to place the treadmill.
Batteries are normally required for a manual treadmill’s console to
work.
Media tray
Many treadmills feature a media tray which is a handy
shelf typically located on the console where you can place a book, magazine,
tablet or mobile phone to keep you occupied as you exercise.
Motor Power
Treadmills are powered by motors, typically referred to
as HP (horsepower) or CHP (continuous horsepower) motors. The HP of a motor defines the top output
limit that it can reach, whereas the CHP of a motor defines the power it can
comfortable sustain over a prolonged period of continuous use. The higher the HP motor power is, the better
the treadmill will cope with more heavy-duty use. Therefore, a high powered motor on a
treadmill would be ideal for running / intense exercise, whereas a low-powered
motor would be better suited to walking or light jogging exercise.
Motorized treadmill
Motorized or electric-powered treadmills have to be
plugged into a power socket.
Peak horsepower
(HP)
Peak Horsepower or HP is the top output limit that a
treadmill’s motor can reach.
Performance
tracking
Performance tracking simply means the way in which the treadmill’s
console tracks your workout in order to display your workout data on its display
screen.
Ply
Ply refers to the belt thickness of a treadmill, i.e.
1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, 4-ply etc. The
higher-numbered ply means a thicker belt to provide more comfort for your feet
as you run.
Programs
Many treadmills offer a variety of workout programs to
choose from, accessible via the treadmill’s console. Workout programs may include for example: standard, profile, heart-rate, calorie burn, hill
climbs, and intervals amongst many others depending on the treadmill.
Pulse sensors
Many treadmills feature integrated pulse sensors in their
handrails. Griping the sensors with your
hands enables the treadmill to measure your pulse heart-rate and display it on
the console screen to help you stay within your target heart-rate zone. Not all treadmills have this feature.
You are reading
Part 2. 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 1 (A-G)
- A-Z Glossary of Treadmill Jargon, Features & Terminology Explained, Part 3 (Q-Z)
- Treadmill Price Range Guide
- About Treadmill Mag
- Schwinn 870 versus Schwinn 830 Treadmills for the Home Gym Compared
- Schwinn 830 versus Schwinn 810 Treadmill, Comparison Review
- 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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