Finding a budget-friendly treadmill that fulfills your expectations can be difficult if you don’t what to look for and where. With the Internet filled with a glut of information on products, each with separate listings can confuse you. Selecting the best treadmill from several varieties like a manual walking treadmill or a manual treadmill for seniors requires reliable information with quick comparisons. Maybe you are just looking to find the price of a heavy-duty treadmill to further your workout regime. Perhaps you are looking to find a treadmill just to treat your ailments. Regardless of the reason, you need to research and understand the details and features of the product. In this article, we outline the top budget-friendly treadmills in India to help you choose one for your home.
Quick Comparison
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Types Of Treadmills
Treadmills come in various forms, depending on the requirements and the existing conditions. Although all treadmills come with health benefits, the attachment and settings can be different. It could be used for enhanced athletic performance, general health and fitness or rehabilitation, and therefore it is important to identify which type of treadmill suits you the best.
Manual Treadmill
As the name suggests, manual treadmills operate manually; that is, you have to push the best yourself. Therefore, you control the pace of the treadmill the way you want it. Typically made of a belt and rollers, manual treadmills usually come cheaper, but because of the low-cost components and increased wear and tear, the product usually does not last very long. Also, it might not be the best choice for you if you are particularly looking for the motivation to use a treadmill.
Motorised Treadmill
These treadmills have a motor running the entire system and are very often digitalised. The treadmill comes with options where you can choose the speed that the belt runs at and your body can adapt to that speed. Usually, these treadmills are slightly on the higher end of the price range as the components are a bit expensive. An added feature of these is the incline option. You can change the inclination of your run, and your deck will move up or down as per your instruction, giving a well-rounded workout. These treadmills can be the perfect choice for you if you’re looking to get motivated to start working out.
Folding Treadmill
If you are cramped for space in your house, folding treadmills are the best option for you. Available both in manual and motorised forms, the key feature of these treadmills is that the running deck can pivot up and down. Note that pivoting and incline changing are two different things. The deck then locks with the handlebars occupying little space for storage. However, note that your ceilings can conveniently handle the height to which the deck can pivot up.
Hybrid Treadmills
These treadmills are two pieces of exercise equipment joined into one. There are several varieties in a hybrid treadmill itself, like a treadmill with a stationary bike, a treadmill with stair-climber or treadmill with an elliptical. The switch between the two is effortless and is an easy option to save money if you’re looking to buy more than just a treadmill.
Curved Treadmill
Curved treadmills are manually pushed, that is, they are non-motorised. The running deck of the treadmill itself is curved into a concave shape. The curve is supposed to mimic the human feet strides, which tend not to be flat. This way, both horizontal and vertical contours of the motion are taken advantage of, and it also relieved the pressure applied on joints. But note that a curved treadmill always needs to pair up with some other form of running to maximise its efficiency.
Magnetic Treadmill
Magnetic treadmills work with the help of magnetic balls that are attached on either end of the running deck, therefore pulling the rope itself. However, it still needs some sort of a manual push to get going. The one advantage that this treadmill has is that it can change inclines unlike a regular manual one and the magnetic braking system is also completely noiseless. However, for a beginner, this might not be the right choice as there is no support offered on these treadmills.
Desk Treadmill
Along the lines of a standing desk, these treadmills are for those who do not necessarily have the time to spare for a dedicated workout session. Usually very small in size, the panel of the treadmill doubles up as a desk to continue with your daily tasks like phone calls while working out. This feature is especially useful for those with space constraints as they get a desk and a treadmill to accommodate in the same little space.
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Top Treadmills Brand In India
Based on your health necessities, the features offered, size, mode (manual or motorised) and budget, we have compiled a list of 13 best treadmills in India.
Cockatoo
Cockatoo Fitness is an expert in training equipment and sports gear. They specifically have different ranges for cardio equipment and strength training so you can choose exactly what you want your needs. Their cardio equipment includes elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and treadmills. The motorised treadmill line from Cockatoo has three different sublines, depending on requirements.
Healthgenie
Healthgenie has a wide-range of wellness, homecare and fitness products. Their fitness section boasts of fitness accessories like gloves, belts, lubricants for equipment, etc., along with fitness equipment. Their equipment line is quite extensive with exercise cycles, cross trainers and treadmills. The treadmills themselves have various levels of sophistication depending on requirements and budget and overall, is a well-rounded line.
Lifelong
The brand has an extensive range of kitchen, home, lifestyle, grooming and fitness appliances. Spin bikes, stationary bikes, and treadmills make up their fitness range, and they offer eight types of treadmills, which are all motorised. However, their treadmills come with preset workouts to simplify your routine and are reflected in their costs as well.
FitKit
The company markets itself specifically as a manufacturer of home exercise products and accessories and has many options. Their line includes exercise bikes, cross trainers, spin bikes and treadmills. All their treadmills are motorised, and a few of them come with the option to link to their app called FitPlus, which is a health and training app. All in all, the company aims at giving a holistic approach to fitness.
PowerMax
Specially tailored for fitness, PowerMax has a wide range of products related to exercise equipment. Their spreads range from weight scales, weight, bars to multi-gyms, exercise bikes, cross trainers, and treadmills. They offer both manual and motorised treadmills. Their high-end treadmills have Bluetooth connectivity and can also connect to Android and iOS through specific apps. The sleek design of their treadmills has also revolutionised the market.
Afton
A brand built mainly for fitness equipment; Afton has secured its name as one of the leading brands for treadmills. Their range offers almost every type of treadmill there possibly is in the market. They also have very niche varieties like underwater treadmills, endurance treadmills for home use, so you don’t have to spend a fortune at your gym.
Kobo
Kobo is a gym accessory and fitness equipment brand that specialises in cardio equipment and treadmills. Their range goes from basic manual treadmills to simple motorised ones, to treadmills with in-built entertainment systems with an LCD screen. They also have Bluetooth enabled pieces, and you can look for a model at any price range.
Sparnod
Sparnod is a fitness equipment brand that aims to bring to your home, the ultimate fitness experience. The Sparnod line consists of exercise bikes, elliptical cross trainers, resistance cycle pedal exerciser and treadmills. They only offer automatic and motorised treadmills, but at a much lower price point than many other brands. Their treadmills come in two forms, one with a 100% installation or with a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation of the product,
Leeway
Leeway, as a brand, encourages you to embrace an active lifestyle with their sports gear and equipment. Mainly known for its multi-purpose gym equipment and hybrid treadmills, the brand also offers exercise cycle, training sets and so on. However, they only sell manual treadmills, but at a different price point for the in-built entertainment systems that they also provide.
Quantico
Quantico is quite known for their blend treadmills, which come as a cross between manual and motorised treadmills. Their treadmills all come with inbuilt earphones jacks, iPod holders and a 7-inch display for time, heart rate etc. Their design and endurance continue to be the biggest selling point of the brand to this date.
Reach
One of the pioneers of bringing fitness at your home, Body Maxx has an extensive line of fitness equipment to help you out with your workout regime. It includes exercise bikes, elliptical cross trainers, massagers, dumbbells and treadmills. The motorised foldable treadmill happens to be their largest selling product. Their futuristic design and the advanced in-built entertainment systems along with Bluetooth connectivity leave them at the top of their game in fitness.
Durafit
Durafit products often mirror their trademark line, sturdy, stable and robust. The components of their products have proven to last very long, and their vast array of the product makes them a leading brand in the industry. Their foldable treadmills are at the top of the line, especially with the vertical hydraulic folding system, which is one of a kind in this sector. They also have exercise bikes, ellipticals, yoga balls and other accessories in their line as well.
Healthex
Although a smaller brand, the quality of their products have made them one of the most reputed brands in the fitness equipment world, Healthex only makes manual treadmills. Still, all of them are hybridised with two or more other gym equipment to give you the perfect gym experience at your home, so you don’t fall behind on your workout regime.
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Top 13 Treadmills in India – Review
Cockatoo CTM-05 Motorized Treadmill
The Cockatoo CTM-05 HP Peak Treadmill is a motorised treadmill that is known for its sleek design and low price point. The treadmill itself comes separated, so you need to assemble it yourself. It comes with a 1.44 mm thick belt to ensure endurance. The LED display comes with a heart rate monitor, in-built pre-determined workout programs and a safety key for emergencies. With a peak 2 HP power, this is one of the best treadmills for beginners in the market.
FitKit FT098 Series Motorized Treadmill
The FitKit FT098 Series Treadmill is one of the leading motorised treadmills in the market. With its advanced entertainment systems along with easy transportation with its wheels, it also has twelve preset workout programs that you can tailor for your requirements. The treadmill also comes with a folding mechanism and an instant break option. These features leave this product as one of the best treadmills for endurance training currently and are worth its price point.
Healthgenie 4212PM Motorized Treadmill with Manual Incline
The Healthgenie 4212PM Treadmill is a fully motorised treadmill with attached wheels for transportation. However, the incline needs to be changed manually, and the treadmill does not offer auto-lubrication. This treadmill is also foldable and is extremely compact as well, and is often touted as the best treadmill for small spaces.
PowerMax Fitness MFT-410 Treadmill
The PowerMax Fitness MFT-410 is a manual treadmill with a three-level manual incline. With an in-built heart rate monitor on the handles. It also has an LCD to calculate the speed of the belt and the calories you have burned. It also works as a hybrid treadmill by combining a jogger, stepper, twister, and a push bar along with the treadmill itself. If you want to find the best treadmill for daily usage, you don’t have to look beyond this sturdy one.
Sparnod Fitness STH-1200 Treadmill
One of the best-selling treadmills in the country, the Sparnod STH-1200 is a simple but powerful piece of equipment. It comes with 12 preset programs to help you with your workout regime. The belt is provided one of a kind, with its anti-slip lawn texture. It also comes with an instant emergency break in case you want to stop the treadmill and is quite undoubtedly the best treadmill for apartments.
Cockatoo CTM-12 AC Treadmill
Although on the slightly expensive side, the CTM-12 AC Motorized Treadmill from Cockatoo is one of a kind. Often remarked as the best treadmill for big and tall guys, this treadmill is everything you can ask for. It has every component of a top of the line entertainment system. It also has a sturdy build to withstand the very high weight of up to 150 kgs while running. All in all, CTM-12 AC is one of the best treadmills that are offered in the market.
Lifelong FitPro LLTM36 Motorized Treadmill
The Lifelong FitPro LLTM36 treadmill is a motorised treadmill. It also has auto incline and auto lubrication of the belt, making it one of the tops of the line treadmills in the country. It has in-built 14 preset exercises that are set to various modes for weight loss training and endurance training. They also provide robust shock absorbers for emergencies and are perfect if you are looking for the best treadmill for interval training.
Cockatoo CTM-09 2HP Motorized Treadmill
One of the most potent treadmills for home use with almost 3.75 HP power at its peak, the Cockatoo CTM-09 treadmill can pack quite the punch. With its powerful, noiseless motors and the preset programs, the speed is the real selling point. It also has an auto-incline of 0 to 15% and has an advanced auto-lubrication system to reduce wastage. All in all, especially with the speed and power it can deliver, it can easily be the best treadmill for athletes and sportspeople or if you’re looking to strengthen your workout regime.
Welcare WC-4040 Treadmill
Often named the best treadmill for the elderly, the Welcare WC-4040 Treadmill lifts a 1.5 HP power. The main thing that makes it elderly-friendly is the long handles with strong grip support and the gradual speed increase rate capping at 6 km/hr. It has 25 different programs already loaded tailored both for basic fitness and for weight loss. It also comes with an MP3 audio option to spice up your workout routine.
FitKit FK95 Manual Treadmill
One of the cheapest options in the market, the Fitkit FK95 is a manual treadmill that is quite compact. Especially with the foldable hooks, you can easily slide the treadmill behind a cabinet and still perform the same way as any other manual treadmill. It also has wheels attached for portability, with goal-specific workout pre-loaded in the electronic display and three-level inclination pattern to strengthen your routine.
Kobo TM-257 Motorized Treadmill
The Kobo TM-257 is one of the leading treadmills of the market, for their impeccable design and entertainment system. With 18 preset workout programs which include body fat functions as well, the treadmill promotes an efficient workout. The treadmill also has a shocker suspension system to make the entire experience most comfortable. They are also foldable with wheels attached for easy transportation. Their workout regimes make the treadmill as one of the best treadmills for cardio.
PowerMax Fitness TDA-230 Treadmill
The PowerMax Fitness TDA-230 treadmill is almost at the top of this market. With its extensive amenities like the 15-level auto incline, the BMI fat function, the mobile holders for entertainment, the treadmill has got it all. It also boasts of a large running area and swift changes in speed with its super select hotkeys. The motor used is also quite an environment friendly. The dual shock absorption system makes it one of the best treadmills for people with bad knees.
Afton Tready- The Smart Treadmill
The Afton Tready- The Smart Treadmill is one of the only smart treadmills currently available. It has an intelligent infrared speed control option that tracks the movement of your feet and changes the speed of the treadmill accordingly. It’s also the only treadmill that shows the number of steps, so you don’t need a FitBit or a pedometer. The treadmill is also incredibly lightweight and has attachable handlebars, with which you can increase the speed to 8 km/hr. Overall, it is one of the best treadmills for virtual running.
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Benefits Of Using A Treadmill
A very sought-after piece of equipment, treadmills are always in demand. It’s a great way to get in shape or just gain some strength for health reasons. But the question remains as to why buy a treadmill when you could just run outside. There also exists on why specifically a treadmill over other fitness equipment like ellipticals trainers or stationary bikes. The significant advantage lies in the fact that treadmills are predictable and safe. There is no problem with the weather being rainy or the sidewalk being in construction. But here are some more benefits on why you should consider a treadmill.
Exercise From Safety Of Your Home
If you are running outside, there’s a high probability that it is in the mornings or the evenings. That leads to heavy traffic on the roads, leading to continuous breaks in your workout, with no fixed regime. There is also the chance of being run over by vehicles, so much so that you would have to be more alert about not being run over rather than enjoy your run. Statistics do not help the case for joggers. The weather is also another thing that you cannot control and leads to increased discomfort. If you go on a run early in the morning, you have to be conscious of sleepy drivers, and in such a scenario, treadmills can come in handy.
Avoid Injuries
Usually, you can only run on tar, asphalt or concrete outside. Getting hurt outdoors can cause micro-tears or serious tears to your skin which takes days to heal, breaking your regime. It can also place stress on the connective tissue in your legs and on your joints. It also reduces the risk of injury due to uneven terrain by tripping as the gripping surface of the treadmill does not cause any physical wear on the body, and the flat surface prevents tripping.
Customise Your Workout
As discussed earlier, treadmills have the option of changing speeds, changing inclines, and in turn, you warmup period and cool-down period. It is almost impossible to adjust your speed manually beyond a certain point while running, which can lead to decreased efficiency from your workout. You can also custom design workout regimes on your treadmills, or if you happen to have a hybrid one, you can change up your entire workout pattern, which you can’t do outside, like change the incline of a slope and so on.
Track Progress
One of the major advantages of treadmills over running outside is the fact that you can track your progress. All the displays show the maximum speed that you can run at, how many calories you have burnt, how high or low your heart rate has gone and so on. The only thing you can track while running outside is the number of steps if you have a FitBit or how much weight you’ve lost, which can only be taken over long periods.
Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is a piece of low-intensity equipment. It is usually used to build back muscle and strength after an injury or surgery. An elliptical gives you the option to provide an upper and lower body workout at the same time, whereas a treadmill is usually a lower body workout. An elliptical also has a learning curve as it is a piece of tricky equipment to master, while treadmills are very easy to use. Ellipticals also provide low muscle development if you’re looking for an intense workout regime.
Treadmill vs Stationary Bike
A treadmill, although it burns a lot more calories than a stationary bike, always has a higher risk of injury. Stationary bikes are also low impact in nature and do not promote muscle building as fast as treadmills do. They also take a lot of practice to be able to use comfortably as compared to a treadmill. Stationary bikes also strengthen only the lower body too much, while treadmills can increase stress on the knee joints.
Treadmill vs Outdoor Running
Running on a treadmill has a lot more control over what sort of workout you want to do, by changing the speed or incline. You can also combine it with a jogger or stepper. Whereas if you are running outside, we have to be aware of vehicles, pedestrians and much more. You can use a treadmill within the comfort of your own house, without having to take a chunk of time to go out on the run.
Treadmills- Buying Guide
You need to consider certain factors before buy a treadmill for your home gym. This diligence will save you money and let you buy a treadmill that is best suited to your needs. Some factors are listed below that will help you with your purchase.
Weight
It is vital to consider the weight restriction on the treadmill. Every treadmill comes with a number called the maximum user weight. Although it says maximum, it does not refer to your weight and translates directly. The force you exert on the treadmill is usually much lesser than your whole body weight. For a realistic number, take 20 kgs off your actual weight, and check if it is within the maximum user weight. If it is not, look for alternatives as it can lead to injury.
Stability
Your treadmill must be stable at all times. Although there is a possibility that treadmills can rattle when you are running at high speed, it does not necessarily mean the treadmill is unstable. These days most treadmills come with a sound suspension system and the brute force is pushed out, in the form of the rattling. However, if you find that any part of the treadmills is breaking away or incredibly insecure, it is advised to stop using the machine.
Stride Length
As discussed earlier, a treadmill is primarily used for walking and running. Therefore, it is essential to look at the belt sizes that accompany a treadmill. If you have a slightly longer stride than usual, you might need a longer belt. Otherwise, your feet will hit the covering of the slider and can cause a lot of injuries. Usually, an average belt length would be 48 inches long by 18 inches wide. However, if you are over 6 feet tall, you should find a treadmill that offers a 54 inches length for comfortable walking or running.
Size
Treadmills can come in a lot of different sizes, especially with their high displays and wider handles. So, it is always imperative that you look for the right size, in all three dimensions, length, breadth and height so that you do not face any difficulty later on when you are trying to use the machine.
Storage
Recently, the trend of foldable treadmills has taken over the market. You must have some sort of location allocated within your house to be able to place the treadmill at least in the folded form and enough space around to be able to open it without damaging material or causing any harm to yourself.
Other Features
The prices of a treadmill depend on available features, like the noiseless motors, LED panels for displays, inbuilt speakers, ports for AUX or USB, mobile bolder, bottle holders and so many more. The more the features, the higher the price. Although it is not necessary to buy a treadmill with all these features, if you’re looking for one, they always exist.
Set-Up
Sometimes the set up for a treadmill can be very tricky with its various parts and different nuts and screws. Some brands come with an inbuilt on-call installation where they guide you through the set-up. Others provide booklets. Some have YouTube videos. However, some brands offer on-demand installation. On making a single phone call, personnel from the company will be at your doorstep to set up your treadmill. But, if you don’t want to shell out some cash for that, you can always pull a do it yourself (DIY) task.
Price
Last but not least is the budget. Some treadmills start from Rs 15000 up to lakhs and lakhs of money. Of course, the amenities provided increase with increasing price and model, and it is not necessary to burn a hole through your pocket in buying a treadmill. You can always find a model right within your price range with just a slight tweak in the specification.
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Treadmills- Frequently Asked Question
Will treadmills help in losing weight?
Yes, treadmills provide an all-round cardio-vascular exercise that gets the heart rate pumping, which in turn helps in increased blood circulation. When your blood circulation increases, your weight also automatically decreases
Will treadmills reduce belly fat?
Although it can help in reducing weight generally, treadmills cannot help in spot reduction in your belly.
Will treadmills work without a safety key?
Yes, they do. However, it is advised not to use them without a safety key to avoid any injuries.
Can a treadmill run on the inverter?
Yes, it can. If you have a motorised treadmill, it needs any source of power, and if your inverter connects to a plug, it should work just fine. If you have a manual treadmill, no power source is required.
Can you use the treadmill if you are pregnant?
Yes, you can. Treadmills are a great source of workout, and it is always advised to do some form of physical activity during pregnancy. However, it is always recommended to use it under low inclines and lower speeds to not cause any disturbances.
Can treadmills reduce blood pressure?
Although treadmills cannot directly reduce blood pressure, they do promote an increase in heart rate and blood flow. Over time, it certainly does help in lowering blood pressure.
Can treadmills cause knee pain?
Yes, overworking your knees due to running can cause some pain, so it is important to reduce the speed and incline if you find any discomfort.
How do treadmills calculate calories?
It calculates the time and speed at which you use the machine and compares that to an average chart of burning calories. By using that formula, it returns an approximate value of the number of calories you have burned.
Which treadmill is the best for home use in India?
Keeping a general viewpoint, these are the best ones in the market.
Conclusion
That brings us to an end to our review of the best treadmills available in India. We must maintain a smart fitness regime to stay healthy. We pick the Sparnod Fitness STH-1200 , with its low price point, inbuilt entertainment system and automatic features, as the top pick. However, other choices are discussed in detail should you wish to explore a product that suits your need and budget.
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