We have followed some key elements to be summarized in the choice phase:
Electric or magnetic - Here is the main distinction to be made when we are about to purchase a treadmill for home use. Electric treadmills are equipped with a motor that manages the motion of the carpet under our feet. And it can be adjusted to various intensity levels and through different programs. Magnetic treadmills, on the other hand, respond to foot movement mechanically. Cheaper and simpler, they are better suited to walking than running. And they are often used in rehabilitation courses.
Dimensions and footprint - Weight and measurements distinguish a professional treadmill from a space-saving economic model. More compact and lighter, the folding treadmills fold in on themselves to be stored in a small space. While the largest and most advanced machines are fixed solutions with a considerable footprint. On the other hand, however, they offer a wider and more comfortable running surface.
Programs - Counting of speed and kilometers traveled: here are two readings present on any treadmill. But for those looking for greater versatility for fitness, there is no shortage of models with customizable programs that simulate running scenarios with varying slopes. Through Wi-Fi, they also allow us to store our activities on the smartphone to monitor their progress.
Additional Features - Many of the electric treadmills on the market have cardio-sensing knobs. But only the most advanced integrate a music player for listening with headphones and, sometimes, external speakers. For those aiming for the top, then, we recommend the models with large display for streaming video content.

The choice of a treadmill for home use is linked to a series of considerations relating to the type of use we will make of it. It is true that if the budget we have is not particularly substantial, it will be necessary to make some sacrifices and compromise, perhaps opting for a magnetic treadmill. We are talking about rather functional models whose main limitation is the absence of the motor, a factor that makes them especially suitable for walking. For those intending to invest something more for the purchase, electric treadmills are the most recommended option. But there are differences between the entry-level models and the best treadmills in circulation, including the excellent Quantum T110. We are talking about machines for home use that would look good in a gym. The advantage of almost all the models we have encountered lies in the possibility of folding them up and making them less bulky. Three price categories have been identified: the economic range within 150,000LKR, the average one between 150,000LKR and 300,000LKR and, beyond this threshold, the high range. In any case, we have selected the most interesting products, describing their main technical specifications. And giving priority, when possible, to the value for money.

Although the limit of the economic range is set at 150,000LKR, there is no shortage of even more affordable models. We are referring, in particular, to Quantum T110. Small but functional, there is a nice LCD display that shows the main information on the activity carried out. The amount of programs in relation to the cost is really impressive. The cushioning of the carpet is also good, the inclination of which is electrically adjustable. Another leap forward is represented by the iWalk Pro treadmill, whose solid structure was created to support up to 12 km / h of speed. The inclination of the carpet can be managed manually. On the other hand, the carpet is one of the most responsive and comfortable in its category. And we close the first part of our selection very well by presenting the Singer treadmill, a convincing electric treadmill from all points of view. Robust and stable, it integrates a front console that is easy to manage and full of programs to choose from. 125x44 cm: these are the dimensions of the generous running surface which can withstand speeds of up to 16 km / h.

The mid-range of the treadmill category is quite crowded. Inside, it is possible to find simple models alongside rather advanced solutions. In general, however, we are talking about electric treadmills, that is, equipped with a motor that pushes the carpet in the opposite direction to ours. We start with the most compact option, the space-saving Quantum Ovix Q2S treadmill. Without adjustable inclination, it boasts a carpet with an excellent feeling. While the essential hand rest support makes closing very fast. For those looking for a product with a more traditional profile, we recommend the Proform Carbon TL treadmill which, however, is one of the thinnest around. The performances are very good both in terms of supported speed and robustness. And there is no lack of electrically adjustable inclination. By choosing Quantum QT 215, then, the qualitative leap is served. Semi-professional treadmill with a large 130x44 cm carpet, supports up to 120 kg of weight and integrates a very precise hand-pulse cardio sensor. In addition, it puts a large display with all the necessary information always at your glance. Last but not least, the Proform Sports 3.0 treadmill is a taste of the home gym. In this case, in fact, the maximum supported speed touches the remarkable peak of 16 km / h. Suitable for carefree fitness as well as competitive training, it boasts a running surface of 127x41 cm.

Power, stability, automation of programs and functions, comfort and multimedia: this is the identikit of high-end treadmills, complete tools that would look good in a gym. Get off to a great start with the space-saving Quantum Sole F63 treadmill, a perfect fusion of design and technology. Proposed in many captivating colors, it is a folding model that, once opened, does not compromise. Stable, comfortable and smart, there is a large touch display and a reliable hand-pulse sensor. With the Impulse RT700 treadmill, training takes another leap forward. More massive than the previous one, it integrates a wireless receiver that communicates with the heart rate monitor included in the package. For those with an even bigger budget, we recommend the Quantum NordicTrack 2950 professional treadmill, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. With a generous display on the control console, it also lends itself to playing streaming content while we run. And in that regard, it puts in the power needed to push the race up to 20 km / h. And we conclude with Quantum Commercial X22i, the ideal solution for the most demanding runners. Here, too, nothing is missing. In addition to complete connectivity, in fact, there are two speakers for listening to music without headphones. There are 21 programs to choose from and 15 electrically adjustable inclination levels.

It is curious to discover that an ante litteram treadmill was used as a tool to create energy and not to burn it. A similar mechanism, in fact, has already been used in ancient times to lighten agricultural work, by operating machinery capable of moving heavy buckets of water. Then in the 19th century, inside American prisons, a rudimentary form of treadmill becomes a punitive means. But it was only in the early 1900s that running on the treadmill became a sporting activity. And the first model for home use was launched in 1968, by the mechanical engineer William Staub. The ingenious intuition that drives the machine has remained unchanged over the last 50 years. The electric treadmill uses a motor to give the non-slip belt on which we place our feet a motion opposite to our direction of travel. Thus, depending on the speed set, we will be able to run and walk while remaining in place. The engine is assisted by a cooling system that optimizes its operation. And under the carpet, there is a cushioning mechanism capable of absorbing the shock for the feet, ankles and knees. On the front, we have the control console that allows us to interact with the machine. A little further down, ergonomic handles and handlebars offer the athlete the right support during the activity. Alternatives to electric models are magnetic treadmills without motor.