Treadmills are the most sought after pieces of exercise equipment. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), treadmills are the most efficient calorie burners for most people. It is very natural for an average human to think that there are treadmills of only a single type in market. On the contrary, there are different types of treadmills available in markets such as fold-up models, models designed for walkers, sturdy designs for runners, even ones that can monitor user's heart rate and adjust workout accordingly. Treadmills can simply be categorized as motorized and non-motorized.

Home treadmills and commercial treadmills

Most people prefer home treadmills, which range from cheap, manual treadmills to the higher quality ones intended for rigorous running workouts. There are commercial treadmills, which are used in gyms or in any commercial setting, for example, a doctor's office. A commercial treadmill generally has higher-powered motor with more horsepower as compared to that in a home treadmill. But these treadmills come with a less warranty, usually 3 to 4 years, as they are used for an extended period of time. Home treadmills can be used in light commercial setting such as in small hotel gyms. If a person's workout includes only walking, a smaller, less expensive variety of a treadmill is sufficient.

Distinguishing factors

There are other features that differentiate one treadmill from another. Most home treadmills are DC (Direct Current), while commercial treadmills may have DC or AC (Alternating Current). AC motors are usually noisier, and draw more power. Treadmills for walking usually start at 0 or 0.5 and go up to 5 or 6 mph (miles per hour), while those for running start at 0, 0.5 or 1 mph and go up to 8 to 12 mph. Thickness of belt is another factor. Two-ply belts are better than one-ply belts as the previous are stronger and less likely to curl at sides. The length of running surface also does matter. Longer decks provide space for a more comfortable stride than what shorter decks provide. Some more distinguishing features are minimum and maximum speed, percentage of incline, and type of incline adjustment. Others are, electronic feedback panels of speed, time and distance, heart rate monitors, and of course treadmill technology. It is obvious that treadmill technology is continually changing and improving.