Sometimes running can cause injury or pain if done wrongly. According to this study, individuals with higher body weight (over 80 kgs) have higher chances of sustaining injuries.
One of the commonest mistakes runners make is to select the wrong equipment for their body type.
When choosing a treadmill, you should go for a shock absorbing treadmill or the ones with the best cushioning.
The scientists in this research discovered that cushioning tends to minimize ankle and knee impact during running. The same logic may be applied when picking out the best machines for treadmill running.
Before you pick your preferred shock absorbing treadmill, go through review of these 10 treadmills.
SHOCK ABSORBING TREADMILL REVIEW
PROFORM PERFORMANCE 400I TREADMILL WORLD CLASS PERSONAL TRAINING IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
Pros
This treadmill from Proform has sufficient cushioning. Users are likely to experience comfort when they run owing to its 18”x50” dimensions.
It has fast controls and connections to iFit trainer at an annual fee of $468.
The device has self-cooling capabilities.
You may also fold the treadmill upon completion. It is incline-enabled.
Cons
The treadmill’s motor may not be sturdy enough for heavier users who are over 240Ibs.
Rating: 9.5/10
HORIZON ELITE T5 TREADMILL
Pros
It has an adjustable response cushioning system to give you comfort as you run.
The treadmill has similar features to the aforementioned machine, such as a powerful motor and foldable frame.
This device’s 55”x20” surface is large enough for various types of runners. You may also get access to about 38 programs for working out.
Cons
The treadmill is not sufficiently lightweight to be portable (335 Pounds). Its fans are not highly durable.
Rating: 9.5 /10
HORIZON FITNESS ELITE T7-02 TREADMILL
Pros
The running surface is 60”x20,” meaning that you will have sufficient space to use it. Additionally, the entire belt is cushioned for ample impact using a three-zone system.
This machine has bendable frames that you can easily fold to save space. It is quiet and smooth, yet its motor is powerful.
The belt, while being comfortable, does not require high maintenance. A personal fan and MP3 speakers are also available.
Cons
The product lacks other perks like associated programs for exercise.
It may be foldable but is not as lightweight as other treadmills reviewed here (271 pounds). This could make it hardtop move.
Rating: 9.4 /10
SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS 7700 ASUNA HIGH-PERFORMANCE CARDIO TRAINER
Pros
The belt can withstand high-intensity workouts for people 440 Ibs and under. It has an adjustable incline and a shock absorption system.
It is also foldable.
Cons
Although it is foldable, the folded dimensions are not that much smaller than the unfolded machine.
The treadmill may not be appropriate for fast runs as the motor is not powerful enough.
Rating: 9.2 /10
SUNNY HEALTH & FITNESS ELECTRIC FOLDING TREADMILL WITH AUTO INCLINE
Pros
This product from Sunny Health and Fitness has a weight capacity of 440ib. Therefore, individuals with above-average weight will find it ideal.
It has an incline to challenge you as you work out. The product has a shock absorption system too.
Cons
Some users find the tension on the belt too tight, and this affects its impact. It may not work well for long runs.
Rating: 9.2 /10
LIFESPAN TR5000I NON-FOLDING TREADMILL
Pros
This is a 2-ply treadmill, which is just right if you are unwilling to invest in the maintenance of a bulky treadmill.
It has 8 elastomers for cushioning, a marked improvement from earlier versions of the product with 6 elastomers.
It also comes with a wide running area (20×60) and several programs for your workout.
You can get feedback about your heart rate, distance, and burnt calories. You also get to use apps like Quickstart and Healthy Living with the device.
Cons
The machine is quite heavy, and because it is non-folding, you have to keep it in one spot.
It may not be appropriate for fast runners as some buyers experience breakdowns when going over 30 miles.
Rating: 9.1 /10
FOLDING TREADMILL ELECTRIC DEVICE HOLDER SHOCK ABSORPTION
Pros
This product from Homlpope has a shock absorption system that will work well for those will sensitive ligaments.
It also comes with a small incline if you would like to challenge yourself.
The treadmill is foldable, so you do not need a lot of space to accommodate it.
Given its lightness (50kg), you can easily move it around the house. It is a relatively quiet treadmill.
Cons
The product’s belt is not large enough for a more elaborate shock absorption system. Some customers have problems with assembling the machine.
Rating: 9.0 /10
BU1 TREADMILL WITH EQUIPMENT BRACKET SHOCK ABSORPTION, REMOTE CONTROL, SMART FOLDING COMPACT
Pros
It has a powerful motor and strong load capacity. The machine is foldable and relatively easy to move around. It has a shock absorption system and may be controlled remotely.
Cons
It has a maximum load of 200kg, so you may be prone to running injury if you weigh more. If you try to employ too many functions, the system may crash.
Rating: 9.2 /10
ASSAULT FITNESS AIR RUNNER, BLACK FRAME CHARCOAL
Pros
The machine’s running strides are efficient and natural. The belt is highly durable and thick. It comes with a 150,000-mile warranty. The calories you burn on it are significantly high.
Cons
If you try to run on it and are over 350Ib, you may get injured. Its shock absorbers are not explicitly marketed or stated.
Some customers have reported breakdowns shortly after purchasing it. Maintenance costs may thus be on the high side.
Rating: 8.4 /10
NORDIC TRACK T SERIES TREADMILL
Pros
The treadmill accommodates heavy users who may weigh 300 pounds. It is possible to fold the machine after a run as it has 20” x 50” dimensions.
It has incline control for optimal workouts and iFit program access for personal training.
Cons
While it was designed for heavy users, the cushioning system is not specified and elaborate enough for people concerned about injuries.
Customers have challenges canceling iFit after joining. Membership in the latter program creates added expenses.
Rating: 8.0/10
WHAT MATERIAL BEST ABSORBS SHOCK
1. THICK MATERIAL
When analyzing the right type of shock absorbing treadmill, you need to start with the appearance of the belt. It should look thick and even.
A treadmill that has thin layers will be easily worn out and may cause injury.
2. SOFT MATERIAL
The material should be soft but not too soft. If the latter is overdone, you may lack slip as you run. On the other hand, if a material is too hard, the chances are that it will have a high impact on your legs.
3. MULTIPLE LAYERS OF RUBBER
The treadmill belt is often made of rubber but the difference is that some belts only have single-ply rubber, which rarely absorbs shock when running.
Others have double-ply systems with rubber and filaments.
Additionally, some designs have 3 or 4 layers. The latter tends to be heavy and may experience a high degree of wear and tear. The 2-ply design is thus optimal.
4. A SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM
During the purchase of a shock absorbing treadmill, always consider those machines with in-built systems consisting of springs and other impact-reducing material.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A good shock absorbing treadmill ought to have thick, soft, and cushioning properties.
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