Buying guide: what to know before buying treadmills online? Treadmills are one of the most popular cardio machines for the home as they provide a simple but efficient aerobic workout that trains your lower body to a great extent. However, if you are looking to train your upper body (arms, deltoids, biceps, triceps, pecs, shoulders and back), we have a wide range of upper body machines specifically for that purpose. When you buy a treadmill or running machine there are several aspects to take into account, your budget and the targets you have set yourself. What types of running machines are there? In our catalog you will find three distinct lines. On each of the individual products you will find the label that shows which range it belongs to: Home Treadmills These products are 100% adapted for home use, both individual and multi-member. The warranty coverage is for this particular use only. A machine of this line located in a professional facility will lose the warranty. Semi-professional Treadmills You will find a complete catalog of treadmills specially designed in quality, warranty and price to meet the needs of fitness facilities in companies, communities of neighbors, hotels, physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers, municipalities, sports clubs and security forces and firefighters. Professional Treadmills Designed for professional fitness centers. From large gyms, Crossfit, Gym Boutiques or functional training. It is also valid for the semi-professional line of the most demanding. Technical characteristics of the treadmills Once you are sure about these two points, you have to bear in mind the following specifications and technical features: Dimensions of the treadmill Size of the running surface area Motor power, speed and the possibility of incline Cushioning Console and training programmes Maximum user weight Technological Extras Dimensions of the treadmill The size of the treadmill refers to the space it takes up, fundamental if there is not much space at home. Currently there are a great variety of folding models which can be folded and stored away easily after use. Size of the running surface area The running surface area is the part of the treadmill on which you run (length x width). If space isn't a problem, we recommend you go for the treadmill with the largest surface area as a few centimetres can make all the difference for your comfort and running pleasure. Keep in mind that depending on your height and stride, you will train more comfortably on one treadmill or another. For example, users taller than 1.80 m will need a surface of at least 46 x 130 cm. Motor power, speed and the possibility of incline Motor: The motor is the most important part of the treadmill. It defines its resistance and durability. Choosing the model with the right power of motor will depend on your training targets. Treadmills for home or semi-professional use have a built in DC motor while treadmills for professional use have an AC motor. The type of motor affects the time you can spend working on the treadmill without a break. The power of the motor, measured in horsepower (HP), is given in continuous mode or for peaks. Power in continuous mode is the power which the motor can maintain constantly during a workout session, and peak mode tells you the maximum power the motor can reach at any given moment, but which cannot be maintained constantly during the workout. So the peak power will always be higher but it is the power in continuous mode which will really determine the robustness and the real capacity of the treadmill. Speed: A maximum speed of 12 Km/h is enough for moderate and regular training. However, if you want to train harder and more regularly, we recommend you make sure the treadmill can reach a speed of between 16 and 20 km/h, as otherwise you will quickly reach its speed capacity and the machine won't be able to give you that higher level of workout which you need to keep improving. Incline: Setting the incline of the treadmill can be done manually or electronically. Most treadmills have an incline of between 10% and 12%, although this could increase to between 8% and 15%. The incline is an important feature as it enables you to simulate races with gentle or steeper slopes and to test your times, speed and stamina at a particular gradient of slope. Cushioning Cushioning is one of the most important features of a treadmill. Thanks to it, your joints will be more protected than when training outdoors because the treadmill will absorb part of the impact so that your joints suffer less during your workouts. Generally, dumping systems are capable of absorbing between 15% and 40% of the impact. While it is true that cushioning is one of the strong points of training on a treadmill, there are some models with the option to adjust the level of cushioning for a more realistic feel. These treadmills allow you to prepare for the runs you are going to do regardless of the terrain. Console and training programmes The console controls all the functions which change the type and the intensity of the workout. The screen shows basic indicators such as speed, incline, time, calories and pace. Depending on the price the treadmills offers different technological and comfort features. The integrated training programmes are automatically activated following a pre-set target (burning calories, strength training, stamina or speed, etc). Depending on the model you choose, the treadmill could have between 8 and 100 different programmes to carry out personalised and varied training sessions. Maximum user weight The maximum user weight is directly related to the power required from the motor. The heavier the user is, the harder the motor has to work and so the more powerful the motor should be. Make sure there is a good margin between your weight and the maximum supported weight in order to guarantee optimum performance for your workout. Technological Extras: Another standout feature which is becoming more and more important when buying a treadmill is the possibility of doing interactive workouts. Many manufacturers are already integrating systems which synchronise with different iOS devices (iPod, iPad or iPhone) as well as with Android (Tablets and Smartphones) to offer, through specific Apps, workouts which are more fun, more visually stimulating and more motivating than training on conventional treadmills. In addition, if you want to complete your treadmill experience we have a list of accessories for cardio machines where you will find accessories, complements, devices and services suitable for your cardio machine. Frequently asked questions about treadmills What are the benefits of treadmill running? Less impactThanks to the cushioning systems, when exercising on the treadmill your joints will suffer less than on the street since the treadmill absorbs part of the impact when running or walking. If you still have injuries that you are worried about deteriorating, with our anti-pain electrostimulation and rehabilitation devices you will promote recovery by transmitting electrical impulses to the muscles, relieving minor daily ailments. HealthThe treadmill not only helps you stay in shape, it also improves blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure, thus strengthening the heart. You can complement its use with percussion therapy that will help you to loosen and speed up the recovery of your muscles after each workout. It will also stimulate blood flow. Lose weightThe treadmill is one of the cardio equipment with which you can burn the most calories. It allows you to perform various types of interval or long-duration workouts. In addition, if you use the incline, your calorie consumption will increase even more and you will tone the muscles of your legs and buttocks. In short, it's perfect for achieving your weight loss goals. No ExcusesLet nothing stop you from working out. Lack of time, weather, uneven surfaces or poorly lit streets are some of the most common reasons to put aside your workouts. Having a treadmill in your home at any time of the day eliminates all these impediments. MultitaskingTraining on a treadmill allows you to enjoy other activities in addition to training, such as watching TV, listening to music, checking emails, surfing the Internet and even working. Which treadmill is best? As fitness specialists, we can assure you that objectively there is no such thing as an ideal treadmill for everyone. What does exist is a treadmill that is right for you and your needs. We always advise you to read the buying guide or call our customer service hotline to help you find the treadmill that best suits you: Your goal Level of use you have in mind Space you have available Your height and weight Your budget Your personal needs In any case, we show you a list of treadmills that we love for different reasons and whose choice will be a sure hit. How should you care for and maintain treadmills? Lubrication is one of the most important maintenance points of the treadmill and should therefore be carried out regularly. For good treadmill maintenance it is necessary to check the lubrication level of the treadmill. This maintenance should be done approximately every 200 hours of use, 150 km or once a month. To properly lubricate the belt and achieve a better maintenance we must: Stop the belt and unplug it from the power supply. Lift one side of the tread and apply the spray as horizontally as possible, making sure that it reaches the center of the belt. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the tread. Remove any excess silicone that may have been generated. Plug the belt back in and walk on it for five minutes at a moderate speed (maximum 5 km/h) to ensure that the lubrication is distributed over the entire tread. If you want to see a video of the lubrication process, please see below. Both the lack of lubrication and the excess of lubrication are detrimental to the correct maintenance of the treadmill, so it is recommended to perform this procedure often using only the necessary amount of spray. As for the correct care of the treadmill, it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed on a level surface so that the belt and the motor are balanced. It is recommended to place a floor protector both to avoid damaging the surface and to reduce noise and prolong the life of the treadmill. After each workout, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any traces of sweat that may have been left on the deck, grips or mat. Also, once a week use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surface and console. Remember, do not use corrosive products or detergents to avoid damaging your treadmill. Which foldable treadmill to buy? Treadmills are a fantastic choice if you have little time to go running or walking, if you want to ensure a fun workout or if you want to avoid the laziness of going outside when the weather is bad. If, in addition to this, you are concerned about the space taken up by this type of machine, a folding treadmill is a great choice. Its folding system allows you to store the device in small spaces, optimizing the space but maintaining all its benefits, since the fact of choosing a folding treadmill does not force you to give up any of the advantages of these devices. To make it easier for you to find the foldable treadmill that best suits your needs, we have made a selection of the foldable treadmills that we recommend the most for their performance and the good results they provide. What is the difference between BH i.Concept and TFT? Those models that have in their nomenclature with the (i) in front of its name, as is the case of i.Concept, refers to its technology. This technology gives bluetooth to the machine allowing synchronization with a smartphone or tablet and to download compatible applications, both free and paid (Kinomap), enjoy virtual and interactive workouts, compete with friends, etc. As for the TFT (Touch and Fun) monitor, the TFT is a touch screen and allows you to train with 36 predefined programs, has virtual tours already recorded and, if you want to watch videos or listen to music you can do it by charging it on a USB that connects to the monitor. The TFT makes it visually more attractive and more intuitive to use, has more preset programs, speakers and you can watch videos with a USB. As a novelty, the TFT of the RS range (models RS800TFT, RS900TFT, RS1000TFT and RS81200TFT) in addition to all this, its multimedia monitor allows you to connect to the Internet and use entertainment apps such as Netlfix and training apps such as kinomap or Zwift. Is the treadmill noisy? In general, the treadmills we offer are silent, but to reduce the impact and possible noise generated by running on the treadmills, we always recommend using a floor protector to cushion the impact. What cushioning is best? BH treadmills have a Run + cushioning system that protects your joints which is better as it is a double cushioning. However, in addition to taking cushioning into account, it is important that you perform stretching exercises to release tension in the muscles of the different body areas. For this purpose, different stretching accessories are available to help you prevent injuries.
Buying guide: what to know before buying treadmills online? Treadmills are one of the most popular cardio machines for the home as they provide a simple but efficient aerobic workout that trains your lower body to a great extent. However, if you are looking to train your upper body (arms, deltoids, biceps, triceps, pecs, shoulders and back), we have a wide range of upper body machines specifically for that purpose. When you buy a treadmill or running machine there are several aspects to take into account, your budget and the targets you have set yourself. What types of running machines are there? In our catalog you will find three distinct lines. On each of the individual products you will find the label that shows which range it belongs to: Home Treadmills These products are 100% adapted for home use, both individual and multi-member. The warranty coverage is for this particular use only. A machine of this line located in a professional facility will lose the warranty. Semi-professional Treadmills You will find a complete catalog of treadmills specially designed in quality, warranty and price to meet the needs of fitness facilities in companies, communities of neighbors, hotels, physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers, municipalities, sports clubs and security forces and firefighters. Professional Treadmills Designed for professional fitness centers. From large gyms, Crossfit, Gym Boutiques or functional training. It is also valid for the semi-professional line of the most demanding. Technical characteristics of the treadmills Once you are sure about these two points, you have to bear in mind the following specifications and technical features: Dimensions of the treadmill Size of the running surface area Motor power, speed and the possibility of incline Cushioning Console and training programmes Maximum user weight Technological Extras Dimensions of the treadmill The size of the treadmill refers to the space it takes up, fundamental if there is not much space at home. Currently there are a great variety of folding models which can be folded and stored away easily after use. Size of the running surface area The running surface area is the part of the treadmill on which you run (length x width). If space isn't a problem, we recommend you go for the treadmill with the largest surface area as a few centimetres can make all the difference for your comfort and running pleasure. Keep in mind that depending on your height and stride, you will train more comfortably on one treadmill or another. For example, users taller than 1.80 m will need a surface of at least 46 x 130 cm. Motor power, speed and the possibility of incline Motor: The motor is the most important part of the treadmill. It defines its resistance and durability. Choosing the model with the right power of motor will depend on your training targets. Treadmills for home or semi-professional use have a built in DC motor while treadmills for professional use have an AC motor. The type of motor affects the time you can spend working on the treadmill without a break. The power of the motor, measured in horsepower (HP), is given in continuous mode or for peaks. Power in continuous mode is the power which the motor can maintain constantly during a workout session, and peak mode tells you the maximum power the motor can reach at any given moment, but which cannot be maintained constantly during the workout. So the peak power will always be higher but it is the power in continuous mode which will really determine the robustness and the real capacity of the treadmill. Speed: A maximum speed of 12 Km/h is enough for moderate and regular training. However, if you want to train harder and more regularly, we recommend you make sure the treadmill can reach a speed of between 16 and 20 km/h, as otherwise you will quickly reach its speed capacity and the machine won't be able to give you that higher level of workout which you need to keep improving. Incline: Setting the incline of the treadmill can be done manually or electronically. Most treadmills have an incline of between 10% and 12%, although this could increase to between 8% and 15%. The incline is an important feature as it enables you to simulate races with gentle or steeper slopes and to test your times, speed and stamina at a particular gradient of slope. Cushioning Cushioning is one of the most important features of a treadmill. Thanks to it, your joints will be more protected than when training outdoors because the treadmill will absorb part of the impact so that your joints suffer less during your workouts. Generally, dumping systems are capable of absorbing between 15% and 40% of the impact. While it is true that cushioning is one of the strong points of training on a treadmill, there are some models with the option to adjust the level of cushioning for a more realistic feel. These treadmills allow you to prepare for the runs you are going to do regardless of the terrain. Console and training programmes The console controls all the functions which change the type and the intensity of the workout. The screen shows basic indicators such as speed, incline, time, calories and pace. Depending on the price the treadmills offers different technological and comfort features. The integrated training programmes are automatically activated following a pre-set target (burning calories, strength training, stamina or speed, etc). Depending on the model you choose, the treadmill could have between 8 and 100 different programmes to carry out personalised and varied training sessions. Maximum user weight The maximum user weight is directly related to the power required from the motor. The heavier the user is, the harder the motor has to work and so the more powerful the motor should be. Make sure there is a good margin between your weight and the maximum supported weight in order to guarantee optimum performance for your workout. Technological Extras: Another standout feature which is becoming more and more important when buying a treadmill is the possibility of doing interactive workouts. Many manufacturers are already integrating systems which synchronise with different iOS devices (iPod, iPad or iPhone) as well as with Android (Tablets and Smartphones) to offer, through specific Apps, workouts which are more fun, more visually stimulating and more motivating than training on conventional treadmills. In addition, if you want to complete your treadmill experience we have a list of accessories for cardio machines where you will find accessories, complements, devices and services suitable for your cardio machine. Frequently asked questions about treadmills What are the benefits of treadmill running? Less impactThanks to the cushioning systems, when exercising on the treadmill your joints will suffer less than on the street since the treadmill absorbs part of the impact when running or walking. If you still have injuries that you are worried about deteriorating, with our anti-pain electrostimulation and rehabilitation devices you will promote recovery by transmitting electrical impulses to the muscles, relieving minor daily ailments. HealthThe treadmill not only helps you stay in shape, it also improves blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure, thus strengthening the heart. You can complement its use with percussion therapy that will help you to loosen and speed up the recovery of your muscles after each workout. It will also stimulate blood flow. Lose weightThe treadmill is one of the cardio equipment with which you can burn the most calories. It allows you to perform various types of interval or long-duration workouts. In addition, if you use the incline, your calorie consumption will increase even more and you will tone the muscles of your legs and buttocks. In short, it's perfect for achieving your weight loss goals. No ExcusesLet nothing stop you from working out. Lack of time, weather, uneven surfaces or poorly lit streets are some of the most common reasons to put aside your workouts. Having a treadmill in your home at any time of the day eliminates all these impediments. MultitaskingTraining on a treadmill allows you to enjoy other activities in addition to training, such as watching TV, listening to music, checking emails, surfing the Internet and even working. Which treadmill is best? As fitness specialists, we can assure you that objectively there is no such thing as an ideal treadmill for everyone. What does exist is a treadmill that is right for you and your needs. We always advise you to read the buying guide or call our customer service hotline to help you find the treadmill that best suits you: Your goal Level of use you have in mind Space you have available Your height and weight Your budget Your personal needs In any case, we show you a list of treadmills that we love for different reasons and whose choice will be a sure hit. How should you care for and maintain treadmills? Lubrication is one of the most important maintenance points of the treadmill and should therefore be carried out regularly. For good treadmill maintenance it is necessary to check the lubrication level of the treadmill. This maintenance should be done approximately every 200 hours of use, 150 km or once a month. To properly lubricate the belt and achieve a better maintenance we must: Stop the belt and unplug it from the power supply. Lift one side of the tread and apply the spray as horizontally as possible, making sure that it reaches the center of the belt. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the tread. Remove any excess silicone that may have been generated. Plug the belt back in and walk on it for five minutes at a moderate speed (maximum 5 km/h) to ensure that the lubrication is distributed over the entire tread. If you want to see a video of the lubrication process, please see below. Both the lack of lubrication and the excess of lubrication are detrimental to the correct maintenance of the treadmill, so it is recommended to perform this procedure often using only the necessary amount of spray. As for the correct care of the treadmill, it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed on a level surface so that the belt and the motor are balanced. It is recommended to place a floor protector both to avoid damaging the surface and to reduce noise and prolong the life of the treadmill. After each workout, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any traces of sweat that may have been left on the deck, grips or mat. Also, once a week use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surface and console. Remember, do not use corrosive products or detergents to avoid damaging your treadmill. Which foldable treadmill to buy? Treadmills are a fantastic choice if you have little time to go running or walking, if you want to ensure a fun workout or if you want to avoid the laziness of going outside when the weather is bad. If, in addition to this, you are concerned about the space taken up by this type of machine, a folding treadmill is a great choice. Its folding system allows you to store the device in small spaces, optimizing the space but maintaining all its benefits, since the fact of choosing a folding treadmill does not force you to give up any of the advantages of these devices. To make it easier for you to find the foldable treadmill that best suits your needs, we have made a selection of the foldable treadmills that we recommend the most for their performance and the good results they provide. What is the difference between BH i.Concept and TFT? Those models that have in their nomenclature with the (i) in front of its name, as is the case of i.Concept, refers to its technology. This technology gives bluetooth to the machine allowing synchronization with a smartphone or tablet and to download compatible applications, both free and paid (Kinomap), enjoy virtual and interactive workouts, compete with friends, etc. As for the TFT (Touch and Fun) monitor, the TFT is a touch screen and allows you to train with 36 predefined programs, has virtual tours already recorded and, if you want to watch videos or listen to music you can do it by charging it on a USB that connects to the monitor. The TFT makes it visually more attractive and more intuitive to use, has more preset programs, speakers and you can watch videos with a USB. As a novelty, the TFT of the RS range (models RS800TFT, RS900TFT, RS1000TFT and RS81200TFT) in addition to all this, its multimedia monitor allows you to connect to the Internet and use entertainment apps such as Netlfix and training apps such as kinomap or Zwift. Is the treadmill noisy? In general, the treadmills we offer are silent, but to reduce the impact and possible noise generated by running on the treadmills, we always recommend using a floor protector to cushion the impact. What cushioning is best? BH treadmills have a Run + cushioning system that protects your joints which is better as it is a double cushioning. However, in addition to taking cushioning into account, it is important that you perform stretching exercises to release tension in the muscles of the different body areas. For this purpose, different stretching accessories are available to help you prevent injuries.
