Treadmills are one of the most sought-after exercise equipment. They suit all ages and work as well for beginners as they do for professionals. With such an important place in exercise routines around the world, you might want to know the restrictions associated with a treadmill and ask, do treadmills for running have user weight limits?
Do Treadmills for Running Have A Weight Limit?
Running treadmills have a weight capacity of 220-350lbs (100-160kg), while some professional treadmills are capable of supporting up to 500lbs (225kg) of body weight. Equipment weight limit varies from brand to brand. Some treadmill brands produce multiple treadmills, each with a different weight limit.
The Importance of Treadmill Weight Capacity
What is the weight limit for a treadmill? The earlier mentioned numbers are a good average, but it’s different for each treadmill, be sure to check your product’s manual. The treadmill’s user weight capacity is a very important consideration if you tend to use it for the long term.
Keeping track of the limit and working according to the precautions not only saves the user from injuries but also keeps the machinery of the treadmill robust, making sure it provides optimal performance.
What Happens if You Exceed the Weight Limit on a Treadmill?
If a person’s body weight exceeds the limit, there is a chance that the treadmill might collapse. The running deck cannot sustain the pressure that a body heavier than its carrying capacity puts on it during running. This will cause it to eventually break or collapse under the weight. In such a case, the user might fall down and sustain injuries.
The other way in which putting weight on the treadmill beyond its weight capacity could be detrimental is through the damage to the machinery and particularly the motor and the belt of the treadmill. The motor is the most expensive part of a treadmill. It may experience excessive drag due to the excessive weight, causing it to wear down. Similarly, the belt on the running deck might get slower due to the damages to the motor. In the end, the treadmill does not perform like you want it to.
Are Treadmill Weight Limits Accurate?
The highlighted treadmill weight limit might not be 100% precise, but it can be good orientation for selecting your treadmill. Certain manufacturers write a weight limit on the treadmill that is 50 lbs higher than the actual number. An average size person can use any kind of treadmill for training.
Are Treadmills Harmful to the Knees?
This is a common debate among fitness trainers. Some believe that running on a treadmill is harmful to the knees and that running outdoors is the best possible practice. Meanwhile, others argue that it is not always possible to go running outdoors.
The outdoor ground provides a little natural incline that is optimal for our body posture. Flat treadmills do not offer that incline, and as a result, the runner’s knees are straight and stiff, which might cause injuries.
However, almost all treadmills do have the option to add some incline to the running deck. As low as 2% of incline on a treadmill mimics the incline of outdoor grounds. This incline puts less pressure on the knees and allows them to attain the natural, slightly bent state during running. The slight bend is better able to absorb shocks during running, thus lessening the chances of injuries.
However, anyone with a history of knee injuries or problems and arthritis should consult with their doctor and a certified fitness trainer before using a treadmill.
Why Walking is Useful as a Treadmill Activity?
Walking is one of the best ways to get your cardio workout in, especially for beginners and people with health issues. If you have a treadmill in access, then starting with walking is a great option. A brisk walk involves your heart, muscles, and lungs to work faster and stronger, which accounts for a great exercise.
Treadmills allow you to use different speed and incline options to match your suitability. With these options, you can have anything from a regular walk to a brisk and fast walk. Walking is ideal for people with knee, leg, ankle, and back problems as well as for obese people. Running might not be for everyone, but walking is one of the best ways to exercise, no matter who does it.
Practical Tips for the Obese to Apply on a Treadmill
An obese individual might find a treadmill a very useful exercise machine. This is especially because of the speed and incline options that the user can set to match their ability. There are a few tips that can be used to make a better choice while selecting a treadmill as well as to get a good workout with it. Some important things to remember include:
1. Find Yourself a Strong, Heavy-Duty Treadmill Frame
The frame of the treadmill carries the weight of the user. Hence, when you are looking for a treadmill, it needs to be strong in order not to break and be reliable for an obese individual. Treadmills with a high weight carrying capacity of around 350 lbs are made of steel frames. These are quite sufficient for walking or running for anyone who is less than 350 lbs.
Also, these are treadmills that are easier to move around. There are other more durable options where the frame is made up of aluminum. Such treadmills can support up to 500 lbs of weight. For obese users, the treadmill’s horsepower should be at least 3HP for the motor to sustain the pressure and move at a good speed.
2. Choose A Wide Treadmill Deck for Running
The second tip is to opt for a wider running deck. Wider decks distribute weight more evenly, lessening the chance of malfunctioning under heavy weight. For such frames, the belt also measures around 20 inches. With even weight distribution, the belt is pulled evenly as well and flows smoothly. The smooth flow of the belt also helps relieve the load from the motor and machinery.
3. Check the Treadmill Warranty Prices of Heavy-Duty Treadmills
While buying heavy machinery, it is always advisable to check for a warranty. Buy a treadmill that provides the manufacturer’s warranty for the machine that covers the parts as well. There should always be a warranty supporting the machine.
4. Regimen Saving Options
There are additional options on various treadmills that make working out fuss-free. With options that save your workout regimen settings, you can access them with a press of the button. This prevents the user from setting up the options every time they want to work out.
Prices of Heavy-Duty Treadmills
The price of a treadmill is usually dependent upon the sturdiness of its motor, length of the running deck, and the capacity to absorb shocks. Heavy-duty treadmills that are graded for professional trainers and athletes use have a robust motor, a 60” running deck, and very high shock absorbance capacity. These treadmills for heavier users are practically maintenance-free, and their cost ranges from $2500 to $3000.
Closing Thoughts on Treadmills’ Weight Limit
To avoid any future problems with the treadmill, it is useful to gain information about how much weight can a treadmill hold in advance. Treadmills are an effective, useful, and fast way to get your daily exercises in. You can use them to walk, jog, and run, making for a perfect cardio workout. Like all other machinery, treadmills too have restrictions. One of them is the weight limit or the weight capacity of the treadmill. Weight limits are dependent upon the frame material, the motor, and the horsepower. Different options are available for everyone as people vary from underweight to obese in body weight. But all of them help you achieve your goal of staying fit.
