Specifications Guide
Everything you need to know to find the right treadmill for your goals.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Commercial / Home | Indicates whether the treadmill is primarily marketed as a commercial product (i.e. for gyms) or one for home use. Note - serious treadmill enthusiasts will often look to a commercial treadmill as this often provides in an indication of increased durability (beneficial for those pounding the belt day after day). |
| Motor power (HP) | Peak power output. Note the distinction between HP and CHP below. |
| Max speed (mph/kph) | The highest speed the belt can reach. Relevant for runners vs. walkers. |
| Max incline (%) | The gradient for hill simulation. Typically ranges from 10% to 15%. |
| Incline type | Manual (stop to adjust) vs. Motorised (button-press during run). |
| Foldable (Y/N) | Space-saving design; essential for smaller homes or apartments. |
HP reflects the maximum power the motor can briefly hit and it is commonly used in marketing specifications (on the simple basis that the number looks bigger). This doesn't necessarily reflect the sustainable output during a normal workout. On that basis, CHP (continuous horsepower) would be the preferred metric, stating the power the motor can maintain continuously. This is a better indicator of performance however it is rarely clearly marketed.
You should be safe if you base your selection on speed considerations (see below).
Speed & Pace Benchmarking
There is quite a clear price-point impact of the max speed a treadmill can achieve. You don't want to get caught out with going for a better priced treadmill that ultimately won't hit the speeds you need - particularly if you wish to incorporate HIIT sessions into your plan. We have outlined below standard thinking on speeds and then the equivalent 5k time, to further help you benchmark the speed you want. We always advise going for a treadmill with a max speed greater than the maximum speed you wish to run now, these are significant investments and your goalposts will change over time.
| Category | mph | km/h | Pace (min/mile) | Pace (min/km) | Approx. 5k Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Walk | 2.0 | 3.2 | 30:00 | 18:38 | ~1:33:00 |
| Brisk Walk | 3.5 | 5.6 | 17:09 | 10:43 | ~53:35 |
| Jog (Beginner) | 4.5 | 7.2 | 13:20 | 8:17 | ~41:25 |
| Jog (Intermediate) | 5.5 | 8.9 | 10:55 | 6:44 | ~33:40 |
| Run (Recreational) | 6.5 | 10.5 | 9:14 | 5:43 | ~28:35 |
| Run (Intermediate) | 7.5 | 12.1 | 8:00 | 4:58 | ~24:50 |
| Run (Advanced) | 8.5 | 13.7 | 7:03 | 4:23 | ~21:55 |
| Competitive | 9.5 | 15.3 | 6:19 | 3:55 | ~19:35 |
| Elite Club | 10.5 | 16.9 | 5:43 | 3:33 | ~17:45 |
| Elite | 12.0 | 19.3 | 5:00 | 3:07 | ~15:35 |
| World record (women) | 13.8 | 22.2 | 4:30 | 2:49 | 13:54 |
| World record (men) | 14.8 | 23.8 | 4:03 | 2:31 | 12:49 |
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Length (cm) | The total length of the treadmill when fully assembled, measured in centimetres. |
| Width (cm) | The total width of the treadmill when fully assembled, measured in centimetres. |
| Running surface length (cm) | The usable belt length available for running or walking — taller runners should consider this for stride comfort. |
| Running surface width (cm) | The usable belt width available for running or walking. |
| Folded length (cm) | The length of the treadmill when folded, measured in centimetres. |
| Machine weight (kg) | The total weight of the treadmill itself, mostly relevant for ease of movement and assembly. |
| Max user weight (kg) | The maximum recommended user weight supported by the treadmill, as specified by the manufacturer. |
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth (Y/N) | Indicates whether the treadmill supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for compatible apps, devices, or heart-rate accessories. |
| Zwift (Y/N) | Indicates whether the treadmill is compatible with the Zwift training platform, typically via Bluetooth connectivity — see important distinction below. |
| Kinomap (Y/N) | Indicates whether the treadmill is compatible with the Kinomap fitness app — see important distinction below. |
| Display / Screen | Indicates the type of display or screen built into the treadmill. |
Zwift v Kinomap
Zwift = Paid subscription for virtual running environment with avatars, races and social features. The main feature is that it allows you to compete with other runners live. Zwift requires a paid subscription, an internet connection and compatible treadmill sensor.
Kinomap = Paid interactive indoor training app with thousands of real-world video routes for treadmills and other cardio equipment, paired via Bluetooth to show workout data. Kinomap can in some instances auto control incline to match route.
| Feature | Zwift | Kinomap |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Virtual worlds and gamified training | Real-world route videos and structured workouts |
| Platform type | Virtual running + cycling platform | Virtual route playback app |
| Virtual world | Full 3D world | No (video routes on real terrain) |
| Social racing | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth FTMS required | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Gamified running, community motivation, structured training | Scenic route variety, personal pacing |
Both apps require a treadmill that supports Bluetooth FTMS to work properly. If a treadmill listing only says “Bluetooth” without FTMS, the app may not connect reliably
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