Selecting Reliable Treadmills for Your Fitness Centre
Opening a new gym or looking to upgrade the equipment in your existing fitness centre? One of the most important pieces of cardio equipment for any gym is a high-quality and durable commercial treadmill. With so many models and features available, it can be tricky to determine which treadmills are truly built for withstanding the frequent use of a busy gym environment. Follow these tips to discover quality commercial treadmills for your gym members that will serve them well for years to come.
Tips to Buy Quality Treadmills
Some of the tips to buy quality treadmills are as follows:
Do Your Research
The first step is simply becoming educated on the reputable commercial treadmill brands and models on the market. Be sure to learn about the unique features and specifications of gym-grade treadmills versus basic machines designed for home use only. Leading commercial treadmill manufacturers include True Fitness, Life Fitness, Precor and Matrix Fitness. Look into the warranty details, reputation and client reviews for each brand’s commercial treadmills tailored specifically for gyms.
Prioritize Sturdy Construction
A light-duty treadmill made for occasional home use will quickly break down in a high-traffic gym. Only consider heavy duty machines with strong, thick frames, quality motors and well-made decks built to withstand intense daily pounding from runners. Look for commercial treadmills with continuous duty motors and high horsepower ratings of at least 3 CHP to accommodate frequent long runs by multiple users throughout each day without overheating or wearing down too quickly.
Focus on Safety Features
Look for important safety features in commercial treadmills such as an emergency stop button within easy access of the user, a safety clip that automatically stops the belt if the user falls, and handrails on both sides of the deck. Other helpful design features include a wide running surface of at least 60 inches for stability and rubber-covered contact points for reducing vibration and joint impact for runners.
Choose Durable, User-Friendly Decks
The treadmill deck supports the full weight of users with each step, so it must be extremely durable. Quality decks are made from strong materials like aluminium alloy coated with wax or phenolic rather than cheaper plastics that can crack over time. The deck should absorb shock rather than transfer impact to users’ joints. Look for mills with belt surfaces at least 2-ply or designed with proprietary cushioning systems made specifically to withstand thousands of miles.
Include Useful Programming Options
Commercial treadmills designed for gyms should offer versatile built-in workout programming options to accommodate all users. Look for training programs with varied speed and incline settings as well as one-touch speed and incline keys for ease of use. Other helpful features include heart rate tracking, fitness tests, customizable user profiles and displays with useful workout metrics and entertainment options to enhance the experience.
Choose Reliable Maintenance Plans
Even the highest quality commercial treadmills will need periodic maintenance and repairs with extremely frequent daily use. Select a model from a brand that offers excellent customer service and post-purchase maintenance plans. Opting for professional assembly, at least an annual maintenance visit and prompt service plans can help maximize your investment in commercial fitness equipment.
Ask About Delivery, Installation and Training
When comparing treadmill options for your gym, don’t forget to inquire about delivery, setup, and training services. Professional delivery by certified technicians ensures the equipment will be properly assembled and configured onsite. Many brands include staff training with purchase to help your team learn to set up user profiles, access programs and perform basic maintenance to keep treadmills running smoothly.
Conclusion
Investing in durable and feature-rich commercial treadmills from reputable brands is critical for keeping gym members engaged and motivated. By following these tips during your selection process, you’ll be able to discover high-quality treadmills perfect for standing up to the demands of your fitness facility for years. Reach out to sales representatives from top brands to discuss your specific needs today.
