Mechanical treadmill: reviews, instructions. Which treadmill is better - mechanical or electric? Which type of treadmill is better - electric, mechanical or magnetic? What does a magnetic treadmill mean?

Which is better: a mechanical or electric treadmill?

Treadmill is a cardio exercise machine designed for running and walking at home. Helps keep muscles toned, strengthens the cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems, and increases endurance.

Which treadmill should you choose? According to the principle of operation, they are divided into mechanical and electrical. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of these treadmills.

This is a track, the surface of which sets the trainee running. Nowadays, almost all mechanical treadmills have magnetic tension on the belt. With this design, magnetic resistance is created and the runner needs to exert more effort to move the running belt.

Benefits of a mechanical treadmill

  • The main advantage is low price. Due to the lack of complex electronics and simplicity of design, a mechanical treadmill is the most accessible for purchase;
  • Does not require a network connection. With the coming summer season you can transport it to the country and train there;
  • Simplified design - the treadmill is small in size and weight.

Disadvantages of a mechanical treadmill

  • Limited functionality - there are no training programs, the display can only display basic parameters (pulse, speed, time, calories);
  • The trainee sets the mechanical treadmill in motion with muscle effort, which puts increased stress on the legs and joints. Shock absorption systems built into some treadmills reduce the impact;
  • Not recommended for people with leg diseases, because... When practicing on such a track, you need to put in more physical effort.

Electric treadmills- a more modern option. The canvas is set in motion electric motor. The force of the load is determined by the rotation speed and the angle of inclination of the blade.

Benefits of an Electric Treadmill

  • The main advantage is a smooth and silent move, which does not require unnecessary muscle tension and does not create harmful stress on the legs and joints;
  • Built-in programs - will help you diversify your workouts, track progress and achieve targeted training goals (for example, losing weight);
  • Wide speed range and large inclination angle of the running belt (depending on the model);
  • Suitable for users with contraindications to training, because... The electric treadmill has the ability to set a gentle mode.

Disadvantages of an Electric Treadmill

  • Depends on network connection. Some have a built-in generator, which eliminates this disadvantage;
  • Greater weight and dimensions. Almost all electric treadmills are equipped with a folding system and transport rollers;
  • The cost is higher than that of mechanical treadmills.

Mechanical or electric treadmill?

A mechanical treadmill is a reliable, proven exercise machine and is suitable for those who want to diversify and supplement their training program.

The electric treadmill is modern in terms of functionality and variety of training options. If your workouts have a specific goal, such as losing weight, it is better to opt for an electric treadmill and pay attention to the built-in programs - fat burning and interval training. It is also suitable for users who need gentle training due to leg problems.

After reading about the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical and electric treadmills, choose the option that best suits your needs.

You can buy a treadmill in our online store.

All treadmills are cardio equipment. By regularly exercising on them, you can significantly increase your endurance parameters, improve the condition of your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and lose extra pounds.

The benefits of running are due to the fact that almost all the muscles of the body are set in motion.

There are several types of treadmills. Today we’ll talk about one of them – electric – in more detail.

Brief characteristics of the simulator and operating principle

By its design, any treadmill is a platform with a ring belt rotating between two shafts and handrails. Training on it is either on a rubber band at various speeds. The tape, for better adhesion to the athlete’s legs, should be porous or ribbed on the outside, but smooth and slippery on the outside. inside adjacent to the base. This version of the simulator is perfect for and.

The load is adjusted by changing the platform's elevation angle or by setting speed parameters using on-board computer(if available). Despite its simplicity and naturalness, you need to know.

What is the difference between a mechanical version and an electric one?

When comparing an electrical track with a mechanical one, one can immediately see their very significant differences from each other. First let's look at main aspects of the device mechanical treadmill:

  1. The rotation of the canvas here occurs due to the athlete’s own efforts. That is, it moves only while you are walking or running, but as soon as you stop, the tape stops with you. You can move at a speed convenient for you, accelerating or slowing down at your own discretion, rather than running strictly according to given parameters, which is very convenient and natural for a person.
  2. There is no electric motor. This means that no electricity is consumed, and the weight of the simulator is significantly lower than that of its electric counterparts. Such a simulator can be placed anywhere where there is no electricity - in the garden, at the dacha, etc., it works perfectly in autonomous mode.
  3. The cost of a manual treadmill is much cheaper.

The disadvantages of this type of track include the following:

  • Due to the rotation of the blade on our own. This may be contraindicated for those suffering from varicose veins, diseases knee joints or simply don’t like those who study. The situation is aggravated by the slight unevenness of the belt running.
  • Absence additional features: work programs and training effectiveness indicators - heart rate, speed time, distance, calories.

Arranged as follows:

  1. It must have an electric motor. The movement of the belt - smooth and constant - is carried out due to its work, and maximum speed blade rotation directly depends on the motor power.
  2. Control Panel - required element such a simulator. It is designed to provide control over the progress of each workout according to all the most important parameters, as well as to work according to specific programs depending on your goals (increasing the level of endurance, rehabilitation, etc.). The panel also ensures an instant stop of the simulator if the athlete slips off the track - the safety key built into it is activated.

The disadvantages of the electric type of tracks include their high cost and the need to connect to the electrical network.

Attention! The normal heart rate of a running person is approximately 220 beats per minute minus this figure for age. You can also monitor your heart rate using a heart rate monitor, but it is much more convenient to use adjustable electronic built-in sensors. Pay attention to .

Which is better: magnetic or electric?

– a kind of transitional link from mechanics to electrical. Having inherited compactness, simplicity of design, moderate weight and price from mechanical models, they differ from them in only one feature - a magnetic drive.

The canvas is still driven by human leg movements. But the magnet acts as an additional regulator of the tape, attracting it and providing additional resistance for the practitioner.

Similarities electric treadmills with magnetic is:

  • smooth running without jerks typical of mechanical tracks;
  • having a computer with a small number of programs and a heart rate monitor.

This is a kind of golden mean with ultra-modern electrical and the simplest mechanical options.

How to choose a trainer with an electric motor?

If you have made your choice in favor of an electric model and want to understand which one is better, pay attention to the following points:

  1. Motor capabilities. A running person exerts pressure on the canvas that is twice his weight. Therefore, the belief arises that what more powerful engine, the more reliable the path. But such a thing costs more and consumes more electricity. Is it worth overpaying? For a person of average build and weighing around 80 kg, a motor power of one and a half will be sufficient. horsepower– at constant, not peak load (this is important). Quiet operation, smoothness when starting and stopping are also important when choosing.
  2. Size and quality of running belt. Of course, a spacious treadmill is more comfortable. But the dimensions of the room and the price also need to be taken into account. It is better to choose the size according to your physical parameters– height, weight, step length, before that you can look and try on several models for yourself in the fitness center, with friends, in 23 salons. The size of the canvas must be sufficient in width and length so that the student does not trip, and the coating must be no thinner than 2 cm, durable, non-slip, and with good shock-absorbing properties. For the average person fit size 40x 130 cm.
  3. Functionality of the on-board computer. The panel should be clear, the controls should be logical, and the display should be readable. The more expensive the models, the more features, options and programs. But there must be distance and speed recorders and pulse sensors necessary for planning classes. In addition to everything, you should know.
  4. Safety. Key emergency stop– a must, a protective mechanism against children – very desirable. In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with.
  5. Transportation and storage options. If you plan to transport the track outside the city or move it inside the same room, pay attention to the rollers. There are folding exercise machines with manual or automatic folding.
  6. Warranty and care. A warranty of at least one year is desirable and up to 3 years for spare parts. A cooling system is important for the motor, and constant lubrication is important for the blade (choose models with automatic mode). Don't forget - they will extend the life of the simulator.

Do not forget: Even insignificant, at first glance, details, if you pay attention to them, will help you purchase a truly reliable and durable cardio exercise machine of your dreams.

Attention! If you can’t choose from several approximately identical tracks, take a closer look at the parameter with the highest constant power. The higher it is, the more reliable the unit.

Top 5 best models for home

1. Housefit HT 9164E

Track from the American brand of sporting goods "Housefit". Pros and features of the model:

  • The motor power is high - 2.5 hp, reaches speeds of up to 18 km/h;
  • canvas dimensions: length – 135 cm, width – 46 cm;
  • automatic tilt angle adjustment (18 positions);
  • console with programs, heart rate sensors, training parameters - calories, distance, time;
  • a folding system is provided;
  • user weight limit is 125 kg.

Cost – from 30,000 rubles. The disadvantages include the fact that the exercise machine is designed only for average height, If you are taller than 180 cm, there is a risk of slipping.

2. Brumer TF07

Cardio machine made in China without handrails. Pros and features:

  • canvas dimensions – 36x98 cm, maximum load – 80 kg;
  • engine power 0.75 hp, top speed – 10 km per hour;
  • LCD display, readings – speed, distance, calories.

Cost from 14,500 rubles. Minus - There is no tilt angle adjustment.

3. Torneo Linia T-201

Track from the Italian sporting goods brand “Torneo”. Pros and features of the model:

  • The model is foldable, which saves space;
  • with a weight of 47 kg, it can withstand a user weight of 115 kg;
  • canvas dimensions 40x110 cm - not ideal, but sufficient;
  • Cardiac sensor, display shows speed, distance, calorie consumption.
  • engine power - 1 hp

Minus - The handles are not adjustable, but are designed for a height of no higher than 175 cm. Cost – from 15,000 rubles.

4. Body Sculpture BT-3123

Track from the English brand “Body Sculpture”. Features of this option:

  • engine power 2.2 hp, top speed – 12 km per hour;
  • canvas dimensions – 40x120 cm, maximum load – 100 kg;
  • high level depreciation of the coating;
  • LCD display with basic training parameters displayed on the screen;
  • folding model with hydraulic closers.

Flaw - The inclination level is adjusted mechanically. Cost – about 28,000 rubles.

5. Torneo Maestra T-311

Another model from the Italian brand “Torneo”. How is it different from the rest:

  • travel speed up to 12 km/h, the handrail has a built-in heart rate sensor;
  • maximum user weight - 110 kg;
  • there is a shock absorption system, rollers for transportation;
  • console – 6 training programs, automatic adjustment of the inclination angle up to 10°, combination with USB and SD cards for music, speed readings, energy consumption, distance traveled.

Cost – from 38,000 rubles. Minus - More suitable for home use than professional use.

Other types of treadmills

So, our acquaintance with electric treadmills is complete. But . These include:

  1. Mechanical, where the running belt is set in motion by the efforts of the athlete.
  2. Magnetic, where a magnet acts as an additional tape regulator.
  3. – the structure can be assembled for easy storage and folded automatically or manually.
  4. – develops the child physically with early age. Bright, environmentally friendly, as safe as possible.

If, as a result of thinking about what to choose, your choice fell on the simulator, do not forget our tips when buying it and remember. This is an excellent financial investment in your excellent health and active longevity.

Treadmills are divided into 2 types: electric and mechanical. A mechanical treadmill can be either magnetic or conventional. The difference between the types of tracks lies in what causes the belt to move.

Rice. 1 - Types of treadmills for home.

In an electric treadmill, the movement of the belt is determined by an electric motor; in a mechanical treadmill, the movement of the belt is determined by the legs of the running person (due to repulsion). In a magnetic mechanical track, the movement of the belt is also carried out due to muscular efforts, but thanks to magnets it is smoother. With the help of these same magnets, braking of the running belt is ensured.

  • low price;
  • weigh little and do not take up much space;
  • the speed of the belt depends on the pace set by the running person;
  • simplicity of design, maintainability.
  • minimal functionality, few optional features of the device;
  • lack of a shock-absorbing system, high load on the joints;
  • small size of the running belt, which creates inconvenience for training.

Pros and cons of magnetic tracks compared to mechanical ones

  • the movement of the belt is smoother, which increases the comfort of training;
  • As the running intensity increases, less noise is produced than on a mechanical treadmill.
  • the device is somewhat more complicated;
  • costs more.

Table 1 - Models of mechanical and magnetic treadmills.

NameTreadmill typeMaximum user weight, kgCanvas size, cmCost, rub
HouseFit HT-9113HPmechanical110 99x32.512320
HouseFit HT-9110HPmechanical100 99x32.59860
HouseFit HT-90332HPmagnetic110 100x3415630
Body Sculpture TM 1596-01magnetic100 119x3314750
Atemi AT 605mechanical100 117x3311600

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Treadmills

Benefits include:

  • comfortable and easy to use, smooth running of the belt;
  • availability of a software package that allows you to diversify the training process;
  • different load modes (speed selection, );
  • less load on the joints, since there is a shock absorption system (the load on the joints will be determined by the quality of the shock absorption system);
  • the ability to conduct full anaerobic training.

The disadvantages include:

  • high price;
  • the need to connect to a power source;
  • significant weight (40-100 kg) and dimensions, which makes it difficult to transport the simulator even within the room;
  • more noisy, due to friction of the running belt on the deck;
  • require some care: lubrication, alignment, tension of the running belt.

conclusions

Mechanical. A regular mechanical treadmill is the most outdated version of the exercise machine. The functionality is simple, inexpensive (10,000-12,000 rubles) and rarely breaks. But at the same time, the comfort of training suffers greatly. Suitable for maximum walking for people without joint problems. Not suitable for full cardio training.

Conventional mechanical treadmills are rarely found on sale due to their design being outdated.

Magnetic. A mechanical magnetic treadmill is an improved version of simple mechanical treadmills. The difference is a smoother running belt, which increases the comfort of training. If you decide to choose a mechanical type track, then give preference to a track with a magnetic braking system.

Electric. An electric treadmill is the most convenient and multifunctional, but at the same time the most expensive. Such a simulator requires periodic tension and alignment.

We are pleased to welcome you to the sports discounter’s website, a site where our potential clients can expect high-quality, affordable treadmills and other equipment for training in the gym, at home, in the office and other suitable places. Do you have a day, an hour, or at least fifteen minutes in your busy work schedule to make a contribution to improving your physical fitness, vitality and well-being? Then you've come to the right place.

Our potential clients often ask the question: “What is the difference between different types of treadmills?”..

Types of tracks

In our online store you can purchase any exercise machine (treadmill) using a flexible system of discounts or by participating in a promotion. Offers

Mechanical treadmills and their features

What is different about a mechanical treadmill? What is the benefit of buying it? Are there any disadvantages? It's no secret that during a crisis, not every novice athlete is ready to invest the maximum amount of money in purchasing an expensive, multifunctional sports unit.


Those who would like to get a tangible initial effect, but are not ready to pay a lot of money, should pay attention to the devices that are presented in a wide range in our online store.

This is one of the simplest, most practical and, at the same time, inexpensive types of exercise equipment. It can be compared with the old ones mobile phones, which do not break when hitting a wall. They work “forever”. But at the same time, their functionality in comparison with elite modern gadgets can be called basic.

The load in a treadmill of this type is set by the mass of the person exercising and the friction force produced by him. You can vary (change) the difficulty level on the simulator in the most basic way - by changing the incline. Have you increased the degree of elevation of the relative horizontal plane? It has become more difficult to run!

Among the advantages of mechanical-type tracks, it is worth highlighting them
low cost
relative compactness and low weight (kg)
independence from the availability of a power source (do you want to exercise in the fresh air at your dacha? Please!)

Negative aspects of the unit?

The absolute minimum of additional features
drop in pace when the student is tired
overload of the joints, which is unlikely to be avoided.

Which mechanical treadmill is best? Our expert consultants are always ready to answer this question.

Electric treadmills and their features

The key difference between the treadmills we are looking at in this section is, of course, the motor, which is not present in the “mechanics”. Its power source is an ordinary 220V network. It is the electric motor, the power of which varies, that sets the load, provides the ability to adjust the speed (from 1 to 25 km/h), and allows you to change the angle of inclination.


Should you choose a manual or electric treadmill? You decide. But it is the “advanced electrics” that have an on-board computer system. It will support the necessary training parameters that will help you achieve your goals and objectives.

Question: “Which is better, a mechanical or electric treadmill?” is removed from the agenda if we take into account that it is modern units with electric motors that make it possible to control heart rate, remember the results of previous exercises and compare them with current ones. And also recklessly spend your calories and increase your pace.

Electric tracks come in basic, advanced and professional grades. The first ones are suitable for those who want an inexpensive unit that allows them to reach speeds from 2 to 15 km/h and run exclusively on a “flat” horizontal plane. The second (advanced) ones please, first of all, with the width of the canvas and the ability to change the angle of inclination. And the third? Allows you to get the most out of any workout.

The advantages of electric versions of exercise machines also include:

Their smoothness
uniformity of load placed on the athlete
Easy to adjust training parameters
ease of care and use
complete control over your condition.

Among the disadvantages

Fairly high cost
increased electricity bills
considerable weight of the unit.

Read more about magnetic treadmills

A magnetic or electric treadmill is guaranteed to improve the physical fitness and well-being of a potential athlete who bought the exercise machine not for selfies, but for systematic exercise.

It is only important to choose, with the help of our experienced consultants, a path that will best suit your needs.
financial capabilities
goals and expectations.

Let's talk about the third type of sports units. The disadvantages of mechanical treadmills are listed above. But in order not to “disregard mechanics” and to improve the potential capabilities and comfort of a device that does not depend on the network, magnetic treadmills were developed.


The easiest way to understand their operating principle is to compare a sports simulator of this type with simple mechanics. In it, as we understand, the novice athlete himself pushes the canvas with his feet, and the stopping effect is provided by the friction force of the canvas. It turns out that the training proceeds, as it were, in the “jerk/braking” mode.

The magnetic brake installed in “advanced” treadmills helps to eliminate the most significant drawback of the mechanics - to increase the smoothness of the ride so that the workout is more comfortable.

But is it only smoothness that is the advantage of sports simulators with a magnet over the simplest ones? No.

Other benefits include

« brake system» practically does not wear out
the noiseless functioning of the sports device is obvious
The compactness of the simulator is an obvious plus
the opportunity to practice where there is no 220V cannot be discounted.

What about the disadvantages?

They are!

The number of possibilities (in the absence of electronics as such) is scanty
the load is difficult to regulate
Unfortunately, a runner’s speed and fatigue can be equated.

Other types of treadmills

It is quite obvious how treadmills differ in type of construction. But is it only magnetic, mechanical and electrical tracks that can be distinguished and characterized in the general galaxy of treadmills?


Of course no. By looking at an online discounter website, you will always find sports equipment that best meets the requirements of people of a certain age, health status, and even the proposed living circumstances.

At your service

Exercise machines, the difference between treadmills of this type, is that they perfectly match the realities of those people who live in a small apartment or even have only a room at their disposal. Believe me: if you wish, we can select a unit that will not be at all burdensome and will not take up much space in your apartment. Folding treadmills are not only the simplest, but also electric, the functionality of which will allow you to realize any plans (reducing weight, increasing speed - from 14 to 25 km/h! - as well as increasing performance and endurance). The site's expert consultants will help you find a unit from a domestic or foreign brand that ideally matches the capabilities of your premises.

We would all like our kids to be strong, resilient, healthy from an early age, not susceptible to colds, and not afraid of fractures and bruises. The child should have his own sports equipment that will attract him appearance and also have design features, making “baby training” safe, truly fun and productive. What differences are worth mentioning about a treadmill for children? These devices are designed taking into account the characteristics of the child’s body and allow children with a minimum step length and small stature to train. The intensity of children's exercise should be gentle. As a rule, such sports units are distinguished by portability, simplicity of design, compactness, the presence of anti-slip elements that increase the level of safety and environmentally friendly materials.

The purpose of these simulators is to help recover from injury or acute dysfunction of the circulatory system. The initial speed of these sports units is minimal, which makes exercise possible for older people or for those whose physical capabilities are temporarily limited due to injury. The running (in this case it is better to say “stepping”) belt is located on minimum height from the floor. There are wide side rails that will help you feel more confident during your workout. And, of course, in mandatory there is an emergency stop button (as well as a safety key that is attached to clothing and makes it possible to stop the training process if a person feels unwell).

Other parameters that influence the choice of treadmill

Very soon you will have to decide whether a mechanical or electric treadmill will take its special place in the interiors of your home or apartment. To conclude our material, I would like to introduce you to some of the nuances of choosing for an average apartment.

What should be the parameters of a treadmill for a home, apartment, or small room? Let's consider the option when the length of the simulator is 1.3 m and the width is 45 cm. Such dimensions can be called optimal, since the disassembled simulator will not clutter the room. But at the same time, a novice athlete who has the average size width of step, does not risk falling or stumbling. Not narrow. Not short. Comfortable and safe.

What should be the number of layers of fabric? Our expert consultants always recommend choosing simulators whose fabric has not 1-2, but several layers. And that's why.

When working out on a sports machine with a thin band, a novice athlete may begin to experience pain in the joints (especially if we are talking about starting sports at a fairly mature age). Multi-layer (shock-absorbing) tape, which allows you to soften the load, can eliminate pain and other negative consequences.

An additional advantage in this situation would be the purchase of a track that has a double-sided fabric. A little trick: after years, if the wear of the running belt reaches a critical point, you will no longer need to replace it. By contacting technical support, you can turn the running belt over (this is not as complicated a procedure as it might seem at first glance) and provide... additional years of full-fledged training for yourself and your loved ones.


Is such a criterion as the angle of inclination important? Yes, and yes again. It is simply necessary for people who are short on time, but would like to quickly lose kilos by doing just 20-25 minutes a day. This is reality? Of course it's reality. Electric treadmills offer a variety of "hill training" options where you warm up at a low incline (1-2 degrees), then run at a 3-4 degree incline, and finally! - you begin to become exhausted, losing weight along with sweat, when you have to move at a speed of 10-11 km/h at an angle of 6-7 degrees. Try it! You will definitely enjoy feeling like a young, fresh, tireless person after purchasing a treadmill from the site.

We are ready to provide you with comprehensive assistance in your choice right now. Call!

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