Shock absorption treadmills are vital for healthy and effective workouts. Although running outdoors or over a flat surface is super effective in losing weight, it can harm your knees and other joints.
The flat surfaces have a high impact on these sections, and they tend to affect them negatively. Therefore, for overall healthy and positive results, you need a well-cushioned shock absorption treadmill.
We’ve created this blog post just for you. Here’s everything you need to know about shock absorption treadmills before purchasing one for yourself.
Traditional vs. Shock Absorbing Treadmill
Shock absorbing treadmills are designed to cushion the impact of running. They differ from traditional treadmills in that they have a layer of foam or air between the belt and deck, which reduces stress on joints and bones compared to a flat surface.
Shock absorption is important for healthy and effective workouts because it provides extra comfort for your feet, knees, hips, back, neck, and other body parts as you exercise.
A well-cushioned treadmill will provide you with an overall healthier workout while allowing you to maintain your pace throughout your session without interruption or discomfort.
How can Shock Absorption Treadmills help you get the most out of your workouts?
It’s simple. Studies have shown that running over flat running surfaces and other hard materials such as concrete, asphalt, gravel or macadam, has a high impact on joints like knees and ankles.
Shock absorption treadmills are designed to cushion these high impacts and provide an overall healthier workout environment for all levels.
How to choose the right shock absorption treadmill for you?
So how do you know your treadmill has sufficient cushioning and is shock absorbent?
To help you ensure that we have a detailed guide pointing out the main areas that define your device’s cushioning. Therefore, you do not have to trust a mere statement; instead, you can check it yourself, if that’s possible.
The material of the Belt:
Belts are made up of different materials ranging from hard to smooth. The hard ones offer the best outdoor simulation, but the softer materials are much more comfortable and safe for joints. Some materials are particularly shock-absorbent, but they wear away quicker than others.
The ply of the belt is an important feature to consider. Often cheap treadmills have 1 ply belt, but they are extra thin for the device and wear away quite easily.
Thereby, it is recommended to go with the 3-4 ply belts as they are more durable and efficient. Plus, they require lower maintenance.
The Ridges:
Some treadmills have raised ridges, which are meant to spread out the impact of running on the belt over a wide running surface not to affect your joints in any hurtful way.
If the treadmill you are considering is flat on the sides of the belt, then it isn’t cushioned enough.
Treadmill Shock Absorption System:
Often treadmills have proper shock absorbers present under the area of the running deck where the belt rests. They are super effective in reducing the impact of workouts on your body. Some manufacturers use springs, while others utilize rubber absorbers.
You’ll also find air shocks on some models. Experts usually air shock absorbers as spring releases the absorbed pressure back to your body.
Although treadmills with shock absorption are significant and comfortable, they require more maintenance than others. Some manufacturers recommend that the sir shocks be serviced after every 150 miles.
Some treadmills do not offer complete shock absorption. They deploy shock absorbers at certain points on the belt. These points are usually the take-off and landing spots.
Some also offer three spots of cushioning, covering particular spots at the belt’s front, middle, and back. There are a few models that only soften the area where your foot lands.
Cushioning Adjustability Option:
Some well-known and generous manufacturers, like NordicTrack, offer adjustable cushioning. The settings on these treadmills enable you to turn them on or off as needed.
This feature allows you to enjoy a full outdoor track on your treadmill or turn it into a super comfortable and safe running surface.
Price Range:
If you ask me, cushioning is not a luxury. But that’s not what most manufacturers think. Brands like Landice offer top-class cushioning but charges equally high.
However, brands like Sole are quite considerate of their customers, their affordability, and their requirements.
Thereby, it offers excellent cushioning, which reduces the workout impact by up to 40%. You may also find some other models with 28- 30% impact reduction, so if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, you can go for such devices.
Motor Power:
While keeping cushioning in mind, you cannot ignore the other important aspects of a treadmill. You would not want an extraordinary cushioned system to go waste with a 1HP motor that does not let you run or jog.
Therefore, you need to ensure that your treadmill has sufficient power to offer a smooth performance. However, if you are on a budget, you might have to deal with lower power motors that are noisy and slow.
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Top 5 Shock-Absorption Treadmills To Buy in 2021
Best Shock Absorption Treadmills
1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial Series 10" HD Touchscreen Display Treadmill 1750 Model + 1 Year iFit Membership
If you directly want to jump to the best shock absorption treadmill not only in terms of cushioning but also in other features and performance, then I’d highly recommend NordicTrack Commercial 1750. It’s the best treadmill with incline and decline that has a thick, reliable cushioning with dozens of extras to enjoy.
Features:
Premium Cushioning
Commercial 1750 features a premium cushioning, FlexSelect, developed by the brand itself. It reduces the impact by up to 30%.
Since it is produced particularly for each treadmill by the manufacturer itself, it is free of adjustability issues. They have perfectly designed it to meet your requirements the best they can.
Commercial 1750 is a part of the T-series by NordicTrack; thereby, all the other series elements are also excellent in terms of cushioning.
However, their affordability might decrease with each new model. The best part is that you can turn the cushioning on and off as needed.
Large Belt Size
The belt of the treadmill is larger than the standard size, measuring 22×60 inches, which provides enough room for almost any kind of runner.
The device can hold a user as heavy as 300 lbs. It can even accommodate overweight users.
Efficient Motor
The Nordictrack motor reads 3.75 CHP, proposing sufficient power for quiet and smooth performance. The maximum speed range you can enjoy with this motor is 12 mph.
Incline and Decline Options
Finding incline and decline options together in a treadmill, that too, under $2000 is rare. Thereby, NordicTrack Commercial 1750 stands among the premium models, offering a 15% incline and -3% decline.
With this device, you’ll enjoy the best outdoor simulation, be it flat ground, uphill, or downhill.
2. 3G Cardio Elite Runner
3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill, Silver, 22"x62" Running Deck
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner is the best suspension treadmill with high motor power and the most comfortable running belt. However, it will surely leave a huge impact on your pocket.
Effective Cushioning with the Largest Belt
It has the Ortho Flex Shock suspension system, which truly makes it an elite product. It greatly reduces the impact of a dynamic workout, protecting your joints even if you hit the device daily.
Not only that, but the belt also significantly contributes to reducing the impact.
The belt dons an orthopedic build with 4 ply, enabling it to deal with the most rigorous workout sessions with minimal wear and tear. Such a high-quality belt also gives maintenance relief.
Moreover, it is the largest, measuring 22×62 inches. So you get plenty of space for all the running and jogging you want to do. Some users describe waking on 3G Cardio Elite Runner as walking on a cloud.
High Motor Power
The motor on this treadmill is another disastrous feature for some competitors. It offers 4.0 continuous horsepower for the smoothest and quietest performance.
This eases keeping the device at home and also allows you to watch your favorite shows, movies or enjoy other forms of entertainment while quietly working out.
You can switch to any speed range between 0.5 mph and 12 mph. So despite being the best for runners, it has all the specifications to serve a walker.
Sturdy Built
Having a super sturdy build, this heavy-duty treadmill does not have any vibration issues. It offers the smoothest sessions to even users as heavy as 400 lbs.
To grant it a robust structure, the manufacturer has kept it one piece which cannot be folded or put away.
Read Also: Best Treadmills for Commercial Use
3. Enchanfit Treadmill
ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill 2015 Model
ProForm Performance 600i offers the best value for your money. It is the best shock absorption treadmill with a space-saving design and lasting tread belt. Its LED and controls are other attractive features.
Advance Cushioning
It includes the ProShox treadmill shock absorption system that is among the most advanced systems of cushioning for treadmills.
It makes the treadmill suitable for running, walking, or even jogging. The four shock absorbers cover the entire deck, so no matter wherever you step, you are protected.
Treadmill Belt
The treadmill belt is made from a thick material that is quite low-maintenance. Thus, it saves you a lot of extra trouble.
It is 20-inch wide and 60-inch long to provide you with enough space for the most challenging workouts. The user weight capacity is up to 325 lbs.
Slow Motor
The 2.75 CHP motor might disappoint you a little because of its comparatively slow and noisy performance. However, it provides sufficient power for the purpose. It offers a maximum speed of up to 12 mph.
Incline Option
You can enjoy up to a 12% incline level with just the click of a button. It imitates the outdoor tracks quite well.
Easy Storage
With a space-saving design, the device is easy to fold and store. It sports the EasyLift Assist to facilitate the process. Moreover, the wheels let you move it to the desired spot without much effort.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is a top-rated shock-absorption treadmill that comes with 9 built-in exercise programs, phone/tablet holders, and comfortable handlebars, allowing for a superior workout experience.
Features:
Pulse detection sensor
During a workout, you can monitor your pulse rate in order to ensure that your heart rate remains steady. As long as your heartbeat is optimal while you’re walking on the treadmill, you will burn calories.
Motor
The treadmill has a 2.20 horsepower motor, which might be below your expectations. Nevertheless, it provides sufficient power and speeds up to 9 mph.
Manual Incline Option
The folding treadmill comes with 3 various inclination options. Choose the option that will help you to burn calories faster and get your muscles toned.
Soft drop system
You can easily fold or unfold your treadmill without involving your hands. As you unfold your treadmill, you don’t have to worry about any scuff marks on the floor when you open the treadmill’s base.
Built to Last
The treadmill has a durable construction and can support a maximum user weight of 220 pounds. It’s perfect for intense workouts.
Storage
Using the treadmill’s wheels, you can move it wherever you like. There is no need to lift the machine.
Other Features
- LCD Display
- Handrail controls
- 9 built-in exercise programs
- Device holder
Overall, Sunny Health & Fitness is an affordable treadmill that supports shock absorption and comes with essential functions. It’s easy to assemble and doesn’t take up much of your space. Achieve your fitness goals with this treadmill.
Pros:
-Sturdy built
-Comes with 9 built-in workout programs
-Easy for storage
-Easy to use controls
-Affordable
Cons:
-Slow motor
Rating: 9.5/10
5. ADVENOR Folding Treadmill
Searching for a lightweight commercial folding treadmill machine having a shock-absorption mechanism? Advenor treadmill is what you’re looking for. You’ll be impressed by the brilliant features it has to offer.
It comes with three LED screens that display real-time data such as your heartbeat, distance traveled, speed, time, number of calories burned, and more.
Not only that, but it includes 36 workout programs that will help you reach your fitness goals in no time.
Features:
Motor:
Thanks to the quiet, powerful motor that offers 2.6 HP, the Folding treadmill gives you a smooth and stable running experience and speed range up to 13 mph.
Inclination
With 3 manual incline options (1.5%-4.5%), the treadmill can be adjusted for different intensities of running.
Treadmill Belt and Durable Running Deck
A belt measuring 16.54″ wide has a five-layer anti-slip running surface made from cotton yarn, PVC, and polyester. This means that you can avoid being affected by impacts. Because it’s wear-and-tear resistant, the treadmill belt is likely to last longer.
Speaking of the running deck, it’s powered by a multi-layered cushioned system that aids both vertical and horizontal shock absorption.
Transportation Wheels
Folding and unfolding the treadmill is easier because of the compact design. Additionally, it has two built-in wheels that make it easy to transport your treadmill.
One-touch buttons
The handrail controls are designed to provide easy access. You can start, stop, pause or adjust the treadmill’s speed range according to your needs.
Use the pulse sensor to monitor your pulse rate and heartbeat in real-time. You will be able to keep an eye on your calories with this feature.
Other Features:
- 36 pre-programmed programs
- Emergency Stop Key
- 3 independent LED screens
- Ortho flex shock suspension
The ADVENOR Folding Treadmill machine doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features like anti-shock absorption, built-in workout programs, a long-lasting belt with a durable deck, and many others. What’s amazing about the treadmill is that it’s lightweight yet strongly built.
Pros:
- Foldable design
- Shock-absorbant design
- Powerful and noise-free motor
Cons:
- Supports user-weight up to 220 lbs.
Rating: 9.5/10
Read also: Best Folding Treadmills For Small Space 2021
Read also: Best Treadmills For Runners On Budget
Check: Top 7 Best Cheap Electric Treadmills Under 200
Which Is The Best Shock Absorption Treadmill? [2021]
For the best overall option with considerable cushioning, you can check out NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill. The model has received the highest positive ratings in this regard.
Despite the high demand and amazing performance with reliable extras, this device is super affordable. Its motor is amazingly quiet and offers enough power for various workouts.
3G Cardio Elite Runner is the best option for fitness enthusiasts. This device tops the list for most users with the most durable and thickest belt and an extraordinary shock absorption system.
Its motor power is the highest on the list with an extra weight capacity. However, it isn’t foldable and is too expensive as well.
FAQs
Q: What are other ways to make your treadmill shock-absorbent?
Answer: There are two alternate ways to turn your treadmill machine somewhat shock absorbent in case it isn’t. You can either use treadmill shock absorber pads or treadmill shock absorber mats. You can place them under your device over a carpet or floor.
They may not be able to absorb the shock completely but reduce the impact of the otherwise hard surface. They also reduce vibration and protect your floor.
Q: Which are the best treadmill shock absorber pads?
Answer: MyLifeUnit offers one of the best treadmill shock absorber pads. They usually come in packs of eight that offer complete coverage for your treadmill.
They are lightweight and easy to install. The high-quality EVA material used in them makes them effective in absorbing shocks.
- Can a treadmill easily damage a floor?
Answer: The treadmill is a heavy running machine. They come with wheels that may scratch the floor during transportation. Thus, a rubber mat is recommended to keep your floor safe.
