Treadmill FAQ

How much do treadmills cost?

The price of a treadmill ranges from $799 for an entry-level model to $21,995 for a top of the range model. The build quality, power and size of the motor and the functionality of the console all impact the price. View the full range of our treadmills for sale.

Why are some treadmills so expensive?

Generally, there are a couple of things that will make a treadmill more expensive to buy:

  1. Higher spec treadmills generally have a powerful motor and better overall build quality. For example, a cheaper treadmill may have a 1.5 Horse Power motor whereas a more expensive treadmill may have a 3 Horse Power motor. Not only will the larger motor handle greater weight and speed, it will also generally tend to last longer.
  2. The functionality of the console can vary a great deal depending on the price of the treadmill. At higher prices, you would expect a touch screen interactive console with a wide range of preset training programs, bluetooth integration and more. Whereas at the bottom end of the price range you’ll tend to get a more basic console.

Treadmills can feel expensive but you really do get what you pay for. 

Do treadmills use a lot of electricity?

The amount of electricity your treadmill uses depends on the size of the motor, how often you use the treadmill and speed you run or walk.  Here is the method for finding how much a treadmill would cost in electricity: multiply the wattage of your machine by the number of hours you use it in a given month. Divide this number by 1,000 to get the total kilowatt-hours per month. Multiply the kilowatt-hours by the cost of electricity to figure your monthly cost. Find the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour on your electric bill.

How to calculate the likely electricity usage in 3 steps : 

– Take the max wattage of your treadmill (let’s say 600)

– Multiply it by the number of hours you will use it per month. For instance, if you run for one hour a day for six days a week, multiple by 24 hours a month.

– Do the calculation : 600 w x 24 hours = 14,400 watts. A kilowatt is 1000 watts so that means that you’re using 14.4 kilowatts per month. In New Zealand, the average price per kilowatt hour is 0.25 cents, so that will equal roughly $3.60.

Are treadmills in mph or kph?

In New Zealand, treadmills measure distance covered in kilometres and the speed in kilometres per hour (kph). Treadmills typically default to the standard measurement for the country in which they are sold (this is why some treadmills in gyms are in MPH as they are imported). 10 kilometres is approximately 6 miles (so 10 kph is approximately 6 mph). 

How do treadmills measure heart rate?

Many treadmills come with heart rate sensors to monitor your heart rate. Basic treadmills have hand grips with built in sensors but these require you to grip them while running which can feel unnatural (particularly if you are running fast). Many treadmills also have a chest strap (sometimes wireless), which is generally more accurate and much easier to use. More advanced treadmills will increase or decrease the speed or incline depending on the runner’s heart rate.

Are treadmills noisy?

Yes, treadmills can be noisy. However, there are several ways to reduce the noise. 

  1. Use the treadmill on a level surface. 
  2. Place anti-vibration and non-slip pads under the corners/wheels. 
  3. Through usage, natural wear and tear can increase the noise the treadmill makes. So, regular maintenance is a must, especially the condition of the belt. Read our treadmill maintenance guide for more information.

How good are NordicTrack treadmills?

In short, NordicTrack treadmills are very good. NordicTrack has specialised in home fitness for over 25 years and offers a wide variety of top-of-the-range treadmills.

Check all of our NordicTrack treadmills here

Where can you buy NordicTrack treadmills?

You will find a wide range of NordicTrack treadmills in our Elite Fitness stores.

How good are Proform treadmills?

Proform treadmills are very good, highly reputable machines. These treadmills are packed with innovative features like OneTouch, QuickSpeed and QuickIncline which allow you to change the intensity of your workout with a single touch; built in heart rate monitor and personalised workouts with iFit Coach.

See our full range of Proform Treadmills here

How much do treadmills weigh?

Treadmills generally weigh between 70 kg to over 300 kgs depending on the physical dimensions of the treadmill, the materials it is built from and the size of motor.

 

What are manual treadmills?

On a manual treadmill, the runner has to move the belt ‘manually’ without the aid of an electric motor. If you don’t move, the belt doesn’t move. There is some evidence to suggest that running or walking on a manual treadmill requires more effort as there is no artificial momentum generated by the electric motor. This makes it more similar to walking or running outdoors. Manual treadmills also tend to be quieter than motorised treadmills.

How fast can manual treadmills go?

Most manual treadmills only reach a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour, which means a runner of average fitness would struggle to get to a decent running speed. So, manual treadmills are generally not best suited to running. Also, most manual treadmills have a running deck that is around 114 cm long which is good for walkers but too short for most runners.

How long do manual treadmills last?

A manual treadmill can last up to 250,000 kilometres depending on your weight and how you use it. 

Are manual treadmills quiet?

Manual treadmills don’t have an electric motor so are often quieter than their electric counterparts.

As with an electric treadmill, there are several ways to reduce noise. 

  1. Use the treadmill on a level surface. 
  2. Place anti-vibration and non-slip pads under corners/wheels. 
  3. As with an electric treadmill, through usage, natural wear and tear can increase the noise the treadmill makes. So, regular maintenance is a must, especially the condition of the belt. Read our treadmill maintenance guide for more information.

How many years do treadmills last?

A treadmill can last 10 to 12 years. With proper care, your treadmills could last far longer, depending on how often you use it.

Do treadmills have a weight limit?

Maximum weight limits on treadmills are often used as an indicator of strength and durability. In reality though, there’s a lot more to it. Reputable manufacturers strength test their products mechanically by rotating feet, electronic stress tests and with human runners of various weights.

So, a weight limit offered by these manufacturers can certainly be a good indicator – but you will also need to consider your running style as well. For example, a 90 kg heavy-footed runner, pacing 14 km/h will seriously stress a treadmill with a 130 kg weight limit. Likewise, a 120 kg walker will also stress the same treadmill.

The rule of thumb here is not to use treadmill weight limits as the only indicator of durability and strength.  

What treadmills have ifit technology?

Most of the treadmills at Elite Fitness which have ifit technology are from NordicTrack and ProForm.

Can you hire a treadmill?

Yes, you can hire a treadmill. When you hire from Elite Fitness, there is no bond required and the minimum hire term is only 1 month. So there’s really nothing stopping you from having a go.

See all our treadmills for hire here.

How much does it cost to hire a treadmill?

It costs between $20 and $35 per week to hire a treadmill from Elite Fitness.

See all our treadmills for hire here.

How fast do running machines go?

Most running machines can reach speeds of up to 16 kph (approximately 10 mph). Higher end treadmills can allow you to run 20 kph and above. Remember, the faster you want to run, the more important the build quality is.

How wide is a treadmill?

Treadmills widths generally start at around 75 cm (30 inches) and increase to upwards of 95 cm (37 inches). Remember, this is the total width of the machine.

The width of the running area will be a lot less – between 42 cm (16.5 inches) and 56 cm (22 inches).

Where can I test a treadmill before I buy?

Because there are many factors that make treadmills different, it’s always best to test out a treadmill in person, if possible at the speed that you intend to use it.

You can test all treadmills at an Elite Fitness Store

How accurate are running machines?

The distance is measured by the revolutions of the belt. Whether you walk or run and whatever the slope inclination, the calculated distance remains very accurate.

The number of calories  you burn per mile or kilometre is determined by:

– Weight which is the most important factor. The more weight, the more calories burned per mile or kilometre.

– Stride length: a shorter stride means lifting and lowering your feet more times per mile or kilometre, which burns more calories.

– Exercise intensity/ distance: you burn more calories if your heart and lungs are working harder. This can be measured by your heart rate or pulse.

Which treadmill has the best cushioning?

Treadmills have flexible suspension inserts to compress and flex during foot strike to absorb and take away joint impact  – some have up to 40% impact reduction. Well-designed systems from popular manufacturers like Pro-Form, NordicTrack and Bowflex have what’s called ‘differential cushioning’, which means firm support when you push off then great cushioning when a foot lands.

Are fold-up treadmills good?

Space in the home is usually at a premium these days, so folding a treadmill and tucking it out of sight can be a big plus. When considering a purchase, think about how easily and safely it folds away, and wheels around the floor. And for that matter, look for a modern machine that can open up with a simple click or light push – it’s so much easier. Erecting, folding away and transporting your treadmill shouldn’t be awkward with the technology available on high-quality machines.



The most important quality of a good treadmill is stability. 
Most folding treadmills are naturally less stable than non-folding treadmills. (This does not mean that they are not stable – it just means that the non-folding units are more stable.) 

Where can I buy a treadmill?

We have 11 stores nationwide where you can buy a treadmill: Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Click here to find an Elite Fitness store near you.

What are the best treadmills for walking?

All treadmills can be used for walking. However, if you only want to walk (and not run) you could use a treadmill with a more compact belt size (110cm-120cm in length + 40 -42cm width) lighter frame and smaller motor (1.5hp and above) as the impact on the machine will be less than if you were running.

Check out some of our top walking treadmill models

What are the best treadmills for jogging?

Jogging speed for most people is between 7 km/h and 10 km/h. Look for a treadmill that has a running belt that is at least 42 cm (16.5 inches) wide and at least 120 cm (47 inches) long. The best treadmills for jogging will have a motor 2.5 horsepower or higher and will usually provide training programmes specifically for running and console features such as speakers and cooling fans.

See our running treadmills here.

What are the best treadmills for running?

Running speed is typically above 10 km/h so stride length and user impact increase significantly compared to walking or jogging. The treadmill frame should be heavier, and the belt size larger (140cm+ in length and 45cm+ in width). The motor should also be 3.0 horsepower and above.

Browse all of our running treadmills

What are the best incline treadmills?

The best incline treadmills offer inclines of up to 40% unlike standard treadmills that typically go to around 12%. Look for an incline treadmill with a steep incline elevation also provides regular running options like all other treadmills.

Browse our incline trainers

What are the best treadmill brands?

At Elite, we only stock treadmills from recognised international brands that offer our customers the highest quality in terms of development, technology and testing, as well as long-term warranties and support. The brands we choose to work with include NordicTrack, FreeMotion, ProForm, Bowflex and Impulse.

In recent years the treadmill market has been flooded with cheap and inferior Chinese imports that compromise on quality. 

Are treadmill warranties worth it?

Warranties vary from one manufacturer to another. Internationally recognised brands like those stocked with us support their products with excellent longer-term warranties. Typically, that’s a 10-year frame warranty, 10-year motor warranty and 2-year part warranty.

We believe this demonstrates that the manufacturer has confidence in their product to last, albeit with some basic maintenance by the consumer. Warranties from our trusted US brands reflect the highest grades of components as they are required to meet strict European standards such as CE, GS, TUV, ROHS, IS9001. NOTE: Make sure the warranty is supported locally.

Are treadmill warranties transferable?

Warranties are extended to the original purchaser only. They are not transferable to any other party.

Alternative Text

About Elite Fitness

We have been serving the fitness equipment needs of everyday New Zealanders for nearly 30 years by importing the best quality exercise equipment from all over the world. At Elite...

View all posts by Elite Fitness