How To Choose A Treadmill That Works With Zwift
Do you use Zwift? Increasingly runners want to use technology to help track and motivate themselves. Treadmills with Zwift connectivity are evermore available and we have a good selection.
What are the benefits of having Zwift capabiliuty built in to your treadmill? Running at home and running on a treadmill is not everyone's cup of tea. So getting a little help with motivation and tracking your runs seems to support that lack of being on the open road for many. Connecting to Zwift is now a feature on many treadmills that they are keen to promote.
In fact both traditional 'old school' treadmills and newer Smart treadmills can connect with Zwift if you use the right technology. From foot pods to integrated apps within the treadmill, connecting to most PCs, Apple products and Android or Google phones is pretty much common place now.
Smart treadmills have an advantage that they can send your speed and cadence directly to Zwift without needing any additional technology. First and foremost you probably want to consider whether you want a consumer treadmill (Home model) or a commercial treadmill?
Consumer Treadmills - Home Only
Cheaper than the ones you'll see in gyms, home or consumer treadmills bring convenience and freedom of training to your home - for whenever you want to train. Prices will vary massively depending on the brand, the type of features you want, folding or non folding and whether the console is Smart - or just offers metrics based on your running.
There's a huge number of treadmills on the market and the quickest way to start the process is probably to decide if you want a fixed running deck or a folding one. Then check the power of the motor - which will either say HP or CHP (Continuous Horsepower). The more the better, to a point, if you want to use incline, are over 120kg or like a little bit of HIIT. Look for 12mph (20kph) top speed and a 3CHP motor as a starting point.
If you are serious about your running, then at least 3.25CHP would be good for you - especially if you're going to be clocking up the miles and add in some incline too. Depending on where you want to put your treadmill, folding treadmills are now better than ever and don't suffer from the wobbling and instability of old models.
Look for Bluetooth connection as this is great for connecting to your phone or tablet to play tunes via the speakers.
Please note: "Bluetooth treadmills" sometimes do not broadcast cadence and speed - so you cannot connect directly to Zwift for all features.
Try these treadmills :
+ Life Fitness T3 Track Connect Treadmill
Commercial Treadmills
Ok so think back to the gym - the treadmill you used in there. That is a commercial treadmill. They are usually larger in size, built to be very sturdy and also offer consoles with entertainment and intergrated apps and immersive technology. Of course you need to pay a price for those. If you're going to make use of your running machine, then a commercial one could be a sound investment - especially if it has all the features you want. You also benefit from a commercial warranty.
Check which motor as should be 3 CHP at the very least. This allows for smoother belt movement and running experience. Look out for the CSAFE (Communications Specification for Fitness Equipment) port as this is vital to fit a Wahoo GEM (Gym Equipment Module) to in order to create a "Bluetooth connected" treadmill. This allows you to then connect Zwift with the treadmill as a speed source. You may also need a foot pod for cadence, but not always
Finally, the console that you get with a commercial treadmill is usually of a higher spec than the home consumer ones. This means more interactivity and immersion in your metrics. This is not always rquired by buyers, if you do then make sure you get what you need.
+ Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill
"Smart" Treadmills
What is a Smart treadmill? One that comes with connectivity at the heart of the console experience. All leading treadmill manufacturers are now ensuring their console can connect, transmit and receive data across multiple devices. Smart treadmills usually come with powerful motors and top speeds of 20kph+. They include apps for your devices enabling you to run multiple fitness programs.
When connected to apps like Zwift, Smart treadmills mirror the speed recorded through the app. Your connection becomes consistent and reliable meaning that the speed which is shown on Zwift will automatically match the speed you see on the display of the treadmill. Many of these smart treadmills also transmit cadence meaning you get a true picture of the metrics you're doing.
Now What?
We can help you decide on which treadmill may best suit your needs. From a cheaper folding treadmill to get you through the Winter to a full on commercial treadmill that will stand the test of time, our experienced and dedicated team can help you. We have proven experience with Life Fitness, Technogym, Spirit and Star Trac ranges.
Feel free to contact us or call on 01494 952182 and speak to one of our expert team.
