Read this guide to learn the dos and don’ts of purchasing a treadmill and how you can get the best out of your treadmill for years to come.

A Word About Price

For many, the main purchasing consideration will be around budget.  A treadmill isn’t cheap, and a quality one is even less so.  But consider it an investment in your health.  You can’t put a price on that. 

Look for interest free options, this helps spread the cost over a few years so instead of having to find a not so insignificant sum up front you can make it into more bite sized monthly payments. 

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Motor: Look for a treadmill with a good high-powered motor.  Be careful of manufacturers who mispresent the figures, though.  There are two ratings, HP and CHP, with HP being horsepower and CHP being continuous horsepower.  Often manufacturers will quote their peak HP as this is the biggest number.

Here’s how to compare peak HP to CHP.

You own two cars.  One is your little family car and the other is a sports car.  Both are capable of driving at 90mph.  However, 90mph is the top speed of your family car whilst the sports car can go to 150mph.

So if you drive both at 90mph all the time, which one is likely to fail first?  The family car that is being driven at its maximum all the time or the sports car which is working well below its maximum?

So always look for a treadmill motor that’s the best-rated in CHP.  The higher the CHP then the less strain on the motor and the better it will be at maintaining the belt speed more smoothly. 

3.0 CHP is a must for a motor, any less and you risk the belt having a jerky feel with every foot strike and it will be less likely that the belt speed will be close to what the treadmill is displaying.

Decks: Without a doubt, the most common point of failure on a treadmill is the running deck.  You are basically bouncing away at up to 180 steps per minute in the same spot.  This generates a lot of heat, and the culminative effect is a broken deck.  It’s common that you don’t know your deck is broken.  They tend to split and bow and become spongy underfoot.  If you are running regularly you don’t tend to notice this.  I once broke a deck after 6 minutes of running and have gone through 4 in 2 years with a non-NoblePro treadmill.

Most manufacturers don’t publish the specifications of their treadmill decks.  For those who don’t know, I run a minimum of 10k every day on my NoblePro, and the deck is neither bowed nor split after over 18 months of use.  So that should offer you some reassurance.

Customer Service: Before you buy, look at reviews for the manufacturers.  This will give you an idea of what support is like should you run into an issue.  There’s nothing worse than suffering a breakdown in the middle of training for that important event and then finding out it will take weeks to arrange a repair.  This is common with many manufacturers outsourcing repairs to a 3rd party repair company.  On top of that, often parts are not kept in stock, resulting in further delays.

Connectivity: One of the most common considerations when purchasing a treadmill is whether it connects to Zwift. 

The good news is that the range of smart treadmills is on the increase, and these can be directly connected to Zwift.  No messing about with footpods or other devices, and no need to keep batteries charged or do a calibration.  Just connect the treadmill as a speed and cadence source, and away you go.  You can also connect the built-in heart rate monitor, but it may be best to use your own so you have a constant reading without holding onto the handrails.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Lubrication: I’ve spoken above about decks and their failure.  This can be minimized by regular lubrication.  The constant heat along with the pounding up and down on the same spot is a killer for decks.  By using a 100% silicone oil lubricant, you can significantly reduce this friction and subsequent risk of damage.  You can never really over-lubricate, and each manufacturer will have their own guide, but I personally oil the deck every 150KM.  A 1-litre bottle of silicone oil is far cheaper and less hassle than replacing a deck.  Lift the deck edges with your hands and squirt the oil into the centre of the deck.  Set the treadmill on a low speed and walk around the belt to distribute the oil for 5 minutes. 

Do not use spray oils such as WD40 or GT85 as these are more water displacers rather than lubricants.

Sweat: Our sweat contains salt, which can be quite corrosive to treadmills, especially the metal parts.  Get into the habit of wiping down the treadmill using an anti-bacterial spray and cloth after use.  Not only is it hygienic but it’ll prevent rust and corrosion.  If you spill an energy drink on the treadmill during use, 100% clean it up, as these are lethal for treadmills owing to their contents which tend to be high in electrolytes.

Rollers: Each treadmill will have a front and rear roller.  At each end is a set of bearings.  These can be open for sweat to penetrate, which will lead to a squeaking noise before failure.  The rear roller can be accessed by removing the plastic housing at the end of each side.  The front roller is accessed by removing the hood at the front of the treadmill.  Use a little silicone oil around the bearings.  Careful of the bearing close to the motor belt, though, as if you drip silicone oil on the motor belt it will cause it to slip and the treadmill belt may not turn. 

Under The Hood: Get into the habit of taking the hood off and cleaning around the circuit board and motor.  This area can gather a lot of dust, which can cause failure of electrical components.  The motor belt will also shed pieces of rubber and excess lubrication can be flung into the area, so it’s well worth a periodic wipe-down. 

Wrapping It Up

Follow the tips above, and you should be able to find the perfect treadmill for your purposes… one that will last for many, many indoor miles.

Got other treadmill shopping or maintenance tips? Share below!

On November 18th, 2017, a group of runners including Zwift co-founder Jon Mayfield himself logged in to Zwift (it was after midnight for Jon) with the hope that everything would work and that they would be placed in the start pens for the first-ever Zwift group run.

Everything did go to plan and the 5km was completed with an epic sprint finish to the line!

This Monday, November 18th, a group of runners is recreating the same event on that same course on Volcano Flat Reverse in Watopia. And everyone is invited!

It is hoped that people will run together at 9-10km/h (5.6-6.2mph) for 4km before you are released to battle it out over the last km on the leader’s signal.

Monday, November 18 @ 7:30pm UTC/2:30pm ET/11:30am PT

Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4597417

A bit of Zwift history: the official public launch of Zwift Run happened in New York City a few months after the event referenced above. Read all about the NYC launch here >

The results were surprising in that the majority of people are really happy with the Zwift running experience. Suggestions for improvements were minimal. The overwhelming majority of responses focused on fixing parts of the experience that don’t quite work as they should.

I’ve touched on it before: it’s common sense to expect that the development of running goes at a slower pace than cycling.  Although a healthy number of runners also ride and, therefore, are paying subscribers, there is also a large number of running-only members which Zwift receives no revenue from. 

I’ve separated the wish list into two sections: feature improvements and bug fixes.  So here you are, Zwift; this is what the running community would like…

Feature Improvements

Full Treadmill Control

For a long time many have wanted Zwift to control their treadmill in terms of automatically adjusting the gradient in line with the route you are running.  Hand in hand would be the ability to adjust the speed automatically when doing a workout. 

Both of these are possible using third-party software, but Zwift has never done this natively.  Those who have tracked the introduction of the Wahoo KICKR Run treadmill will have seen in the videos that this treadmill has that ability within Zwift. 

Those with other compatible treadmills would love this too!

Cycling Parity

Of course we want more levels!  And more badges for routes (yes I know we just got 10).  This I guess is where the debate around paying subscribers comes in.  Other requests were for a drop shop to purchase equipment and a running streak like cyclists have.  A workout editor also received several requests, it exists for cycling but not running.

Basically, parity with the cycling side of Zwift is sought.  So I guess the question would be, “Should runners start paying to open up these extra features?”

Power-Based Metrics

Many advanced runners like to run using power rather than speed.  Popular amongst multi-discipline athletes, power-based running using a suitable power meter such as Stryd allows for better analysis of a run in order to calculate efforts, etc…

Retain Mileage Between Events

Most runners run a set distance.  A few will run for a set time.  I’ve previously touched on how running alone can be dull, whereas in a group it’s more interactive.  Therefore, the request is that we retain our distance when we hop in and out of events. 

For example, say I’m wanting to run a 10k today.  There are two back to back 5k events starting half an hour in between.  It would be great to run 5k in the first event, then join the second event but the distance kept as one rather than autosaved and split in two.  (I’m also aware of the limitations to doing this, as if the events are in two separate worlds the Companion map for the activity is going to lose the plot a little.)

Integrated Speech To Text

Typing and running is a fine art.  Most people can’t manage it.  The result is that group runs can be a bit silent.  Speech-to-text is hit-and-miss, to say the least.  Despite the odd comical interpretation, it’s very dependent on the quality of hardware and software used.  Although it would remain reliant on your own hardware, wouldn’t it be great if there was an on-screen button that could be pressed for speech to text? 

Bug Fixes

Chat Function

The number one requested fix was the ability to have all chat visible to all runners during group events.  The chat function, like cycling, has a proximity limit to stop chat appearing from far away athletes, so it stays relevant.  However, running doesn’t attract the large numbers in group events like cycling events, so it would be great if everybody was involved.  Likewise, runners don’t tend to run in groups like a cycling peloton and everybody is spread out over a route.  (The workaround is to pick group events using a small circular course but then this limits the number of available routes.)

Include/Exclude Time Leaving Pen

The time to leave the pen until the course starts isn’t included in your run. At times, this could be up to 40 seconds, depending on the route.  The net effect of this is that your average pace at the end of the group event will not match your actual pace.  If you use the Companion app, the time starts when the route starts, whereas the in-game time starts before.  This also sends the distance markers wayward. (In London, this in really noticeable.)

Setting A Target

Those that run in KM will have known the fight with the distance target setting.  It jumps all over the place and doesn’t accept the distance you set.  Changing to miles often resolves this. 

Also, the maximum number of KM available to set is 30, which is under marathon distance. The ability to set a target beyond 30 would be awesome.

Beacons

Like cycling, you can have a lead beacon and sweep beacon in run events.  If the leader changes mid-event there seems to be a delay in the beacon changing, and if you have two nominated leaders on course the yellow beacon can jump between them.  Likewise, the red beacon often isn’t visible to the leader, so they have no idea where the sweep beacon is.  Others see the red beacon but the leader doesn’t.  Seems to be world/course dependant. 

RoboPacers

They suddenly disappeared without warning and seem to be taking a well-earned holiday.  Apparently they weren’t that popular, hence them being given a break – but actually people are missing them and would like them to return if possible.

What About You?

Does this list cover the Zwift running feature requests and fixes you’ve got? If not, share yours below!

In my lifetime I’ve completed tens of thousands of kilometers on a treadmill, most of which were before Zwift existed. Other than music, there’s never been a good distraction to take my mind away from the monotony.

Then along came Zwift and treadmill running no longer feels a chore. In fact, it can be quite enjoyable! So why do many treadmill runners use it? Here’s why:

#1: It’s Immersive

As above, we’ve covered how dull staring at a treadmill screen or even worse a blank wall can be. Zwift provides that visual distraction by allowing you to run in numerous virtual worlds. Wherever you can cycle you can also run in Zwift, and there quite a few running-only routes where you can get away from those pesky cyclists if you so desire.

As you are traveling at a slower pace, it allows you to take the time to admire the scenery without it flashing by so quickly. You notice so much more, and you can really appreciate the detail that goes into creating the worlds. The Heads Up Display (HUD) has all the stats you need, such as speed, cadence, heart rate etc. You can also use the powerup circle to pick a target distance, calories, etc, and you’ll get a nice countdown to your goal. All this provides numerous visual distractions in order to take the focus away from the possible suffering of your effort.

Pair your Zwift device with a monitor or large screen and it really can feel like you are there. 

#2: It’s For Everyone

No matter whether you are completely new to running or a pro athlete training for your next event, there’s something for you. There is a vast workout library and training plans that cover training for a half marathon or those aiming to be a parkrun master over 5k. 

All you need to do is set your best times over various distances and Zwift will then tailor the workout speeds accordingly, much like setting your FTP as a cyclist does. (If you’re new to running, just do a free run and Zwift will estimate your times based on this. As you better these times then Zwift will update them for you.)

Although you cannot create your own running workouts in Zwift you can import ones you’ve created elsewhere. Zwift uses the .ZWO format that is used across other platforms. So you can create the workout on another platform and once you import these to Zwift they’ll appear in the workout library for you.

#3: Connectivity

One of the most common considerations when purchasing a treadmill is whether it connects to Zwift. The range of smart treadmills is rapidly increasing and many manufacturers provide direct connectivity to Zwift as standard but what if your budget doesn’t run to a smart treadmill?

There are many options available to you, including:

• Smart watches with a virtual running option that transmits a speed signal based on the accelerometer in the watch. 
• Heart rate straps that transmit a speed and cadence signal.
• Footpods such as the Zwift Run Pod or Stryd
• The NPE Runn, which detects the speed of the treadmill belt as a series of stickers on the belt pass by it.

There are also some 3rd party apps where even if your treadmill is not Zwift compatible, the app can read the Bluetooth signal from your treadmill and send it to Zwift. So if your treadmill uses its own fitness app such as JRNY or iFit, chances are it can be made compatible with Zwift.

#4: It’s Addictive

Zwift currently has 30 levels which you achieve as you run. Each level increase unlocks a new piece of kit for your avatar, and throughout the year there are major events that unlock new kit, also! Some group runs also include kit unlocks. 

Levelling up can be quite addictive, particularly if during your run you can see that an extra couple of KM could see you hit the next level.

There are also route badges for completing specific routes on Zwift (they added several in a recent update), and achievement badges for various distances and mile times.

All of this means that there’s always something to aim for, something to make you lace up the shoes and do that next run.

#5: The Community

This is the biggest attraction for me. There’s a whole running community on Zwift, with many group runs throughout the day hosted by the numerous running clubs. Many of these are led by experienced runners who can offer advice and support. The chat can often provide another distraction to take your mind away from the run itself. Often these clubs have associated social media sites to join so you can feel part of something and reach out for guidance or encouragement. 

Browse upcoming events at zwift.com/events >

Nearly all of these runs are based on your own pace, so there’s no need to feel like you can’t join in if you can only walk (for example).

#6: The Price

Best of all, running on Zwift is free. The last conversation I had with Zwift HQ was that there are no plans to change this. Although the pace of development is slower than that of our fee-paying cycling friends, Zwift running still has its own team internally, which means the future will include new and exciting things. 

So, all that’s left for you to do is lace up those shoes and power on the treadmill. Let’s run!

New Fitness Jumpstart “Lite” Workouts

Zwift added five new short workouts to the New Workouts Collection. These are shorter “Lite” versions of the workouts from the Fitness Jumpstart collection.

Note: these will not be visible in game until August 8.

New Run Badges

Zwift threw a bone to the runners in this update, adding two new routes (with badges):

• Titans Run
• Epic Run

They’ve also added badges for 8 existing routes:

• Hilly Route Reverse
• Champs-Élysées
• Lutece Express
• Cobbled Climbs
• Queen’s Highway
• Mech Isle Loop
• Glasgow Crit Circuit
• Loch Loop

Challenge Progression Added

Your selected Zwift challenge (Everest, California, or Italy) is now shown in the Challenges section of the home screen, along with a progress indicator. (Zwifters who have completed all three of these challenges will not see this card.)

Clicking the challenge card pops up a window showing your progress details:

Now all we need is that 4th challenge!

New Road Surface

If you’re riding through Watopia’s Fuego Flats, you may notice the pavement turns to a lighter color just before the desert start pens:

Zwift’s art team has been working to visually refresh road textures around Zwift. They’ve changed the look elsewhere as well – on wet roads, and “fresh” roads – but the desert is the most obvious. (Before you ask: don’t worry. This is just a visual change. It doesn’t change the Crr values!)

Here’s a comparison showing the old surface and the new, just outside of Saddle Springs:

More Release Notes

Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:

• Fixed an issue where previous PRs may not be displayed when riding a Climb Portal route that was previously completed.
• Fixed a visual issue with the minimap that could occur when teleporting from Oh Hill No to Alpe du Zwift (and vice versa) in Watopia.
• Fixed an issue that could potentially cause black squares to appear in-game on some devices.
• Fixed a crash that could occur in low memory conditions.

Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum > (link coming soon)

Questions or Comments?

If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!

This might sound like a strange statement for somebody who has recently completed their 500th day of running consecutive 10k’s.

But it’s true. 

In 2022 I decided to try and run 52 half marathons, 1 a week essentially.  In the end I ran 62 but as a I neared the turn of the year I needed a challenge for 2023. 

January is always a popular month for challenges and goal setting.  There’s the classic “start exercising” and Dry January is more and more popular.  I’m teetotal so that was a pointless one.

So I set myself a goal of running 10k every day in January.  I’d run consecutive 10k days in the past, but never three in a row. January came and went and the addiction kicked in. The new goal was simply to carry on doing it until I got bored, injured, or some other life event occurred. 

At this point I was just jumping on Zwift and running my 10k on my own, no plan. Just pick a course and go.

Then I saw the Zwift Long Distance Runners (ZLDR) events and started to join those.  The welcome I received was immense and I was made to feel part of a community.  The group chats and encouragement made the daily 10k pass much quicker.

James Bailey from the Zwift events team then suggested I make my daily run an event of its own.  His support was amazing and he created the daily event with my only real input being to pick the course.  And so in May 2023 Run 10k Every Day became a thing.  Only it somehow became Run 10k Every Day in 2023.  I can’t remember how, why, or where it became a challenge to do a year. (See I told you it wasn’t planned.)

Then NoblePro invited me to become an ambassador for their treadmills. (They’ve continued to support me throughout the challenge.) And so the Noble Pro Running Club (NPRC) was born and continues to grow. 

As I neared 31st December 2023 I knew I had a decision to make as to whether to continue the challenge or not.  I’d made it through 364 days and I was joined by over 50 runners from all different groups for my “final” 10k.  It was emotional to complete the year to say the least.  I woke up on 1^st January 2024 and I honestly at that point hadn’t made a decision as to whether to continue or not. (Again, evidence of the lack of planning.)

And so I did, and the goal moved to 500 days which came and went last month.  All through the 500 days an old friend of mine had been encouraging me to do 1000. I’d dismissed this every time despite him sending me percentage updates of my progress towards 1000. 

So it’s 1000 now which takes me to September 2025.  If I complete the challenge it will be 3 birthdays and 2 Christmas Days I’ll have run on spanning 3 different years.  Reaching 1000 seems like it’s a final destination, will I stop or not?  Almost definitely but like I say, “I’ve never planned this.”

For me, without Zwift I doubt I would have lasted a month. That’s the power of Zwift. It can help you push boundaries that you didn’t think were possible.

The ability to have that on-screen distraction from what can be a mundane daily run is fantastic.  Each time I run I see something different that I’ve never noticed.  Going a bit slower than cyclists you can take in more of the surroundings and really notice the detail that goes into building a world. 

And I’m never alone. Each day, somebody new joins the event and I have a core group of regulars that keep me motivated through their chat and support.  That’s the power of the Zwift community. 

• Join me daily on Zwift: zwift.com/events/tag/run10keveryday
• You can find me on Zwift as: .10k Every Day for 1000 Days (NPRC)
• Join the NPRC here: zwift.com/clubs/e7829ccd-bce4-4244-9ccf-4cdc3ef148ff/home
• NoblePro: www.noble-pro.com/

We’ve also selected videos about how weight affects Zwift speed, cheating on Zwift, using Zwift to train for triathlons, and a Zwifter’s attempt to hold a world-record pace.

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!

In addition, we’ve got some exciting videos about an incredible Alpe du Zwift PR, an exciting first Zwift race win, a tour of a Zwifter’s new setup, and initial impressions of virtual shifting.

Got a Great Zwift Video?

Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!