One of the reasons many people buy a treadmill is the cushioning of the treadmill, which offers shock absorption to the tread and results in a lower-impact workout compared to walking or running on pavement.
Treadmill cushioning has come a long way in recent years. In fact, I’m impressed with some of the treadmill shock absorbing technologies that some treadmill manufacturers offer. Some shock absorbing technologies reduce shock by up to 40 percent.
What is bad damping technology?
There are 2 bad ways of cushioning:
1. Thick tread
Yes, it would be a joke for a treadmill manufacturer to claim that it offers treadmill shock absorbing technology due to the thickness of the tread.
Any treadmill that says its thicker treadmill is good for low-impact cardio is not good. In other words, don’t buy a treadmill for lower-impact workouts simply because it has a thicker treadmill.
In fact, a thicker belt is not considered cushioning technology. These days, you won’t find many, if any, treadmill manufacturers touting a thicker belt as cushioning technology. I want to mention it so you know this when you start researching treadmills. It may occur to you that going for the thickest tread may be the best approach to take. It is not.
2. Spring technology
Spring technology results in an inflatable belt platform. This is not the optimal shock absorption on the treadmill.
What is good cushioning technology?
Simply put, the treadmill quality cushioning that turns a treadmill into a lower-impact cardio machine is one in which the treadmill is cushioned in some way.
3 types of shock absorbing technologies:
1. Complete cushioning of the tread
Full treadmill cushioning is where the cushion of a treadmill’s deck is the same throughout the deck.
2. Multi-zone damping
Variable damping is where the tread deck is softer in the front where it is lowered and firmer in the rear where it is raised. This is the best form of shock absorption on the tape. Provides low impact where it’s needed and a firm takeoff for running performance.
3. Adjustable cushioning
Adjustable cushioning is where you can really adjust the amount of cushioning on a running platform. Note that some adjustable damping treadmills will have the same amount of damping across the entire running deck or, on higher-end models, will provide multi-zone damping.
Shock absorption in general
As you can see from some of the prominent treadmill manufacturers listed above, the technology varies, but the one thing in common is that the damping is not based on a thicker tread. Fortunately, the treadmill’s cushioning technology is more advanced than that.
Can it have too much cushioning?
Yes. I equate too much cushioning to running on sand. If you are a high performance runner, if the running platform is too soft, your running performance is compromised. That’s why, if you can afford it, you better get multi-zone treadmill cushioning technology.
Treadmill cushioning isn’t the best low-impact cardio machine
If you have severe joint and / or back problems, the cushioning may not be enough for you. Instead, you may want to consider a low-impact cardio machine, such as an elliptical, stepper, and / or stationary bike.
On the other hand, if you’re a runner and don’t have joint or back problems, wearing a headband with cushioning technology can prolong your running career. In fact, mixing treadmill workouts with pavement running workouts provides lower-impact cardio workouts that give your joints and back a respite from constant high-impact workouts running on pavement.
Advanced Shock Absorption Technology Costs Money
Another common ground between some of the older treadmills is that the cushioning options of the more advanced treadmills are found in the treadmills that cost more money. If cushioning is important to you, be prepared to pay for a higher-cost treadmill.
