Treadmill Shock Absorbers: Everything You Need to Know

The treadmill shock absorbers are an important part of any treadmill. It helps to reduce the impact of your feet hitting the treadmill belt, which can cause strain on your joints and muscles over time.

A treadmill shock absorber is designed to reduce the impact of running or walking on a treadmill by absorbing the shock of each step. You place it beneath the treadmill belt, and it works by absorbing and dispersing the energy from each foot strike. It results in a much smoother and more comfortable running experience.

Shock absorbers come in various materials and sizes, with some being made from the best shock-absorbing materials available. The most popular type of treadmill shock absorber is an all-around shock absorption system designed for runners and walkers alike.

This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about treadmill shock absorbers, including what they are and how to choose the right one for your needs. We will also discuss different shock absorber materials and how effective they are during your workout.

Best Shock Absorbing Materials

There are a few options when choosing the best shock-absorbing material for a treadmill. The most common materials for treadmill shock absorption are rubber, foam, and plastic.

1. Rubber

Rubber is one of the most popular materials used for shock absorption on treadmills due to its durability and flexibility. It is also relatively lightweight, which makes it an ideal choice for light treadmills.

However, rubber can become brittle over time and may not be suitable for heavy-duty shock absorption systems.

Pros

Durable
Affordable
Comfortable
Reduces noise
Resilient
Easy to clean

Cons

Not ideal for people prone to allergies

2. Foam

Foam is another popular choice for shock absorption on treadmills as it is light, flexible, and durable. The foam is also resistant to abrasion and moisture, making it a great option for more intense workouts.

The downside to foam is that it can flatten out over time and may provide a reduced level of shock absorption than rubber or plastic.

Pros

Excellent shock absorption
Durable
Comfortable
Easy to clean
Affordable

Cons

Can be noisy

3. Plastic

Plastic is a less common but still effective material for treadmill shock absorbers. It is more durable than foam and rubber and can last longer, but it can also be quite stiff and may not provide the same level of shock absorption as softer materials.

Pros

Durable
Low maintenance
Lightweight
Reduces noise
Affordable

Cons

Prone to cracking

Best Treadmills With High-Quality Shock Absorbers

Here are the best treadmills with high-quality shock absorbers.

1. NordicTrack X32i Incline Trainer

This treadmill is equipped with a revolutionary shock-absorbing system that helps reduce joint impact by up to 40%. It also features a 40% incline and decline and a 3.6 CHP motor for a smooth running experience.

Pros

32” Smart HD Touchscreen
Improved WiFi connectivity
Impact shock reduced with reflex cushioning by up to 40%
40% incline
0-12 mph speed range with QuickControls, free for one month with an iFit Family membership
Robust 4.25 CHP engine
Extra-long belt measuring 22 x 65” with balanced rollers
Two quiet 3” fans in the console
Included heart rate chest strap for Adaptive HR Control
Bluetooth capabilities for wireless headphones

Cons

Doesn’t fold up
Extremely heavy; requires more than one person to move it.

2. ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill

This treadmill is ideal for runners looking for extra cushioning during their workouts. It features a shock-absorbing deck that helps reduce the impact on joints and muscles, a 3.5 CHP motor, and a 15% incline and decline range.

Pros

Affordable
High-quality materials designed to last for years
Programmable with 32 built-in features
Foldable

Cons

Noisy
Lower-quality parts

3. DrGymlee Treadmill

This treadmill features a 3-zone cushioning system that provides superior shock absorption for a smoother run. It also has a large LCD screen, 18 pre-set programs, and a Bluetooth-enabled audio system.

Pros

3.5 HP motor
Unique shock absorption system
Easy lubrication
High-quality belt
Large running deck

Cons

No incline feature

4. Horizon Fitness Elite T9 Treadmill

This treadmill boasts an advanced shock absorption system that minimizes impact on joints while running. It also includes a powerful 3.25 HP motor, 20 built-in workout programs, and an extra-long 20” x 60” running surface.

Pros

Includes a warranty
4.25 HP motor
20” x 60” running surface
Dual-level cushioning system
Bluetooth connectivity
Incline range
0-12 mph speed range
Built-in speakers

Cons

Limited motor power
Limited warranty

5. Sole F80 Treadmill

This treadmill features an extra-large deck size and a thick, shock-absorbing cushioning system for maximum comfort and stability. It also offers ten different workout programs and a powerful 3.5 HP motor for a more powerful running experience.

Pros

Easy to fold
15% incline
Ply belt minimizes noise
Built-in shock absorption system
Running surface of 20 x 60”

Cons

No Bluetooth connectivity
Limited user programs

What to Consider When Buying a Treadmill With the Best Shock Absorption

When shopping for a treadmill, it’s important to ensure that you get the best shock-absorbing material. Different treadmills come with varying levels of shock absorption, and you need to know what to look for to make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs.

Type of Shock-Absorbing Material

First, look into the shock-absorbing material used in its construction. Generally, the more shock-absorbing material used, the better the treadmill will perform. For instance, the DrGymlee treadmill has an extra layer of shock-absorbing material, making it one of the best shock-absorbing treadmills on the market.

Cushioning

Some treadmills are designed with a full shock absorption system, while others have just a small amount of cushioning. The more cushioning your treadmill has, the better it will absorb impact and reduce joint stress.

Warranty or Guarantee

Many shock-absorbing treadmills come with a lifetime warranty, so make sure you take advantage of this. This way, you can rest assured that you will be covered if anything goes wrong with your treadmill.

Deck Size

Always make sure that the deck size is large enough to cover your stride length. Not all machines are perfect for all users

Motor

Look for a motor that can handle your weight. Not all treadmill motors are designed to handle people with different weights or intense exercise routines.

By considering all these factors before buying a treadmill, you can ensure that you get the best shock absorption system and reduce joint stress when using your treadmill.

Conclusion

There are several treadmill shock absorbers on the market. You should always opt for one that meets your exercise needs. With proper maintenance, a treadmill shock absorber can last for years. Knowing the importance of these devices and how to care for them properly will help ensure your treadmill remains in tip-top shape for years to come.

Thinking of buying a treadmill? Here’s my favorite, I always recommend it when asked.