One of the reasons many people buy a treadmill is because of the treadmill’s cushioning which offers shock absorption under foot 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 am impressed with some of the treadmill shock absorption technologies that some treadmill manufacturers offer. Some shock absorbing technologies reduce impact by up to 40 percent.
What is bad cushioning technology?
There are 2 bad forms of damping:
1. Thick tread
Yes, it would be a joke for a treadmill manufacturer to claim that it provides shock absorption technology for treadmills due to the thickness of the tread.
Any treadmill that says their thicker treadmill is good for low-impact cardio is no good. In other words, don’t buy a treadmill for low-impact workouts just because you have 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 when you start researching treadmills. It may occur to you that looking for the thickest tread may be the best approach to take. it is not
2. Spring technology
Spring technology results in a bouncy treadmill deck. This is not optimal treadmill shock absorption.
What is good cushioning technology?
Simply put, the quality cushioning on the treadmill that makes it a low-impact cardio machine is one where the running deck is cushioned in some way.
3 types of shock absorption technologies:
1. Full tread cushioning
Full tread deck cushioning is where treadmill deck cushioning is the same across the entire deck.
2. Multi-zone cushioning
Variable damping is where the tread deck is softer in the front where it goes down and firmer in the rear where it goes up. This is the best form of shock absorption for the treadmill. Provides low impact where it’s needed and a firm toe-off for racing performance.
3. Adjustable damping
Adjustable damping is where you can really adjust the amount of damping on a running deck. Keep in mind that some treadmills with adjustable damping will have the same amount of damping throughout the running deck or, on higher-end models, provide multi-zone damping.
General shock absorption
As you can see from some of the more prominent treadmill manufacturers, the technology varies, but the only commonality is that the cushioning is not based on thicker tread. Fortunately, treadmill cushioning technology is more advanced than that.
Can you have too much cushioning?
Yes. I compare 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. This is why, if you can afford it, it’s best to 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 trainer, stepper, and/or stationary bike.
On the other hand, if you’re a runner and don’t have joint and/or back problems, using a treadmill with cushioning technology can prolong your running career. In fact, combining treadmill workouts with pavement running workouts provides low-impact cardio workouts that give your joints and back a break from the constant high-impact workouts of running on pavement.
Advanced shock absorption technology costs money
Another common feature among some of the treadmills mentioned above is that the more advanced treadmill cushioning options are found on treadmills that cost more money. If cushioning is important to you, be prepared to pay for a higher cost treadmill.
