treadmills Archives - True Fitness - Home Fitness Equipment

TRUE® S.O.F.T SYSTEM/ SOFT SELECT

Posted on September 13, 2022September 5, 2024 by axavier

For over 40 years, TRUE Fitness has been developing and innovating some of the most orthopedically correct treadmills in the industry. Our concept behind TRUE treadmill decks was based on the idea of running shoes. Frank Trulaske, Founder and CEO of TRUE Fitness since 1981, being a runner, took that mentality and put it into crafting a running deck that is comfortable and orthopedically sound.

We’ve spent many years defining how our residential treadmills should feel from the first foot plant until the final push-off. TRUE’s Soft Technology has made us the company we are today and is considered a trademark of the TRUE heritage.

S.O.F.T. SYSTEM

TRUE strives to perfect biomechanically correct and orthopedically comfortable, functional products. Whether it be the mesh seat in the recumbent bike, the Soft Step® in the elliptical cross-trainers or the Soft System® featured in some of our treadmill decks, comfort and safety are always at the forefront of the design.

Part of our premium treadmill experience lies in our S.O.F.T. (Shock Absorbing, Orthopedically Correct, Foot Plant, Transfer) System deck. The Soft System, patented in 1992, provides a softer deck cushion to help relieve joint impact.

The system consists of neoprene shock absorbers in the front third of the deck to cushion each foot strike, while the back of the deck provides a firmer sensation allowing for a stronger push-off with each step.

SOFT SELECT

Some TRUE treadmills feature our patented TRUE Soft Select® System, which allows users to modify the firmness of the running belt for a tailored experience. Adjusting the impact on a scale of 1 to 8 (with one being the softest and eight the firmest) provides the perfect impact levels for every user regardless of fitness level, injury level, or otherwise.

On the softest settings, the front of the deck has more area to flex. By moving the pivot forward, the deck has greater support toward the front and flexes less, providing a firmer impact. Firmer impact allows less energy to be lost from the running motion.

For instance, if you train to run outside on a hard surface like pavement, adjusting the belt to a more challenging scale will help acclimate your body to the running surface. Likewise, a softer belt is easier on your joints while creating resistance—perfect for building leg strength.

ORTHOPEDIC BELT

TRUE was the first to introduce an orthopedic belt on a treadmill in 2001. Specifically designed and built only for TRUE, the increased thickness and special material provide additional shock absorption without sacrificing the natural feel. We crafted this belt as a lower-impact alternative to outdoor running on pavement or hard terrain. According to Treadmill.com, TRUE Fitness has the “best orthopedic belt system on the market.”

The orthopedic belt is an excellent choice if you experience joint pain or want a softer running surface. With an orthopedic belt, your joints will easily absorb shock upon impact while allowing you to push off the treadmill firmly. With a softer surface, you can get into your daily running routine knowing you are taking care of your joint health.

TRUE S.O.F.T. System – Orthopedically Correct Treadmills

Choosing The Right Treadmill For Your Home

Posted on May 26, 2021September 5, 2024 by NWV

If you are looking to create your own home gym, or upgrade your current gym equipment lineup, there are several factors you should consider. Let’s explore what to look for when choosing the right treadmill for your home.

Quality Of The Treadmill

The quality of your treadmill should be at the forefront when making a purchase decision. You want to ensure the treadmill is comfortable, reliable, and easy to use.

A few factors to consider regarding the quality of your treadmill are the drive motor, safety features, construction, and warranty.

Drive Motor

When reviewing options for the drive motor, look for a treadmill that is quiet and strong for an uninterrupted performance. We recommend purchasing a treadmill with solid horsepower, which provides a smooth experience. Treadmills such as TRUE’s new 950 Treadmill provide a 4 HP motor, making it a powerful machine.

Safety Features

When reviewing residential treadmill options, ensure there are solid safety features in place. TRUE treadmills feature a unique User Present Detection™ system in addition to your traditional safety key. You also want to look for quality handrails and side straddles, in case you need to quickly jump off your treadmill from a vigorous run.

Solid Construction

Confirm that your future treadmill has a solid build and is manufactured for the long run. Some treadmills will come with thin plastic components that are easily breakable due to basic wear and tear. TRUE’s residential treadmills are built with robotically-welded heavy-gauge steel frames, making them extremely strong and durable.

Warranty

A treadmill is an investment, and a quality machine should stand the test of time. You want to ensure that in the case something does go wrong, you are covered. While there are many treadmills on the market that come at an entry-level price point, they often cannot stand heavy usage and come with a minimal warranty.

TRUE treadmills feature a lifetime warranty on the frame of your treadmill, in addition to a warranty on the motor, parts, and labor.

Shock Absorption And Cushioning

Your treadmill should provide a smooth run with a premium shock-absorbing surface. If you are looking for a comfortable surface, consider a TRUE treadmill with True Soft Select®, which allows everyone in your family to select their preferred level of softness on the belt.

You may also enjoy the TRUE Soft System® that decreases impact and stress on your joints, so you can run longer and farther. You can find the Soft System on treadmills like the 950 Treadmill and Performance 800 Treadmill. TRUE treadmills also include an orthopedic Belt for the ultimate impact reduction on your joints and knees.

Versatility Of The Treadmill

While reviewing your options, consider the versatility of the treadmill. Is this machine built for light usage that will allow for walks and jogging, or will it provide a platform to train for future races if you are looking to take your training to the next level? Be sure to check the incline (and decline) and max miles per hour of the treadmill to ensure it fits your lifestyle.

Connected Features

There is a range of connected features available on today’s treadmill. A basic you might want to have is Bluetooth, as it will allow you to connect with various fitness apps and tools such as Zwift and Polar for an interactive experience.

Whether you are shopping for your very first treadmill or looking to upgrade an existing model, be sure to carefully review your options and choose the machine that works best for you and your lifestyle. If you are looking to purchase a premium residential treadmill, be sure to check out TRUE’s full lineup of commercial-inspired treadmills to help with choosing the right treadmill for your home.

Some Home Treadmill FAQs

What Is A Good Width For A Treadmill?

Ideally, you want a minimum of 48 inches long and 18 inches wide for running, but that is pretty narrow. The average is more like 55 inches long and 20 inches wide. Taller runners might want to go up to 60 inches long and 22 inches wide.

What Is A Good Deck Size For Treadmills?

For runners, HIIT, sprinters, etc You'll want space, even a 50 cm (20 inch) width can feel cramped; a 55 cm (22 inch) wide track is better, particularly if you're tall. In terms of length, 135 cm (54) inches should be your minimum, with a 150 cm (60 inch) deck giving you ample room to stretch your legs to the fullest.

What Should I Look For When Buying A Treadmill?

1) Belt Size. 2) Cushioning. 3) Stability. 4) Weight. 5) Space And Size. 6) Warranty / Delivery / Set-up.

Is A Treadmill Good For Weight Loss?

The bottom line. As a form of cardio exercise, using a treadmill is an excellent way of burning calories and losing weight. If you're not sure what type of treadmill workout is best suited to you, talk to a certified personal trainer. They can work with you to create a customized treadmill weight loss program.

What Length Treadmill Do I Need?

As a general rule, a minimum of 50″ in belt length is recommended for walkers, 55″ for runners, and 60″ for runners over 6′ tall. Once you have worked out how much space you need in your home to have a treadmill, you can start thinking about treadmill size.

How To: Transition To Running On The Treadmill

Posted on January 7, 2021September 5, 2024 by NWV

As the winter weather continues to drop, it may be time to take your training indoors. The transition to running on the treadmill can be a fun experience if you take the right steps. Today, we are sharing a few tips and tricks on how to best transition to running indoors.

Make The Transition Gradual

If possible, ease into your indoor training to allow your body to adjust to your new running gait. Ensure your indoor running workouts are 20% or less of your running workouts until you feel that your body has had the opportunity to adjust.

Get Fitted For The Right Shoes

Did you know most running shoes last around 500 miles before they wear out and become unsafe to wear? Start off your treadmill training with a pair of shoes that work well for you. Your local running store should be able to help get you fitted and offer suggestions based on your foot type, pronation, and preferences.

Join A Running Club

If a community is what you crave, join a virtual running club. Choose a club that creates a community, challenges you, and offers a fun experience. If you are looking for a Strava run club, join the TRUE Run Club, which offers motivation, challenges, and fun giveaways throughout the year.

Find The Right App Or Training Platform For You

There are a plethora of apps that can help you get the most out of your treadmill runs. Look for apps that are compatible with your treadmill. You can choose a simplistic app such as GymTrakr, or join a virtual world like Zwift. In addition, most treadmills offer built-in programming to challenge your workouts like TRUE HRC Heart Rate Control®, which allows you to set your target heart rate. The treadmill will then adjust the speed and/or incline of the treadmill to keep you at your target heart rate.

Prioritize Cross-Training And Recovery

Cross-training can help reduce the risk of overuse injuries and reduce stress on joints and the spine. Add in some weight training, cycling, swimming, or elliptical workout. We have a full playlist of light equipment and bodyweight workouts that you can complete at home or the gym.

Recovery is also key to your treadmill workouts. Select low-resistance activities such as yoga, walking, foam rolling, or stretching and incorporate them into your weekly workout routines.

Whether this is your first time running indoors or you’re looking to make a transition to running on the treadmill, there is no better time than now!

5 Ways To Accessorize Your Treadmill Workouts

Posted on September 4, 2020September 5, 2024 by NWV

As a trainer and a fitness enthusiast, I know plenty of people who love running. The runner’s high is a real thing and is oftentimes part of someone’s daily routine. However, walking or running as your only mode of exercise has its drawbacks. Overuse or repetitive stress injuries, muscle imbalances, and potential for flexibility issues are factors to consider in any mode of exercise if you don’t cross-train or mix it up every 4-6 weeks. If you are using your treadmill try these ways to accessorize your treadmill workouts for a difference.

The three corners of fitness – Cardio, Strength, and Flexibility– is a great general guide for any exercise routine. By incorporating the three corners you can reduce the likelihood of injury and still maintain the majority of your routine doing what you love.

Here are 5 simple things you can add to your workout space without breaking the bank or cluttering up your room.

Resistance Bands

If you are a beginner at resistance training, this might be a great starting point. It offers a low intimidation factor and great value in resistance training. There are also looped bands which are excellent for hip and glute work which is especially important for runners. Both are usually sold in sets with each band varying in resistance.
Dumbbells And Kettlebells

Incorporate a strength routine to both your upper and lower body by adding some resistance to your muscles. Kettlebells can add more movement and power into your strength routine. As a bonus, there are mobility workout flows you can do with kettlebells.
Suspension Trainer

This can provide a total body experience and take the place of ten or more machines that you find at the gym! You use your own body weight and by making simple changes in your body angle you can increase or decrease the intensity according to your physical abilities.
Stretch Strap

Using a stretch strap for lower body flexibility allows you to use passive and advanced stretch techniques that will help injury prevention and potentially improve your running.
Exercise Mat

You’ll want an area to do any floor work like core, free weight, or stretching exercises. When not in use, you can roll it up and tuck away in the corner.

Implementing Interval Training Circuits

If you get all of the listed items, you will have an extensive library of total body strength, flexibility exercises, and routines that can last you a lifetime. By implementing interval training circuits, you won’t have to give up your running routine and reap the benefits of stretch and/or flexibility training in your workout. To get the most out of your exercise equipment, enlist the help of a certified personal trainer to get you started on the right foot. They will be able to provide the exercises as well as starting weight or resistance according to your fitness level and goals.

About The Author

Randy Leopando, CSCS, FMS, RCPT*E

A fitness industry veteran of 22 years, Randy is the Training and Education Manager at TRUE Fitness. He spent much of his career as a fitness director and operations management for a privately owned fitness facility that offered general memberships, personal training, group fitness, small group training, Pilates, nutrition counseling, and sports performance training. Randy has been a consultant for ACE, regional committee member for NSCA, and currently provides education on TRUE cardio and strength products to club owners and staff.

TRUE Residential Workout: Hill Heart Racer

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Angie Tinsley

Staying conditioned is an important part of your exercise regimen. Not only does it keep your body healthy and up-to-speed, but able to complete difficult physical tasks.

Exercise Goals

This is a great treadmill workout that will work all areas of your conditioning in a short period of time. By using HIIT methods you will fatigue your anaerobic as well as aerobic pathways of fuel. Ending the workout with burpees will ensure a difficult finish and by doing so, you will be sure to burn the most amount of calories in the shortest amount of time.

Tips Before The Workout

Be sure to get some foam rolling or stretching in before you hop on the treadmill for this workout, especially if you will be sprinting during the high-intensity portions. This will help prevent injury during exercise.

Proper Forms to Remember For This Exercise

When completing this exercise, remember the following forms:

Running: When you are jogging or sprinting, be sure to try to land midfoot to forefoot. Do not heavy heel strike, as this can lead to long term injuries.
Burpee: This movement is about efficiency and not as much about form. Many people will perform this movement safely with vast differences. With a burpee, you want to go from a standing position to a prone position (lying on your chest), and then back to a standing position. To do this efficiently you will “flop” yourself to the floor using the least necessary control as to not hurt yourself or smash your face. Once your chest touches the floor, immediately push yourself up and jump your feet underneath you and stand back up with your feet leaving the floor at the standing position. That is one rep.

Final Thoughts

Focus on your running form and really put forth maximum effort on the high-intensity portions to reap the greatest rewards. Stay in control at all points in time on the treadmill to limit your risk of injury. Log your speeds used on the runs/sprints and simply repeat this workout in a week or so to see how much better you have gotten.

The 4-minute burpee challenge in this workout is a great measure of your conditioning and strength gains combined. When doing burpees for 4 minutes straight, try to keep a pace of X number of burpees for a minute, this will help you push hard the whole 4 minutes. Stay active, eat enough food, and rest enough. All these factors will help you recover faster.

Up Next: 3 Treadmill Workouts To Maximize Your Cardio Routine

How To Work Out During The Winter Months

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Angie Tinsley

Today we are going to learn how to work out during the winter months. Whether you’ve been working out for some time or you’ve just begun, it seems as though the winter months are some of the hardest times to get to the gym. It might be the holidays holding you back, the cold weather, or just not knowing what to do inside the gym. If you need help staying fit through March 20^th, following these steps is a good place to begin:

Identify Your Goals

First off, focus on why you want to work out in the first place. You may have a goal that you’re working towards or maybe you are just now thinking of what goal to have. Think about S.M.A.R.T. goals:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely

Setting these expectations for yourself will help get you started. Then think about how you will feel once you’ve hit it.

Fuel Your Motivation

Do you need a little “pick-me-up” to get yourself into the gym? Try some caffeine! A little goes a long way in getting your body awake and ready to move. An 8-ounce cup of coffee is the perfect way to get going.

If coffee isn’t your thing, a type of pre-workout will be your best bet for warming up by getting your heart rate going. There are so many different kinds to choose from. You just have to find which one is safe, effective, and works best with your body.

Then, make sure you always have protein on hand after your workout. Protein helps support the recovery process that your body goes through afterward and promotes lean muscle mass and maintenance.

Make It A Group Effort

Maybe your headphones just won’t cut it this time and you need someone to talk you through your workout. That’s okay! Try bringing a friend with you to the gym. Having someone with you is a perfect motivator, whether you are competitive or you just want someone there to talk to. You can get each other motivated and hold one another accountable by making sure you both get your winter workouts in and stay on track with the right foods.

Recover Properly

Always make sure that rest is in your schedule. During the cold weather months, our bodies are highly susceptible to sickness and viruses. Sometimes training on top of that doesn’t help your body out at all. Your body needs good sleep and rest days to recover so that it’s able to perform properly on the days you train hard. This doesn’t mean taking advantage of those rest days. Just listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, you feel fatigued and weak; maybe it’s a sign to have a good rest day.

Stay On Track

Don’t let cold weather stop you and your fitness goals. You are capable of anything you set your mind to. You just have to stick with it. Goals take time and you may want to be outside training, but work with what you have and run with it. Grab your friends and get into the gym together. Make it fun! Take good care of your body. We only get one, so why not put all we have into it to make it better and stronger?

Browse Our Selection of Treadmills Today

BRRRRaving the Cold: Tips for Running in Wintery Weather

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Angie Tinsley

That time has come again. Winter fast approaches as more leaves fall off of trees each day. For many runners, winter signifies the transition from outdoor running to indoor running. Follow this list of outdoor running tips to be sure to stay frostbite-free this year: Continue reading “BRRRRaving the Cold: Tips for Running in Wintery Weather”

TRUE Soft Technology® Offers Comfortable Workouts

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Angie Tinsley

It is no secret that we at TRUE Fitness strive to constantly innovate across the full product line. In staying true to our mission and our trademark, TRUE endeavors to build fitness equipment that is biomechanically correct while also being orthopedically comfortable. TRUE’s Soft Technology® has made us the company we are today and is considered a trademark of the TRUE heritage.

A Full Body Experience with Soft Technology^®

TRUE provides elements of the soft system throughout our cardio equipment, including:

The Soft Step® in our elliptical trainers
The Soft System® in our treadmills
Mesh seats in our recumbent bikes

We strive to provide the best and least-impactful cardio experience regardless of what type of equipment best meets your fitness needs. In addition, TRUE Soft System® is now standard on all TRUE treadmills, providing a softer deck cushion to relieve joint impact. Encompassed within the TRUE Soft System® are the TRUE Soft Select and the orthopedic belt for a comfortable running experience.

TRUE Soft Select^® Allows You to Customize Your Impact

With Soft Select, users can modify the firmness of the running belt for a tailored experience. Adjusting the impact on a scale of 1 to 8 (with 1 being the softest and 8 the hardest) provides the perfect impact levels for every person no matter the fitness level, injury level, or otherwise.

For instance, if you are training to run outside on a hard surface like pavement, adjusting the belt to a harder scale will acclimate your body to the running surface. Likewise, a softer belt is easier on your joints while creating resistance—perfect for building up leg strength.

The TRUE Soft Select feature is equipped on many TRUE treadmills like the new Performance 800.

TRUE’s Orthopedic Belt is Easy on Joints

TRUE was the first to introduce an orthopedic belt on a treadmill in 2001. The orthopedic belt is offered on TRUE’s Performance 300 and is designed as a lower-impact alternative to outdoor running on pavement or hard ground. According to Treadmill.com, TRUE Fitness has the “best orthopedic belt system on the market”

The orthopedic belt is a good choice if you experience joint pain from arthritis or injury or simply want a softer running surface. With an orthopedic belt, your joints will easily absorb shock upon impact while letting you to firmly push off the treadmill. With a softer surface, you can get in your daily running routine knowing you are taking care of your joint health.

Browse Our Selection of Soft TRUE Treadmills

Everything You Need to Know about TRUE’s Monument Workouts

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Angie Tinsley

Located all around the globe are landmarks, both man-made and natural, that are enough to take your breath away. As much as we all desire, we cannot travel to each world monument to exercise. With that in mind, the new Monument Workouts from TRUE encourage fitness enthusiasts to visit these landmarks without ever leaving the gym. Continue reading “Everything You Need to Know about TRUE’s Monument Workouts”