How to Buy a Treadmill: A Mentor's Guide to Decoding Specs (CHP, Incline, & Deck Size)

Let’s be honest: shopping for a new treadmill is overwhelming.

You just want something sturdy to walk or jog on, but you’re instantly buried in an avalanche of technical jargon. What in the world is “2.6 CHP”? Is a 55-inch deck long enough? Is a 10% incline any good? The numbers are confusing, and the marketing hype doesn’t help.

As a mentor in the fitness space, my goal is to clear this up. Forget the sales pitches. Let’s become “spec-sheet translators” so you can buy the right treadmill for you, not just the most expensive one.

We’re going to decode the “Big Three” specs that truly matter: the Motor, the Deck, and the Incline. To make this real, we’ll use a popular, no-frills model, the NordicTrack T Series 5 [Data], as our case study.

1. The Engine: Decoding “CHP” (Continuous Horsepower)

This is the most important, and most confusing, spec. You’ll see “HP” (Horsepower) and “CHP” (Continuous Horsepower).

Here’s the secret: Ignore “HP.” That’s a “peak” number, like a tiny burst of strength. It’s a marketing gimmick. The only number you should care about is CHP, which measures the power the motor can deliver continuously without overheating. It’s the true measure of a treadmill’s work ethic.

The NordicTrack T5, our example, has a 2.6 CHP motor [Data]. So, is that good?

Here is your mentor’s guide to CHP:

• 1.5 – 2.5 CHP: This range is perfect for walkers. If your main goal is to get your 10,000 steps in or you’re doing light physical therapy (like reviewer Gurtar Man with PAD), a motor in this range is all you need.
• 2.6 – 3.0 CHP: This is the sweet spot for joggers and most runners. A motor like the 2.6 CHP in the T5 is ideal for steady-state jogging and interval training. It can easily handle fast walking and light running (like reviewer Paul’s 8:30 min/mile pace) without straining.
• 3.0+ CHP: This is for serious, high-mileage runners or households with multiple users. If you’re over 220 lbs and plan to sprint daily, this is your range.

The takeaway: Don’t pay for a 3.5 CHP engine if you’re a walker. That 2.6 CHP motor is the perfect balance of power and value for the vast majority of home users.

2. The Runway: Decoding Deck Size (Length & Width)

The “deck” is the running belt. Its dimensions (e.g., 55” L x 18” W on the T5 [Data]) are critical for comfort and safety.

Deck Length (55 inches)

This number is all about your stride.

• For Walking: A 50”–55” deck is plenty. Your stride is shorter, and you don’t need the extra space.
• For Running: This is where height comes in.
  • If you are under 6‘0”, a 55-inch deck is perfect for both jogging and running.
  • If you are taller (6‘1” or more), a 55-inch deck is still excellent for walking and jogging. Reviewer “Rw” (6‘1”) said the track dimensions were “perfect.” However, if you plan to do full-out, high-speed sprints at that height, you might feel more secure on a 60-inch deck.

Deck Width (18 inches)

• The Standard: Most home treadmills are 18”–20” wide. An 18” width, like on the T5, provides a comfortable landing area while keeping the machine’s overall footprint compact—a major plus for home use (Elaina Clark noted it “does not take up much space”).
• The “Gym” Feel: Gym treadmills are often 22” wide. It feels luxurious, but it makes the machine massive and expensive. For a home, 18”–20” is the smart, practical choice.

3. The Hill: Decoding Incline (0-10%)

Here’s the secret weapon for home fitness: incline is more effective than speed.

Why? Increasing the incline (even at a walking speed) burns dramatically more calories, engages your glutes and hamstrings, and boosts your cardiovascular health with less impact on your joints.

The T5 offers a 10% incline [Data]. As a mentor, let me tell you: a 10% incline is a serious hill. For 99% of users, this is more than you will ever need to get a fantastic, sweat-drenching workout. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need 15% or 20%.

Putting It All Together: What You Need vs. What You Don’t

Now, let’s talk about the bells and whistles.

• What You Need (The “Must-Haves”):

  1. A solid motor (CHP) that matches your use (walking/jogging).
  2. A stable deck that fits your stride.
  3. A reliable incline for workout variety.
  4. Good Cushioning: The T5 has FlexSelect cushioning [Data]. This is non-negotiable. A good cushioning system protects your knees, hips, and back, which is the entire point of moving your workout indoors.

• What You Want (The “Nice-to-Haves”):

  1. Bluetooth & Apps (iFIT): The T5 is Bluetooth-enabled to connect to iFIT [Data]. This is cool because the app can automatically control your speed and incline to follow a trainer’s workout. Reviewer “SBC” loved this feature.
  2. A Simple Screen: …But what if you don’t want another subscription? Many users (like “Rw” and “Erielle”) specifically love the T5 because it has a simple, no-frills console. It has a shelf where they can put their own iPad [Data] and watch movies or use any app they want.

This is the beauty of a “no-frills” machine: you aren’t paying for a giant, built-in screen you may not even use.

Finally, reviewers note that assembly is straightforward [Data]. It’s a sturdy, 140-pound machine [Data], but the process is manageable.

The “best” treadmill isn’t the one with the biggest motor or the flashiest screen. The best treadmill is the one that has the right specs for your body and your goals. Now that you can read the spec sheet like a pro, you can shop with confidence.