Almost all treadmills offer orthopedic belts on at least 1/3 of the models, if not more. Many people are not aware that this is an option and not an obligation when purchasing a treadmill. Treadmills now offer orthopedic belts and/or covers and all is not as it seems when choosing these options.
Advantages:
Orthopedic belts on the market are said to cushion and protect the connective tissue joints of the hip, ankle and knee joints. Treadmills like NordicTrack offer DuraSoft cushioning belts which, according to NordicTrack, reduce the impact on joints by 19-33% compared to running on the road. NordicTrack also offers a belt that has 5-position adjustable damping. Many people prefer the ability to decide which is best for them at any given point in their training life.
Smooth 9.17 and BodyGuard treadmills also have treadmills that offer orthopedic belts due to popularity with many with shin splints and heel spurs. Most of the time, people who only use treadmills as their primary source of exercise will occasionally eat these foods. Widely available at stores like Wal-Mart and big box bulk stores, HealthRider offers Ortho belts for the same reason and popularity that makes many think these are so much better for them.
Proform offers Quiet tread on several models which is just normal tread, but they offer a ProShox impact reduction platform which they claim will reduce impact on joints by 28% compared to road running.
Cons:
Many service technicians hate to see people buy treadmills with orthopedic belts due to the fact that they will wear out the engine very quickly compared to normal treads. The fact that orthopedic belts are much thicker than normal tread belts means that they cause excessive heat on the belt and wear on the bearings inside the rollers.
The fact that the heat is due to the thickness of the belt directly correlates to the fact that the engine and all other parts work harder, causing the engine to wear out much faster than normal. Many critics of the belt would tell consumers to buy a good pair of running shoes with extra support or the positive effect they’re feeling is all in their head.
Conclusion:
Orthopedic belts aren’t really worth the extra money unless you’re in serious physical condition where any extra cushioning would be a benefit. If you choose to purchase a treadmill with an orthopedic belt, be aware that you must be ready for additional maintenance and the fact that the motor will wear out sooner than a normal belt. Also, remember that with an orthopedic belt, choose a treadmill with rollers that are at least 2.4 inches in diameter to ensure the belt and motor have as much clearance as possible.
If you are a normal consumer looking for a good treadmill and have no previous problems, just stick with a normal treadmill and tread.