Treadmill manufacturers are always looking for the latest innovation to make their machines more appealing and useful to the home consumer. One of the latest additions to the range of running machines out there is the TV treadmill which is a treadmill with a built in TV screen monitor.

If that sounds like a dumb idea, think of how boring running on the spot can be. Treadmills with TV screens basically come with a built in entertainment system ideal for keeping the boredom factor to a minimum while you work out. Less boredom, means a better chance you will enjoy and continue to work out rather than get lazy and stop.

There are two main types of TV treadmills – those with a monitor built in to the console and those which have a screen mounted on the back of the treadmill which hovers above the monitor. Which you choose will be a matter of personal preference although there are pros and cons to go along with both types.

Treadmill With TV Monitors In The Console

These screens replace the traditional console screen with an LCD television monitor which also doubles up as a feedback display. These are more often the cheaper option as the screen is usually only around 7 inches and you are combining two features (console and TV). This kind of treadmill running machine is easier to find in models made for home use and light commercial applications than the mounted kind and the price tag is more reasonable too.

These are not without issue however. The small screen size is not going to be to everyone’s taste and the problem with the dash mounted TVs is that you have to look slightly down when you are using the machine. It is a more natural posture to look forward as you run/walk/jog and this may not be comfortable for everyone. The other issue is should the TV malfunction then the treadmill itself has a great potential to become unusable too since the screen also doubles as the console display and feedback controller.

ProActive Fitness X-308fi-TFT : DVD + SKY TV + MP3 Treadmill List Price: Amazon Price: This TV treadmill features a 10.4inch TFT screen by LG with built in speakers which allows you to view a DVD or watch TV whilst you train, or to listen to MP3s through the available plugin. It features 50 preset programs to keep your workout interesting and challenging and has a good quality 3HP continuous duty motor which allows for a maximum operating speed of 18kmh with a 15 incline. The treadmill features hydraulic folding so you can fold the large running deck upright to save space when not in use. This a good home treadmill with TV combined which comes at a huge discount from Amazon.

Treadmill With LCD TV Mounted Above The Console

Rather than an inset TV screen, these treadmills feature an LCD TV screen mounted above the monitor as a more comfortable height. These are usually much bigger screens, typically around 15 inches or larger, depending on the model and as they are at head height they offer a more comfortable viewing experience. Stability is improved here too, as they are usually mounted on a separate frame which is independant to any treadmill wobble.

It is harder to find this kind of TV treadmill in a home consumer model so you will probably have to look at light commercial and commercial club treadmills if this is what you are looking for. The price will of course reflect the overall machine quality in a commercial machine so expect to pay a pretty penny.

Alternative To TV Treadmills

Of course, for the home consumer, it is arguable whether you really need a treadmill with a TV attachment since, in the comfort of your own home it is easy to mount a small flat screen TV on a wall and buy a cheaper treadmill. You can also buy treadmill TV stands which provide a taller elevated platform for a smaller TV and even some which come with small television and DVD player built in to the stand.

Adjustable Tall TV Stand With Mounting Bracket for LCD TV or Plasma List Price: Amazon Price: £79.98 This tall TV stand is ideal for mounting a TV screen behind a treadmill. It is designed with a one size fits most mounting bracket which the manufacturer claims will fit 99% of TVs on the market and features a 360 degree swiveling head and 20 degree tilt so you can adjust it to the optimal viewing angle while you work out. The height adjusts from 102 cms to 142 cms which will be tall enough to mount behind a treadmill and because it is on wheels and so easily movable, you can wheel it from one exercise machine to the next if you have multiple gym fitness machines at home.

All these options are often cheaper than opting for a treadmill with a TV screen monitor built in so if you are on a budget, they might be the better option to pursue. As this technology becomes more of a standard feature in mid-priced and light commercial machines, the prices should drop however, so the will become more appealing over time.