One of the reasons many people buy a treadmill is because of the treadmill’s cushioning which offers shock absorption upon stepping 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’m impressed with some of the treadmill shock-absorbing technologies offered by some treadmill manufacturers. Some shock absorption technologies reduce impact by up to 40 percent.

What is bad damping technology?

There are 2 bad forms of damping:

1. Thick tread

Yes, it would be a joke if a treadmill manufacturer claimed to provide shock absorption technology due to the thickness of the tread.

Any treadmill that says its fattest 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 going for the thickest tread may be the best approach to take. it is not

2. Spring technology

Spring technology results in a bouncing treadmill deck. This is not the optimal shock absorption of the treadmill.
What is a good damping technology?

Simply put, the quality treadmill cushioning that turns a treadmill into 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 the treadmill deck cushioning is the same throughout the entire deck.

2. Multi-zone damping

Variable damping is where the tread platform is softer at the front where it goes down and firmer at the rear where it goes up. This is the treadmill’s best form of shock absorption. Provides low impact where it’s needed and a firm launch for running performance.

3. Adjustable damping

Adjustable cushioning is where you can really adjust the amount of cushioning on a running deck. Keep in mind that some treadmills with adjustable cushioning will have the same amount of cushioning throughout the running deck or, on higher-end models, provide multi-zone cushioning.

Shock absorption in general

As you can see from some of the top treadmill manufacturers, the technology varies, but the one thing in common is that the cushioning isn’t based on a thicker tread. Fortunately, treadmill cushioning technology is more advanced than that.

Can it have too much cushioning?

Yes. It equates to too much cushioning for running in the sand. If you are a high performance runner, if the running deck is too soft, your running performance is compromised. This is why, if you can afford it, you’re better off getting 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, a stepper, and/or a stationary bike.

On the other hand, if you’re a runner and you don’t have joint and/or back problems, using a treadmill with cushioning technology can prolong your running career. In fact, mixing 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 pavement running.

Advanced shock absorption technology costs money

Another common feature among some of the treadmills listed above is that 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.