The lockdown during the pandemic had many people rushing out to buy a treadmill for home use and the trend stuck – nowadays more and more people are choosing to exercise at home as opposed to in busy gyms or on overcrowded trails. Treadmills are a great option for exercising at home if you have a busy schedule, the weather is bad, or you just simply want to social distance, and the latest models have an array of workout programs and entertainment features to keep you motivated and moving.
Treadmills are a great option for exercising safely.
The Benefits of Running on a Treadmill
Why would you choose to run on a treadmill indoors instead of putting on your running shoes and heading outdoors? There are several key benefits to running on a treadmill:
1. Convenient and Safe
Treadmills offer a safe and convenient way to exercise in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to deal with inclement weather, the dangers of running alone in the dark if that’s the only time you can exercise or dodging crowds on busy mountain or river trails.
2. Can Help to Maintain Your Form
Research shows that runners have reduced stride lengths and higher stride frequencies (turnover) on a treadmill compared to running on the ground. Treadmills are also a great option for improving speed as the speed that you punch into the treadmill’s computer is the speed you are forced to run at – don’t set the speed too high unless you are sure you can run comfortably at that pace.
3. Help to Simulate a Race
A treadmill can help mimic the course of a race by adjusting the machine’s incline setting. Some models allow you to preload real course profiles and will automatically adjust up and down to follow the incline.
Treadmills are also a great option for improving speed. By Larry D. Moore / Wiki Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
A home treadmill can be a great investment, but they aren’t cheap and there are several factors to consider when shopping for one. These include:
- Budget
- Space
- Extras – program options, heart rate monitors
1. Budget
A treadmill for the home is a luxury that offers a convenient and safe way to exercise, however, they are a fairly expensive investment, so budget is an important factor to consider when shopping for one for your home. It’s important to get the highest quality treadmill that you can afford as you want it to last a lifetime.
Treadmills range between $1,000 and $3,000 with the more expensive models offering more features such as a range of program options, heart rate monitors, and a variety of different settings. If you have a limited budget, you may want to consider buying a lightly used or refurbished treadmill.
2. Space
A treadmill is not a small piece of exercise equipment, space is another important factor to consider when shopping for one. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a folding treadmill – bear in mind that these are still quite heavy when it comes to being folded and moved.
3. Extras
Before you buy a treadmill, think about the features you would like. These can include:
- Running or walking programs
- Heart rate monitors
- Uphill and downhill simulation
- Link to apps and websites
Best Treadmill
Best Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Specs: Running Surface: 22 in. wide x 60 in. long | Max Speed: 12 mph | Max Incline: 15% | Max Decline: 3% | Programs: 38 | Motor: 3.8 HP
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a reputable and well-built treadmill that offers streaming training classes for all fitness abilities and workout preferences. Key features include a powerful 3.75 CHP motor that is smooth and quiet and powers a 15% incline and 3% decline for a variety of workouts.
The treadmill has a 10-inch HD iFit-enabled touchscreen with quick keys that provides interactive training and stats tracking and Bluetooth audio for listening to your favorite workout playlists. Quiet Drive Incline Technology ensures a quiet workout, and the treadmill comes with a free one-month iFit membership.
The 22-by-60-inch running surface provides sufficient space for high-speed intervals, and the treadmill’s deck is super stable at high speeds. The running surface has a slight bounce that can be adjusted to be firmer, and the machine responds quickly to changes in speed and incline.
Pros
- Quiet Drive Incline Technology for a quiet workout
- Powerful motor
- 10-inch HD iFit-enabled touchscreen
- Bluetooth audio
- Adjustable running surface
Cons
- Small screen
- The belt stops quite abruptly when run in finished
Best Runner-Up: Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill
Specs: Running Surface: 82″ L x 37″ W| Max Speed: 12 mph | Max Incline: 15% | Max Decline: 3% | Motor: 3.5 HP
The Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill has a spacious 22″ by 60″ running deck suitable for a maximum user weight of 375 pounds and a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck which reduces joint impact by 40%. A commercial-standard 3.5 HP motor supports running as well as walking and the treadmill features a power incline of up to 15%.
A nine-inch LCD boasts 10 preset programs that allow you to diversify your training and a built-in tablet holder offers a convenient space to dock your device. There is also Bluetooth connectivity for audio and stats tracking and connection to a fitness experience – the free Sole Fitness app.
Pros
- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
- Integrated shock absorption system
- Ten preset programs
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Connection to free Sole Fitness app
Cons
- Small screen
- Limited workout variety
- Short side rails
Best for Beginners: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603
Specs: Running surface: 22 in. wide x 60 in. long | Max speed: 12 mph | Max incline: 15% | Max decline: N/A | Programs: 10 | Motor: 3.5 HP
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 is a superior quality treadmill for a super price. The machine has a durable frame that can support runners up to 375 pounds and a spacious running belt with an integrated shock absorption system. The machine’s 1.25 HP peak DC motor provides a speed range of between 0.5 to 5 miles per hour.
The treadmill has transportation wheels that allow for easy moving and storing and an LCD computer displays distance, speed, calories, and time. It also has a countdown start and pauses feature. Rail-mounted buttons allow you to control the speed and incline of the treadmill and an iPad holder lets you bring your device for personalized coaching.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Integrated shock absorption system
- Transportation wheels for easy moving and storage
- LCD computer
Cons
- Exceptionally narrow belt
- Manual change of incline levels
Best for Coaching: ProForm Carbon T7 Smart Treadmill
Specs: Running Surface: 20 in. wide x 55 in. long | Max Speed: 10 mph | Max Incline: 10% | Max Decline: N/A | Motor: 2.6 HP
Sibling brand to NordicTrack, the ProForm Carbon T7 Smart Treadmill is a great value-for-money treadmill with an iFit interactive coaching and training program and a free year subscription. It has a seven-inch touchscreen console and a full speed of 10 miles per hour, so it’s ideal for elite-caliber speed intervals. A self-cooling 2.6-horsepower Mach Z motor and ISO Flex deck cushioning can also handle easy runs.
Other great features include 0-10% digital quick incline controls; adjustable incline and speed control; and folding SpaceSaver Design for compact storage. This treadmill can handle weight loads of up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- iFit interactive coaching and training program
- Seven-inch touchscreen console
- SpaceSaver Design for compact storage
- ISO Flex deck cushioning for comfortable running
Cons
- Short running belt
- Small display
Best for Walkers: ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill
Specs: Running Surface: 17.5 in. wide x 45 in. long | Max Speed: 8 mph | Motor: 1.6 HP
The ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill is a super saver when it comes to space and collapses nearly flat to fit under a bed if required. It has a small motor and a low top speed so ideal for walkers, and it has a load of training tools such as an iFit interactive training platform, and virtual walks through scenic locations.
Other features include a five-inch, high contrast display that tracks distance, speed, and estimated calorie expenditure. You can stream iFIT workouts to own your smart devices using the integrated device shelf, and it has a smart Bluetooth connection for an immersive workout experience.
The ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and its folding SpaceSaver Design makes it easy to fold and store. It also comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame.
Pros
- Compact, folding SpaceSaver design
- iFit interactive training platform
- Virtual walks through scenic locations
- High contrast display
Cons
- Not designed for performance running
Best Budget Space Saver: Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill
Specs: Running Surface: 55.5″ x 29″ Max Speed: 10 mph | Motor: 2.25 HP
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill is a great option if you are on a budget and have limited space. This neat folding treadmill has a large LCD screen with iFIT-enabled for trainer-led workouts, adjustable settings, and an integrated device shelf for using your streaming device.
It has a manually adjustable two-position include and an auto-adjust function, and a 16 x 50-inch tread belt offers plenty of space for comfortable walking and easy running. Boasting a weight capacity of 275 pounds, this compact treadmill allows for a low-impact workout with a minimal product footprint.
Pros
- Compact, folding SpaceSaver design
- Auto and manual adjustment functions
- iFit interactive training platform
- High contrast display
Cons
- Not designed for performance running
Best for Auto-Incline: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline has easy-to-reach buttons on the display for changing intensity and speed and 12 levels of incline that can be adjusted automatically and manually.
It has three countdown modes for time, speed, and calorie expenditure and a speed range of between one and eight miles per hour.
Pros
- 12 levels of auto-incline
- Integrated Body Mass Index Calculator
- Pulse grip heart rate monitoring
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Phone and music function with MP3 cord
- Transportation wheels for easy folding and storage
Best for Durability: Xterra Fitness Folding Treadmill
The Xterra Fitness Folding Treadmill is a sturdy treadmill with excellent durability. It features a large 20- x 55-inch walking/running surface that accommodates a range of heights and weights, and an intuitive 5.5-inch blue backlit LCD shows speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse. Handlebar-mounted speed and incline controls make this treadmill easy to use while walking and running.
The treadmill has 24 preset programs, heart rate control, and lift-assist, and safe-drop folding deck technology that makes it easy to set up the treadmill, transport, and store it.
Pros
- Compact, folding design
- Stable running surface
- Auto and manual adjustment functions
- Handlebar-mounted speed and incline controls
- 24 preset programs
Best Touchscreen and Training System: NordicTrack Commercial Series HD Touchscreen Display Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial Series HD Touchscreen Display Treadmill is an expensive option but well worth it for all its fantastic features. This high-end treadmill offers an iFit trainer with a program of living, studio, and global workouts and it automatically changes the speed and inclines to match the terrain. It also automatically plays music for the chosen class/program and makes running or walking fun.
The treadmill has an immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen that streams on-demand and provides easy stats tracking and it has a SMART-Response motor for the effective running and cardio training. The innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist allows for easy folding, transporting, and storing and the treadmill has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- Compact, folding SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist
- SMART-Response motor for the effective running
- Auto and manual adjustment functions
- iFit interactive training platform
- High contrast display
Cons
- Expensive
Best Standing Desk Treadmill: RHYTHM FUN Under Desk Treadmill
The RHYTHM FUN Under Desk Treadmill is a convenient way to stay fit while you work. Boasting no side rails, this treadmill is easy to slide under a standing desk and walk while you work. The running pad is 18-inches wide for a comfortable walk or moderately paced run and has a weight capacity of 220 pounds.
Lightweight and portable with a low and slim profile, this treadmill has a wide range of features, including shock absorption and noise reduction design, a strong 1.5-hp electric motorized DC power motor, a silicon structure running board, seven-level soft large running belt, and a durable steel frame. A large LED display shows distance, speed, calorie expenditure, and more.
Pros
- Shock absorption and noise reduction design
- Comfortable silicone structure running board
- Auto and manual adjustment functions
- iFit interactive training platform
- High contrast LCD
Cons
- No side rails
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Can I Beat Boredom on the Treadmill?
The monotony of running on a treadmill might work for one runner and bore another. If you fall into the latter category, you could try listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks; watching television; trying new workouts/programs; alternate with another activity like cycling, or simply let your mind wander.
- How Accurate Are Calorie Counts on Treadmills?
The calorie count on a treadmill will always be a rough estimate and never completely accurate. While the computer in a treadmill uses standard formulas to figure out the number of calories burned, these calculations don’t take into account body fat percentage and fitness level which are factors that can affect the number of calories burned.
- Is Running on a Treadmill Easier than Running Outside?
Running on a treadmill feels slightly easier because the ground is being pulled underneath your feet and there’s no wind resistance. Running outside demands more from your body because you’re propelling your body forward stride for stride. As a result of this difference, many runners that have run exclusively on a treadmill and venture outside find that they experience issues such as shin splints, calf muscle pain, and other aches and pains.
Running on a treadmill can be monotonous though and more mentally challenging than running outdoors where there is more to see and distract you.
- What Incline Should I Start with on the Treadmill?
As with any exercise, always start slowly and build up. If you are completely new to running, begin by setting the incline to 0% and gradually move onto 1% as this will simulate an outdoor situation and will help ease your transition to outdoor running. Use this setting for easy-paced runs and then slowly begin to increase the incline as you become fitter.
- How High of an Incline is Too High?
When choosing an incline, avoid going above a 7% incline. Anything higher than that places too much strain on your back, hips, and especially your lower legs and could lead to injury.
- How Long Can I Run at an Incline?
Continuous hill running like that is never a good idea and can lead to injuries. Avoid running at a steep incline for more than five minutes. Try doing shorter hill intervals, like 30 or 60 seconds, to mix things up. This will make your runs a lot more interesting and prevent you from getting bored.
- Do I Need to Wear Different Shoes on a Treadmill?
Most runners wear the same running shoes whether they’re running outdoors or on the treadmill. Running on a treadmill is a bit easier on your body than running on the pavement because the belt is a softer surface, so treadmill running is an opportunity to try out a lighter pair of running shoes. However, you are still the same type of runner, regardless of the surface, so if you overpronate, for example, you’re still going to need motion-control shoes, whether you’re running inside or outside.
Jacky has a degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. He has also worked with clients around the world as a personal trainer.
He has been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of people from very different ends of the fitness spectrum. Through promoting positive health changes with diet and exercise, he has helped patients recover from aging-related and other otherwise debilitating diseases.
He spends most of his time these days writing fitness-related content of some form or another. He still likes to work with people on a one-to-one basis – he just doesn’t get up at 5am to see clients anymore.