Best Treadmill

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.

1. Safe and convenient
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.

2. Speed
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

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill + 30-Day iFit Membership
  • 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Add up to 5 users; Elite trainers adjust your equipment ($39 value)
  • Immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen streams on-demand iFIT workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; SMART-Response motor for effective running and cardio training
  • -3 to 15 % OneTouch incline control; 12 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; Your iFIT Trainer auto-adjusts your speed and incline to meet trainer requirements and match real-world terrain
  • Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill can fold up after your run for compact, simple storage; 22” x 60” tread belt for leg and elbow space; Runners Flex cushioning
  • 300-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 62.75” H x 39.25” W x 81.25” L

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

Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill
  • F80 treadmill offers an industry-leading warranty and a proprietary Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, shown in a study to reduce impact on your joints by up to 40% compared to running on asphalt
  • 3.5 CHP, DC Type motor with 0.5-to-12 MPH speed range, 0-to-15% rack-and-pinion gear design incline, two-ply belt, pulse grip and chest strap heart rate monitoring
  • Six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs; cooling fans and MP3-compatible sound system; 7.5-inch LCD workout display
  • Measures 35 by 58 by 80 inches (W x H x D); deck measures 35 by 80 inches (W x D); running surface measures 22 by 60 inches (W x D); 265-pound weight and 375-pound weight limit; 2.75-inch rollers
  • Includes the following manufacturer's warranties against defects in materials and workmanship: lifetime on frame, motor, and deck; five years on electronics; and two years on labor

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

Sale
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7610 Electric Walking Folding Treadmill with LCD Display and Device Holder, 220 LB Max Weight, White
  • Running Space: 39L x 14W inches with integrated shock absorption system
  • 1.25 HP Peak DC Motor Providing a Speed Range of 0.5 to 5 mph
  • Transportation Wheels Allow for Easy Mobility and Portable Foldable Treadmill for Storage
  • LCD Computer Displays Time, Distance, Speed, Calories and Scan
  • Countdown start and pause feature

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

ProForm Carbon T7 Smart Treadmill with 7” HD Touchscreen, 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included
  • 30-Day Ifit Family Membership Included; Stream Live & On-Demand Workouts On Your Equipment With Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Add Up To 5 Users; Elite Trainers Adjust Your Equipment
  • 7” Hd Interactive Touchscreen Display Streams On-Demand Ifit Workouts Into Your Home Directly On Your Treadmill; Self-Cooling Mach Z Motor For Effective Running And Cardio Training At Home
  • 0-10% Digital Quick Incline Controls; 0-10 Mph Digital Quickspeed Controls; Adjust Your Speed And Incline With The Touch Of A Button, Or Let Your Ifit Trainer Auto-Adjust Your Treadmill For You
  • 20” X 55” Tread Belt; Recommended For Users Under 6’2”, This Spacious Belt Allows You To Stretch Out Your Stride; Folding Spacesaver Design For Compact Storage; Iso Flex Deck Cushioning

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

ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill with 8 MPH Speed Control, 30-Day iFIT Membership Included
  • Start Your Complimentary 30-Day iFIT Membership; Stream live and on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts and Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (15 dollars value)
  • 5” High Contrast Display; Track distance, speed, estimated calorie burn, and more; Stream iFIT workouts to own your tablet or smartphone (not included) using the integrated device shelf
  • 0-8 MPH Digital QuickSpeed Controls; iFIT Trainers auto-adjust your speed through a smart Bluetooth connection for an immersive workout experience; Self-cooling motor powers your treadmill
  • 18” x 47” Tread Belt; Enjoy plenty of space to stretch out your stride; Recommended for runners under 6 feet tall; Folding SpaceSaver Design makes it easy to fold your treadmill up for compact storage
  • 250-pound weight capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty; Compact footprint for convenient storage in almost any space

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

Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill, Easy Assembly with Bluetooth, 30-Day iFIT Membership Included
  • Start Your Complimentary 30-Day iFIT Membership; Stream live and on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts and Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (dollar 15 value)
  • Large LCD Display; follow your workout stats in real time; iFIT-enabled for trainer-led workouts with auto-adjusting settings; integrated device shelf for using your own streaming device
  • Adjustable Speed and Incline; Manually Adjustable 2-Position Incline; 0-10 MPH Digital QuickSpeed Controls; Adjust your speed at the touch of a button or allow iFIT trainers to adjust speed for you
  • 16” x 50” Tread Belt with ComfortCell Cushioning; Folding SpaceSaver Design; Compact and comfortable design allow for a low-impact workout while making use of a minimal product footprint
  • 275 Lb. Weight Capacity; Protected with a 1-year motor and 90-day parts and labor warranty; 55.5" x 29" x 64.5" Footprint

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

 

Sale
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill with Auto Incline, Speakers, Bluetooth, LCD and Pulse Monitor, Phone Function, 240 LB Max Weight , grey
  • Quick Button Auto Incline
  • 12 levels of incline: 0% to 12% incline
  • 3 countdown modes: Time, Speed and Calories
  • Speed Range: 1 - 8 miles per hour
  • Integrated Body Mass Index Calculator - Reference Only

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

 

XTERRA Fitness TR300 Folding Treadmill
  • Large 20" x 55" walking/running surface accommodates users of many sizes and stride lengths
  • Intuitive 5.5" Blue Backlit LCD display is easy to read and keeps you updated on speed, incline, time, distance, calories and pulse
  • 24 preset programs, heart rate control, and manual program offer unmatched variety for your workouts
  • Lift Assist and Safe Drop folding deck technology makes setup and storage safe and easy
  • Handlebar mounted speed and incline controls provide you with a secondary location to change your workout intensity - they are right where you need them for a comfortable and secure workout

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

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill + 30-Day iFit Membership
  • 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Add up to 5 users; Elite trainers adjust your equipment ($39 value)
  • Immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen streams on-demand iFIT workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; SMART-Response motor for effective running and cardio training
  • -3 to 15 % OneTouch incline control; 12 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; Your iFIT Trainer auto-adjusts your speed and incline to meet trainer requirements and match real-world terrain
  • Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill can fold up after your run for compact, simple storage; 22” x 60” tread belt for leg and elbow space; Runners Flex cushioning
  • 300-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 62.75” H x 39.25” W x 81.25” L

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

Sale
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill Under Desk Treadmill Folding Portable Walking Treadmill with Wide Tread Belt Super Slim Mini Quiet Slow Running Treadmill with Smart Remote and Workout App for Home and Office
  • 1. Safety, Large Wide Running Belt---Compared with other treadmill's thin running belt, RHYTHM FUN under desk treadmill has the 18"=45 cm large wide running belt , with the better comfort level , smooth, balance and stable feeling, and solid design. it is so big enough to walk or moderately-paced running safely on, relaxed, freely! Suitable for all people within 220 lbs no worry to enjoy the fun of walking or slow running in door!
  • 2. Compact, Convenient, Space-saving, and Portable--- Super 2.3"thickness, 78lb light weight, only covering less 0.05㎡ small space in your living room or office. Compact , foldable, and wheels under the treadmill make it easier to put away after use. Lightweight ,portable, and very low & slim profile , making it easy to stored in a closet, under a bed, sofa, or standing desk which you can work and walk at the same time. A great Walker for home walking or jogging fitness exercise.
  • 3. Shock absorption and noise reduction design:---Strong high Peak 2.5hp electric motorized DC power motor, silicon structure running board ,7-level soft large running belt,durable steel frame make up the RHYTHM FUN treadmill's AIR shock reduction and noise reduction system.Less noise and safety make your running quiet and comfortable! No matter beginners or seniors!
  • 4.Large LED display, Smart Remote,Smart Workout APP----RHYTHM FUN standing desk treadmill has the very modern looking with large, clear, and simple display. Smart Remote can control your treadmill remotely when you walking or running with Start , Off , Speed button. Special made Smart Workout APP can control the speed,time, mileage and calories, monitor and track your workout on your phone ,or set up the training program at the same time.
  • 5. Specification --- No assembly required! Just take out the box to use it! [wide running belt ]: 47"x18”.[walking speed]: 0.5-3.7MPH [folding size]: L(59")*(W)24"*(H)3".

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 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.  

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

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