Best Treadmills
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So, you are ready to invest in your very own treadmill and your search has brought you here. First of all, congrats on deciding to take your exercise routine to the next level with a treadmill purchase!
Now, you might have already realized that the hunt for the treadmill that perfectly matches your fitness needs and goals can quickly become confusing; with so many different fitness companies offering new models, and unique features on each machine, it can be a real challenge to find your “perfect match”.
This is where my assistance comes in: as a fitness blogger, I know that no gym (whether it is in your home or open to the public) is complete without a cardio trainer, and the treadmill is a classic and effective choice for folks who are looking to increase their heart rate and burn calories quickly.
When you set out to find your treadmill, whether this is your first treadmill purchase or you are seeking to update an older model, you want to make sure that you do an honest self reflection on what you need in a treadmill.
Some important details to consider when you are shopping for a treadmill include:
Your training habits: Are you on the hunt for a piece of equipment you will be running on almost daily, or rather one to two times a week?
Your fitness goals: Do you need state of the art technology to help you train for a race, or are you looking for a more basic model perfect to help you decide if treadmill training is something you want to commit to long term?
Your available space: I like to measure the space that I want to put my treadmill in, so that I can quickly disregard the treadmills that might be too large (or too tiny) for the space I have.
Your budget: What is your spending budget for this new addition to your home? All of these factors will help you get a better idea of what exactly you are shopping for on the treadmill.
Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to explore your options.
Here, I have put together a comprehensive guide of the best treadmills currently available to consumers, with all of these above factors (and more) in mind.
In this article you will find a combination of my personal research and my own experiences with each of these excellent treadmill options to help you narrow down your search.
Without further delay, let’s get into it!
Top 5 Best Treadmills
#1. Nordictrack 1750
Nordictrack is a popular brand when it comes to treadmills, and for good reason.
They first debuted in the fitness market in the 1990s, and quickly became a household name for reliable, smooth, and effective workout machines, and the Nordictrack 1750 treadmill is no exception to this proud reputation.
Key specs of this machine include:
Dimensions | 78.8″ L x 39.2″ W x 63″ H |
Motor | 3. 75 CHP |
Top Speed | 12 MPH |
Running Area | 22” x 60” |
Incline | -3 to 15% |
Trademark features:
The Nordictrack 1750 treadmill is a popular choice for many new and seasoned treadmill users because it comes with high quality features at a reasonable price of $1,799 USD.
These features include an upgraded 10” HD Smart Touchscreen built into the console of the Nordictrack 1750 treadmill that gives you a premium viewing and training experience.
It easily uses your wi-fi to connect you to live training sessions with Nordictrack trainers and run “around the world” with different background features.
This feature also lets you access unique fitness classes that incorporate treadmill running with high intensity interval training (HIIT) to give you the ultimate full body workout by adding strength training to your regular routine.
Moreover, through this iFit program you can engage an Automatic Trainer Control system that adjusts the incline and speed of your workout.
This mimics the experience of being in a studio with a personal trainer, and keeps you on track and motivated to meet you goals, while pushing yourself to improve your endurance during each and every workout.
To have the full smart technology experience of this treadmill enabled, you can also opt to connect your earphones to this Nordictrack 1750 treadmill via Bluetooth.
This gives you the benefit of listening to your iFit trainer or music without the distraction of having to juggle and control a second device in the middle of your workout.
I also really like the Nordictrack 1750 treadmill for Quiet Drive Incline Technology, which is unique to Nordictrack products and provides smooth and quiet running of the treadmill belt.
This is especially important for users who intend to add this treadmill to their home gym, and don’t want to be bothered with loud running noises during their run.
Other important selling points include the ability to fold this machine up to save space, a 10 year warranty of the frame and 2 year warranty on the parts, and a commercial design that can give you an experience on par with your local gym.
Keep in mind that you do need to complete some in-home assembly to get this treadmill up and running.
Why is it the best? Get the complete treadmill experience for an affordable price.
#2. Sole F80 Treadmill
This treadmill is regularly featured on athletes “best treadmills” lists, and there is good reason for that.
The Sole F80 treadmill has it all: high quality parts, intelligent design, and integrated technology to give you a top notch indoor running experience.
Key specs of this machine include:
Dimensions | 82″ L x 37″ W x 57″ H |
Motor | 3.5 HP |
Top Speed | 12 MPH |
Running Area | 22” x 60” |
Incline | 0 to 15% |
Trademark features:
The standout feature of the Sole F80 treadmill is its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, that you will only find on Sole treadmills.
This innovative design reduces the joint impact you experience while running or walking by up to 40%, making this treadmill a smart choice for people who intend to use their treadmills for long distances and want to protect their joints.
However, do keep in mind that this is not a substitute for incorporating proper warm ups, stretching, strengthening, and rest days into your regular training routine to reduce your risk of injury.
This treadmill offers less App-oriented training features than the Nordictrack product, but it makes up for that with its free Sole Fitness app that syncs with whatever fitness program you are already using, like FitBit or Apple Health, you keep your fitness goals organized and on target.
Other key features the Sole F80 treadmill offers are its Bluetooth speaker compatibility, Freewheel technology that gives users a smooth and quiet run, and armrest controls that let you quickly change the treadmill settings mid-sprint. Although, I did notice that the side rails are shorter than other popular treadmills.
The Sole F80 treadmill’s display also tracks your heart rate, calories burned, distance covered. Its integrated tablet holder that reliably holds up your devices, allowing you to have easy access to your favourite TV shows, online videos, or workout playlists.
The Sole F80 treadmill also includes a USB port that lets you easily charge your devices on its console.
Why is it the best? With an incredible lifetime warranty offer, you can be confident in this multi-feature treadmill that will help any running or walking enthusiast meet their goals.
#3. Bowflex Max Trainer M6
Bowflex is another classic fitness trainer company, who is continually advancing their technology to maintain their spot as a top runner in the industry.
Now, when you look at the Bowflex Max Trainer M6, you might think that is not a treadmill and question my decision to include it in my list of “best treadmills”, but hear me out:
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 includes a unique and innovative design that provides the benefits of a full body workout, while having similar features to your average treadmill.
Key specs of this machine include:
Dimensions | 49″ L x 30.5″ W x 65.5″ H |
Motor | No motor here: you do the work by moving the foot pedals of this trainer |
Top Speed | You decide! |
Running Area | N/A |
Incline | While the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 does not have the traditional incline of your average treadmill, it still challenges the same muscle groups as it requires you to “step up” with each stride. |
Trademark features:
Do you feel like you are in a rut with running or incline treadmill workouts? Challenge your body and strengthen more muscle groups with the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 experience.
Instead of traditional walking or running, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 has you working out with a stride that takes the most effective movements from an elliptical machine and a stair climber to give you the ultimate cardio challenge while still strengthening your muscles.
Another big benefit of the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is moveable multi-grip handles which help you propel your lower body forward.
This means that the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 also gives you an upper body workout, challenging your arms, shoulders, and upper back.
Cycle through 16 different levels of resistance as you meet the new challenge this trainer creates.
Another pro of the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is that the stride created by the machine is a lot more low impact that traditional running or walking.
You are not continually coming down hard on the same joints, making this a great choice for users who are move sensitive to high impact cardio training and are looking for a better alternative.
The benefits don’t stop there: the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is also fully tech integrated with Blowflex’s own JRNY app.
You get your first two months of this membership free to explore a wide range of cardio, strengthening, or HIIT workouts hosted by professional fitness trainers.
Other standout features: Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate sensors to monitor your hard work, compact design to suit small spaces, and a media rack to safely display your phone or tablet.
Why is it the best? In order to see results, you need to challenge your body. The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 enables you a brand new workout experience, that is the best choice for people who want to ditch high impact running for a full body workout experience.
#4. Horizon T202
Horizon is a budget friendly shopper’s favourite company.
This fitness mogul aims to create high quality treadmills at a cost that will not break the bank, and the Horizon T202 treadmill does just that.
Key specs of this machine include:
Dimensions | 75″ x 34″ x 58″ |
Motor | 2.75 HP |
Top Speed | 12 MPH |
Running Area | 20” x 60” |
Incline | 0 to 12% |
Trademark features:
For the low price of $799, you get all the classic features of a high quality treadmill: Bluetooth connectivity to stream through its speakers, “get on and go” technology to instantly start your workout (no annoying setting to fiddle with), and a comfortable, cushioned running deck to make your exercise experience smooth and enjoyable.
Another benefit of purchasing the Horizon T202 treadmill is the lifetime warranty Horizon offers on both the frame and motor of this treadmill.
This tells me that Horizon really values the durability of their product, and wants to give their customers a piece of mind. This is also an impressive offer for a treadmill that is not costly.
I am also particularly impressed by the fold-away technology available on the Horizon T202 treadmill.
This treadmill intelligently uses a hydraulic design to easily fold up in just one step: a great option for people who will want to fold and store their treadmill at times to save space.
One last premium detail of the Horizon T202 treadmill is the free Horizon app that you can download; even in their tech integration Horizon has your budget in mind.
Control the details of your workout through the app, and sync it with another fitness program you already use to streamline your progress.
Horizon also makes device access easy during your workout with the treadmills built in device holder and USB charging port.
Why is it the best? Budget friendly without cutting quality, this treadmill is a great choice for athletes and casual runners alike.
#5. ProForm Trainer 430i
The ProForm Trainer 430i is an excellent “entry level” choice for people who are kicking off their home fitness routine and want a reliable, affordable treadmill to increase their cardio training.
It is also my go to suggestion for people who prefer walking over running for exercise.
Key specs of this machine include:
Dimensions | 64.9" H x 29.10" W x 56" L |
Motor | 2 HP |
Top Speed | 10 MPH |
Running Area | 18” x 50” |
Incline | 0 to 10% |
Trademark features:
The ProForm Trainer 430i treadmill is an option I would suggest to people who prefer walking (and walking at incline) over running.
Why? Its shorter running area, lower speed capacity, short side rails, and smaller motor all make this treadmill a great choice for older folks who want to stay active or people who are looking to get more steps into their everyday routine.
The ProForm Trainer 430i also comes at a really affordable price of only $349 USD. This makes it a great choice for people who want the benefits of being able to walk and get their heart rate up indoors, but don’t want those benefits to come at too high cost.
The ProForm Trainer 430i treadmill does lack in the area of tech integration, but on the plus side that makes this product a lot more straightforward to operate, without any complicated apps or syncing requirements.
The console gives you a clearly laid out control panel to manipulate both the incline and speed of this treadmill at the press of a button.
It is also compatible with the iFit app that you can purchase at an additional cost and enjoy personal trainer workouts through.
Some classic features that the ProForm Trainer 430i treadmill includes are a pulse monitor to check your heart rate during your workout, a safety key to stop the belt in emergencies, a console to easily hold your water bottle or phone, and Bluetooth compatibility to listen to your favourite music through the treadmill’s speakers.
Finally, the compact style of the ProForm Trainer 430i makes it the best choice for tiny spaces. It also folds up quickly to create even more room which makes your life easier if you are taking this treadmill out each time you use it.
Why is it the best? The ProForm Trainer 430i treadmill is a budget friendly, no nonsense choice for people who want to walk off those extra calories and enjoy a low impact workout experience.
