Investing in a home treadmill is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, lose weight, or train for a 5K. These cardio machines give you control over your fitness routine without worrying about the weather or the cost and time restrictions associated with a gym membership. Walking on the treadmill is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and lose weight, but it's important to choose the right model for your personal health needs and the space you have in your home. However, with so many brands and models on the market, it can be hard to decide which model is right for you. This guide breaks down all the factors you need to consider when purchasing a home treadmill. Before you get overwhelmed with options, take a step back and consider what your goals are.
Why Buy a Treadmill for Weight Loss?
Having a treadmill at home can help you stay healthy and feel good when you don’t have time to hit the gym. Treadmills are one of the most commonly used types of exercise equipment for home gyms, as it offers a convenient way to get a cardio workout anytime, regardless of the weather outside. There are a ton of treadmills on the market right now, and they’re better than they’ve ever been. They have more features, use less electricity, and are more versatile than ever before. Some are virtually personal trainers in and of themselves.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
When buying a treadmill, it’s important to consider several key factors that ensure it meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Personally, I look for treadmills with easy-to-use speed and incline settings to help mimic real-world conditions. Remember to keep your budget, height, and weight top of mind as you browse. Once you find a selection of treadmills that are right for your frame, you can move on to fun features like Bluetooth, touch screens, and more. We suggest making a list of your must-have features to make shopping even easier.
Treadmill Type
Start by determining which type of treadmill is best for you.
- Motorized Treadmills: Motorized treadmills are likely the most popular option you’ll come across when shopping for a treadmill. Motorized treadmills all share the same basic design: a moving belt powered by an electric motor.
- Manual Treadmills: Manual treadmills are the opposite of motorized treadmills. Instead of a motor, these treadmills are powered by your movement alone. These treadmills are popular with professional runners and athletes and they more closely replicate the experience of running outdoors.
- Folding Treadmills: Folding treadmills, as the name suggests, can fold to save space when they’re not in use, making them a common choice for people tight on space. Their deck folds up for easy storage in a closet, under a piece of furniture, or simply tucked out of sight. These models typically feature wheels so they can easily be moved around and stored when not in use. Despite their convenience and portability, many folding treadmills offer great design features like built-in fans or smart technology.
- Commercial Treadmills: Commercial treadmills are heavy-duty machines typically built for the kind of frequent use you’d find in gyms, training centers, and other high-traffic areas. If you have the space, consider getting a commercial-grade treadmill. They typically are a little bit larger and sturdier. They’re known to be incredibly durable with larger running surfaces and more powerful motors than any other type.
- Under-Desk Treadmills (Walking Pads): Under-desk treadmills, aka walking pads, are very basic, lightweight treadmills. While not what we would consider a traditional treadmill, a walking pad may be one of the easiest ways to shed fat. Most of these are very similar and have similar price points. They typically have a limited display and no adjustable incline, and are designed solely for walking.
Deck Size
The length of the treadmill deck is a factor you may not have thought of, but is incredibly important when investing in a new cardio machine. Decks typically range from 45" to 60". Runners should always opt for a longer deck (at least 54") to accommodate for a longer stride. Those who primarily intend to walk can choose a treadmill of any length between 45" and 60". If running isn't a part of your exercise routine, save yourself some room and opt for a model with a shorter deck. The width of your treadmill deck also depends on your exercise habits and frame. Belts are typically 13" to 22" wide, but we recommend choosing a belt that is at least 16" wide. 18" is recommended for walking and 20" or wider is best for running. If you're someone with a larger frame, you may also want a wider belt to feel comfortable while moving. The width also affects how close you are to the handrails. You should also consider the width of any doorways the treadmill has to fit through for installation.
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Weight Capacity
The weight limit of the treadmill you're looking at is another factor to consider. If you're investing in a cardio machine, you want to ensure you can use it safely for years without worrying about damaging the machine; the deck should be able to comfortably support your body weight. Often, lower-end treadmills that lack the durability and support of investment models have a lower weight limit, typically around 200-300 pounds at most. If you invest a bit more, you'll typically find higher weight ratings thanks to a sturdier construction, around 300-500 pounds. Even if you plan to lose weight, it's important to choose a treadmill that can accommodate your current size.
Smart Features
Just about everything you can buy for your home has some kind of smart technology and home treadmills are no exception. Many new models offer a variety of high-tech and convenient features that make exercising more enjoyable.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Treadmills with Bluetooth connectivity allow you to connect your smartphone to your cardio machine. Bluetooth-enabled treadmills are great for enjoying your favorite workout playlist, typically via built-in speakers on the machine. Bluetooth can also be used to enjoy workout classes via apps. You'll be able to train with world-class trainers to hit your fitness goals or introduce something new to your workout routine. Additionally, select models use Bluetooth and a touch screen so you can enjoy your favorite streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
- Built-in Features: If you're working out at home, you don't need to wear your headphones; there aren't other gym goers around, so why not enjoy your favorite workout playlist at full volume? Home treadmills with built-in speakers let you skip the headphones. As mentioned above, many Bluetooth treadmills use built-in speakers to play music from your phone but some models may have a cord or cable with which to connect your smartphone. Other built-in features to look for are cup holders for your water or sports drink, built-in fans, or built-in tablet or book holders.
- Workout Programs: Many treadmills offer pre-programmed workouts, which are perfect for beginners or those looking to adopt a training program. You can choose options for various types of walk or run like incline training or hiking. If you're training for a race, there may be an applicable program for that as well.
Budget
Home treadmills are available at a variety of prices to suit a range of budgets. Whether you prefer a simple, straightforward machine or want to splurge on the best equipment for an incredible home gym, you can easily find a treadmill that meets your requirements. Many reputable brands offer no-frills models under $1,000. Features on these less-expensive models vary: some may just have the controls you need to walk or run, but there are also options with Bluetooth connectivity and speakers. If you're willing to spend thousands of dollars on your home treadmill, you'll find a slew of incredible features. Touch screens, WiFi connectivity, and free trials for virtual fitness classes are just some perks to expect. The best treadmill is the one in your budget with features you'll actually use. If you're planning to buy a new treadmill, prepare to invest. The average price of a good treadmill is around $1,000, but you can easily spend more.
Space
If you want to work out at home but live in a smaller space like an apartment or don't have room in your home for a designated fitness area, try a folding treadmill. Their deck folds up for easy storage in a closet, under a piece of furniture or simply tucked out of sight. These models typically feature wheels so they can easily be moved around and stored when not in use. Despite their convenience and portability, many folding treadmills offer great design features like built-in fans or smart technology. Measure your workout space to determine how much room you have for a treadmill, and look for models that fall within these measurements. Keep in mind that some treadmills, like the Peloton Tread+, are difficult to move once installed, while others are lighter and easier to shift around. Also consider the space you may need when running, both at more moderate and higher speeds. If you’re tall, you’ll want to look for equipment with a longer, wider running belt to accommodate your stride. And even if you’re on the short side, you might still like running on big, hefty machines, as they are less likely to shake or rattle at high speeds.
Incline
Incline is pretty standard on most treadmills. It is a great tool to have especially when losing weight is your goal. An adjustable incline on treadmills can help vary your workouts and target different muscle groups. Incline settings also allow you to simulate real-world terrains. Incline walking has made a comeback recently from teenage girls on social media, but it is a great way to get a great workout in. Imagine you aren't at home, but are hiking your nearest national park.
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Heart Rate Monitoring
One of the best tools to help you lose weight is zone 2 cardio, also known as low-intensity steady state (LISS) cardio. Now there are ways to try and judge whether or not you are in this zone as you are working out without heart rate monitoring, but they aren’t as reliable. The best way to know if you are in this zone is to measure your heart rate with a chest strap. A chest strap heart rate monitor is typically not included with treadmills that cost less than $1,000, though most treadmills usually have a handgrip heart rate monitor. A chest strap monitor is convenient, can give you a more accurate and consistent reading than hand grips, and allows you to monitor your heart rate without having to reach for the hand grip sensors.
Other Considerations
- Fitness Goals: Your fitness goals matter here, too. Consider whether you plan to use the treadmill for running, some running and some walking, or only for walking. If you’ll be running on your machine, then you’ll need a longer running surface to accommodate a running stride. But if you’re a walker, you may be able to find an especially good deal. If you plan on doing interval or HIIT workouts that involve running at high speeds, you’ll need a treadmill with advanced capabilities in this area. Most people aren’t running at faster than 10 mph, so the 12 mph speed caps you’ll see on most models on this list should be just fine. All of the options on this list-except for the Sperax Treadmill-allow you to walk on an incline, typically falling in the 12% to 15% range. Inclines of up to 15% are especially good for walkers who want to work up a bigger sweat as they exercise.
- Adjustability: Most treadmills have top speeds between 10 and 12 mph; some will go faster. They typically incline between a 10 and 15 percent grade, but some offer an increased gradient.
- Weight and Assembly: Treadmills are heavy, so ask about delivery. Similarly, this doesn’t have any effect on helping you lose weight, but how much of a pain is it to have a 100-page installation guide and parts and pieces lying everywhere? This may be a “duh” statement, but be sure the treadmill can fit through your door frame.
- Warranty: When it comes to the warranty, look for three to seven years of coverage on parts and at least one year on labor.
- Returns: Confirm the store’s return policy. Even if it will take back the treadmill, you might have to pay for the store to retrieve it, and you might be charged restocking fees.
- Cushioning System: The cushioning system of a treadmill is important for reducing impact. Research conducted in 2019 found treadmill running with cushioning may be a useful method in the prevention of forefoot injuries. Look for a treadmill with a cushioning system that provides good shock absorption and feels comfortable underfoot.
- Consoles: From LED displays to HD touchscreens, consoles make a big difference in your workout experience.
Treadmill Workouts and Weight Loss
A treadmill in your house is not going to make you lose weight - just like a coffee pot doesn’t make you a barista. You’ve got to use the machine consistently to improve and see results. Will it help you, of course. But, if you don’t consider resistance training and eating habits leading to a balanced diet, you may end up disappointed as you try to lose weight.
The Fundamentals of Weight Loss
Losing weight for most people isn’t too complicated. Is it easy? No. But it is not complicated. Now, there are some people with more complicated health issues that we aren’t talking about here, but for 90 or so percent of people, losing weight is relatively simple. There are a few things that really drive weight loss. Before we look at the first, let’s change our ideas on what it means to lose weight. You aren’t looking to lose weight. You are looking to lose fat - and yes, there is a difference between body fat and fat in foods, so don't avoid healthy fats like nuts, dairy, fish, etc. I don’t know if anyone has ever said they want less muscle.
Diet and Exercise
You cannot lose fat with poor eating habits. No matter how hard you are training, unless maybe you are a teenager or really young adult, your eating habits cannot entail eating whatever you wish and expecting to lose fat. Weight loss is not about fad diets or even necessarily eating fewer calories to achieve a desirable body weight. Weight loss is about prioritizing healthy foods, not eating too much of them, training and moving regularly, and staying consistent. There is no point in trying to lose weight fast or pursuing rapid weight loss. You are only going to get frustrated and poor results. Fad diets often promise this. The truth is, what you eat matters just as much if not more than how often, how hard, or even how you exercise.
Calorie Balance
Your body naturally burns a set amount of calories per day just from daily functions. This number of calories is going to be higher the more muscle you have. Muscle requires more caloric energy expenditure. Let’s say you burn roughly 2000 calories per day without exercise. In order to, lose fat you would have to eat less than 2000 calories. Now, for most people eating fewer calories than 2000 per day is pretty tough and unsustainable over the long run. But let’s say you work out for an hour and burn 600 calories. Then later that day, you hop on your treadmill and walk for 20-30 minutes and burn another 200 calories.
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The Role of Resistance Training
Now, something you may not have considered is that one of the keys to sustained weight loss and achieving a healthy body weight is lifting weights - squats, deadlifts, lunges, rows, presses, etc. This is because, as we discussed earlier, the more muscle you have the more calories your body naturally expends. Because, if you are looking solely to a treadmill to lose weight and achieve your fat loss goals, you may end up disappointed.
Treadmill Recommendations
Here are some top treadmill recommendations based on different needs and preferences:
- Best Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- Best Value: Horizon T101
- Best Hop-On Treadmill: Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT
- Best Folding Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- Most Compact: NordicTrack EXP 10i
- Best Entry-Level Treadmill: ProForm Carbon TLX
- Best for Road Runners: Centr Runr-S Treadmill