5 Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym or Office
When buying a treadmill, your choice is going to depend entirely on your fitness goals. We've reviewed the best treadmill options to help reach those goals and more!
Almost every gym has treadmills as their primary form of cardio equipment. It's the most popular form of endurance exercise and the most preferred type of fitness equipment in the industry.
The sheer number of people using treadmills, which has reached 52.97 million according to research, is a prime example of how the fitness machine is a favorite. Not to mention, that predictions for 2019 show an increasing trend towards treadmill classes.
And, by reading this article, you've most likely set your mind upon purchasing a reliable, effective, and quality treadmill. If you're looking for one that is fully compatible with your fitness goals, then you've come to the right place.
Even if you're on the fence, this entire page is dedicated to turning you into a treadmill believer. In today's dynamic world of Instagram fame, fitness is all the rage, and everyone is looking for the most efficient way to a toned body.
With all the treadmills out there, how do you choose?
Featured Treadmill Machines in this Review Guide
Best Overall NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill Series 1750
Best Priced ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill
Best Intermediate NordicTrack T Series Treadmills 6.5S
Best for Beginners Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill
Best Professional Grade 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
Treadmill Review Guide
With hundreds of different, fully upgraded treadmill models within the health and fitness industry, the decision to find a treadmill that best suits your personal needs can be extremely difficult, if not utterly impossible, without some guidance.
If you have found yourself completely baffled by all the various choices available and cannot make up your mind, then keep on reading.
Do you just want a simple treadmill with speed and incline adjustments? Or would you like your trainer on the screen? The options are endless.
By reading this review guide, you'll not only get to know the basics involved in treadmill shopping but will also prepare yourself to be adequately equipped to make an informed decision for your new home or office fitness equipment.
Let's begin by discussing the different components which need to be taken into consideration to help narrow down treadmill models to best suit your needs.
Reason for Purchase
First off, why have you found yourself wanting to purchase a treadmill in the first place? Is it an enhanced level of walking you wish to add to your life for heart health? Do you want to tone your body with interval or intense training? Training for a marathon?
Depending upon your purpose, the motor capacity, or the speed each treadmill has to offer will become a large factor in your treadmill purchase. If you're doing sprints, then a treadmill that provides only 8 miles per hour as the maximum suggested speed is not going to be suitable for you.
The function is going to have a large determination in your treadmill needs.
Treadmill Space
Of course, you know a treadmill takes up a good amount of space in the room. The area designated for the treadmill to be placed is an essential factor in deciding which model to opt for the final purchase.
If space constraints are not an issue, then you can opt for a more bulky treadmill, like the ProForm 705 CST. Whereas, if you have limited space for placing the treadmill, then foldable models that provide some convenience would be better, such as the SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Exercise Machine.
Treadmill Budget
Another extremely essential component that needs to be taken into consideration is your allocated budget for your treadmill. Obviously, the more you're willing to spend, the more options you'll have available.
While a relatively reasonable budget of less than $500 can still offer some great options.
There are options for all budget ranges, big or small.
Tread Track Size
The size of the treadmill track is another consideration. If you are a prospective buyer with a relatively large body type, or just have a longer running stride, then you'll want to keep this in mind.
For those with a relatively longer stride, regardless of whether in walking, jogging, or even sprinting, an adequate size of 55 inches long and 20 inches wide should be the minimum. Anything less than this can cause unnatural movement of the body, which can significantly affect your fitness goals.
Other Treadmill Considerations
Secondary aspects, such as manufacturer history, warranty being offered, as well as the construction quality of the treadmill, also need to be taken into consideration before your purchase.
While this buying guide on treadmills is fairly comprehensive, it's limited to the best treadmills available.
So, let's get started!
Best Overall
NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill Series 1750
NordicTrack's most popular treadmill. With top trainers and terrain-matching technology, it will take you around the world.
- Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
- 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
- Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
- Lifetime Frame & Motor Warranty
- EKG Grip Pulse
- Large Range 3-15% Incline
- Lacks Auxiliary Port
If you're looking for exceptional performance, the NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill Series is for you. Whether you're purchasing the treadmill for walking, jogging, running, or even interval training, this treadmill will have you extensively covered.
For supporting highly intensive workout routines, the NordicTrack Commercial Series 1750 has integrated inside a 3.75 CHP motor featuring smart-response abilities to accommodate tough workout routines. With a 12 MPH max speed, it can keep up with you.
A 10" Smart HD Touchscreen ensures optimal levels of user convenience but also significantly makes maneuvering the screen options extremely easy. Being fully lit allows each user, regardless of their eyesight level, to read the control panel while utilizing the NordicTrack Commercial Series 1750 in any lighting condition.
There are auto-breeze workout fans integrated inside the treadmill, allowing cooling during a workout session. The Bluetooth audio capabilities deliver tangle-free convenience with your headphones to connect wirelessly for enjoying music or any other motivation that works best for you.
With over 50 onboard workout programs and over 16,000 on-demand workout sessions, you will be sure to find one right for you.
There's an option for live interactive training for those wanting a live trainer. This is accomplished through their iFit technology, allowing each user to be fully guided throughout their weight loss or fitness journey.
The SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist will help you make some extra room when not in use.
Best Price
ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill
Mix your runs up with energizing Studio Classes as you follow along on your smart 10” HD touchscreen.
- 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included
- CoolAire™ Fan
- 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor
- Folding SpaceSaver Design
- Max speed: 12 Miles per Hour
You can't beat the price point of the ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill. Immerse yourself in every workout with iFIT Global Workouts and Studio Classes using the 10” touchscreen.
Self-cooling Mach Z motor allows users the ability to carry out moderate brisk walks continuously and jogging sessions or fully accommodate those who wish to carry out extensive, high-intensity workout intervals.
They have you covered with a 10-year frame warranty!
Integrated into the ProForm 2000 is their ProShox™ Cushioning for absorbing any shock that may otherwise cause damage to the joints.
The included auxiliary audio port allows you to listen to your entertainment at a higher volume. Built with dual 2-inch speakers, you’ll be able to blast your favorite tunes during your workouts.
A sufficiently space-saving "folding" design allows users the ability to place the treadmill in relatively small or tight places.
Intermediate Level
NordicTrack T Series Treadmills 6.5S
Stream thousands of on-demand workouts led by elite iFIT Trainers who automatically adjust your treadmill's speed and incline in real-time.
- 10% Incline Controls
- Folding SpaceSaver Design
- 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included
- Max speed: 10 Miles per Hour
Coming in at a mid-price point, the NordicTrack T Series Treadmills 6.5S is a great option.
It has the same iFit technology as previously mentioned above, with over 16,000 on-demand workouts, but it is much more affordable. The motor is equipped with self-cooling technology -- this powerful SMART-Response motor is designed to support all types of cardio training.
This model has dual 2” digitally amplified speakers, a 5" screen, and an auxiliary music port.
Their FlexSelect™ Cushioning will keep your knees safe while simulating real road conditions at the same time.
The SpaceSaver design with EasyLift™ Assist allows you to easily fold the treadmill to save space when not in use, making it an excellent choice for apartments and smaller homes.
Best for Beginners
Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill
If you’re looking for a simple treadmill that is comfortable to run on and will hold up over time, the BXT8J is our favorite beginner-friendly treadmill option.
- 15% motorized incline
- Heart rate tracking
- USB charging port
- SoftDrop™ folding system
- JRNY subscription required
The BXT8J treadmill by Bowflex is a non-connectivity model, meaning it does not feature an integrated screen for streaming workout classes, music, and other content. Its speed ranges from 0.5 mph to 12 mph, while the incline can be adjusted from 0% to 15%.
With a belt width of 20 inches and a length of 60 inches, the treadmill offers just enough space for comfortable running. The overall dimensions of the frame are 78 inches in length, 38 inches in width, and 62 inches in height.
Like the NordicTrack options, this treadmill also includes a space-saving feature that allows you to fold up the belt. In this folded position, the treadmill measures 55 inches in length and 66.5 inches in height.
The display on the treadmill provides essential information such as distance, heart rate (when your hands are placed on the sensors), and time. Additionally, you can choose from a selection of 26 pre-set programs, including options like "interval incline" and "heart rate target."
While the BXT8J lacks a large built-in screen for streaming classes, it provides a tablet holder where you can place your smart device. The treadmill includes a one-year free trial of JRNY, Bowflex's workout programming platform.
Best of all, the trial lets you experience JRNY's running workouts and explore its features!
Best Professional Grade
3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
The 3G Elite Runner Treadmill motor comes with Lifetime coverage that provides peace of mind to go along with all that power.
- One-Touch Incline Up To 15%
- Residential warranty: lifetime motor, lifetime frame
- Accelerate +1 MPH in 1.5 seconds
- No Touch Screen Display
- Large/heavy Machine
Finally, coming in at the highest-end price point, the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill is truly a marathon runner's treadmill.
There's no fancy touch-screen here. This dashboard looks like a cockpit and is all business. It has all the programs you need and nothing you don't.
The built-in speakers and multi-speed fan will help you enjoy your workouts.
There is a massive oversized 22″ x 62″ running platform and 4.0 HP motor, giving a professional gym quality machine that will last the most grueling of workouts. This treadmill has a premium Ortho Flex Shock™ suspension system to provide plenty of cushion for your joints.
For residential use, the 3G Cardio Elite Runner has a lifetime motor and a lifetime frame warranty.
This treadmill can easily be compared to much higher-end options, such as the Life Fitness Club Series treadmill, which sells for over $5,000.
Conclusion
When buying and researching a treadmill to purchase, your choice is going to depend entirely on your fitness goals. Of course, your budget and the treadmill features will also be high on the consideration list.
If your goals are to train for competition, you don't have much of a choice but to purchase a high-end machine. The varying manufacturers above provide beginner levels through intense expert training options.
Good luck on your quest for weight loss, fitness training, and finding the ideal treadmill for you!
