Choose the Best Treadmill for Home Gym
Treadmills are one of the most often used cardio workout equipment found in practically every commercial or home gym.
They are not the cheapest piece of the equipment, but they have many great characteristics, and one of them being is that they actually - work! Using treadmill regularly can help burn extra calories, lose unwanted fat, increase strength and stamina and generally feel and look better.
When you decide to buy a treadmill for your home gym, there are many things to consider like motor strength and drive system, type of console, size of a running track, treadmill weight and dimensions, warranty etc. but also personal preferences of future trainee, their number, available space, budget etc.
Home Treadmill Price
A good manual walking home treadmill can be found for less than $100, while good running treadmill, with spacious running deck, with automatic incline and decline deck positioning, good maximum user weight limit, many built-in and custom programs, integrated Google maps, wireless heart rate monitoring etc. can cost thousands of dollars.
Such expensive treadmills are big, sturdy, come with warranties lasting for years or even with lifetime warranty on some parts (construction for example) and similar, but don't forget that it is the trainee who does all the work, not the treadmill or any other piece of home gym equipment.
Size and Dimensions of Home Treadmill
Commercial treadmills are, in most cases, not foldable. They are designed for constant use, on the permanent position.
On the other hand, home treadmills are usually of foldable design. There are basically two type of foldable treadmills:
- after the use, running/walking deck is lifted toward the console. In most cases, such treadmills are positioned on permanent location, and due to lifted deck, they require less space when not in use.
- after the use, console is lowered down toward the running deck. Total height of such folded treadmill is around 8-12 inches, sometimes even less, enabling such treadmills to slide under the bed, for example.
In both cases, treadmills have transport wheels for positioning around the home, when required. Due to the weight and physical size of larger treadmills, they should be positioned on permanent location and moved only when really required.
Running or walking deck size varies. Most walking treadmills have deck width in range around 16 and 20 inches, and deck length around 54 and 60 inches. Such treadmills are large enough for walking even for larger people.
However, if you need running treadmill, 20 inches wide and 60 inches long deck should be minimum deck size of a good running treadmill. Since such treadmills can be quite costly, many people choose smaller treadmills with deck size of 18x56 inches, for example, and find them more than good enough.
Maximum allowed user weight of home treadmills varies from 200 to 400 pounds (~90 - 180 kg). Treadmills for really heavy and overweight people are commonly built as walking treadmills with maximum belt speed in the range of 4-5 mph (7-8 km/h) and have many built in features, like heart rate sensors and programs. Faster belt speeds for such heavy people are, after all, not required, since they first have to lower their weight and increase strength and stamina, and only them to try some running - all of this is, of course, done under doctor's supervision.
Treadmill Cushioning System
Treadmill cushioning system protect joints of the walker or runner, by absorbing the energy of impacts of foot landing on the running deck.
Good cushioning system is important both for people having issues with their joints (ankles, knees, hips etc.) and for people wanting to keep their joints healthy. Also, good running shoes and running technique are very important for keeping the joints healthy.
Treadmill Electric Motor Power
Generally, good walking treadmills have 1.5 - 2 CHP electric motors, while good running treadmill have 2.5 - 4.0 (or even more) CHP electric motors. 'HP' stands for 'Horse Power', of course, while 'C' stands for 'Continuous' and this 'C' is very important.
Why? Well, CHP stands for 'Continuous Horse Power' - that is continuous power provided by motor for a long time. So, if you decide to walk or run for hours, you can rely on your CHP motor that it will do it flawlessly, without overheating. And heat kills electric motors and other electric equipment with ease.
Noise levels of a treadmill depend on the motor strength, but mostly on the treadmill design. Stronger motors are not necessarily noisier. When pushed to the limit, smaller and weaker motors will be under larger relative load than stronger motors. Also, heavier and more sturdier units will hardly squeak or produce any similar sound during slow speeds.
Hence, if you looking for room treadmill that is going to be used early in the morning, be very careful regarding noise levels. On the other hand, if you plan to buy treadmill for dedicated home gym (in the basement), maximum noise levels are important too, but not that much.
LCD/LED Treadmill Console
Treadmill console is vital part of any home or commercial treadmill. It usually has one, sometimes two screens for displaying all relevant information to the trainee like used program, intensity, incline, heart rate, covered distance and similar.
Most treadmills have several built-in workout programs for various purposes and options for custom programs. Console controls enable the user to choose the program, speed/intensity, incline and other options for best possible running or walking workout.
Treadmills with automatic incline or decline systems change incline level depending on the used program, but also according to the current needs of the user - additional incline and speed controls are usually right in the front of the user and are easy to hit/press even when running.
Other safety features include safety pin, long enough handles, heart rate sensor (wireless or wired) and user sensor - if the user falls off the treadmill, treadmill automatically stops. Note that not all treadmills have all the features.
Other features not always found on every treadmill include:
- Built in fan or fans keep the trainee cooler and thus postpone fatigue due to excess sweating. Of course, keeping the gym temperature at appropriate level is much more important.
- Water bottle holder enables the trainee to have the water bottle right next to him/her and to hydrate him/herself whenever required, without stopping the exercise.
- Sound system is very important for keeping the boredom away. Sound system is based on one or more speakers and can have inputs via USB port, via wireless or similar.
- Charging stations - some treadmills can be used for charging smartphones and similar devices. While you run or walk on the treadmill, your device is being charged. Of course, main reason for charging stations is avoiding such smartphones and other devices being discharged while in use during exercises, and additional charging is just a nice bonus :)
Of course, there are many other features that can be found on modern treadmills. Some of them just increase the price and complexity of the units, while others really improve workouts and can be quite useful.
Warranty conditions – note that warranty conditions are not the same for the whole unit. For example, frame can have lifetime warranty, while warranties for motor, electronics, parts, and labor can differ significantly.
Depending on your budget, before buying consider purchasing 'protection plan' for treadmills, but also for other similar units. Such plan may include maintenance, common parts replacement, labor and similar. It increases the initial costs, but in the long run, it can save you money and time.
For more info about this topic, feel free to check:
- Recumbent Bikes vs. Treadmills vs. Ellipticals
- Best Treadmill For Home Use
- Best Dog Treadmills - Features, Benefits, and Dangers
- The Best Compact Folding Under the Bed Treadmills
- Treadmill Belt Lubricants - How to Lubricate a Treadmill
- Best Home Treadmills Under $300
- Best Home Treadmills Under $500
- Best Home Treadmills Under $1000
- Best Expensive Home Treadmills Over $1000 - Are They Worth It?
- Why Does the Treadmill Trips the Electric Breaker When Motor Starts?
- How Many Calories Do You Burn On A Treadmill?
- Pros and Cons of Running On a Treadmill vs. Running Outside
- Treadmill Barefoot Walking and Running: Yes or No?
- How Much Does A Treadmill Weigh | Treadmill Specifications
or check our Articles and Guides.
Here are our treadmill reviews and recommendations ordered according to the date added or modified:
REDLIRO JK105C-1 Electric Treadmill Foldable Exercise Walking Machine Review
Anyone who has a small place and therefore is not being able to use an in-home exercise machine should rejoice now because the REDLIRO JK105C-1 Electric Treadmill is here.
This walking machine or treadmill is pretty small-sized and foldable. Hence it takes up a small space and can be stored away after the workout. Moreover, it’s reasonably priced, and any fitness lover with a tight budget can easily afford it and start their fitness journey.
Published: September 22, 2022.
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, 2.25HP Under Desk Electric Treadmill Review
If a user doesn’t find time for a workout, they have the option of exercising while working. In that case, an exercise machine that lets them do it is valuable for them. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is perfect for such users and also for regular exercisers.
This is a treadmill that can be used as a regular treadmill and also while working by folding it flat and sliding it under one’s work desk so that the user can work and exercise simultaneously. Whether the user wants to use it in home or office, this machine is perfect for them.
Published: January 29, 2022.
XTERRA Fitness TRX4500 Treadmill Review
The XTERRA Fitness TRX4500 Treadmill released by XTERRA Fitness in 2018 is a home exercise machine, yet has a great durability and features like a light commercial machine. Its solid construction ensures many years of trouble-free use.
It resembles the TRX3500 in size, but has an upgraded motor and deck cushioning, and more number of incline levels.
Published: January 29, 2022.
WALKINGPAD R1 Pro Treadmill Review
The WALKINGPAD R1 Pro may fulfill the dream of those who were looking for an affordable and truly space-saving treadmill for their fitness goals. Due to its unique design, it can be folded to make it very thin and small, and taken to the workplace to slide under the desk and exercise while working.
When not in use in the office, users can conveniently store it under the desk, and at home, it can be stored under the bed or sofa, or between the gaps in any furniture or wall.
Published: January 29, 2022.
OMA 5105EB Home Treadmill Review
The OMA 5105EB Home Treadmill is a promising exercise machine for home use for an affordable price.
It has a number of features, and is capable of offering a variety of exercises that users can enjoy and be motivated.
Published: January 29, 2022.
FYC Folding Treadmill for Home JK1608E-1 Review
If a fitness enthusiast is looking for an innovative exercise machine, the FYC Folding Treadmill JK1608E-1 has something for them. This foldable, portable, and compact treadmill has an inventive design, and users can use it conveniently for walking, running, and jogging at the comfort of their own home.
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people either cannot go out for walking, running or jogging, or they have to wear a mask while exercising which is difficult, the FYC JK1608E-1 is extremely helpful to let them exercise in their home. Since it comes pre-assembled, users can start using it within a couple of minutes after unboxing.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7945 Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill Review
As its name suggests, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7945 Walkstation Slim Flat Treadmill is really slim and flat, and hence users can slide it under the desk where it can be stored or used as a walking station. It is designed for walking exercise. This treadmill is perfect for those who want to exercise but don’t get time to.
They can take this treadmill to their office, store it under the desk, and exercise on it while working. It should also be noted that during the current coronavirus lockdown when most people are working from home and cannot go out for exercising, the Sunny Health & Fitness Walkstation can be a great solution for the problem of being unable to exercise. Exercise enthusiasts can store it under their home office desk, bed, couch, or closet, or exercise there.
Published: January 29, 2022.
ECHANFIT Home Folding Treadmill Review
The ECHANFIT Home Folding Treadmill, with its 2.5 continuous horsepower motor, 15 preset programs, 220 lbs. of maximum user weight capacity, 17” wide running belt, and speed range of 0.5 to 8.5 MPH, is a perfect treadmill for the entire family. It’s an electric treadmill and should be connected to a power source.
It has a folding space-saving design, thus suitable for someone living in a small space. It’s also much more low-priced than other treadmills of its kind.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 Walking Treadmill Review
If someone doesn’t want a lot of fancy features in their treadmill, but only intends to perform light exercises to build strength after an injury or illness or as a senior, the Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill SF-T7857 is perfect for them.
This basic treadmill is designed for recovery training and prominently features long sidebars to help users maintain balance. It offers speeds only for walking and light jogging.
Published: January 29, 2022.
XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Folding Treadmill Review
The XTERRA Fitness TRX2500 Folding Treadmill is as tough as the iconic triathlon the company is named after and has everything that a fitness enthusiast would want, such as a sturdy frame that is made to last, appropriate cushioning for the running belt, and a range of preset workout programs.
Although it’s a mid-range treadmill and has a rather small running belt and no online connectivity, it can support walking as well as running workouts with a great range of speeds and inclines.
Updated: January 29, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7610 Electric Walking Folding Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7610 is a compact and lightweight, motorized walking treadmill, excellent for powerwalks and similar low-impact cardio exercises that can burn plenty of fats when done regularly.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7610 is simplified in every detail, but with a focus on providing the trainee with everything she or he may need during the exercise. Also, it is of folding design with transport wheels, making it suitable even for homes and apartments with no room to spare.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Goplus Ultra-Thin Electric Folding Treadmill Review
The Goplus Ultra-Thin Electric Folding Treadmill is perfect for those who intend to do exercise, but don’t have time to go to a gym or outdoors, neither for assembling complex exercise machines and learning their mechanisms.
This reasonably priced treadmill allows users to walk, run, or jog on it at home or office. This is an assembly-free, folding, and portable machine with the added advantage of being ultra-thin so that users can comfortably store it away after usage.
Published: January 29, 2022.
MaxKare Foldable Electric Treadmill Review
The MaxKare Foldable Electric Treadmill is an exercise machine designed for home use and is perfect for the COVID-19 lockdown period.
With its 1.5 HP powerful, high-torque motor, 12 preset programs, a decent speed range, 3 manual inclines, and spacious multi-level tread belt, it helps users achieve their health goals without having to go out or to a gym.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill Review
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill is a perfect exercise machine for those who are looking for staying active, especially during the coronavirus lockdown, rather than a lot of fancy features or clever technologies.
This strongly built treadmill offers a basic home workout and users can fold it away when not in use to save space. Being non-electric, this treadmill offers users the freedom to set it up in any room not necessarily near an electric outlet.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Weslo Crosswalk 5.2T Treadmill Review
Weslo Crosswalk 5.2T Treadmill is perfect for those who need only a basic exercise machine at a low price. It has a unique feature named Crosswalk Upper Body Resistance arms offering full-body workout and is not normally seen in treadmills. Plus, it offers some other great features too for the price.
Published: January 29, 2022.
UREVO Foldable Treadmill for Home Review
The UREVO Foldable Treadmill is a high-performing exercise machine that meets almost all the expectations of any fitness lover. Although it doesn’t have a lot of fancy features, it offers everything that is absolutely necessary to perform a great workout.
It has a powerful, yet quiet motor, premium quality steel frame, a flat, stylish console on which users can place their laptop and work while exercising, and many other great features, all for an affordable price.
Published: January 29, 2022.
WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill Walking Pad Review
There are many people who know the importance of exercise but have no time for workouts at home or the gym due to their busy schedules. These people keep wondering how on earth they should get into some kind of exercise.
For such people, the WalkingPad C1 Foldable Treadmill Walking Pad can be a great ray of hope as this walking pad allows them to exercise at home or office while working.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Lifepro Pacer Folding Treadmill Review
It has become mandatory during the pandemic to exercise at home. But bringing home an exercise machine is challenging for those who have a small space. In such a situation, the compact Lifepro Pacer Folding Treadmill can be a great solution to get a cardio exercise in a small space. Plus, with its hydraulic folding mechanism, this electric motorized treadmill can be easily folded and stored away after the exercise.
Moreover, this machine comes with a number of remarkable features, the most worth mentioning being the BMI calculator, a great feature for those having weight loss goals.
Published: January 29, 2022.
OMA 5925CAI Home Treadmill Review
The OMA Treadmill for Home 5925CAI is a new treadmill released just in 2021.
It has an impressive number of features and during the pandemic when gyms are closed, it can offer gym-quality workouts at home.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Folding Treadmill Trekpad with Arm Exercisers - SF-T7971 Review
Sunny Health & Fitness released their SF-T7971 Trekpad Treadmill just last year as a walking treadmill and Trekpad combination with speed settings only up to 4.0 MPH.
Being a Trekpad, i.e. having a pair of optional arm exercisers aka trekking handlebars gives it an upper hand over other walking treadmills since it can give the user a full-body workout rather than just walking.
Published: January 29, 2022.
OMA 6134EAI Treadmill Review
The OMA 6134EAI Treadmill is a space-saving foldable treadmill that has been designed with a home user in mind.
It’s easy to install and includes many features such as high maximum user weight capacity and spacious running surface with multiple built-in shock-absorbing cushions that are useful to all family members.
Published: January 29, 2022.
ANCHEER 3.25HP Treadmill for Home with APP Review
The ANCHEER 3.25HP Treadmill is an excellent treadmill if someone is looking for a reliable home exercise machine with a space-saving folding design, large running deck, quiet automatic incline system, and other attractive features at an affordable price.
Published: January 29, 2022.
Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill Review
Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill is definitely worth considering when one is looking for a sturdy treadmill. Its durability and features can certainly be compared to a commercial-grade machine though it’s not advertised as one.
Although Bowflex has come up with the upgraded BXT216 with slightly improved features, the BXT116 too has a solid motor and maximum user weight capacity for a lower price, and is able to offer almost everything a health-savvy user needs.
Published: August 17, 2020.
Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill Review
The Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill, though made for home use, is designed with the highest quality which is almost equal to a light commercial exercise machine.
It’s heavier than the BXT116 and has upgraded premium features such as a more powerful 4.0 CHP motor that enables users to run for long, wider 3-ply belt with extra deck cushioning that provides more thickness, comfort and durability, higher weight capacity, a large 9” full-color display, 11 pre-programmed workouts and advanced heart rate monitoring. All in all, it’s a perfect treadmill for serious exercise enthusiasts.
Published: August 4, 2020.
EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery Fitness Walking Treadmill Review
EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery Fitness Walking Treadmill is a unique exercise machine in that it has been designed with those people in mind who are not very strong and hence, want to go at a slow pace, and look for more number of safety features than that in standard exercise machines. The elderly, injured and ill people come under this category. The Exerpeutic TF2000 caters to their needs.
Exercise is usually considered an activity to be performed by young people. However, elderly people are actually in greater need of exercise to keep their muscles active and in good shape, so that they don’t have to become immobile or even worse, bedridden.
Published: July 14, 2020.
ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill (PFTL17116) Review
The ProForm PRO-9000 Treadmill was released by ProForm in 2017 not as a commercial treadmill, but as only a home treadmill.
However, it has a robust construction and a great range of features including the largest running surface among ProForm treadmills, and therefore it resembles at least a light commercial-grade machine.
Published: July 3, 2020.
ProForm Pro 2000 PFTL13113 Treadmill Review
The ProForm Pro 2000 (model number PFTL13113) Treadmill belongs to ProForm’s wide range of commercial-grade treadmills. It has been designed to provide a great running experience in the indoor environment to health enthusiasts.
Due to the number of features it offers, this treadmill is worth considering for health lovers looking for an efficient exercise machine.
Published: May 25, 2020.
ProGear BT5000 Foldable Electric Treadmill Review
The ProGear BT5000 Foldable Electric Treadmill has been designed to make walking and running on it comfortable and effective.
With an extended size running belt, 2 position manual incline, wide speed range, and hand pulse sensors for heart rate monitoring, it’s easy for users to give their body an effective exercise as per their fitness level. After exercise, it can be conveniently stored away too.
Published: May 18, 2020.
Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill Review
The Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill is known for its high quality and some amazing features like twin flywheels, 2-level incline, LCD display, and long handles.
It’s also known for giving good results and making exercising enjoyable, but users have to put in more effort while exercising as the machine has no motor.
Published: May 9, 2020.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill Review
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill is an entry-level foldable and rather affordable treadmill for home use, equipped with quite a few features. Having very small footprint, Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill can fit anywhere, even in a small home.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill has won many Best Buy awards for the home treadmill in its price range.
Updated: April 22, 2019.
XTERRA Fitness TR300 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR300 Folding Treadmill is simple to use, yet versatile, mid-range home walking/running treadmill.
It doesn't feature Bluetooth connectivity and various fitness apps, but it come with relatively spacious running deck, strong construction, motorized incline, a number of different workouts for various goals and in the end, it has very good warranty.
Published: January 10, 2019.
XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill
XTERRA TR150 Folding Treadmill is entry level home treadmill that can be used for walking and jogging by lighter athletes. It comes with all basic features required for cardio workouts and can be used as part of a home gym or as standalone cardio unit.
XTERRA TR150 also lacks few useful features, but such features are commonly found on more expensive models.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is budget friendly home treadmill suitable for both walking and running. It comes with good motor and maximum user allowed weight, large number of built programs, it is iFit compatible, can be easily and quickly folded and unfolded etc.
Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill Review
Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill can be an ideal walking treadmill. Equipped with Quiet Drive System and a good speed, this treadmill can be used anywhere in a home, anytime without any disturbance to others. Moreover, given its low price which is less than any annual gym membership, it offers great value for money.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill may not be as large as treadmills users might have used in their gym and definitely doesn’t sport the same range of features and exercise options. But it’s definitely far easier to set being small and compact and also can offer users some decent walking and jogging exercise options.
ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill
If someone is looking for a treadmill at a mid-ranged price, a really good option available is ProForm Performance 300i Treadmill. It’s equipped with a 2.0 CHP motor with which its belt can attain the speed of 10 mph and up to 10% incline. Users can easily adjust both, the speed and incline, by just touching a button that also allows an increase or decrease in intensity without hassle. This quality treadmill has a running surface cushioned with ProShox cushioning system that is typically found on all ProForm treadmills. This system can absorb almost all sudden impacts, thereby relieving stress from the users’ knees, ankles and hips.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill is very popular inexpensive home treadmill. It lacks many features found on larger, sturdier and more expensive treadmills, but nonetheless it is still one of the best buy treadmills on the market - it has acceptable maximum user weight, good speed range, comfortable running deck etc.
LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill
LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill is excellent home folding treadmill, with many options and great features that justify its price. It has very good and strong 2.5 CHP motor, and it comes with lifetime warranty on motor and frame.
Body Solid T50 Endurance Cardio Walking Treadmill
Body Solid T50 Endurance Cardio Walking Treadmill with adjustable speed is an outstanding treadmill designed especially for walkers, elderly, aged care, rehab facilities, retirement homes, or for those who want their starting speed to be very slow and the machine with strong extended rehab handrails. Therefore it sports an access ramp, a wide stable platform, an oversized computer screen and keys facilitating easy usage, a weight capacity of 310 lb (140 kg) and safety with a magnetic safety lanyard.
