Whether you’re training for a big race or just want to improve your endurance, a treadmill is the ideal workout partner to help you reach your unique fitness goals. That said, if you’re a serious runner it’s often tricky to find a treadmill that can keep up with you. Sound familiar? We’re here to help!
Below you’ll find our expert advice on how to choose the best treadmill for running, as well as a list of the top treadmills on the market designed specifically for runners. These models offer advanced shock absorption, spacious running areas, and impressive incline/decline options to simulate training on real terrain, as well as competitive warranties for their price points. You want a machine that you can depend on; not one you think might break down in the middle of an important training session. Read our tips below to find the right treadmill for your running stride. Prefer to do a bit more research before you shop? Scroll down to learn exactly what to look for when shopping for a treadmill for runners.
Top 10 Best Treadmill For Running
1. JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill
The JLL T350 folding treadmill is a high-quality treadmill, providing a great at-home running solution for a very reasonable price for what you are getting in return.It’s compact design doesn’t detract from your workout in any way, whilst also providing a great storage solution if you are looking to save on space. The JLL T350 really comes into its own with the number of features it provides the user. With over 20 programs, generous max speed capacity, 20 varying levels of incline and 3 custom programs on offer, this treadmill really caters for flexible use, allowing you to mix up your running routines, something I’m a big advocate of.
At just under £600, it’s certainly not the cheapest on the market, aimed at the more experienced runner, who is willing to invest in a treadmill that can keep up with more demanding workouts. The sleek and stylish JLL T350 does exactly that. Weighing in at 59kg (about 9 stone), this treadmill can be quite heavy to move, although not as heavy as some other models, so keep that in mind when you’re setting it up, as you might need someone else to help you. It took me quite a while to get it set up too, and was on the more complicated side, compared to other treadmills. That being said, it is a treadmill that comes with all the bells and whistles of useful features, so the slightly longer set-up time was well worth it once completed.
2.NordicTrack Commercial 2950
Testers loved the 2950’s enormous 22-inch touchscreen display and broad range of coaching options. “It actually kept me engaged in the running rather than droning music and TV,” said Pat Heine, Runner’s World video producer and ultrarunner. “The trail climb I did had a lot of speed and incline variation that felt natural.”
To accomplish that, the treadmill taps into the iFit programming platform, where you can get video lessons from coaches like elite runner Tommy Rivers Puzey. His guided run through Patagonia leads you along scenic trails, while the machine automatically adjusts the incline and speed to make the experience feel realistic. Is it? Well, no. But the large display helps you forget that you’re stuck in your basement. We just wish you could use it to stream Netflix, too.
“I liked that I learned random facts along the way, as I ran different paths around the world,” said one tester. “It’s engaging: The first time I looked down at the time, 18 minutes had already passed.”. Other testers were impressed by the two powerful console-mounted fans, one that points at your upper chest, while the other aims at your torso.It is the best treadmill for running.
3.CitySports Folding Motorised Treadmill
This is Amazon’s bestselling treadmill right now, and for a reason; it’s affordable, it folds down super-small and it has a holder for your iPad, allowing you to tap into different training programmes, such as Swift or Apple Fit. It has a top speed of 6km/h, so it won’t be suitable for all runners, but if you’re a beginner, or planning to walk indoors, it’s a solid option.
4.Nero Pro Treadmill with Bluetooth
You’ll get a compact frame, which is finished in a smart black and grey design. It measures 126cms long, 60cms wide and 120cms tall when set up. With a weight of just 24kgs, the Nero Pro is easy enough to wheel around (two small wheels to the front). It will fold up, which is a big plus for those of us without dedicated running space. The Nero Pro has a top speed of 10km / hour. This is fine for most casual exercise. For ‘serious’ runners, I recommend something that goes up to at least 12km / hour. There are 3 incline levels, which will make a big difference to the intensity of your run.
Construction is steel, with extras like (short) safety arms and a small bottle holder as standard. Of course, the key reason to choose the Nero Pro is the iPad / Tablet holder. This is directly under the computer console and works for both bigger and smaller tablets. With big, clear numbers the console looks more basic than it really is. There are plenty of buttons for this model – so you will not need to scroll through too many fiddly menus while you are exercising. 5 buttons below the display give you ‘quick start’ options. These are between 2km and 10km. You can also opt to use this treadmill manually, setting the speed as you go. If you like to vary up your workouts there are 12 different interval options (speed up, slow down in different ‘shapes’ for cardio fitness).
The display scrolls between distance, calories, time and speed – giving you a full overview of your progress. There is a safety clip. You attach this to your clothing and plug in a key. If you should slip, the key pops out, automatically stopping the belt.
5.WalkSlim 830 Treadmill
A contemporary slimline treadmill specifically designed for home use and engineered to enhance the pleasure of running with intelligent automatic speed control up to 12Km/Hr. Track your performance according to time, distance, speed, calories & steps and allow this instant feedback help you workout with greater awareness and efficiency. Sleek, compact and quiet – the AbodeFit Health WalkSlim 830 ensures the ultimate running experience. Improve your fitness and health no matter what the weather is like outside. The slimline and ultra-lightweight design of the AbodeFit Health™ WalkSlim 830, combines the best features of a classic treadmill with intelligent automatic speed control and the most convenient storage.
Its sleek contemporary aesthetic with the latest high-tech features, makes for the smoothest and most enjoyable walk or run. Say goodbye to complicated unsightly consoles, bulky heavy designs and scrap monthly gym memberships and cold morning walks. Regardless of the weather outside it’s time to experience the ultimate fitness & health innovation designed to keep you in-shape & energized all year round. Interactive personal training is more challenging and faster than ever before with the Walkslim 830.
A professional treadmill that combines a 2% Incline, 12 km maximum speeds and automatic speed control to simulate an outdoor run in the comfort of your home. The increased intensity of incline training will have a huge impact on calories burned and reduced stress on joints. Now it’s the time to reach your fitness goals quicker than ever before !
6.Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro Treadmill
The Elite Runner Pro is a versatile machine that caters to a wide range of preferences and fitness levels. A commercial-grade treadmill, the Elite Runner pro has a maximum speed limit of 23 km/ hour, which allows you to progress from athlete snail to dedicated sprinter. The powerful speed is courtesy of a durable and strong, 3.5 HP continuous motor, with its 6.5 HP peak power. This treadmill boasts 22 levels of automatic incline, so you can easily increase the intensity of your workouts. Even if you don’t want to run at a faster speed, you can make your workouts more difficult by walking uphill.
Besides, you can change the incline while you’re running without having to step down and use the manual incline. Keep in mind that, for this price range, the majority of treadmills feature fewer incline levels, most of them up to 12-14. The Elite Runner Pro comes with 21 programs, but, if you scour the Internet, you can find treadmills that have 25+ automatic programs. While the difference isn’t that big, this feature can turn into an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on what you look for. A wide array of built-in programs gives you a wider selection and versatile adaptation to your needs. But that might be just marketing, as many users find a few programs they’re most comfortable with and repeat them regularly.
Even so, Elite Runner Pro’s 21 programs feature preset and manual options that are varied enough to challenge you. The Elite Runner Pro allows you to track your progress in terms of time, distance, and calories burnt. You will even get an assessment of your heart rate, to make sure you’re exercising according to your needs and fitness level. All these measurements allow you to improve and to exercise safely.
7.BTM W501 Electric Treadmill
One thing to be aware of here is that this is a jogging and walking machine. So, this is an immediate deal-breaker for a lot of people. You aren’t going to get a particularly intense session here with the top speed of 12 kmph and the lack of an adjustable incline. However, this does mean that the running machine could be well-suited to the first-timers and less able that just need a lighter form of exercise. It also means that the BTM treadmill can get away with a slimmer 110x40cm belt for a space-saving design. Of course, that folding mechanism on the frame helps too.
The workout might be a lot more gentle, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of features to help users out. There are 12 programmes pre-set into the computer to help you get the right session for your needs. All the data from the workout is available on the LCD screen. This includes information on your heart-rate via the pulse sensors. Other helpful features to motivate the less-experienced include the media shelf for mobile devices, the music system, the cup holder and the emergency safety key.
There are a few issues highlighted by users that are worth keeping in mind before buying this machine. While that music system is a nice touch, the speakers aren’t the best quality. Users have gotten around this easily enough by using headphones instead, which can lead to a more immersive experience. Others have struggled with the folding mechanism because of the position of the screw. Then there are those that feel that the frame is a little low, so it doesn’t offer stability for taller users.
8.Fitnessclub Folding Electric Motorised Treadmill
Here we are going to look into the budget running machine, which is quite popular in the market and is favorite among fitness enthusiasts. It is a basic treadmill and doesn’t offer a wide range of features, yet it still provides an excellent workout for all. The affordable Fitnessclub Folding Treadmill will save from splurging a lot on your monthly gym membership. Keep on reading as we look at some of the features this machine has to offer.
Looking at the designer aspects – it comes with a commercial grade sturdy metal body excellent for both gym and home use. It comes with a texturedslip resistant tread belt that holds you in place while you workout. It also has a specially designed bottle holder where you can keep your water bottle to indulge in sips between workouts. It features highly convenient, durable and safe handlebars that helps you to maintain balance along with providing comfort and grip to your hands. Fitnessclub treadmill comes with a powerful 500W motor allowing running speeds up to 10.0km/h. It also offers up to 10% incline so that you can adjust your workout intensity accordingly. The powerful motor also provides low noise operations so that you wouldn’t be annoyed by the sound the machine makes while you workout.
9.Bluefin Fitness KICK Treadmill
While many people will turn to this machine for that additional app and smartphone connectivity, we shouldn’t overlook the potential benefits of the treadmill itself. One of the most interesting features here is the KICK adjustment that gives the product its name. The motor kicks things up a notch with 7 Hp burst and incline increases before maintaining a steady rhythm at 3 Hp. There is also the opportunity to adjust the incline as much as 15% for hill climbs and the speed up to 20 kmph. This should be great for all those that want a HIIT system that is easy to use.
The user-friendly functions and features of this Bluefin Fitness treadmill continue with the console, the quality of the deck and the data. The system comes with a heart rate monitoring and an optional wireless strap. There is also a 5-layer deck to keep you secure and comfortable as you increase the intensity and work through those longer sessions. Most new users seem happy with the performance and options available but others aren’t so sure. There is the sense here that Bluefin could have done more in the quality of this treadmill if they were primarily aiming for that experienced demographic.
However, the features, design and focus on the app are geared toward the novice that wants some encouragement to work out. First-timers can appreciate the Kick function and the app – when compatible. The Bluefin Fitness treadmill is user-friendly and accessible to the right user.
10.Citysports Electric Walking Machine
First of all, ignore the stylised image of the sprinter on the treadmill. This is a walking treadmill for gentle exercise, not anything for intense training or fast bursts of energy. There are six speed settings here that take the belt from a minimal 1kmph up to 6kmph. This should let you adjust the pace to your stride length and get comfortable as you walk. The low speed means a stable, device that works well in office settings or for rehab. It also means you don’t need any bulky frames getting in the way. This running machine is slim with the console built-in at the top for that low profile.
What is interesting about this model is that it actually seems better suited to the home than the office. There are little details for home use, such as the child lock and transport wheels. This means that you can get this out from under the bed, set it up with ease, and not worry about little ones messing with the buttons and settings. There is also Bluetooth connectivity for a music system. This is great for extra motivation at home, but wouldn’t go down so well with people in an office setting.
One of the problems here is the controls. There is a remote you can use while walking to change the settings mid-session. This is helpful to stop you from having to bend down. But, the remote isn’t always as reliable as hoped. There is also too much beeping, which could be a problem in a shared office space. Another factor to consider here is that this needs periodic lubrication. What this means is that you will need to perform maintenance on the belt when prompted by the treadmill. This shouldn’t be that frequent but it is essential to prolong the life of the belt.
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How to choose the best treadmill for you
When choosing the best treadmill for your needs, there are a number of factors to consider. Start with the type of workout you want — hard running, light jogging, walking, etc. If you’re marathon training, you may want better shock absorption and a longer surface length while walkers may find longer arms useful.
Also think about which treadmill features are most important to you, such as: horsepower; speed; and incline and decline; footprint and portability; and touchscreens. If you want a demanding run as if you’re on hilly terrain, then higher horsepower and higher incline settings are necessary. If you’re a city dweller with a small apartment, a folding treadmill is a must. Another important feature is the content that the treadmill offers, like pre-programmed exercises or live and on-demand studio classes.
The more features you want, the more expensive the treadmill. Everyone has a different price point, so you may have to trade off some bells and whistles if you’re on a budget.
Summary
Just like in any relationship (naks), don’t settle. Read reviews and compare as many treadmills as you can before choosing “The One”. Experiment with different running programs so it doesn’t get boring. Put in the effort to make your relationship with your treadmill – and your wellness – last.