Are you looking for the top treadmill for your at-home workout?
Perhaps you’re searching for an incline or folding treadmill, or perhaps you just want the most affordable, basic model available.
Or perhaps you require one to run or walk on in order to maintain consistency in your exercise regimen.
Whichever group you belong to, our comprehensive treadmill purchase guide is for you.
We’ll assist you in selecting the ideal treadmill for your at-home workout and in locating one that will help you reach your fitness and health objectives.
In addition, we will go over what to look for when purchasing a treadmill online, what warranties are available for home treadmills, and all the other information you should know before making a purchase.
Below is a summary of every subject we discuss in this treadmill guide:
- 6 Questions to Answer Before You Browse Treadmills Online
- 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Online
- The Top 3 Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym in 2024
- Best Treadmill Overall
There are a few things you should be clear on before we show you what to search for:
6 Questions to Answer Before You Browse Treadmills Online
It’s important to determine what you want from a home treadmill before you begin shopping.
If not, you can become overpowered or sidetracked by all of the options that are presented to you.
These six questions will assist you in clarifying your goals so that you may compare only models that meet all of your requirements and prevent that from occurring.
Taking a few minutes to complete the following questions on a sheet of paper will make it much simpler to look for a treadmill:
1. How do you plan to use your treadmill?
Will you mix up your workouts with walking, hiking, jogging, or running?
This is a wonderful place to start because it will help you choose the correct type of treadmill to fulfill your fitness objectives based on how you intend to use it.
Take a moment to consider how you want to utilize your at-home treadmill before answering the next query.
2. Will anyone else in the family use your treadmill?
Another great topic to discuss with your family members early on is this one, which will help you select the ideal treadmill for your needs and any family members who might use it.
Selecting the right treadmill can depend on factors like weight capacity, belt size, and whether the surface allows for walking or running (more on this in a moment).
Choose a treadmill with distinct user profiles if other people in your home will be using it so that you may record your workouts independently.
Before continuing with this treadmill purchase guide, take into account who will use the treadmill and how they intend to utilize it.
3. How much space do you have for a home treadmill?
Next, you should think about how much room you have and where you’ll place your treadmill.
Consider foldable treadmills, which fold up when not in use, or smaller treadmills if room is limited. We’ll go over our best selections for both types of treadmills later on.
When looking at treadmills online, you should also take the clearance space of the machine into account.
Two feet on either side and eight feet behind the treadmill should be allowed for clearance.
You can prioritize the characteristics that make the most sense if space is not a constraint.
Take out your tape measure and measure out the area you have for a treadmill before continuing.
4. How fast are you looking to go on your treadmill?
There are treadmill speeds that are suitable for walking alone as well as ones that can provide you with the speed you need to finish an impending race.
It’s vital to choose how you want to use your treadmill and how quickly you want it to go because of this.
We’ll talk more about this later, but for now, think about it.
5. Do you want to use a treadmill that inclines?
An incline treadmill offers many advantages, such as more calorie burn, a greater challenge for your muscles, less impact, and more diversity in your exercises. For these reasons, they’re a terrific option to think about.
You can lose out on those advantages, though, if you select a home treadmill without the inclination feature.
Consider whether an incline treadmill might be a better fit for your needs before continuing.
6. What features are you looking for in a home treadmill?
Would you like to pair your Bluetooth® headphones with your device so you can play music?
Would you like to be able to stream guided workouts that are completed for you, requiring all you to do is show up and work out?
Would you like to use a touchscreen monitor during your workout that is simple to use and quick to access?
If the answer to any of those questions is yes, a smart treadmill (more on this in a moment) would be a great choice.
Other characteristics that you might want to think about possessing are:
- OneTouch™ controls
- SmartAdjust™ technology
- ActivePulse™ integration
Any NordicTrack treadmill with an active iFIT subscription—a different, premium subscription service—will have these three features.
You may quickly and conveniently change the pace and slope grade using OneTouchTM controls.
You can rapidly tap one or two digits to obtain the desired incline and speed rather than repeatedly tapping the”+” or”-” signals to reach your desired speed and incline.
To reach a faster pace that’s more accurate, you can alternatively tap two numbers. For instance, touching the digits 3 and 5 causes a speed of 3.5 miles per hour.
This feature allows you to easily change your speed and incline on your treadmill, which is perfect for interval training. It’s also handy if you need to adjust your current position.
Another feature exclusive to NordicTrack equipment is SmartAdjustTM.
This way, the iFIT trainer you’re following on the screen will automatically change your speed and incline.
You can change the intensity and pace to suit your needs if you think it’s too fast or too sluggish.
When you do, SmartAdjustTM will utilize this crucial information for exercises in the future.
Hence, your machine will advance and develop along with you as you become stronger and faster.
This implies that you won’t have to worry about what to do next as you may keep pushing yourself. The heavy lifting is done for you by the treadmill.
Finally, every NordicTrack treadmill with an active iFIT subscription may access ActivePulseTM.
This tool will give you a real-time feedback loop that compares the speed and inclination of your treadmill with your heart rate.
The resistance level on the treadmill will automatically adapt to maintain you in the desired heart rate range.
With this extra level of customization, all you need to do is get on the treadmill and it will adapt the intensity to your current physical level.
Before proceeding to the following section, think about the elements that you absolutely must have in a treadmill.
Also Read: 7 DAY BEGINNER PLANT BASED MEAL PLAN
Treadmill Buying Guide: 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill Online
We’ll assist you in exploring the features and specifications to take into account while you search treadmills online now that you have a better idea of what you want from a treadmill.
Here are some things to consider:
1. What features does it come with?
As was just discussed, before you decide, you should think about the qualities that each of the treadmills you are considering has to offer.
Among the notable ones are:
- Intelligent High Definition Touchscreen Display
- The capacity to rise and fall
- Design that folds
- Compatibility with Bluetooth® headphones
- Heart rate connectivity via Bluetooth®
- Fans built right in to keep you cool
- automatically created hands-free modifications by the exercise regimen
- For a silent run, a treadmill belt and noise-reducing motor
- A built-in tray to store your phone, towel, drink bottle, and other items.
2. What is a good treadmill MPH?
The treadmill’s speed, which is expressed in miles per hour (MPH), should be your next consideration.
If you’re a runner who wants to use a treadmill, you should think about the machines’ maximum speed in miles per hour (MPH).
For example, a treadmill with a top speed of 12 MPH is equivalent to a 5-minute mile.
Look at the MPH that any treadmill you’re contemplating can reach before making a decision, even if you don’t need to go that fast if you’re interested in training at your race speeds on the treadmill.
To find out what speeds your treadmill needs to achieve in order for you to workout properly, utilize our helpful treadmill pace conversion chart.
For individuals who are just beginning or who are interested in walking or hiking, speed might not be a major consideration; yet, the following feature very well could be:
3. Does the treadmill incline?
At this time, you might also be thinking, what is a suitable treadmill incline? and the response is based on your fitness levels and goals.
The grade-percentage unit for treadmill inclination is %.
Higher inclinations result in higher incline numbers, which are typically expressed as percentages.
While high-incline treadmills can reach heights of up to 40%, some treadmills can only incline up to 12%.
Certain treadmills have the ability to descend, simulating a descent.
Most alternatives for decline fall between -3 and -6%.
Your fitness goals will determine the maximum and lowest settings for your treadmill.
4. What are the different types of treadmills?
Additionally, there are several treadmill models to select from.
When not in use, folding treadmills can be raised and lowered to save space.
Heart rate monitors and Bluetooth® headphones are among the gadgets that smart treadmills can link to.
In addition to having features like touchscreen monitors, inclines, and auto-adjusting speeds, smart treadmills can also be connected to workouts guided by trainers.
Additionally, there are incline treadmills, which, as was previously said, allow you to incline the treadmill deck for a more difficult workout.
Some treadmills, such as the ones we’re going to show you, integrate all of these functions into one unit, allowing you to enjoy all three types in one machine without having to pick and choose.
5. How big is a home treadmill?
There are a few factors to take into account when it comes to home treadmill size:
- The size of the treadmill belt
- The size of the actual machine
- The clearance needed around the machine
When choosing a treadmill, it’s important to take your usage habits into account because the treadmill belt is the surface you’ll be using for walking or running.
The width and length of high-quality treadmill belts typically vary from 20 to 22 inches to 55 to 60 inches, providing ample room for comfortable walking, hiking, jogging, or running.
Regarding the apparatus itself, the treadmill footprint can vary in length from 70 to 79 inches, width from 34.9 to 39 inches, and height from 59.7 to 72.5 inches.
The following images provide a sample of how those measurements appear:
Finally, while you measure out your space, keep in mind that it’s ideal to put your treadmill on a level surface with at least eight feet of clearance behind the machine and two feet on each side.
6. How much does a home treadmill cost?
The price, before any taxes, shipping, or delivery fees, can range from $1,199 to $11,999 depending on a number of criteria.
Financing is another option that many treadmill manufacturers provide, allowing customers to pay for their purchases over time in smaller amounts.
7. What is the weight limit on home treadmills?
Another crucial aspect to take into account when buying a home treadmill is the maximum user capacity, sometimes referred to as the weight capacity or weight limit.
The treadmill’s maximum weight capacity is shown by this significant figure.
Although some treadmills on the market have significantly lower weight limits, high-quality models may securely support up to 300 pounds.
To ensure that you can workout safely on your future treadmill, make sure to check this before making your purchase.
8. Do treadmills have a lifetime warranty?
Although the majority of treadmills do not have lifetime warranties, decent models will nevertheless provide you with some protection.
With the exception of the FREEMOTION t22.9 Reflex, all NordicTrack treadmills are covered by the following warranty:
- 10-year frame warranty
- 2-year parts warranty
- 1-year labor warranty
For a fee, NordicTrack treadmills also come with extended warranties and maintenance plans.
Your manufacturer warranty is extended by three years with the 3-year extended warranty, which comes with the following benefits:
- 10-year frame warranty
- 5-year parts warranty
- 4-year labor warranty
In addition to a yearly fifteen-point maintenance check upon request and the following, the three-year maintenance plan prolongs the manufacturer warranty.
- 10-year frame warranty
- 3-year parts warranty
- 3-year labor warranty
By clicking on that link, you can find out more information about NordicTrack’s treadmill warranty.
The Top 3 Best Treadmills for Your Home Gym in 2024
We can now move on to the exciting part: the top treadmills for at-home gyms. You should now know what to look for in a home treadmill and the qualities that many well-known models on the market have.
These are our top choices and the reasons behind them on the list:
1. The NordicTrack Commercial Series Treadmills
The NordicTrack Commercial Series treadmills are among the greatest at-home options, despite their moniker.
The reason for this is that they have Quiet Drive Incline Tech, which enables you to attain a 12% incline and a -3% descent in silence.
The incline and drop feature, as previously indicated, replicates the sensation of running, strolling, hiking, or jogging up and down hills and on pavement.
Additionally, the Commercial Series residential treadmills have a top speed of 12 MPH, or five minutes per mile.
This treadmill series can be a great resource if you’re aiming to stay in shape and meet new fitness objectives, train for an upcoming race, or set a personal record (PR).
Other noteworthy characteristics of this treadmill are:
- When not in use, you can fold up your treadmill thanks to its SpaceSaver® design, which reduces its footprint.
- The treadmill’s EasyLift AssistTM helps to save weight when folding and unfolding it.
- Hands-free SmartAdjustTM Technology: The iFIT trainer you’re following on the screen automatically adjusts your speed and incline. Any adjustments you make mid-workout will be stored by your treadmill and applied to subsequent workouts. Exclusive to those with a current iFIT membership.
- swivel and tilt the HD touchscreen.
- Integrated AutoBreezeTM fans to keep you cool during exercise
- Heart rate monitor with Bluetooth® headphones compatibility
- Controls OneTouch® As previously noted, you may quickly and easily alter your incline grade and pace by tapping one or two digits with this feature, which is only available with an active iFIT subscription. When you need to quickly transition from high to low levels of exertion and vice versa during interval training, this works nicely.)
- With ActivePulseTM, your treadmill’s speed and inclination are compared to your heart rate in real-time, providing you with a feedback loop that automatically modifies the resistance level to maintain you within your desired heart rate ranges. Available only to those with a current iFIT subscription.)
- With Google MapsTM integration, you can travel the world without leaving your house (accessible exclusively to those with a current iFIT subscription).
- Stat tracking to display detailed statistics about your own workouts
- Reduced step-up elevation
The treadmills of the Commercial Series additionally have:
- 20” x 60” tread belt
- Up to a 300-pound user capacity
- 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 65” H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
By clicking on that link right now, you can find out more about the various models in this incline training treadmill series.
2. The NordicTrack Incline Series High Incline Treadmills
The NordicTrack Incline Series treadmills are among the next greatest options for at-home workout equipment.
Because they can incline to an incredible 40%, these treadmills are classified as high-incline treadmills. They might drop as low as -6%. Thus you can push yourself even further, scale mountains, run or walk like you’re on a hill, and achieve new heights.
The same fantastic features found on the NordicTrack Commercial Series treadmills are also included on the Incline Series models. These features include:
- 12 mph top speed Hands-free SmartAdjustTM Technology (Your incline and speed adapt automatically in accordance with the iFIT trainer you’re following on the screen). Any adjustments you make mid-workout will be stored by your treadmill and applied to subsequent workouts. Available only to those with a current iFIT subscription.
- swivel and tilt the HD touchscreen.
- Integrated AutoBreezeTM fans to keep you cool during exercise
- Heart rate monitor with Bluetooth® headphones compatibility
- Controls OneTouch® As previously noted, you may quickly and easily alter your incline grade and pace by tapping one or two digits with this feature, which is only available with an active iFIT subscription. When you need to quickly transition from high to low levels of exertion and vice versa during interval training, this works nicely.)
- With ActivePulseTM, your treadmill’s speed and inclination are compared to your heart rate in real-time, and the resistance level is automatically adjusted to maintain you within your desired heart rate ranges. Available only to those with a current iFIT subscription.)
- With Google MapsTM integration, you can travel the world without leaving your house (accessible exclusively to those with a current iFIT subscription).
- Stat tracking to display detailed statistics about your own workouts
Additionally, NordicTrack’s Incline Series treadmills feature a:
- Slightly wider treadmill belt than the Commercial Series at 22” x 60”
- 300-pound weight capacity
- 70” L x 39” W x 72.5” H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
By clicking that link right now, you can find out more details about this line of high-incline treadmills.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the Incline Series treadmills, unlike the other treadmills NordicTrack sells, do not fold up. This makes them slightly larger than other high-incline trainers.
So, the Commercial Series or the EXP Series (up next) might be a better option for you if you’re short on space or want to be able to fold up your treadmill while it’s not in use.
Before continuing, check out the treadmill customer reviews below to see what people are saying about this series:
NordicTrack Incline Series Treadmill Customer Reviews
Use that link right now to examine the most recent reviews of high-incline treadmills.
3. The NordicTrack EXP Series Incline Treadmills
The NordicTrack EXP Series incline treadmills can be a better option for you if space is a concern.
These treadmills are among the greatest for home gyms with little space because they were made with a smaller footprint in mind.
Additionally, they include our SpaceSaver® design and EasyLift AssistTM, which make it simple to fold them up or down when you need to conserve room.
You may still enjoy all of the fantastic benefits of a NordicTrack treadmill despite their tiny footprint, such as:
- 0% to 12% slope
- You can pick between speeds of up to 10 and 12 miles per hour.
- Smart HD touchscreen exercises with a trainer
- Technology for Hands-Free SmartAdjustTM (The iFIT trainer you’re following on the screen automatically modifies your pace and incline. Any adjustments you make mid-workout will be stored by your treadmill and applied to subsequent workouts. Exclusive to those with a current iFIT membership.
- Controls OneTouch® As previously noted, you may quickly and easily alter your incline grade and pace by tapping one or two digits with this feature, which is only available with an active iFIT subscription. When you need to quickly transition from high to low levels of exertion and vice versa during interval training, this works nicely.)
- With ActivePulseTM, your treadmill’s speed and inclination are compared to your heart rate in real-time, providing you with a feedback loop that automatically modifies the resistance level to maintain you within your desired heart rate ranges. Available only to those with a current iFIT subscription.)
- With Google MapsTM integration, you can travel the world without leaving your house (accessible exclusively to those with a current iFIT subscription).
- Stat tracking to display detailed statistics about your own workouts
- Integrated AutoBreezeTM fans to keep you cool during exercise
- Heart rate monitor with Bluetooth® headphones compatibility
- The Flex Cushioning for Runners
The incline treadmills in the EXP Series additionally have a:
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Slightly smaller tread belt size of 20” x 55”
- 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
Go to that page right now to find out more about these folding incline treadmills.
Best Treadmill Overall
The NordicTrack Commercial Series’ incline treadmills can be the ideal choice for you if you want to run, jog, stroll, or hike.
This is due to the fact that they have the following features:
- Features with an incline and drop that assist you in maintaining or increasing your level of fitness
- The ideal balance of comfort and connectivity to enable you to enjoy working out and establishing connections with your preferred gadgets
- the capacity to travel at up to 12 mph, allowing you to keep up your walking or running pace or set a new personal record
- You may save room while your treadmill is not in use with the help of EasyLift AssistTM technology and SpaceSaver® design.
- Smart HD touchscreens that make it easier for you to focus on your exercise
Visit that link to find out more about the NordicTrack Commercial Series incline treadmills, or scroll up to quickly view the main features this model has to offer.