Want a quality treadmill to use at home? You’ll need to consider a catalog of features as well as price. Here, former personal trainer James Dixon has done the hard work for you, collating the very best treadmills for home use to help you assess the best one for you…
It can be great to workout at home for many reasons – there are plenty of advantages, which we’ll outline in a moment. And, if we’re talking about at-home training, of course the idea of an at-home treadmill will be front and center in our minds – it’s one of the most ubiquitous, most accessible pieces of kit going.
But there is a problem. There are thousands to choose from. There are some absolutely terrible ones that will set you back the cost of a meal out. There are some fantastic ones that will set you back about the same as a couple of months’ rent or more. There are some brilliant cheap models, and rubbish expensive ones.
How do you know which one to go for? Happily, we’ve rounded up a few – these are amongst the best treadmills money can buy in today’s marketplace for using at home.
Quick Verdict: Our Favorite Home Treadmill
I really like the NordicTrack Commercial 1250. It is an incredibly impressive treadmill that delivers an exceptional home workout experience. Its sturdy construction, expansive running surface, and impressive incline range provide a versatile, challenging, and comfortable workout.
The integration with iFit Coach platform offers access to a wealth of engaging and challenging workout programs. The adjustable touchscreen, cushioning system, wireless heart rate monitoring, and other features make it easy to customize and optimize your workouts.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is a top-tier treadmill that is built to last and offers a truly fantastic workout experience.
Our top Treadmills For Home Use
There are hundreds of treadmills aimed at home use on the market. We’ve narrowed this down to our favorite 5. Let’s take a look at each in more detail…
NordicTrack Commercial 1250
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is an exceptional treadmill. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities to enhance your home workout experience.
The first standout feature of the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is its powerful motor. With a 3.75 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor, it delivers smooth and consistent performance, even during more intense workouts.
It’s reliable no matter how hard you push yourself, keeping up even with the best of us without straining.
And, speaking of tough workouts, the Commercial 1250 offers an impressive selection of programs to keep you motivated and challenged.
It comes preloaded with a variety of expertly designed workouts that cater to different fitness goals, including calorie burn, interval training, and endurance.
Additionally, the iFit Coach feature allows you to access an extensive library of interactive workouts led by certified personal trainers from around the world. I’ve always loved iFit, and any piece of kit that uses it gets my vote.
This is all delivered via a large, high-definition touchscreen display. Measuring in at 14 inches, it gives you crisp visuals and an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through different programs and settings. The touchscreen is also compatible with your favorite entertainment apps, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows or music while working out. I personally love a bit of Netflix as I hit a good half-hour jog.
One of the Commercial 1250’s most impressive aspects has to be its advanced incline and decline capabilities. It boasts a range of -3% to 15%, and with it the ability to simulate various terrains, providing a more realistic and challenging workout experience. You really will feel like you’re scaling peaks and running down into valleys, all easily adjusted with a simple touch of a button.
The cushioning system on the Commercial 1250 deserves special mention. This is where your knees will help you, and where older athletes will really start to benefit. NordicTrack’s Runners Flex™ Cushioning offers excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact on your joints and providing a far, far more comfortable workout experience. If you’re looking for low-impact training, you could do a lot worse.
The Commercial 1250 also boasts a very generous running surface, measuring 22 inches wide and 60 inches long. I’m only five eight, so don’t really need all of this, but I’ve seen users topping six five glide along quite happily on it. Athletes of all heights can enjoy a comfortable and safe workout without feeling constrained.
The Commercial 1250 is also built to last, which is unfortunately rare these days. The solid construction and quality materials offer stability and longevity, making it suitable for intense workouts and accommodating users of different sizes – it has a top end suggested user weight of 300 lbs., which should cover most people.
Overall, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is an impressive treadmill that delivers on performance, technology, and versatility. With its powerful motor, wide selection of workouts, advanced features, and comfortable design, it offers everything you need to achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. I love it and always have done.
NordicTrack EXP7i
NordicTrack’s range is pretty lengthy, and theirs are often the top in their field. It’s no surprise, then, to see another offering of theirs on this list – the NordicTrack EXP7i, an excellent treadmill option that combines cutting-edge features and advanced technology to elevate your home workout experience.
With its solid construction, versatile functionality, and interactive training capabilities, this is a perfect choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for something special.
As you would expect from them, NordicTrack have given us another powerful motor, here.
The NordicTrack EXP7i comes equipped with a 3.75 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor – the same as you get with the Commercial 1250, at a much lower price point – allowing for smooth and consistent performance no matter how hard you train.
The motor’s high power ensures that it can handle intense workouts and accommodate users of all fitness levels.
The EXP7i offers a variety of workout options to suit your individual fitness goals and preferences. It comes preloaded with a wide range of workout programs, as well as iFit Coach access, meaning you gain access to iFit’s extensive library. It’s all very similar thus far to the Commercial 1250.
You get a smaller screen, however. The EXP7i features a 7-inch HD touchscreen display, which isn’t quite as intuitive or extensively engineered as the Commercial 1250’s (though the price difference between the two means that something has to give).
Navigation is easy enough, though, allowing you to scroll through different workout programs and settings. It also provides access to various entertainment apps, just as the Commercial 1250’s does.
The EXP7i has the same kind of incline and decline functionality as the Commercial 1250. With an impressive range of -3% decline to 15% incline, it allows you to simulate uphill and downhill terrains. It also uses NordicTrack’s Runners Flex™ Cushioning system, so you’ll be safe and comfortable.
This is as it should be. Though it’s cheaper than the Commercial 1250, it will still set you back a grand or more. You should get these kinds of bells and whistles, so I’m very glad to see them so artfully included.
The EXP7i comes into its own with its space-saving design features, making it perfect for smaller workout areas. Most homes should be able to accommodate it far more easily than they would larger designs like the Commercial 1250.
With its SpaceSaver® Design and EasyLift™ Assist technology, you can effortlessly fold and store the treadmill when it’s not in use, maximizing your space.
The NordicTrack EXP7i is a genuinely impressive piece, cheaper and smaller yet only marginally less usable than its older cousin, the Commercial 1250. It’s an outstanding treadmill that combines powerful performance, advanced features, and interactive training options, all whilst taking up as little room as possible. It’s great to use and easy to live with.
Bowflex T7
Of course, much as I admire them, it isn’t all about NordicTrack. Other companies are coming out with fantastic products all the time, which brings us onto the Bowflex T7.
It’s a high-quality treadmill with a wide range of features and functionalities along a similar vein to NordicTrack’s offerings – and, in fact, to all modern top-tier home treadmills.
The Bowflex T7 has a powerful and quiet motor, albeit not quite as powerful as our NordicTrack options use. We’re looking at a 3.0 CHP motor, which should be more than enough power for all-comers.
It’s also incredibly quiet, making it really easy to live with – you can train without disturbing anyone else in your household.
The T7 boasts a variety of workout options to suit your own personal fitness goals and preferences. With its 9 preloaded workout programs, including manual, intervals, and weight loss programs, you have a range of choices to challenge yourself and keep your workouts interesting.
The treadmill also has personalized coaching technology, called the Bowflex JRNY App, which provides adaptive workouts tailored to your fitness level and tracks your progress over time.
It’s not quite the same range as what NordicTrack offers, but it’s still very, very good.
The treadmill features a vibrant 7.5-inch full-color LCD screen that displays your workout metrics. The interface is easy to use and read, meaning that it’s incredibly simple to navigate through different programs and monitor your progress. Additionally, the screen is compatible with popular fitness apps, allowing you to connect and track your activities seamlessly.
Then there is the shock absorption, which is terrific. The T7 uses Bowflex’s FlexSelect™ Cushioning system. It allows you to customize the feel of your workout by adjusting the level of cushioning under the belt. This is great. I prefer a harder run, which I can get while using it, where others will need a good deal of cushioning. I love this kind of flexibility.
The T7 offers an impressive incline range of 0-15%, which allows you to simulate incline running for a more challenging workout. No decline is a shame, but honestly, NordicTrack are kind of outliers here.
A 0-10% incline is kind of standard, so the T7 is still knocking it out the park. With the quick incline control buttons conveniently located on the console, it’s easy enough to change the intensity of your workout on the go.
The T7 is also built to last. The treadmill features a sturdy frame and high-quality construction, ensuring stability and longevity. The durable components can withstand frequent use and heavier weights, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels.
The T7 also offers a spacious running surface, measuring 20 inches wide and 60 inches long. This generous space allows for comfortable strides and ensures safety during exercise, no matter how tall the user.
I like the Bowflex T7. It’s reliable and full of features, giving you a top-notch workout experience every single time. With its powerful motor, customizable workout options, advanced technology, and durable construction, it offers everything you need to achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your home.
Schwinn Fitness 810
Let’s go for a solid option, now. The Schwinn Fitness 810 is robust, top of the line, and it offers a wide range of features and functions to keep you on your toes.
And it really is robust. Its durable build quality is impressive. The 810 boasts a strong frame made from high-quality materials, ensuring stability and longevity. This makes it suitable for users of different sizes and fitness levels, too, as it can withstand rigorous workouts and heavier athletes.
The 810 boasts a variety of workout options to cater to your specific fitness goals, as you might expect from anything on this list. It comes with 16 pre-programmed workouts designed by certified personal trainers, meaning that there should be more than enough to keep you busy.
These programs offer a range of challenges, including interval training, hill workouts, and fat burning routines – all par for the course, all very welcome. With quick-select buttons on the console, it’s easy to navigate through the programs and select the one that suits your current fitness level and objectives.
The treadmill features a large and easy-to-read LCD screen that displays your workout metrics, including speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Again, par for the course, again, all very welcome.
The Schwinn Fitness 810 has a really well-sized running area, measuring 20 inches wide and 55 inches long. This couples with the robust frame to ensure that even larger athletes will be able to break into a good stride with relative ease. The sturdy deck and cushioning system also contribute to a smooth and comfortable workout experience, reducing the impact on your joints and minimizing the risk of injuries.
For added convenience, the 810 features a SoftDrop™ folding system, allowing you to fold and store the treadmill easily when not in use. This is great for smaller areas, or for larger areas that you nevertheless don’t want to be dominated by a massive treadmill. The transport wheels also make it easy to move the treadmill around as needed, despite its robustness.
The Schwinn Fitness 810 offers an adjustable incline with three levels of intensity. It’s not as good as other offerings on this list, but it still allows you to simulate uphill running and target different muscle groups, adding variety and challenge to your workouts.
Overall, the Schwinn Fitness 810 is a reliable and user-friendly treadmill that provides an effective way to stay fit at home. With its durable construction, customizable workout options, and convenient features, it offers a great value for money.
It’s no NordicTrack, but that’s OK. It’s about half the price of your average NordicTrack and it still gives you a good run. It’s solid and I like it.
NordicTrack X32i
I couldn’t let you go without looking at another NordicTrack model. This time it’s the NordicTrack X32i, an exceptional treadmill that combines industry-leading features, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance.
This one gives you more of a kick, even more so than the other NordicTrack pieces on this list. You get a commercial-grade 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor, giving you truly exceptional performance that can withstand even the most intense workouts.
The motor operates quietly and smoothly, making it very easy to live and work with.
The X32i offers a fantastic interactive training experience through its integration with the iFit Coach platform, as we have seen with the other NordicTrack offerings on this list. This gives you access to properly engage with these top training sessions from the comfort of your home.
The treadmill’s impressive 32-inch HD touchscreen display immerses you in your workouts by providing a vivid and immersive visual experience.
The touchscreen is highly responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through different workout programs and settings. As well as this, the display features an adjustable mount that allows you to easily adjust the screen’s angle to ensure optimal visibility during your workouts.
It’s a bit like a beefed-up version of the Commercial 1250, and it’s a lot of fun.
The X32i offers an expansive running surface that measures 22 inches wide and 65 inches long. Again, it’s beefed up and brilliant. You get ample room for comfortable strides no matter how tall you are, and ensures safety during high-intensity running sessions.
The Reflex™ Cushioning system further enhances your workout experience by reducing joint impact and providing a more comfortable running surface.
Then there is the incredibly impressive incline and decline range. With the ability to simulate steep hills and decline descents up to 40%, this treadmill offers a versatile and challenging workout experience like little else – I’ve rarely come across something quite so impressive.
The automatic incline and decline adjustments add variety to your workouts and help you engage different muscle groups, resulting in a more effective and well-rounded cardio workout.
The X32i also comes equipped with other incredibly lovely features, including the likes of dual fans to keep you cool throughout your workouts, an integrated sound system for an immersive audio experience, and wireless heart rate monitoring to help you track and optimize your cardiovascular training.
If you’re into gadgets, the X32i is likely the model for you.
The NordicTrack X32i is an exceptional treadmill that offers a premium workout experience. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it, but if you’ve got deep pockets and a love of quality and gizmos, I really would urge you to give it a look.
Verdict
The NordicTrack Commercial 1250 is a standout treadmill that offers an exceptional home workout experience. With its robust construction, advanced features, and immersive training options, it stands out from the crowd.
It is the best item on this list for balancing quality and price, giving you a lot of utility for really not that much money – in the grand scheme of things, compared to other pieces of gym kit.
The durable build quality ensures stability and longevity, making it suitable for users of all sizes and fitness levels.
The integrated iFit Coach platform provides access to a vast library of engaging and motivating workouts led by expert trainers, while the extensive incline range and decline feature add variety and challenge to your sessions.
The generous running surface, cushioning system, and adjustable touchscreen display enhance comfort and usability.
It’s high-end, well made, very well designed, and incredibly lovely to use.
What running can do for you
Running and jogging offer a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental health. Regularly going for a run or jog has been shown to have plenty of benefits on people’s wellbeing. Some of the key advantages of running or jogging include:
Improved cardiovascular health
Running or jogging helps to strengthen the heart and improve cardiovascular fitness. Regular running can enhance the functioning of your cardiovascular system, lower your resting heart rate, and improve your heart health. It has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure, among others.
Weight management
Regular running or jogging, combined with a balanced diet, can contribute to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. It is an effective way to burn calories and boost your metabolism – it helps in weight loss and weight management by increasing energy expenditure and promoting fat burning.
More intense running can build up muscle mass, which again will spike your metabolism.
Increased bone strength
The impact of running or jogging can lead to improvements in bone density and strength. With regular running or jogging, you can bolster your bone health, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures associated with aging.
Enhanced mental wellbeing
Running or jogging can be incredibly good for your mental health. It stimulates the release of endorphins, which are commonly known as ‘feel-good’ hormones.
These endorphins contribute to an improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall mental wellbeing. Running or jogging can be an effective way of alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Improved sleep
Regular aerobic exercise, including running or jogging, has been shown to improve quality if sleep. Taking part in regular physical activity can help to regulate sleep patterns and diminish insomnia.
It is important, however, to finish training at least a few hours before bedtime if you can to avoid any interference with sleep, especially if you’re using any kind of caffeinated pre-workout supplement.
Increased Endurance And Stamina
Regular running or jogging can lead to improved endurance and stamina. It gradually strengthens the muscles and cardiovascular system, allowing you to perform for longer without getting overly tired or fatigued.
Remember…
It’s important to note that while running or jogging offers plenty of health benefits, it is crucial to start at an appropriate intensity and gradually increase duration and intensity. This will help you to avoid potential injuries.
It is also a good idea to wear proper footwear and clothing, warm up adequately, and listen to your body’s signals during exercise – back off if you feel you need to.
As always, you should speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you suffer with any kind of underlying health conditions.
The benefits of using treadmills at home
The benefits of using at-home treadmills start off as above – you get largely the same benefits from using one as you would from going outside to run or jog. However, it goes beyond this – there is plenty more to benefit from by using a treadmill at home.
Some of the advantages of having a home treadmill include:
- Convenience and accessibility: Having a treadmill in the comfort of your own home allows you to exercise whenever you want.
- Increased motivation and consistency: Having a treadmill at home may increase the likelihood that you work out regularly, as it gets rid of the need to travel to a gym or fitness facility or to venture into rubbish weather.
- Privacy and comfort: Working out in public spaces can be dauting and off-putting. Using a treadmill at home gives you a bit of privacy and allows you to exercise without feeling self-conscious or under scrutiny from others. You can also control the environment, adjusting factors such as temperature, music, or television to make your workout experience just as you want it.
- Wide variety of workouts: There are no endless loops of your local park, here. Treadmills often come with various workout programs that cater to different fitness levels and goals, and different routes with video included to keep things interesting.
- Tracking and monitoring progress: Many home treadmills come equipped with advanced tracking features that allow you to monitor your progress, including things like distance covered, speed, calories burned, heart rate, and so on. These features can help you to set goals, track your progress, and stay motivated.
- Better for your joints: Running on soft treadmills with a bit of shock absorption built into them is far kinder on your joints than running on hard surfaces like roads. Your ankles, knees, and hips will thank you for it, especially as you age.
