In 2023 , there is no reason to buy a treadmill with a tiny digital screen. You’re committed to getting in shape. Why not get a treadmill that gives you a large screen while you’re doing it?
With the best treadmills, you can set the speed, adjust the incline, and watch your favorite TV show. By the time the show is over, so is your workout.
Or, sign on to iFit or your favorite fitness app and, with an easy-to-see large screen, follow your trainer-led exercise classes.
Want to see the world? Pick a scenic route and run through it watching a large HD touchscreen.
Are you ready to find the best treadmill with a large screen? Let’s go!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
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Best Treadmills With A Large Screen
- NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill – Best Overall
- NordicTrack X22i Treadmill – Best For Incline Training
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill – Best 14-Inch Screen
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill – Best Smaller Screen
- NordicTrack T 6.5si Treadmill – Best Budget
- Sole F85 Treadmill – Best Warranty
- Sole F80 Treadmill – Best For Users With Joint Problems
- ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill – Best For Bodybuilders
- ProForm Performance 600i – Best Space-Saving
- Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill – Best Desk Cushioning
- BowFlex T22 Treadmill – Best For Streaming TV
- BowFlex T10 Treadmill – Best High-Tech For Beginners
- Free Motion 890 Treadmill – Best TV Screen
- Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill – Best Commercial Quality
Reviews – The Best Treadmills With A Large Screen
1. NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill – Best Overall
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Here’s a treadmill with a 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen display. Our best overall is the NordicTrack Commercial 2950. That’s for good reason, it’s commercial-grade. Besides the large screen, the Commercial 2950 comes with a free iFit membership.
The 22-inch HD touchscreen is perfect for iFit, and what makes it better is that it’s a trial 30-day Family membership. This lets up to 5 total family members to use the app.
With iFit, you can stream on-demand or live workouts. You have your choice of global or studio workout programs. The global destinations use advanced Google maps technology for accuracy.
Another benefit is that the iFit coach leading your classes can auto-adjust your speed and your incline. You can also track all your workout stats. These include time, speed, distance, incline level, decline level, and calories burned.
Plus, there are 3-inch speakers, cooling fans, and easy-to-use controls. Besides controls being trainer-adjusted, all NordicTrack treadmills in this guide have One-Touch user controls for speed settings and incline settings.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 has a max speed of 12 mph with an incline and decline range of -3 to 15%. The tread belt is 22-inches wide x 60-inches long. The running surface has Runner’s Flex cushioning to lower the impact on your joints.
The 2950 treadmill comes with a 4.25 CHP motor. It’s a CHP DurX commercial plus motor that’s exceptionally quiet. Finally, the Commercial 2950 folds for storage. It has a user weight capacity of 300 lbs with a 10-year warranty.
PROS
- Features A Large 22-Inch HD Touchscreen
- Powerful 4.25 CHP Motor Has A Top Speed Of 12 mph
- EasyLift Assist Automatic Lowering And Folding
- 10-Year Warranty On The Frame
CONS
- Not For Value-Minded Users
2. NordicTrack X22i Treadmill – Best For Incline Training
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Here’s a NordicTrack treadmill that provides extreme incline training. It’s also at the high end of the price range. In reality, the X22i is as good as our best overall, the Commercial 2950. What sets the X22i apart is that it’s a specialized incline trainer.
The NordicTrack X22i Treadmill has a large 22-inch HD touchscreen display that pivots and tilts. That means if you follow iFit resistance training, you can stand on the side of the X22i and follow along.
Like the Commercial 2950, the X22i Treadmill comes with a free iFit membership. It’s the Family membership, it can accept up to 5 users, and it’s a 30-day trial.
iFit streams global, studio, and live workout programs directly to your treadmill. The global destinations use Google maps technology.
The large screen displays your workout stats. These include time, distance, speed, decline, incline, and calories burned.
Your iFit coach can auto-adjust your speed and your incline range. There is a self-cooling motor for the incline.
The X22i has a range of a -6% decline to a very steep 40% incline. That’s the highest incline of any treadmill in this guide. This NordicTrack treadmill is ideal for any serious athlete or fitness enthusiast.
There’s a separate extra-cost Bluetooth pulse reader to monitor your heart rate.
The X22i has a 4.0 CHP motor. Like other NordicTrack treadmills, it’s a DurX Commercial plus motor. It features award-winning quiet operation. The tread belt features a 22-inch W x 60-inch L running surface. Plus, the X22i has Reflex cushioning for good shock absorption.
Finally, the X22i has a user weight capacity of 300 lbs and a 10-year frame warranty.
PROS
- Goes Up To An Extreme 40% Incline
- 22-Inch HD touchscreen
- The Screen Pivots And Tilts
- Powerful 4.0 CHP DurX Motor
CONS
- Not For Budget-Minded Users
3. NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill – Best 14-Inch Screen
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The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 features a 14-inch HD touchscreen. Like other NordicTrack treadmills in this series, this is commercial-quality.
Also, like the other NordicTracks, it features a free iFit membership for 30-days. It is a Family membership with a 5-user limit.
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 offers on-demand and live streaming workout programs. Again, like the other NordicTrack treadmills, the global destinations use Google maps technology.
The iFit program also tracks your workout stats, including calories used, time, speed, distance, decline level, and incline level.
Included is Bluetooth audio that syncs with your headphones. There are also cooling fans.
Your iFit coach can auto-adjust your incline and your speed. The Commercial 2450 has a range of -3% decline to 15% incline. The 4.0 CHP DurX commercial plus motor can reach 12 mph top speed.
The tread belt has a 22-inch W x 60-inch L running surface. It features a Flex Cushioned deck for good shock absorption. Plus, the Commercial 2450 folds up easily for storage.
Finally, the user weight capacity is 300 lbs and it has a 10-year warranty on the frame.
PROS
- Includes The Free 30-Day iFit Family Membership
- Features A 14-inch Touchscreen
- Strong 4.0 CHP DurX Motor
- EasyLift Assist Automatic Lowering And Folding
CONS
- Some Users Feel It’s Not A Good Treadmill For HIIT-Style Workouts
4. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill – Best Smaller Screen
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Here’s a NordicTrack Treadmill with a 10 smart HD touchscreen. It’s 10-inches, and it’s an interactive touchscreen. Like other commercial-grade NordicTracks, the Commercial 1750 comes with an iFit membership. It’s a 30-day free Family membership trial. Up to 5 family members can use the iFit trial.
Users can stream live and on-demand workout programs. You can choose between studio and global workouts. Like other NordicTrack treadmills, the global destinations use Google maps technology. Plus, incline and speed can be auto-adjusted by your iFit coach.
The console also tracks your stats. These include speed, distance, time, incline level, and calories burned.
Like the other NordicTrack treadmills, users can use One-Touch control. This controls your speed and your incline. The Commercial 1750 has a 3.75 CHP DurX motor with a 12 mph top speed.
The tread belt is 22-inches W x 60-inches L which provides plenty of room to walk, jog, or run. The running surface is cushioned to support your joints. Also, the Commercial 1750 is easy to fold for storage.
Finally, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has a user weight capacity of 300 lbs with a 10-year frame warranty.
PROS
- 10-Inch Touchscreen
- 30-Day iFit Family Membership
- EasyLift Assist Automatic Lowering And Folding
CONS
- Some Users Don’t Like iFit
5. NordicTrack T 6.5si Treadmill – Best Budget
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The 6.5si has a 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen. It also includes the same iFit membership the other NordicTrack treadmills come with. That means it’s a free 30-day Family membership with room for 5 users.
This includes live and on-demand streaming workout programs with global and studio classes. Your iFit coach can auto-adjust your speed and your incline settings. The T 6.5si also features One-Touch controls so you can adjust them as well.
Workout stats are tracked and include time, your speed, distance, incline, and calories used.
The 6.5si has a smart response motor with a top speed of 10 mph with an incline up to 10%. This motor is designed to support both steady-state cardio and HIIT cardio.
The compact 20-inch W x 50-inch L running surface has FlexSelect cushioning to protect your joints. The advanced FlexSelect cushioning system can also simulate low-impact running or jogging on real pavement.
Like other NordicTracks, this has the EasyLift Assist hydraulic fold and unfold system. Finally, it has a user weight capacity of 300 lbs and a 10-year warranty on the frame.
PROS
- Designed For Budget-Minded Users That Still Want Hi-Tech Features
- Includes The Free iFit 30-Day Trial Family Membership
- Includes A 10-Year Warranty On The Frame
- Includes FlexSelect Cushioning
CONS
- Some Users May Prefer A Larger Screen
6. Sole F85 Treadmill – Best Warranty
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The Sole F85 Treadmill has a large 9-inch Sole LCD screen that comes with 10 workout programs. There are 8 built-in workout programs plus two more that can be user-customized. Plus, there’s a chest strap to monitor heart rate. There is also a pulse grip on the handles.
The screen tracks and shows your workout stats. The stats included are time, speed, distance, incline, and calories burned.
One interesting feature of this treadmill is a 1/4-mile track workout option that displays on the screen. Plus, the F85 has a peaks and valleys graph that works with some of the programs.
From there, the Sole F85 has cooling fans and built-in speakers so you can listen to your favorite playlists.
Sole Fitness uses a special Cushion Flex Whisper Deck shock absorption technology for whisper-quiet operation and no vibration.
The F85 has a 4hp motor with a top speed of 12 mph, and an incline of up to 15%. It also has a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor. Plus, this warranty extends to the deck. Finally, there’s a 5 -year warranty on the electronics, and a 2-year labor warranty.
The Sole F85 has a tread belt size of 22-inches W x 60-inches L. Plus, the deck has an Easy Assist folding and unfolding deck design.
Finally, the Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill has a user weight capacity of 400 lbs.
PROS
- A Total Of 10 Workout Programs
- Features Easy Assist Folding Technology
- Lifetime Frame, Motor, And Deck Warranty
CONS
- The Screen May Be Too Small For Some Users
7. Sole F80 Treadmill – Best For Users With Joint Problems
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The Sole F80 Treadmill has a 7.5-inch screen. Like the F85, it comes with 10 total workout programs. Six of them are standard programs, two are heart programs, and two programs can be user-customized.
To monitor heart rate, the Sole F80 has pulse grips in the handles and a chest strap. Plus, the screen displays all your exercise stats. These include incline, calories, time, speed, and distance.
Finally, there are built-in speakers and cooling fans.
From there, this Sole Fitness Treadmill comes with a DC-type, 3.5 CHP motor. This motor can go up to 12 mph. The F80 also has a rack and pinion incline that goes as high as 15%.
The running surface on this treadmill is 22-inches W x 60-inches L. Plus, the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces joint impact by an impressive 40%. That’s compared to running outdoors on an asphalt surface. It also means a very low-impact workout. That’s important for anyone with joint problems.
The Sole Fitness F80 holds up to 375 lbs user weight. The Sole Treadmills have the best warranty of any treadmill in this guide. The F80 features a lifetime frame and motor warranty. The deck also has a lifetime warranty.
PROS
- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck Reduces Joint Impact By 40%
- Large 7.5-Inch Screen
- Lifetime Frame, Motor, And Deck Warranty
CONS
- Some Users Don’t Like The Cooling Fans And Speakers
8. ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill – Best For Bodybuilders
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Here’s a treadmill that has a large screen that’s ideal for bodybuilders tracking their stats. The ProForm Pro 2000 has a 22-inch HD touch screen.
You also get a 30-day iFit membership. It’s the Family membership which means you can add up to 5 users. Plus, you will get the live and on-demand workouts streamed right to your ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill. Your iFit coach adjusts your incline and your speed.
There are heart rate sensors in the handles so you can stay in your target fat-burning zone. This is ideal for bodybuilders trying to get in contest condition or just stay lean while they build more muscle.
Workout stats are tracked and include decline, incline, speed, time, distance, and calories burned.
This treadmill has a Mach Z motor with a top speed of 12 mph. The decline and incline range is -3 to 12%. You can control these settings with the touch of a button.
The Pro 2000 has a compact 20-inch W x 60-inch L and folds with EasyLift Assist when you’re done.
Does the Proform Pro 2000 seem to have a lot in common with NordicTrack? The reason is they are both owned by Icon Fitness. Therefore, they will be similar. With that in mind, it can be said that Icon Fitness makes some of the best treadmills on the market.
Finally, the ProForm Pro 2000 has a user weight of 300 lbs and a 10-year warranty on the frame.
PROS
- 22-Inch Touch Screen With Interactive Training
- 30-Day Trial iFit Family Membership
- EasyLift Assist Hydraulic Folding And Unfolding
CONS
- Some Users Are Disappointed They Can’t Stream TV Shows While Training
9. ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill – Best Space-Saving
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The ProForm Performance 600i is an iFit-enabled treadmill with a 10-inch full-color touch screen. You can follow personal trainers through their workout sessions.
The Performance 600i has a 2.5 CHP motor with a top speed of 10 mph and an incline of 10%. Besides trainer-led workout sessions, you can take control of your training with QuickSpeed and QuickIncline. This system provides easy speed control and easy incline control.
Exercise stats are tracked and include time, calories used, speed, distance, and incline level.
The 600i has the most compact deck of any treadmill in this guide. It’s an 18-inch x 55-inch deck. The deck length is shorter at 76-inches when in use. Plus, the EasyLift Assist folding system means it fits anywhere.
Also, the 600i has exclusive Proshox cushioning to protect your joints. Proshox cushioning eases the impact on joints because it’s softer to land on than other deck cushioning systems.
Finally, the max user weight capacity is 300 lbs.
PROS
- iFit Enabled
- Features Exclusive Proshox Cushioning For Low Impact Workout Sessions
- Holds Users Up To 300 lbs
CONS
- The 18-Inch X 55-Inch Deck May Be Too Small For Some Users
10. Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill – Best Deck Cushioning
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The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series Treadmill comes with a 7-inch LCD screen. This is a treadmill with a TV. You can stream movies, listen to music, and stream fitness classes with Bluetooth, all without a subscription.
The 7.0 At Studio Series has a tablet holder. It can also hold your smartphone. Use the apps of your choice. Or, choose from 6 preset workout programs. Workouts info is tracked and includes calories, time, speed, incline, and distance.
Plus, this treadmill has 3-zone Variable Response Cushioning. This provides support and flex throughout your stride motion. The tread belt running area is 20-inches W x 60-inches L.
The Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Studio Series features QuickDial controls that let you adjust your speed and your incline without breaking your concentration or your stride.
The 7.0 AT has a max speed of 12 mph with an incline up to 15%.
This treadmill folds up for quick storage. Finally, it has a user weight capacity of 325 lbs. There is also a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame.
PROS
- Features 3-Zone Deck Cushioning That Supports Your Stride From Start To Finish
- Streams The Fitness App Of Your Choice
- Folding Treadmill With TV
CONS
- Some Users Feel Customer Service Is Lacking
11. BowFlex T22 Treadmill – Best For Streaming TV
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Here’s a BowFlex Treadmill with a large 22-inch screen. The T22 Treadmill includes a 1-year JRNY membership. This membership makes the T22 a treadmill with built-in TV. The 22-inch screen becomes a TV screen as you watch NetFlix, Prime, Disny+, or Hulu.
Plus JRNY assesses your fitness level and creates custom workouts for you. Not to mention, there is coaching and feedback so you can optimize your training.
You can choose destinations around the world. There are 50 global routes that auto-adjust to your speed in real-time. It should be noted that a JRNY Membership is required.
Your workout info is tracked. The stats include time, speed, distance, decline level, incline level, and calories. There’s also a media shelf that can act as a tablet holder.
The BowFlex T22 Treadmill has a top speed of 12 mph. Also, it declines to -5% and inclines up to 20%. There is a 22-inch W x 60-inch L running area with Comfort Tech cushioning.
Finally, the BowFlex T22 is a folding treadmill with SoftDrop folding and unfolding technology. The user weight capacity is 400 lbs.
PROS
- A Treadmill With TV – Watch Your Favorite Shows While You Train
- Declines To -5% – Inclines To 20%
- Free 1-Year JRNY Membership – Turn Your T22 Into A Treadmill With A TV Screen
CONS
- It May Be Hard To Move For Some Users
12. BowFlex T10 Treadmill – Best High Tech For Beginners
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Here’s a BowFlex with a 10-inch touch screen. Like the T22, the T10 gives users access to a 1-year JRNY membership. This includes streaming TV and turning your T10 into a treadmill with a TV screen.
Watch NetFlix, Disney+, Hulu, or Prime. Plus, like the T22, you have access to customized workout programs, feedback, and coaching. There’s a media shelf that acts as a tablet holder.
The BowFlex T10 has a running surface of 22-inches W x 60-inches L. The Comfort Tech deck provides good cushioning and a low-impact workout.
This treadmill goes up to 12 mph. Plus, it inclines to 15% and declines down to -5%. There are easy-to-adjust incline and speed knobs that you can adjust without breaking your stride.
Exercise stats are tracked and include decline level, speed, distance, incline level, calories burned, and time.
Finally, the T10 has a SoftDrop unfold and fold system, and had a user weight capacity of 400 lbs. The BowFlex T10 Treadmill is an ideal treadmill for anyone just starting to exercise. It’s a good combination of high-tech features with speed, incline, and decline options.
Beginners can rest assured that the T10 will assess their level of fitness and provide the right program. Plus, they can progress with this treadmill.
PROS
- Large 10-Inch Screen
- Treadmill With TV Streams TV Shows And Movies
- Decline to -5% And Incline Up To 15%
- Holds 400lbs.
CONS
- Some Users May Have Difficulty Assembling The T10
- There’s No Chest Strap To Monitor Heart Rate
13. Free Motion 890 Treadmill – Best TV Screen
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Here’s a treadmill that comes with a 15-inch HD TV screen. You can watch your favorite TV shows while you work out. The screen is on top of the console and regular LCD display.
The 890 Treadmill is iFit enabled. That means live or on-demand workouts, global settings, and personal trainer-led classes. Of course, all your workout stats are tracked and displayed. These include calories used, distance, time, speed, and incline setting.
Like other treadmills, the 890 has pulse sensors in the handles to measure heart rate. The 890 does not come with a chest strap.
There are also built-in cooling fans. The Free Motion 890 Treadmill has a 4.2 CHP motor, 12 mph top speed, and a 15% incline level. The deck is a compact 15-inches x 60-inches.
Finally, this treadmill folds for storage. The 890 Treadmill handles up to 400 lbs and has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
PROS
- Includes A 15-Inch TV Screen
- Lifetime Warranty On The Motor And The Frame
- Holds 400 lbs.
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Treadmill Makes Too Much Noise
14. Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill – Best Commercial Quality
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The Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill is the best commercial quality treadmill in this guide. That’s in terms of durability. This is an exceptionally sturdy treadmill that’s designed for home use.
You have lots of room to walk, jog, or run with the 22-inch by 60-inch wide running surface. The FlexDeck® Shock Absorption System creates a low-impact workout that eases stress on the knees and ankles.
There’s a large 21.5-inch touchscreen and console. You can connect with any fitness app. There are remote speed and incline controls that are built into the handlebars. These controls can be adjusted as you train without interfering with your workout.
The Club Series+ saves your last workout info. That means you can replay it and try to improve your performance. Plus, you can review your progress and push workout stats to your favorite apps through Bluetooth®. Stats include speed, time, distance, incline, and calories.
Plus, there are video streaming apps, Lifescape, RunSocial, and interactive courses. You can train and watch NetFlix, YouTube, ESPN, Newsy, Flipboard, or Pandora. You can even browse the internet.
Finally, the Club Series+ has a 4 motor with 12 mph speed and 15% incline capabilities. It holds up to 400 lbs. The motor and frame feature a lifetime warranty with a 10-year warranty on parts.
PROS
- Large Screen – Watch TV Or Use Your Favorite Fitness Apps
- Saves Workout Performance And Stats
- Durable Commercial Quality
- Lifetime Motor And Frame Warranty
CONS
- Some Users Feel This Treadmill Is Too Loud
- This May Be Too High Of A Price Range For Some Users
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Treadmill With A Large Screen
Why Use A Treadmill With A Large Screen?
First, a treadmill is a great way to lose weight and get in shape. Many of the best treadmills in this guide give you the ability to increase speed and increase your decline or incline settings. This allows you to fit your cardio workouts to your experience level.
What happens when you add a smart HD touchscreen? In most cases, the treadmills with this feature also include elite fitness apps. You can take advantage of interactive training using all the features of your favorite app.
Add to that the features of a high clarity, easy-to-see screen, and you can feel like you’re right in the middle of the gym. Plus, some treadmills, such as the BowFlex T22 and BowFlex T10, come with streaming TV. You can, in effect, turn your touchscreen into a TV screen.
Watch a movie or TV show with NetFlix, Prime, Disney+, or Hulu.
How Large Should Your Screen Be?
In our guide, you can choose between a 7-inch all the way to a 22-inch screen. If you have a treadmill with TV, the screen is, as noted, a TV screen. How big do you want it to be?
Advantages Of A Treadmill With TV
Sure, it keeps you entertained, but what is the main advantage of a treadmill with TV?
It keeps you distracted while working out. What does that mean? Most people get bored quickly just walking on even the best treadmills. Often, this can happen in the first 10 minutes.
If you are distracted by your favorite TV show or a good movie, you won’t even know you’re exercising.
If your goal is weight loss, you can get in a good 30-40 minutes before you know it.
In addition, having access to the internet gives you access to the preset workout programs offered by fitness apps. Or, stream live workout programs.
But, most importantly, if you watch TV while you train, you will find yourself training longer.
Are There Any Disadvantages To A Treadmill With TV?
The primary disadvantage is that you will not be focused on your workout. If you’re someone that does more than just walk briskly, you will find you’re not paying attention. For users that have a targeted game plan, it will be better to use the workout programs and live streaming options.
Some users, such as competitive bodybuilders, may perform two cardio sessions a day. Make one session targeted and intense. Make the second more casual. Think in terms of a long-term brisk walking session while you enjoy your favorite TV show.
Features To Look For
TV Screen And Console
We talked about the LCD screen above. Some treadmills, such as any NordicTrack in this guide, come with a smart HD touchscreen that features interactive training thanks to iFit.
Other companies, such as BowFlex, offer similar interactive training for their screens. Also, every treadmill tracks personal workout stats on the screen. The Sole F85 actually shows a 1/4 running track on its screen.
The screen should be large enough to see clearly. Clarity and resolution should be crisp. For example, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill is one of several treadmills in this guide with a 22-inch screen.
Besides the screen, most consoles also include built-in speakers, cup holders, storage trays for your keys, and cooling fans. Some have a built-in smartphone or tablet holder.
There are also the incline, speed, and decline controls. Treadmills such as the Commercial 2950 mentioned above feature OneTouch controls. This is in addition to iFit or other fitness apps that feature trainer-controlled adjustments.
Running Surface
The running area needs to be large enough to get comfortable yet full strides when walking, jogging, or running.
Width
The most common width of a treadmill belt is 20 inches. Anything wider than that is considered large. Wider belts are 22 inches wide; that’s probably the widest you’ll find.
Length
Also, length is important. Do you plan to do a lot of running? For the best results, you’ll want to choose a longer treadmill belt. That will ensure that you have enough room for your stride.
The typical length for walking or jogging is 55 inches, while the typical length for running can go up to 60 inches. Many of the treadmills in this guide have a belt length of 60 inches.
Your height is also a factor. Are you 6 feet tall or taller? Do you intend to walk on your treadmill? Then you may be better off going with the larger 60-inch belt.
Several of the treadmills in this guide have a running surface size of 22-inches W x 60-inches L. An example of this is the NordicTrack X22i Treadmill.
At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the 18-inch W x 55-inch L deck of the ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill. This is a good choice for users that need something compact.
Deck Cushioning
Once you’ve decided on the deck size, you have to consider cushioning. This is the shock absorption system used by the specific manufacturer. The best treadmills claim to have superior deck cushioning to absorb impact and reduce joint stress.
NordicTrack has several, including FlexSelect Cushioning. This provides a low-impact workout and imitates the feel of running on an asphalt surface.
Every other manufacturer has a similar system. Most importantly, you can be confident your workouts will be easy on your joints.
Incline And Decline Settings
Several treadmills in this guide feature incline settings up to 15%. Several BowFlex models go up to 20%. The NordicTrack X22i Treadmill goes all the way to 40% for extreme workouts.
Motor
Most treadmills in this guide have a 12 mph top speed. That’s plenty of running speed for any user. Motor power ratings are measured in either HP, a standard rating, or CHP.
Some users may not know what a CHP motor rating is. Let’s define our terms.
CHP And HP Rating
The old standard motor rating, HP (horsepower) refers to the maximum amount of power a treadmill can achieve. This is also called the peak horsepower of a motor.
The problem with this rating is that it refers to the short-term power of a motor. In contrast, CHP means continuous horsepower.
For those who weigh 200 lbs. or less, you’ll generally want:
- At least 2.0 CHP for walking
- At least 2.5 CHP for jogging
- At least 3.0 CHP for running
What if you weigh over 200 lbs? Then you should consider the following:
- At least 2.5 CHP for walking
- At least 3.0 CHP for jogging
- At least 3.5 CHP for running
If you have 2 users in the family planning on using the treadmill, a 3.0 CHP or 3.5 CHP motor will work.
If you have up to 5 users people in the family planning on using the treadmill daily, go for a 4.0 or 4.25 motor. We would not suggest a 3.5 CHP motor for that kind of workload.
Also keep in mind that if you are a heavier individual weighing over 200 pounds, you’ll want to add an additional half rating of CHP to give the treadmill more power.
Most of the treadmills in this guide use the CHP rating. The best treadmill in this guide, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950, comes with a 4.25 CHP motor for plenty of power.
In contrast, the NordicTrack X22i Treadmill incline trainer comes with a 4.0 CHP motor.
Frame, Weight Capacity, And Warranty
The heart of any good treadmill is the frame. It should be steel for strength and durability.
Unless you plan on only using your treadmill for walking, don’t buy a treadmill with anything less than a steel frame.
If you’re a reasonably thin person using a treadmill for rehab or light fitness, other materials should be strong enough. Still, check the treadmill’s weight limit and warranty information.
Some treadmills, such as the Sole Fitness F80 Treadmill, have a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck. Also, the Sole F85 Treadmill has the same warranty.
Besides the warranty and frame material, you should choose a treadmill with a user weight capacity of 25 lbs. more than your own body weight.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure of a strong treadmill that will provide years of service.
Space
As always, make sure you have enough available space for your treadmill. Every treadmill in this guide is a folding treadmill. That means it can be easily moved out of the way for storage.
If your exercise area is small, check the unfolded measurements of the treadmill you’re considering. Your biggest concern will be the length.
The advantage of a treadmill that moves easily is you can use it out on the deck. If your chosen space is too small, you can easily move it to a larger space.
Otherwise, choose a model that fits your chosen space.
Budget
No doubt you’re considering buying a treadmill, and have come to this guide for suggestions.
Many of the treadmills in this guide are not meant for budget-conscious users. The best treadmills usually come with quite a few high-tech features.
Yet, for those users looking for value, there’s the NordicTrack T 6.5si Treadmill. This has all the features of other NordicTrack treadmills. There’s the iFit membership, built-in workout programs, plus user or trainer-controlled speed and incline.
When buying a treadmill, you have to consider one that fits both your needs and your budget.
The Benefits Of A Treadmill
If you’ve decided to get in shape, a treadmill is a great choice. If you’re already in good shape and are looking at treadmills for home use, you’ve made the right choice.
Here are the benefits of exercising on treadmills.
Treadmills Allow You To Exercise At Your Own Pace
Some users may want better cardiovascular health. Others may need to do an injury rebab. Most users are on the treadmill for cardio. They want to lose weight.
The great thing about a treadmill is that you can exercise at your own pace. You can walk at a reasonable speed on a level surface. Or, you can walk on an inclined surface.
Elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or bodybuilders can jog or run while mixing up the decline and incline settings.
Treadmills Burn Calories
If weight loss is your goal, you can easily burn calories on a treadmill. After all, the goal is to burn more calories than you take in.
The number of calories you can burn when exercising on a treadmill depends on factors such as your speed, distance, and incline settings.
On average, you can burn 300-400 calories per hour if walking at a brisk pace, and 600-1200 calories per hour if you are jogging or running.
Treadmills Are Low Impact
Many people considering a treadmill may be concerned about joint pain when exercising. After all, you won’t be able to exercise with much intensity if your knees or ankles hurt.
One benefit of a treadmill is the deck cushioning. It is designed to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the knees and ankles.
A good example of a treadmill with excellent cushioning is the Horizon Fitness 7.0 Smart Treadmill. This treadmill features 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning. It moves and flexes with you, providing support to your joints and minimizing impact.
Treadmills Improve Cardiovascular Health
One of the other benefits of treadmills is better cardiovascular health. It is no secret that regular exercise lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Individuals that exercise regularly experience lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improved insulin sensitivity. (1)
It’s Easy To Increase Exercise Intensity With Different Workout Programs
You can increase your exercise intensity on a treadmill by using faster walking speeds and higher incline levels. Walking faster at a higher incline level on your treadmill will help speed up weight loss.
Types Of Cardio You Can Do On A Treadmill
Basically, there are two main types of exercise you can do on a treadmill.
Steady State
This means that, after warming up, you walk at the same speed for a pre-determined length of time.
For example, start off your treadmill session by walking slowly. If you prefer, you can do some light stretching first. Once you’ve walked slowly for about 5 minutes, you can increase to your desired speed.
Depending on your goals and experience, you can exercise anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. You should allow a slower cool-down period of about 5 minutes at the end of your session.
Steady-state is a very common form of cardio and well suited to beginners, seniors, and those users with joint problems.
HIIT, Or High-Intensity Interval Training
This is an intense form of training designed for advanced users.
HIIT can be done on any type of exercise equipment or no equipment at all. Some individuals sprint using HIIT.
Here’s how HIIT works using treadmills.
After warming up at a slow speed for 5-10 minutes, set your speed to the highest you can safely handle for 20 seconds. The key word here is safely. You want to run all out, but within your limits.
After going all out for 20 seconds, slow down your speed to a comfortable level for 1o seconds. Repeat this 9 more times for a total of 10 intervals.
Increase intensity by going all-out for 30 seconds with 20 seconds of rest in between. You can also add more intervals.
Other Types Of Cardio You Can Do On A Treadmill
You will burn more calories on a treadmill if you swing your arms. You can use this approach on a treadmill by wearing wrist weights, ankle weights, or holding a light pair of dumbbells.
Heart Rate
No doubt your goals are weight loss and cardiovascular health. For any type of cardio workout you do, one of your goals is to reach the ideal target heart rate for burning fat.
Here’s how to do that. make sure you have a chest strap or pulse monitor on your treadmill.
First, Determine Your Target Zone
During your treadmill workouts, you should try to stay in a target heart rate zone of 50 to 85% of your maximum heart rate. This is according to the American Heart Association.
Here is how to get an estimate of your maximum heart rate. Start by subtracting your age from 220. For example, let’s say you are 30 years old. This puts your maximum heart rate at 190 beats per minute.
If your target heart rate zone is 50-85% of 190, that’s 95 to 161 beats per minute.
Next, Find The Right Exercise Zone
The target exercise zone you train in depends on your goals.
As noted, most users are trying to get in shape by burning calories to lose weight. This would mean a moderate aerobic energy zone of 60 and 80% of your maximum heart rate. For our 30-year-old example user, this puts their heart rate between 114 and 152 beats per minute.
Finally, Cool Down
As noted, once you are near the end of your treadmill workout, remember to cool down.
Take 5 minutes to walk at a slower pace so your heart rate slows down.
FAQs
How Long Should My Treadmill Last?
This depends on the brand and your use of the treadmill. Do treadmills last 10 years? They can if they are well maintained and used correctly. Ultimately, several treadmills in this guide have a lifetime warranty. As noted, the Sole Fitness F80 and F85 Treadmills have the best warranty with a lifetime on the frame, deck, and motor. These areas are the key mechanical parts of the treadmill. What about the electronics? They both have a 10-year warranty.
What Maintenance Does My Treadmill Require?
Check your manual first. Most treadmills should be lubricated every 3 months or after 40 hours of use. Again, your manual will tell you how to lubricate your treadmill. Also, it will give you any other maintenance suggestions.
Conclusion
Do you want our best treadmill? Then you’ll want the NordicTrack Commercial 2950. It’s commercial grade and has a 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen. It also comes with a free iFit membership, so you can reach your highest fitness goals.
Are you looking for the best compact treadmill? Then the ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill is the best choice. With a compact 18-inch x 55-inch deck, shorter in-use length, and folding ability, it will fit in any space.
Finally, if you want to stream your favorite TV channels such as NetFlix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime, the BowFlex T22 Treadmill is for you. This treadmill also provides a 1-year JRNY membership so you can exercise while experiencing global routes around the world.
The best treadmill is the one that meets your personal goals. Use this guide and find the right one for you!
References:
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
