Once you have figured out what treadmill price-point ballpark you are looking at, you’ve got a few more decisions to make. There are all kinds of special settings and features out there on different models. Some top treadmills are built to handle heavier weights, while others put a premium on durability and running comfort in their design. The length and width of the underfoot tread belt also varies, with shorter belts providing a better option for walking or jogging, and longer belts allowing runners to take bigger strides while running.
Gadgets
The top treadmills today are all-singing all-dancing, with some stunning bells and whistles. Many have Google Maps featured, allowing you to run real routes from the warmth and comfort of home. Other features might allow you to connect the treadmill to a smart TV and simulate runs through spectacular virtual scenery. A lot of treadmills also come with preset workouts and automatic incline options, while some can connect with fitness trackers and apps to provide a comprehensive fitness experience. A good portion of machines come with entertainment options now too. They might feature inbuilt sound systems with MP3 connectivity, or attached HD screens. All of this is on top of the usual variables, including motor power and top speed. When it comes to deciding which treadmill you want, these are just some of the extras on offer.
Brands
Before you can even think about choosing a specific model, you have to figure out which treadmill brand you should go for. There is a machine out there for everyone and the best treadmill brands will offer durability and great warranties. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the best treadmill brands within different price points, along with some of the options they specialize in.
NordicTrack™
NordicTrack provides top treadmills as one of the most trusted names in the industry. One of the company’s key selling points is that it makes machines to cover a wide range of budgets, starting at under $800 and rising to more than $3,000. NordicTrack™ treadmills are known for having good motor power, and all models feature an interactive training coach as well as pre-loaded workouts. The upper end of the price range has some extra features such as HD touchscreens and wireless heart monitors. Some of the newer models are also built specifically to include extreme incline options, giving runners an effective uphill option in their own homes. These are some of the top treadmills available.
LifeSpan™
LifeSpan™ also has a good treadmill price range, from around $700 on basic units, up to about $2,500. The LifeSpan™ options include several treadmill desks – allowing people to work at a laptop while moving their feet and getting exercise – as well as the more traditional treadmill choices. Most models can be folded away for storage, but are still known for their stability and safety features. The more advanced LifeSpan™ choices have inbuilt sound systems with iPod connectivity, preset and personalized workouts, as well as features that track advanced body and performance metrics.
Horizon Fitness™
Horizon™ features a lower end price point under $1,000, reaching up to prices topping $2,000. Even the base models heave some great features to make a tough treadmill workout more manageable though. All new Horizon™ treadmills have a virtual video feature, which allows you to hook the machine up to your TV and run on stunning routes – including Yosemite and Niagara Falls – from the comfort of your own home. Machines also offer capabilities to provide a 12-15 percent incline (depending on the model), to make sure you get the most from your workout. When deciding which treadmill you want, an incline feature is an important consideration for serious exercisers. Some models are better suited to walking due to the short belt length, while others run longer to allow runners to hit peak performance.
Sole™
Sole™ makes top treadmills that are designed for use at home, but have the extra heavy-duty feel and stability of a machine you might find at a fitness club. The company has a current range of five models, with the cheapest coming in under the $1,000 mark. Every model has an ultra-thick tread belt to boost machine durability and runner comfort. Some of the higher-priced Sole™ models are extremely sturdy and can bear weights up to 400 pounds. All treadmills also offer inbuilt fans and 15 percent incline options.
3G Cardio™
3G Cardio™ is a relatively new brand, but has quickly earned a great reputation for the quality of its treadmills. Its base model is mostly for walking and jogging, but comes in under the $1,000 mark. 3G Cardio™ has several other top treadmills, ranging right up to the $3,400 Elite Runner. The company offers lifetime guarantees on motors and frames, as well as long-term warranties on parts. Some handy gadgets and gizmos are present and stack up well against price point rivals, but the entire range favors strong functionality over flash. When it comes to choosing which treadmill you want, you need to know where your priorities lie.
Smooth Fitness™
Smooth Fitness™ products are solely available online, giving them a very competitive price point for the features on offer. Machines start at $899, but range up to a sale price of $3,999. Smooth Fitness™ offers top functionality, as well as entertainment options to make sure your run doesn’t get too monotonous. All of the company’s top treadmills come with longer than average tread belts, good stability and impressive motor power. The high-end treadmill additions also have top shock-absorbing qualities, booming audio systems and optional built-in TV screens, allowing you to exercise for longer without boredom setting in.
ProForm™
ProForm™ carries some high-quality options to meet all needs and abilities, with the company’s lowest-priced model currently coming in at a very affordable $599. Some of the models on offer through ProForm™ are made for serious runners and marathon trainers, with automatic incline and decline features, as well as variable impact absorption options to simulate the feel of running on outdoor surfaces. Different models might have LCD displays or HD touchscreens, while newer treadmill consoles boast 3-inch speakers and impressive preset workout options. These are some of the top treadmills on the market at all price points.
Vision Fitness™
Vision Fitness™ has a well-earned reputation for producing top treadmills. But that reputation comes with a heftier price tag – its lowest-priced model comes in at around $1,999. The company produces treadmills for home and commercial use, so Vision’s top products are approaching $4,800 in price. This might be out of reach for many, so this should be kept in mind when deciding on which treadmill you want. But Vision Fitness™ treadmills do live up to the price tag. They boast smooth rides, strong motors with lifetime guarantees and incline features. Some models also feature hydraulic folding systems, while others on the higher end of the range have large HD touchscreen displays.
Which treadmill is for you?
These are just some of the brands out there producing top treadmills, with enough quality to make a top-notch addition to your home gym. Many of the brands feature an affordable option, best-suited to those who are dedicated to their fitness while on a budget, as well as higher-priced choices. As we’ve seen, which treadmill you opt for will depend on a whole range of factors, including price. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. However, while the higher price points feature the greater specifications and more advanced gadgets – from entertainment systems to durability and motor power – it is very possible to get top treadmills at great prices. It is important to do your research before you buy to make sure you get the features you need, no matter which treadmill brand you opt for.
