WHETHER YOU’RE BUILDING, bolstering or completing a home gym, a treadmill is always a worthy addition. They may be slightly pricier than standard fare equipment like dumbbell sets, medicine balls and yoga mats, but cardio must not be ignored. Sure, you can get the job done for free. It costs you nothing to lace up your shoes and do a few laps of the nearest park, but there is hardly a more versatile, efficient, and convenient way to get in a cardio workout than on a treadmill. And in the age of convenience, accessibility trumps all.
Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that it’s easier to jump on a treadmill than it is embark on an outdoor run. Fresh air, a cooling breeze and occasional scenery are nice, but when you’re pressed for time and need to squeeze in a quick workout, a home treadmill provides a level of convenience that just cannot be beaten. Not to mention treadmills have everything a regular run on a track or trail does. Whether you’re after quick sprints, long runs, controlled walks or even intense incline climbs, a treadmill has it in its repertoire.
The only problem with treadmills? The cost. Treadmills aren’t cheap, and price is likely the biggest reason you haven’t already added one to your home gym. Add to this that there are a plethora of options available on the market – not all of which live up to their hefty price tags – and it’s easy to see why selecting the right treadmill is an overwhelming, but incredibly important decision.
To aid in your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of the nine treadmills most deserving of a hard-earned chunk of change. These treadmills are worth the investment and will make a fine addition to your home gym.
VULCAN ApexRun Treadmill
The folks at VULCAN fitness understand that the most valuable addition to a home gym is equipment that can fire on all cylinders without taking up too much space. Their ApexRun treadmill captures this essence perfectly, with a sleek, foldable design allowing it to be stored in the middle of your garage as a marquee showpiece, or conveniently tucked away in your peripheries. Compact storage isn’t all that makes the ApexRun standout though. A spacious running belt, suspension damping system, super smooth underfoot feel, a high-power, low noise motor, and an advanced Bluetooth speaker complete this exceptional treadmill that is ideal for all types of runners.
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NordicTrack Elite 800
Renowned for its robust build, powerful motor, and interactive features, the NordicTrack 800 is a top choice for a home gym. The Elite 800 has a five-inch, high contrast display on which you can access interactive iFit workouts delivered by some of the world’s top instructors like John Peel, Kayla Itsines, Tiki Barber and Aron Ralston. iFit also tracks advanced metrics, while SmartAdjust machine learning technology automatically adapts workouts to suit your needs and preferences.
Peloton Tread
There isn’t much to say about the Peloton Tread that hasn’t already been said – including what’s been said by us. The Tread finally made its way down under in 2023 and it’s been just as big of a hit here as it has everywhere else. Some treadmills only act as a vessel for running on the spot. Not the Tread. Exertainment (exercise + entertainment) is at the core of the Peloton philosophy, materialising in a seemingly endless range of interactive classes and workouts designed to suit every type of runner. The HD touchscreen and ergonomic design are nothing to sniff at either.
ProForm Pro 9000 PF21
Combining advanced technology with sturdy construction, the ProForm SMART Pro 9000 is a feature-rich treadmill suitable for everything from casual strolls to intense workouts. With a spacious deck, Rebound Pro cushioning to reduce the impact on joints and built-in fans, the Proform Pro 9000 has everything you need and more.
Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT-24
Engineered for elite performance, the 7.0 AT-24 from Horizon Fitness has a range of features that make it an ideal home gym treadmill. QuickDial controls ensure a smooth transition between speeds, a Rapid Sync motor provides power at any speed and incline, and an extended deck with shock-absorbing three-zone variable response cushioning means you have all the support you could ever ask for. What more do you need?
LifeSpan TR3000i Folding Treadmill
Perfect for those with limited space, the LifeSpan TR3000i combines a compact design with impressive functionality. The TR3000i is able to fold in on itself, so it doesn’t take up too much space in your already overfilled home gym. That doesn’t mean it sacrifices any functionality, however. The TR3000i has a multi dashboard touchscreen display, a durable, minimalist frame and built-in shock absorbers for noise reduction.
Technogym MyRun
Technogym has differentiated itself from other gym equipment suppliers through the unrivalled quality of its products. While some its offerings skew towards the pricier end of the gym gear spectrum, that’s to be expected when you’re paying for the best money can buy. The MyRun is one of Technogym’s more affordable products. It’s built to last, with a refined, compact design and a range of high-tech features.
Schwinn 570T
Offering a blend of affordability and functionality, the Schwinn 570T is a popular treadmill, and for good reason. With a wide range of workout programs, you’ll never get bored. While Bluetooth connectivity means you can set the tone of your workouts. Among all these features, there is one that stands out: Explore The World. This mode takes you on a high definition journey through various global destinations on the interactive display.
XTERRA Fitness TRX4500
One of the more affordable options on this list, the XTERRA TRX4500 has everything you need in a treadmill, but it doesn’t take as much of an investment as the other options. A commodious surface, shock-absorption, Bluetooth connectivity and a backlit display provide all the essentials, while preset workouts and metric tracking go the extra mile.
Related:
Ultimate Treadmill Workout: Lose Belly Fat And Build Muscle
I Tried the Peloton Tread – Here’s the Verdict
