It doesn’t have to be New Year’s Day to create a resolution for getting more aerobic exercise. There are countless physical and mental benefits to walking, running and training. Simply having a treadmill in your house might just make you more likely to get your feet moving more frequently, even if just for a few minutes (which is far better than nothing!) That’s why we searched for the five best treadmills that you can get to support your overall well-being every day of the year.
One of the best forms of exercise you can enjoy on a treadmill is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). If you’ve heard about the benefits from HIIT, you should believe the hype. A team of Australian researchers finds that when compared to traditional workout routines, HIIT provides the same benefits on a cellular level — in less than half the time. Here’s how it works: A person might sprint on a treadmill for one minute, then slow down to a light jog for two minutes, then return to a sprint for one minute, and so forth.
Why would you put yourself through this? One recent study reveals a quick, 10-minute run may be all you need to boost your mood and think more quickly. And researchers have also found aerobic exercise to increase brain functions that are normally impaired by Alzheimer’s in people that are at risk of developing the disease.
Seniors especially may benefit from turning up the speed on the treadmill. That’s because a Mayo Clinic study shows that high-intensity aerobic exercise can reverse some of the cellular aspects of aging. Their study showed high-intensity training improved mitochondrial function for skeletal muscle, which generally lacks in older adults.
Or you can just settle for a simple walk on your treadmill. According to scientists, walking for 10 minutes each day can help extend your life. Researchers in South Korea report that one hour of walking per week displays a connection with greater longevity in people 85 and older.
There’s certainly no shortage of reasons that investing in a treadmill can be one of the greatest investments in your life. If you’re interested in boosting your health and enjoying the benefits mentioned above, take a look at our list of the best of the best treadmills, according to 12 expert reviews. We scanned each review and came away with the five most recommended machines. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
The List: Best Treadmills In 2023, According To Experts
1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
Runner’s World recommends this pick: “When it comes to bang for your buck, the 1750 has always been one of the best treadmills. Underfoot, the 22-by-60-inch deck size is spacious enough, even if you want to jog or run, and the machine is stable if you have a heavy footfall.”
“A solid treadmill with a smooth ride, sturdy build, and extensive features. It goes up to 12 mph, inclines up to 15%, and declines to -3%. It feels noticeably sturdy underfoot, even at maximum incline and speed. Comfortable for even the tallest of runners. The 1750 has a 10-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and an optional subscription to workout-streaming platform iFit. The 1750 is large, though it folds relatively easily,” The New York Times reports.
Forbes has it as their No. 1 choice, too: “A solidly built treadmill that should stand up to many years of use. The treadmill boasts a large, vibrant 14-inch HD touchscreen display. Integrated Google Maps allows you to run anywhere in the world. Bottom line: The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 hits all the right notes and is consequently very much in demand, which is why it often goes out of stock.”
2. NordicTrack X22i
According to Live Science, “The NordicTrack X22i is one of the most impressive home treadmills. You are literally spoiled for choice with thousands of motivating on-demand workouts [and] a cinematic 22” HD touchscreen. It’s definitely one of the best treadmills we’ve ever tried, so if you’ve got the funds, you won’t regret the investment.”
Tom’s Guide says this is the best treadmill for running uphill: “If you’re looking for a treadmill to do hill sprints on, we’ve found it. The NordicTrack Commercial x22i is a beast of a machine — in fact, we recommend getting the tape measure out before you even think about installing it into your home. It’s got a 40% incline, a -5% decline, and a top speed of 12 miles per hour, which is around a 4:59 minute mile pace, so should be speedy enough for most runners.”
The Strategist writes, “The X22i offers a 40-percent maximum incline, which is the steepest setting we’ve seen available on a treadmill. The massive touchscreen is ideal for classes and programs available through iFit.”
3. Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill
Barbend highly recommends this treadmill for your joints: “The Sole F80 treadmill is full of modern touches. It can withstand long runs, offers an incline range up to 15 percent and speed range up to 12 mph, and has a cushioned deck that makes running 40 percent less impactful on your joints than the outdoors.”
“Some of the Sole F80’s stellar highlights include a roomy running deck suitable for all the family, a motor which can support running and walking, and a power incline up to 15%. For entertainment and workout stats tracking, a 9” LCD display with 10 preset programs diversify your training. You get a built-in tablet holder to dock your device and Bluetooth connectivity for audio and stats tracking,” TreadmillReviews.net says.
Forbes names it the best treadmill for walking. “Your feet stay comfortable even during longer workouts. Quick adjustment controls on the arm rests make it easy to control the speed and incline while you’re walking. And with a 15% maximum incline, you’re guaranteed to feel the burn, even at lower speeds.”
4. Bowflex Treadmill 22
If you’re a daily runner, Shape encourages splurging for this machine, writing, “While this treadmill is over $2,000, it is fairly priced for the number of features it boasts, as well as how easy and comfortable it is to use. Not only does the incline go up to 20, but features a decline of -5 percent. The treadmill also features an abundance of workout options, from manual ones to instructor-led classes. There’s also the option to choose scenic routes from all across the world or to stream Hulu/Netflix.”
CNET says, “The Treadmill 22 is the latest and most advanced model from Bowflex, and it’s designed to please (mostly) everyone. Built like an absolute tank, this treadmill has a 4-horsepower motor, and Comfort Tech deck cushioning that helps absorb shock.”
“This is a beast of a treadmill — and the price tag reflects that,” writes Tom’s Guide. This high-end machine is as big and sturdy (or even more so) than what you’d see at your gym. The running surface is roomy and comfortable.”
5. Proform Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill
Self says, “It offers a good ROI for the price. It sits at a budget-friendly price and offers several challenging workouts for walking, jogging, and running. The foldable deck is easy to raise and lower, clearing space when not in use. It has the ability to decline and incline, simulating downhill and uphill running, which is great if you need to train indoors and need hill workouts.”
MindBodyGreen thinks even outdoor runners will enjoy this pick: “To properly emulate hills, you need a treadmill that offers both uphill and downhill incline. This treadmill has 13 incline options ranging from -3% to 12%, providing a more realistic terrain for those accustomed to outdoor running. Customers agree that it is simple to assemble and easy to use and navigate. The general consensus is that this treadmill provides a smooth stride.”
“The 20-inch tread belt is equipped with ReBound Pro Cushioning, ProForm’s patented shock-absorbing system, so my workouts felt much lower impact and I felt like there was less stress on my feet, ankles, hips and knees,” adds CNET.
Now that we’ve heard from the experts about the best treadmills, do you agree? Drop us a comment!
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Sources
- Runner’s World
- The New York Times
- Forbes
- Live Science
- Tom’s Guide
- The Strategist
- Barbend
- TreadmillReviews.net
- Shape
- CNET
- Self
- MindBodyGreen
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. Study Finds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
