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Walk, jog, or run your way to into the best shape of your life in the comfort of your own home.
If you're trying to get more cardio into your workout routine, one staple machine you're likely to encounter is the treadmill. Love it or hate it (some lovingly refer to it as the 'dreadmill'), it's actually one of the most diverse cardio machines you can use. Whether you prefer to log long miles, run sprint circuits, or throw on a weighted vest and crank up the incline, you're going to burn some serious calories. Maybe you have a running goal for 2022 (like running your first half marathon or full marathon), or you're trying to increase your daily step count (nope, you don't have to hit 10,000 steps a day to lose weight). You might just like the ease of working out at home rather than hauling your butt to the gym. Either way, your body will thank you for the time spent getting your sweat on. And if you don't have a treadmill in your home gym, but are considering adding one, we know that it's no small investment. That's why Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell, one of the best resources in home gym equipment, weighed in on some of these picks.
Read More: Best Home Gym Equipment
Combining a deep knowledge of fitness brands and high-quality standards, Mitchell won't steer you in the wrong direction. We also threw in a few of our picks to give you some more options to consider. If you're ready to pull the trigger and add a treadmill to your home gym, this comprehensive list will help you pick the best one for your needs. Here are your 12 best treadmill options for 2022.
This treadmill is the latest and greatest from NordicTrack—brand new for 2022. The EXP line of treadmills are specifically designed for at-home use and are NordicTrack's most personalizable and smartest machines, featuring the ActivePulse™ heart rate monitor and AutoAdjust™ technology that automates speed and incline adjustments throughout your workout. The EXP 14i is driven by a powerful 3.5 continuous horsepower motor with speeds up to 12 MPH as well as a wide decline/incline range from -3% to 12%. In addition to the commercial-grade motor and tread belt, this model has a 14-inch HD touchscreen display with live iFit classes.
The XTERRA TRX 3500 is a great option if you're looking for a more affordable treadmill and you're tight on space. It is built with a durable steel frame, has a max speed of 12 MPH and max incline of 12%, the motor is quiet, and it is foldable so it can be easily stored in an upright position. The treadmill also has Lift Assist and Safe Drop features that make it easy and practical to fold up and set up between uses, and built-in wheels that make for easy transport. Instead of an interactive touchscreen, it has a 6.5-inch bright blue LCD display that comes with 30 built-in programs so you can let the treadmill challenge you. If you want to connect to other third party apps, it also has Bluetooth capabilities.
Bowflex is not messing around with this treadmill. It has a 400 pound capacity, so it's built for maximum durability. It also has a major incline of 20% and decline of -5% (the widest range on this list), mimicking real life uphill and downhill running. It folds up with the touch of a button thanks to the brand's SoftDrop™ folding system. It's finished off with powerful built-in fan and a large 22-inch HD touchscreen, where you can access the brand's JRNY membership for tons of great workouts to push you even further.
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Treadmill is a budget device that isn’t exceptionally fast, large, or feature-filled. But, it has one great thing going for it and that is a low cost. Many home gym owners want a treadmill that doesn’t break the bank, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, and works when they want it to. The Weslo G 5.9i generally meets all of these specifications. It folds up to save space, has a decent warranty and is cushioned throughout. We wouldn’t suggest this treadmill for someone who plans to put a lot of miles in, but for many, this is a great option.
If you’re on a budget, but still want a treadmill with speed, then this one’s for you. The ProForm Pro 2000 has solid speed, topping out at 12 MPH, a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and the ability to incline quickly up to a 12% grade. Essentially, it’s a slightly cheaper version of what’s often seen in big commercial gyms. At the top of the machine are two screens for both operating the machine and following along with pre-recorded workouts. Plus, below the screen, it features a large built-in CoolAire™ fan that is superior to the fans included on most treadmills.
The Peloton Tread takes on the popularity of a live studio experience found on the Peloton Bike and makes it available for those who prefer to run. Featuring a best-in-class 23.8" HD touchscreen on the front of the treadmill, the Tread makes you feel like you’re running with hundreds of others in a class environment. We’ve found this type of experience can increase how much people actually use their treadmills. Translation: Sure, this baby is expensive, but it’s worth the money. It’s an experience unlike any other that pretty much everyone has tried to copy. I recommend the Peloton Tread for those that like a group class environment from the comfort of their own home.
Despite the lofty price point, be sure to avoid the temptation of buying a discounted used machine and get yours new. It is unfortunately prone to maintenance-related issues and you’ll want a warranty in case that happens to yours.
The TrueForm Runner is by far the beefiest, most overbuilt treadmill I’ve ever reviewed. It’s non-motorized, meaning the only thing powering it is you, and trust me, you’ll feel it. It features over 200 ABEC Bearings that the rubber track runs on to create a smooth, yet responsive feeling that is superior to standard treadmills. Although the TrueForm Runner is built to take a beating, it’s unique shape is actually incredibly well thought out. Rather than being flat, the curved design is there to help improve your running form by forcing you to go from heel striking to a mid-foot strike (which is a much better way to run.) And because it’s powered by you, you’ll get better hamstring and glute engagement — and you’ll be able to reach speeds that many conventional treadmills can’t, if you’re so inclined. If you want to sprint or interval-train with true intensity on a treadmill, this is the way to go, even if there is a bit of a learning, err, curve to this one.
Another new launch this year from NordicTrack, the Commercial 2450 Treadmill is a new and improved version of their popular commercial series. The most notable upgrade is the massive 22" tilt and pivot touchscreen. The snazzy redesigned frame doesn't hurt, either. As the name suggests, this is treadmill designed for a commercial gym setting, but it manages to fit in perfectly as a home device too.
Commercial treadmills are made to take a greater beating than those designed for personal use. They use more robust motors, better quality belts, and have more intuitive displays. Yes, they cost more, but they also have a much longer life. This one isn’t for everyone, but if you want something that can take whatever you throw at it, this is the best way to go.
Although we prefer the TrueForm Runner, the Assault Air Runner is a more budget-friendly version with a heavier belt that allows you to run faster. We find the TrueForm to better simulate road running, but there are many that prefer the Assault Air Runner. Having been used in the CrossFit Games multiple times, the Assault Air Runner is non-motorized with a thick rubber tread that feels very comfortable in comparison to the rubber belts often seen on traditional treadmills. In addition to being used for running, motorless treadmills like the Air Runner can also be used for deadlifting the back end of the treadmill (they’re built like tanks, so there’s no problem using them in this way) and for various core exercises like walking planks. All in all, non-motorized treadmills are extremely versatile and durable and the Air Runner is one of the best values in the category currently available.
Life Fitness' Run CX treadmill brings an outdoor running experience into your house, keeping your knees and ankles cushioned against the stresses of running thanks to a FlexDeck Shock Absorption System and offering a host of on-demand classes that you can watch on a tablet of your choice as well. This is a premium treadmill that's built to last, too, and it's sturdy enough to accommodate more than running, letting you work in lateral shuffles, and backpedals. too.
The Echelon Stride Treadmill is a great all-around option. It is considered a 'smart' treadmill, and has tons of sweet tech features to help you make the most of your workout. To start, it can fold up automatically to save you space in a snap. It also has a large LED touchscreen display with Bluetooth that allows you to use Echelon’s on-demand fitness program to diversify your workouts. It can be adjusted to 12 different speed levels (up to 12 MPH) and goes up to a 10% incline if you're looking to challenge yourself.
The SKILLMILL is a non-motorized treadmill similar to the Assault Air Runner and TrueForm Treadmill that are also on this list, but it’s more than that, too. Rather than just being made for running, the SKILLMILL utilizes “Multidrive Technology” that creates resistance on the free-spinning tread belt to turn the treadmill into a simulated sled push. Several companies have tried to duplicate this, but TechnoGym is absolutely producing the best version—it only takes a few minutes on the SKILLMILL to realize it’s unlike any other treadmill you’ve ever used. You can go from walking to running to feeling like you’re pushing hundreds of pounds on a track. It’s incredibly versatile, great for home use where sled drags are difficult to perform, and is made to take a beating.