Treadmills aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some find them too bulky for small spaces, and others complain of the monotony of running in place, but the best treadmills do have a lot of perks. They can help you mix up your running workouts and give you a solid indoor option when you’re feeling hesitant to run outside (either because of social distancing, or weather conditions). Bringing the run indoors “eliminates the need to modify your workouts,” says Jes Woods, a Nike+ running coach.
And since gyms across the country will be closed for the foreseeable future, now is an ideal time to invest in a treadmill, if you’re able to. “By having it at home you have the freedom to train at any time, continue doing something you enjoy, and get your miles in without going outside,” Adrian Richardson, the head coach for Fitbit, tells SELF.
But it all depends on how will you use it, and where it will go. “If you’re new to running and are looking at getting a treadmill make sure that it doesn’t become a very expensive coat rack (meaning be honest with yourself on how much you expect to use it),” he says. Setting a schedule, or joining a running program, can help you stick to it. “This will help you develop the habit of running on a treadmill and give you an opportunity to discover different types of training to help you reach your goals.”
Treadmills are rarely cheap, and, truth be told, not all of them are created equal. Tracksmith coach Louis Serafini, says that runners can still find a worthwhile product that aligns with their fitness needs, though, if they consider their priorities. As a baseline, make sure whichever treadmill you choose provides enough room to move freely while you run, and then think about which additional features are important to you.
“A lot of treadmills do a lot of fancy things, but if you focus on some of their most important aspects—including speed, incline, space-saving abilities, and ease of functionality—you’ll be able to find a great product without breaking the bank,” he says. To hear more about what to look for and which models are the best for the money, we chatted up a few running coaches to find out which treadmills they recommend for the most effective indoor runs.
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NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Treadmill
This treadmill (which comes with a one-year iFit subscription) is good for the average runner on a budget. According to Corinne Fitzgerald, head coach at Mile High Run Club, the on-demand running and bootcamp-style classes allow folks to switch up their routine with a variety of exercises and workouts, and for those who find themselves fumbling with the console buttons mid-run, she explains that “this model has the convenience of instant speed and incline with one tap.” Should you need more space to move around, she also likes that the wide belt is spacious enough for interval training.
The Horizon T303 is another great, relatively affordable treadmill option for people who don’t want to spend more than $1,000. It’s a favorite of Sean Fortune, owner and founder of Central Park Coaching, who likes that it’s Bluetooth compatible and has built-in speakers, so you probably won’t need to wear headphones during your workout (unless you really want to). Plus, the treadmill has two different interval options that lets you save preferred speed and incline settings, and even an extended, shock-absorbent deck that can handle heavy footfalls.
J.R. Hughes, an Atlanta-based RRCA-certified running coach, likes this ProForm 2000 model because he says it offers a good ROI for the price. “It sits at a budget-conscious price and offers several challenging workouts for walking, jogging, and running,” says Hughes, noting that 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.” Bonus: The iFit App allows you to download additional running workouts.
Here’s another treadmill at an entry-level price point. Coaches find running on this treadmill an enjoyable experience, especially Jess Movold, a certified running coach and a strength coach at The Fort NYC. “The equipment is quiet, the run feels smooth, and my favorite part is the iFit tech feature, which has virtual coaching and global running paths,” she says. “The incline and decline are also great features as it goes up to 15% and even -3% to simulate rolling hills.”
For the budget-conscious person who still wants their equipment to have a few bells and whistles, Richardson recommends trying out a ProForm treadmill. The brand has been making fitness equipment since the ‘80s, and offer great treadmills at a reasonable price point for many. Richardson describes this ProForm model as a “top of the line runner at a fraction of the cost,” which has a top speed of 12 MPH, and will incline to 15 degrees while declining to negative 3. One of the most handy features about this particular model is how it folds and out of the way when it’s not in use, which is ideal for those who don’t have a lot of open space to house workout equipment.
This NordicTrack commercial model is also popular among coaches because of its high-tech programming that allow runners to better control their workouts. For example, you can program a run while the iFit app the NordicTrack works with automatically tweaks the speeds and inclines. “I enjoy being able to do some serious hill training on this machine, since it has the ability to incline to 40% and decline to 6%,” Richardson explains. This NordicTrack also features a 32-inch touchscreen (one of the biggest the brand has designed), plus Bluetooth audio capabilities and a self-cooling motor that limits vibration while you run.
Multiple running coaches sang the praises of Woodway treadmills in general—which use slat belts that are comprised of segmented shock-absorbing slats instead of conventional flat treadmill belts—and this specific model topped their list. “I’ve been running on this Woodway for almost a decade and I can say it’s hands down the best treadmill on the market,” says Lindsey Clayton, a certified running coach, instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp, and cofounder of Brave Body Project. “You can feel the difference when you run on it compared to your standard flat belt treadmill.” Serafini agrees, adding that Woodway treadmills are very bouncy, and “do an excellent job of simulating what it feels like to run outside.”
Yusuf Jeffers, a USATF-certified track-and-field coach and an instructor at Tone House and Mile High Run Club, adds that “its unique slat belt helps reduce shock to the joints and, in my experience, mimics most closely the feel of outdoor running.” Also handy: The pro touchscreen gives you the ability to watch a movie during a long run or take a coached class or race.
Editor’s note: You can buy one of these Woodway 4Front treadmills pre-owned for as low as $7,499, or buy one new for around $14,000.
Want to be your own workhorse? Opt for this non-motorized version with a unique curved silhouette. It’s “great for those who want a zero-electricity option,” explains Toni Carey, a health-and-well-being advocate and cofounder of Black Girls RUN! Plus, “it mimics the open road while simultaneously reducing harmful shock to joints and muscles for a low-impact, dynamic workout.”
Editor’s note: You can buy one of these curved Woodway treadmills pre-owned for as low as $5,499, or buy one new with a five-year warranty for $8,995.
This model from Peloton also boasts a rubber slatted running surface that’s very similar to that of Woodway machines—which is exactly why Amanda Nurse, an elite runner and coach at the Boston-based Heartbreak Hill Running Company, likes it. Plus, she says, “it provides top-notch classes to give you extra motivation!” Just be warned that you’ll have to shell out an additional $39 per month for access to said classes as well as to compare your running stats to other striders.
Editor’s note: Peloton has temporarily paused Tread sales and deliveries due to COVID-19.
