Although definitely not as inexpensive as resistance bands or yoga mats, a treadmill is an investment that’ll see you through years (decades even); and is great for endurance, weight loss, building muscle and supporting general wellbeing.
“Treadmills are great as they are perfect for individuals at all fitness levels, you can simply begin by walking at a steady pace and lead to running on an incline,” says Fitness Category Manager Russell Crosdale at Appliances Online.
What type of treadmill is best for home use?
“When purchasing a treadmill it is important to ask yourself the first question: ‘why are you purchasing this?'” says Appliances Online expert Russell, “It is for injury or rehabilitation, events or sport, or just general fitness?”
Injury or rehabilitation
“Look for cushioned running pads and strong and sturdy walking handles to aid in mobility and provide confidence when using the machine. Using the machine on an incline or decline for injury rehabilitation will allow targeted training for specific muscle groups.”
Sport or an event
“Long distance runners would benefit from a longer and wider belt and do not necessarily require the incline or decline function. Professional walkers or runners would even benefit from extra cushioning inside the belt.”
General fitness
“Depending on your fitness level, a walking treadmill is a great addition to any household as it can work for every family member. These are low impact machines with a max speed of 6km/h.”
2024’s top treadmills to shop
1. Proform Pro 9000 PF21 treadmill, $2795, Rebel Sport
2. Oakleigh Home Aerose electric treadmill, $319 (usually $369), Temple & Webster
3. Endurance SPT treadmill, $1099 (usually $1299), Amazon
7 best treadmills for your home workout in 2024
With different features and personal fitness goals in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best treadmills currently available that’ll help you get your steps up at home.
The best incline treadmill
Endurance SPT treadmill, $1099 (usually $1299), Amazon
The Endurance SPT is the bestselling treadmill on Amazon and not without reason. Versatile and somewhat affordably priced, this model includes everything one could want for their cardio session, featuring: rubber cushioning shock absorption, 16 incline levels, speeds up to 20km/hr and workout programs. Plus, with pulse sensors, USB charger, dual speakers, a tablet holder, you’re also sorted in the entertainment department.
“This treadmill packs in the features and for the price you will not get any better,” wrote a five star reviewer, “it is very sturdy and surprisingly quiet”.
Key features:
- MP3 Plug-in via auxiliary 3.5mm Cable
- Built-in dual high quality speakers
- iPad/tablet/magazine holder
- Hand pulse sensors
- Built-in mobility with hydraulic assisted folding and transportation wheels
The best treadmill for runners
Lifespan Fitness Boost-R treadmill, $1356.95, Amazon
Perfect for the runner working towards a goal, this Lifespan Fitness treadmill features 18 levels out automatic incline, shock control advanced cushioning system, a heart rate reading, speed up to 18km/hr and a 2.75 CHP EverDrive motor. You’ll be prepared for that half-marathon in no time.
Key features:
- 24 Preset Programs, 3 Custom User programs
- Featuring advanced 2.75 CHP EverDrive Motor
- LCD Colour display
- Extended 18 levels of automatic incline
The best walking treadmill
Oakleigh Home Aerose electric treadmill, from $289 (usually $369), Temple & Webster
If you’re looking for something more leisurely paced, why not give a walking treadmill a whirl? This machine is designed for walking and could be used under a standing desk – meaning you can hit your daily step count while working from home. With a compact design and a mobile phone holder, this treadmill from Temple & Webster is great for those with smaller homes.
“Perfect size for my apartment, easy to fold away and use,” wrote a reviewer who gave five stars.
Key features:
- Wide running belt
- High strength composite running board
- Durable and anti-slip running belt
- Variable speed controls
- Shock absorption for better knee protection
- Lightweight & convenient tablet holder
- Foldable armrest for easy storage
The best foldable treadmill
LSG Quiet EverDrive electric treadmill, $649, Amazon
The LSG Quiet EverDrive is user-friendly with 12 preset training programs, ShockControl cushioning for your joints, a LCD display tracking your stats, and a max speed of 14km/hr. It’s foldable which makes it easy to store when not in use, has three levels of manual incline and features a quiet H2 motor. This treadmill is what you call a smooth operator.
“This product has exceeded my expectations,” wrote one happy five star-reviewer, “It is solid and sturdy and is easy to operate and provides a variety of exercise levels to choose from”.
Key features:
- EverDrive H2 Motor
- Max speed of 14km/
- LCD display tracks stats
- 12 preset training programs
- Foldable to easily store
- 3 levels of manual incline
- ShockControl Cushioning suspension
The best treadmill with screen
Proform Pro 9000 PF21 treadmill, $2795, Rebel Sport
When it comes to luxe treadmills, the Proform Pro 9000 PF21 is pretty up there. In addition to the standard electric treadmill features, this model includes a swipeable HD display controlling your music, an inbuilt fan to keep you cool and ReboundPro cushioning to support you joints. Talk about running in luxury.
“Recommend to spend a little extra and get this one if you can,” one reviewer who gave five stars wrote, “Wide and longer belt is good for long strides. Good cushions to reduce impact on knees”.
Key features:
- 30 day IFIT membership included for new members
- Massive 21.5in swipeable HD display
- Dual 2 inch speakers
- Incorporated device shelf
- Rebound Pro cushioning
- In-built CoolAire fans
Available at:
- $3199 from Proform Fitness
The best treadmill for rehabilitation
Lifespan Fitness Pursuit Max treadmill, $977, Appliances Online
Ideal for those undergoing rehabilitation, this Lifespan Fitness treadmill is equipped with 15 levels of automatic incline to target specific muscle groups, a shock control system for support, 15 pre-set workouts and speed up to 16km/hr. Plus, it can be folded and transported with its wheels easily around the home.
- 15 pre-set workouts
- 2.5 CHP EverDrive® H4X Motor
- Variable speed up to 16km/h
- 15 levels of automatic incline
- ShockControl Cushioning System
- HydraAssist Soft Drop Folding
- Spacious DuraGrip Running Belt
The best treadmill for beginners
Lifespan Fitness Apex treadmill, $1277, Amazon
Compact and easily folded, this treadmill will be a great asset to your makeshift gym. With speeds up to 18km/hr, a grippy belt, bluetooth connectivity, 24 preset workout programs and ShockControl cushioning, you can tailor your at-home cardio session to your own comfort.
“Great treadmill. Definitely worth the money. Great for running. Would recommend,” wrote a five star reviewer.
Key features:
- HydraAssist folding for compact storage
- 1.0kph to 18kph speed
- 3.25 CHP EverDrive® H6 Motor
- ShockControl cushioning system
- 7″ LCD Display
- MP3 Plug-in (AUX 3.5mm)
- Bluetooth connectivity for music playback and Fitlink App
- DuraGrip belt
- 24 pre-set workout programs
What treadmill features are important to look out for?
Before investing in a treadmill for the home, Russell notes it is important to consider features in a model that’ll assist with your fitness goals – as well as asking yourself when and how you’ll be using the machine.
Incline and decline
“This is the ability for the machine to rise and give you the impression of walking or running up or down a hill. It is great for training calves, thighs and glutes.”
Wifi
“Some machines have WiFi compatibility meaning you are able to connect your smartphone to your machine. You can then follow along a workout on your phone or stream your favourite music or TV shows. Having this compatibility is great to keep you engaged during your workout.”
Heart rate monitor
“Having a heart rate monitor built into your treadmill is especially useful if you are using the machine for rehabilitation or weight loss. The heart rate monitor gives you real time updates on your heart’s health and alerts you to safe zones, whilst also highlighting intensity levels during training.”
Bluetooth
“Having Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stay connected throughout your workout. This is an important feature if you are squeezing in your workout during a break at work or on call. These machines usually have a charging port as well making it easy for you to charge your phone and stream music.”
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