Working out is tough to say the least! It’s hard to find the time to hit the gym after a long day of work or an afternoon of driving kids to soccer, dance, and more. Thankfully, you can bring workout equipment home with you! The treadmill is the perfect ally for losing weight, getting in better shape, and for feeling healthy and happy.
Finding the perfect treadmill for running is not easy. You want one that’s durable, yet well priced. It needs to last and feel sturdy as you run. Too many treadmills are cheaply made and feel wobbly when in use, even on the lowest setting.
You also want a treadmill with great features. In the past, treadmills had only start, stop, and speed buttons. Now, they come equipped with everything from heart rate monitors and workout programs to a full entertainment systems and touch screen monitors.
The best way to find a great treadmill is to read reviews. You can learn a little about the basic functions of the machine as well as get a sense of the overall user experience. To get you started on your search for the ideal, modern treadmill of the year, here are some of the top treadmill reviews of 2016.
LifeSpan TR 1200i
This treadmill is perfect for small spaces because it can fold for easy storage. It’s slightly smaller as well and supports individuals weighing up to 300 pounds. The small size doesn’t mean it lacks on features. It has built-in speakers and auxiliary hookups so you can listen to music without pesky earphones. There’s also a step counter and several different workout programs to meet anyone’s wishes.
Perhaps the best part of this small but powerful machine is its lower price tag. It retails at $999, which fits easily into most budgets without sacrificing high value.
NordicTrack C1650
You might recognize the popular brand, since they make a variety of cardio-centric sports equipment, particularly great treadmills. This mill, starting at $1,299, can be easily folded for storage and is nothing short on features. It has a full screen display with built-in Wi-Fi and auxiliary plugs so you can remain constantly connected.
The machine itself is superior quality with adjustable FlexSelect cushioning to reduce impact for those with weak knees or ankles. IT can also be adjusted to a firmer level that’s much like running on the road.
SOLE F85
The SOLE F85 is a little pricier, starting at $1,799, but it’s an excellent machine for those who spend a lot of time running on the treadmill. It has a 4.0 CHP motor, which is tough enough to handle hard and lengthy workouts. You can also use a variety of integrated treadmill workouts and add your own custom workouts if you don’t like what you see there.
It has a full screen display for simple and fully integrated entertainment. It also has cup and phone holders, heart rate monitors, tracking, and a foldable design. This treadmill has all the bells and whistles and is perfect for those who train regularly.
Horizon T9
The reviews for the Horizon T9 are some of the best. This machine folds for easy storage and has everything you could hope for. It’s designed for runners who love high speeds and long runs. It has a responsive motor that prevents lags or surges for a steady run.
The high definition display is a touchscreen for integrated entertainment. You can even program it to show images of the great outdoors as you run to keep things more interesting. Because it connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can send all workout information to an integrated app to save time on tracking later on.
It’s one of the more expensive treadmills at $1,899, but if you want value and a durable treadmill for long, fast runs, this is a great option.
ProForm Sport 9.0 S
Here’s another highly affordable treadmill starting at $949. It’s one of the best reviewed treadmills for the price. Like the LifeSpan TR 1200i, it’s compact and easy to fold upright and store in small spaces.
Unlike the LifeSpan model, this more affordable mill has more entertainment speakers, including an integrated display, audio port, speakers, iFit capability, tablet holder, and more.
Freemotion 2500 GS
For those who need a heavy duty treadmill that can handle race speeds and marathon lengths, the FreeMOtion 2500 GS has been rated the best machine possible. It’s iFit and Google Maps enabled with a full-color 10 inch touch screen display. You can expect all the technological perks on this machine. You can also clip a tablet to the top of the treadmill to watch a movie or sports while you run.
It’s also one of the most powerful machines on the market with a 4.25 chp motor. The belt requires little maintenance, and it recalibrates with every step to ensure there’s no lag or surge. It’s high priced at $2,145, but the serious runner will greatly benefit from such a well-equipped home machine.
NordicTrack X9i
Anyone who has used Nordic Track’s treadmills shouldn’t be surprised to see the brand name show up twice on this list of reviews. This is one of their more technologically advanced treadmills for running with a full color, high-definition, 7-inch, web-enabled touch screen. It’s integrated with GoogleMaps and offers beautiful displays to watch while running. You can also check email, surf social media, and watch videos on the web.
The performance is top notch as well. The X9i model is rated the top treadmill for incline with up to 40 percent incline available. With Reflex cushioning that absorbs more shock, those with joint problems can experience an excellent workout without the hurt.
ProForm Pro 2000
For home use, the ProForm Pro 2000 is highly recommended, particularly for its space efficiency. The variety of workouts available on this machine offer several choices to any exerciser, including incline, decline, and 24 built-in workouts that can be personalized to your preferences.
The tech features are highly impressive with an 8 inch display and iFit Live integration. You can also plug in your phone or MP3 player to listen to music while you run. At $1,299, this high value treadmill is a steal!