Fitness Tips

Best Professional Treadmills For Home & Commercial Use – Reviewed & Rated

Best Value

best value professional treadmill

Sole F63

Best Overall

our top rated professional treadmill

Bowflex BXT 216

Commercial

best commercial professional treadmill

NordicTrack 2950

Professional Treadmills... Ahh yes, the holy grail of treadmills in both quality and price.

These treadmills are actually quite different than your normal run-of-the-mill options that you see at the store and online. 

In fact a professional treadmill is really the only type of treadmill that I really recommend anybody get nowadays.

They last longer, require less maintenance (if any), can be used for at-home only or commercially, and the cost is not all that much higher than your traditional treadmill options that most everybody else gets because they typically do not take the time to do an in-depth search like you are doing right now.


What Is a Professional Treadmill?

This type of treadmill is basically as close to a commercial treadmill as you can get without spending a fortune. 

A professional treadmill is designed to offer the best of both worlds in the form of functionality and performance similar to commercial grade treadmills, but the price that's closer to a runners or personal treadmill.

If you don't already know, commercial treadmills tend to cost a fortune.

But what if you don't have the budget for a quality commercial treadmill but would still like the kind of features and build quality it offers?

Well, in that case, a commercial grade treadmill is the machine for your fitness journey. It boasts a much better build quality than a personal or runners treadmill, and can handle a lot of weight and rough use.

The repairs and maintenance needs of commercial grade treadmills are far less than a typical home runners treadmill as they are typically built very heavy duty.

You can run for longer than you should on these ones and hardly ever come close to compromising its integrity. 

And if you ever decide to sell your treadmill, which I highly doubt, you can still fetch a good price for it. 

This makes them a great option as a multi-person fitness equipment – or a treadmill that will be in use for long hours every day – something a personal treadmill would struggle to handle.

Our Top Pick

Bowflex BXT 216 Folding Treadmill

our top rated professional treadmill

Editors Choice

  • Best Home Option

  • Foldable - Compact - Easy To Move

  • Excellent Bang for Your Buck - Cost Effective Option

  • Built to Last - I've owned it for 4 years - Thing is a tank

  • Highly Rated

  • Most Popular Option


Professional Treadmill vs. Traditional Treadmill 

Professional Treadmill vs. Traditional Treadmill

While we did touch upon some key differences between a professional treadmill and a traditional treadmill above, it's important to understand them in more detail.


Better Build Quality

There are many common durability issues associated with regular treadmills. 

It's not even uncommon for them to break down after a few months of use, especially if you're a bit demanding with your workout routine.

In fact, you may start having durability issues with a regular runners treadmill if you have been putting it to rough use, using it for long hours regularly, or if it's being used by heavy users.

Regular treadmills are not designed to handle these things. 

A professional treadmill, on the other hand, is very solidly built with much stronger and higher quality parts and components than its regular counterpart. 

Some of the better professional treadmills – especially the ones we have reviewed below – are particularly designed for multi-person use, meaning they would have no durability issue even after being used for long hours every day for a long period of time.

The quality, strength, durability, and the lifespan (without needing repairs or higher maintenance costs) is a big difference between a professional treadmill and a regular one.

I'm not trying to say any treadmill out there other than professional ones isn't worth it, I have used some very cool and robust self-propelled treadmills and even curved treadmills that blew my mind.


Handles More Demanding Joggers Quite a Bit Better

There are joggers that like to run on top speed, or put the treadmill through a lot of rough use. Then there are those who make those usual treadmill mistakes that most users often make. 

A regular treadmill would certainly have a hard time keeping up with such runners for a long period of time.

It would start showing signs of damage surprisingly soon, especially if it's not an expensive, high-end personal treadmill. I know of only a few treadmills that are built to take on such abuse. 

The likes of Proform 5000, NordickTrack 1750, Nautilus T616 and T618 are more than just quality cardio machines, these juggernauts are built for abuse.

But then it makes more sense to buy a professional treadmill instead of an expensive personal treadmill, as the cost would be similar but you would get much more with the former in terms of the build quality, durability, functionality and speed.

Not to mention, there are always risks associated with using a regular treadmill for heavy users. They are not just limited to the treadmill getting damaged, but may also pose a risk to the users. 

You get the peace of mind with a real professional treadmill that it won't breakdown in the middle of a workout session and leave you wondering how to get off it safely or avoid harm to yourself.

Regular treadmills are usually rated for users weighing much less than professional treadmills, meaning that the latter are a much safer, more durable and functional option for heavy users' fitness goals.

With a pro treadmill, you wouldn't have any of the other limitations that you would with a traditional runners treadmill.

A professional treadmill outdoes your traditional personal treadmill in every department, and offers you a level of workout you would never be able to get with a basic regular treadmill. 

Or if you can, not for long.


More Features and Better Functionality

A runners or regular treadmill is also much more limited with its features and functionality than a high-quality professional treadmill.

They will come with a more powerful motor, more advanced features, better functionalities, customization options, interactive coaching and virtual workouts, large LCD screens, better speed variation and the list goes on.

Just to give you a little example, our top professional treadmill that we reviewed below comes with a 4.0 CHP motor, which is much more powerful than the 2.5 CHP or even lower rated motors you get with most regular treadmills.

The same goes for the other features as well - like speed variation.

Some of the major areas where these treadmills absolutely blow away a regular one includes the following.

  • Motor – Pro treadmills come with a much more powerful motor as explained above
  • Deck area – You typically get a much large running track, more cushioned treadmill deck than with a regular treadmill, which makes the workouts much more comfortable and effective.
  • Handles heavier users easily –Using a cheap runners treadmill may pose a safety thread to heavy users, but professional treadmills are rated for users weighing up to 400 lbs
  • Great durability and stability – These treadmills boast much more durable and stronger components and parts, offering great overall durability and stability during the workouts
  • Workout programs – You get much more preset workout program with a professional treadmill, and they are all also more personalized and offer more customization than what you get with a regular treadmill
  • Advanced Functionalities –Some of the better professional treadmills adjusts according to your speed, come with many preprogrammed workouts, and allow you to create your own too
  • Ease of use – Contrary to what you feel, they can be just as easy to set up and use as regular ones, despite a much higher level of functionality, power and performance
  • Personalized feedback and coaching –You can't expect much from a personal or traditional home treadmill in terms of feedback or coaching, but a good professional treadmill like the Bowflex BXT216 reviewed below offers real-time feedback and in-workout coaching that goes a long way in motivating you and improving the effectiveness of your workouts

Best Professional Treadmills

Now that you know professional treadmills compare to regular ones, let me walk you through the best professional treadmills on the market.

Bowflex BXT 216

Best Home Professional Treadmill

Best Features

  • Adjustable according to your workout intensity with a 15% incline

  • The deck cushioning is second to none in this price range

  • The belt is not only smooth but offers a great grip

  • Virtual courses that turn out to be useful for beginners

  • The speakers aren't the best but at this price they are decent

  • Very well-written instructions that make the otherwise demanding installation process fairly easy.

  • The warranty is 2 years on the parts, 5 years on the motor, and close to lifetime frame cover at 15 years

If you want to get a gym-like workout at your home, the Bowflex BXT 216 would be right up your alley. When it comes to treadmills, Bowflex never disappoints, I previously pitched their BXT6 against the Sole F63 and it held it's own. 

While its functionality and power is comparable to a true commercial treadmill, its price tag and space-friendly design is more like that of a traditional home treadmill.

That's not saying it's a small treadmill. It still weighs a bit over 300 pounds, and is sturdy enough to allow heavy users weighing up to 400 lbs. Now that's some serious power right there!

However, its space-friendly design features a Soft Drop folding system, so that you can fold it up when you're not using it.

Folding it up and down is not difficult or time-consuming either, and shouldn't take more than 15 minutes - this ranks it up there among other home gym equipment for small space.

As mentioned above, it boasts a 4.0 CHP motor, an impressive speed variation which ranges from 0 to 12 MPH, as well as personalized, real-time feedback and hands-on coaching. The coaching support is going to come in very handy for beginners in particular.

The running area is very spacious, measuring 22” x 60”, making it comfortable to run on for heavy users. There are as many as 11 preset programs that you can activate at just the push of a button.

This makes it a very beginner-friendly professional treadmill and perfect for home use.

The color back-lit LCD display is very interactive and advanced, showing a lot of useful information while you're working out.

It's also fairly large measuring 9 inches.

There are tons of advanced features, including an automatic fan that offers 3 different speeds, USB charging ports for your smartphone and tablet, slots to hold your water bottles, tracking your improvements and so much more.

It's a true professional treadmill that supports multi-person use, and allows you to save multiple users. It's great for beginners that want to do some light exercises, as it guides them to do things like stretch movements, and also gives diet tips.

You can also listen to the Bowflex Radio while you're working out, which offers a large variety of music to make your session an enjoyable experience.

Finally, its Bluetooth connection capabilities allow you to track your progress from your smartphone or tablet. There's also the World App that offers a unique experience of exploring exotic locations while you run on your treadmill.

Final Rating

I'd love to rate it a full 10/10,but there must have been a bit more for me to be able to do so.

One of those things would be a decline functionality, while a treadmill having a bit more incline wouldn't hurt as well.

It would have also been great to have a few more years of warranty on the motor.

All that being said, I'd rate it a 9.5/10.

Sole F85

Best Home Folding Professional Treadmill

Best Features

  • An integrated tablet holder, and space for storing your water bottles so that you can stay hydrated while you work out

  • Impressively powerful audio speakers which support Bluetooth

  • USB charging for your smartphone and tablet

  • Ability to create multiple users

  • 10 preset programs, which include cardio, fat burn, interval, hill, strength, and even two “heart rate controlled” workouts

  • You can create your own two workouts, and there's a manual mode too

  • Easy to increase and lower the speed, something I think the beginners would really appreciate

  • Ability to quickly access useful information while using a specific exercise program thanks to the easy toggling convenience

Cons

  • As far as being beginner user -

  • friendly is concerned, the BXT 216 certainly has an edge over the F85 thanks to its 11 preset programs designed with beginners in mind

  • The customization features and real-time feedback and coaching of the BXT 216 is again something that makes it more beginner-friendly than the F85.

If you're after an even more durable treadmill than the BowflexBXT 216 and don't mind paying a bit more, then the Sole F85 would turn out to be your best bet.

It's one of the few on the market that comes with a lifetime warranty on motor and frame, which reflects the confidence Sole has in its durability and sturdiness.

The F85 comes with a 4.0 CHP motor too, with the speed variation being 0.5 to 12 mph. However, the operation is quieter than BXT 216, which matter for people like me who might find a bit annoying when working out.

Its rollers and flywheel are some of the largest you've ever seen, and that not only translates to a higher durability, but also a smoother exercise.

The deck is pretty spacious just like the BXT 216, measuring exactly the same at 22” x 60”.

The cushioning is top notch, with a superior shock absorbent ability which is a great plus for heavy users. The F85 is rated for users up to 400 lbs. as well.

Although this is not a fold flat treadmill the Sole F85 is our most compact professional treadmill the folding design with hydraulic assist is well thought out and saves a lot of space.

It has 30 levels of incline, the highest being at 15%.

The 10.1” backlit TFT screen console is large and functional, displaying your progress and offering easy integration with your smartphone or computer for entertainment. There's Bluetooth connectivity too for easy and wireless data sharing.

The tech integration goes as far as allowing you to sync the Sole Fitness app with other fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, which offers an easy way to manage all your home fitness activities like the number of calories burned on a daily basis.

Well, the Sole F85 model brings so many features and benefits to the table that I wouldn't be surprised if I missed out a few minor ones.

Final Rating             

Don't get me wrong. Both the Bowflex BXT 216 and the Sole F85 are excellent professional home gym machines, but after taking everything into consideration I'd say the former is a slightly better option for beginners while the latter would appeal more to heavy users and experienced runners.

It would be unfair to rate the Sole F85 anything less than 9.4/10, given its amazing durability and lifetime warranty, something which is unrivaled in its price range.

NordicTrack Commercial 2950

Best Commercial Professional Treadmill

Best Features

  • The 4.25 CHP motor makes it one of the most powerful professional treadmills money can buy.
  • The 22” HD console is very large and interactive; it's also wide, true HD quality, and allows watching the interactive iFit videos with great clarity.

  • One of the few treadmills that comes with both inclining and declining ability to offer real road running experience, it inclines up to 15% and declines up to 3%

  • As many as 40 different built-in workout programs with a great variety for different types of runners.

  • Roomy running area exactly the same as the above two treadmills at 22” x 60”.

  • Includes free iFit membership for a year that allows access to on-demand workouts with real-time trainer controls. You can also download unlimited workout programs.

  • It comes with a unique technology based on the Google Maps Street Views that allow you to replicate running environment of different terrains across the world.

  • The advanced cushioning system paves the way for a surprisingly comfortable running experience.

  • It's amazingly quiet for a heavy duty fitness equipment.

  • Bluetooth connectivity, 3-inch stereo speakers, space-saving foldable design, self-cooling functionality, shock-absorbent deck, precision non-flex rollers and much more

If the budget is not an issue for you and you prefer a true commercial treadmill over professional treadmills, then you can't go wrong with the Commercial 2950.

There are a lot of things that make it stand out from other professional or commercial treadmills out there. And yes, if you love treadmills with screen, you'll definitely fall for this one.

Let's get to the 10 most important features above.

Final Rating

I think the rating would vary a bit depending on how comfortable a user is paying the iFit membership fees after the free first year should you decide to pay to keep using it. 

If it's not a problem at all, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is a great choice deserving of a 9.5/10 for a commercial treadmill.

I'm particularly impressed with its advanced functionality offering tons of bells and whistles and the real-time trainer feedback with the iFit is unmatched in its category.

NordicTrack 1750

Best Light Commercial Professional Treadmill

Best Features

  • A 3.75 CHP motor
  • A spacious running area measuring 22” x 60”, the same as all the three professional treadmills reviewed above

  • Advanced flexibility with 15% auto adjust incline and up to 3% decline to match user's fitness levels.

  • iFit membership (1st year for free) – one of the most unique features of a NordicTrack treadmill

  • Interactive 10” touchscreen that serves as the gateway to advanced interactive workouts with live personal trainer support, ability to experience global terrains right from your home and real-time workout tracking

  • Offers total-body training through its cross-training workout training

  • As many as 50 different workout programs – among the highest in its category and great for beginners to hit the ground running with their workouts

  • Thick belt helps ensure quiet operation

  • Great flexibility in terms of cushioning, as you can both keep it on or off depending on your preferences and how “hard” you want to make the workout for you

  • A neat luxury feature in the AutoBreeze fans for fantastic cool downs while you workout

  • Foldable design

  • Rated for users weighing up to 300 lbs

  • Bluetooth connectivity

  • Two powerful speakers producing great sound

  • Warranty: 10 years on the frame and 2 years on the motor and parts

If you're looking for a commercial treadmill without breaking the bank, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 would hit the spot for you.

While not as advanced or powerful as the Commercial 2950 we reviewed above, it's perfect for light commercial use.

Final Rating

Overall, it's a wise investment for anyone looking for access to the advanced iFit coaching and training system and commercial treadmill functionalities at such a bargain.

But the motor isn't quite as powerful as some of the other pro treadmills and this is something that could be a concern for heavy users.

For a commercial treadmill at this price point though, it's an acceptable trade-off. But not without taking a star off, so I'd rate it a 9.0/10.

NordicTrack Commercial X32i

Best for Interactive Training

Best Features

  • 4.25 CHP motor

  • Free iFit membership for a year

  • 50 different workout programs

  • Self-cooling functionality

  • Bluetooth connectivity coupled with impressive speakers

  • 10 years warranty on the frame, and 2 years and one year on motor (and other parts) and labor, respectively

  • Speed variation range is 0 to 12 MPH

  • Lots of programming options for advanced users

Cons

  • The max weight limit is 300 lbs, which is the same as the other treadmills we reviewed above. The Commercial X32i is priced at least twice as high as these treadmills. So I expected more on this front.

  • No storage space for your water bottles or smartphone. The monster screen takes all the space.

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i is like working out with your own personal trainer. It comes with an incredibly large 32” interactive touchscreen console.

The iFit trainers control all the important aspects of your workout in real-time, making you feel as if you're training at a high-end gym with some of the most experience trainers assisting you.

It has all the bells and whistles of the other two NordicTrack treadmills we reviewed above, but a lot of other advanced features too. Its incline and decline capacity in particular is very impressive, going from a 6% decline to a 40% incline.

The deck is another area that stands out from other treadmills. It's designed to offer the same experience as running outdoors.

The size of the track is the same as the other treadmills we have reviewed above, measuring 22” x 60”. But its flexibility is far better than them all.

It also comes with advanced cushioning, with varying levels of shock absorption depending on the side of the track you're running on.

Final Rating

I'd give it two different ratings. For advanced users that weigh less than 250 pounds, it would probably be the best treadmill in the world.

I wouldn't hesitate giving it a glowing 9/10 if I was one of them.

However, things get a little less impressive if you're a heavy user and not really fond of advanced functionalities or all the cool bells and whistles it comes with. For such type of users the X32i would probably be more like a 8/10.

3G Cardio Elite

Best Professional Treadmill For Long Distance Runners

Best Features

  • 4.0 CHP motor
  • Excellent For Long Distance Runners

  • A larger running area measuring 22” x 62”, something worth noting for heavy users

  • Speed variating range is 5 to 12 MPH, which is actually a bit limited compared to other comparable treadmills, and makes the workout more challenging for beginners

  • Rated for users weighing up to 400 lbs, which is much higher than the NordicTrack Commercial X32i we reviewed above

  • The incline range is up to 15%, no decline

  • A few preset programs to help beginners get started quickly

  • Multi-fan cooling actually offers decent cooling and comes in pretty handy

  • Built-in speakers

  • Heavy duty with great stability even at high pace

  • Lifetime warranty on motor and frame for residential use, and 5 years on motor, frame and parts each for commercial use

This is another great commercial treadmill but from a lesser-known brand. However, that doesn't take anything away from its overall performance and durability.

Final Rating

If you couldn't already tell, this treadmill is designed with long distance runners in mind. The large running area, higher user weight rating, and great stability and durability are all reasons this treadmill could turn out to be a perfect fit for marathon runners or people who like to jog for long distances.

I see no reason to rate it any less than 9.5 for long distance runners. Other users who do not do long distance running, however, would find a better option in some of the other treadmills we reviewed above like the Bowflex BXT 216.

Sole F63

Best Bang For Your Buck Professional Treadmill

Best Features

  • A 3.0 CHP motor which is in line with my expectations at this price point
  • A slightly smaller track than the treadmills above measuring 20” x 60”, but nothing major

  • Up to 15% incline – I wouldn't expect anything better here

  • 10 preset workout programs and two user profiles – Not the best, but it would be enough for most users

  • Max weight capacity is 325 lbs, which is pretty much in the range budget treadmills offer

  • Great shock-absorbent foldable deck design

  • Stable surface that makes running comfortable

  • Speed variation: 0.5 to 12 MPH

  • LCD screen allows tracking your progress, but without any bells and whistles

  • Foldable frame design

  • Lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor, and 3 years on the parts

  • Bluetooth, audio speakers, cooling fans, tablet and water bottle holders, and a USB charging port – extras budget users would be grateful to get in this price range

The Sole F63 is the best balance of price and functionality a budget user can find on the market. It offers pretty much everything an advanced professional treadmill offers, but for a much lower price.

But what's the best thing I like about it?

The solid construction with heavy duty parts and components has impressed me more than anything else. And this is what I love about this treadmill.

Given the price point limitations, Sole decided to do away with the extras and bells and whistles and focused on the basics, and in my opinion got it spot on.

This is a great durable professional treadmill offering incredible value for your money.

Final Rating

I'd like to make it clear that although it's a great treadmill, it's better-suited for budget shoppers. For those with a higher budget would find much better options in the other treadmills we reviewed above.

But for users who can't afford anything better, this would be a solid 9/10 treadmill for them.

Best Features

  • A 3.25 CHP motor which is better than F63's 3.0 CHP motor
  • 30 preset workout programs, much higher than F63's 10 programs, which is good for beginners

  • Max weight capacity is 350 lbs while the F63 is rated for 325 lbs

  • Adjustable cushioning as you can turn it on and off as per your workout needs and preferences

  • Lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor, while the deck and parts come with a 5-year and 2-year warranty, respectively

The XTERRA TRX4500 is another great budget professional treadmill. A lot of the features are similar to the Sole F63 we reviewed above, including a 20” x 60” running area, up to 15% power incline, foldable design, and 0.5 to 12 MPH.

Why is it ranked lower than the Sole F63 then?

While the TRX4500 certainly offers some advantages over the Sole F63, the latter still has an edge in the form of a much more durable and heavy duty construction.

That's not saying the TRX4500 is not durable, but Sole treadmills are usually in a class of their own when it comes to the overall construction and build quality.

They are tanks

Furthermore, there's one drawback associated with the TRX4500 and that's a relatively weaker cushioning system. So for long-term use, the Sole F63 does turn out to be a winner.

Final Rating

All things considered, the XTERRA TRX4500 is worthy of at least a 9/10 rating. 

If you're not a heavy user and do not have to worry much about the durability, the TRX4500 would be an even better option for you.


Professional Treadmill Shoppers – Here’s How to Buy the Best One

Professional Treadmill Shoppers – Here’s How to Buy the Best One

While all the professional treadmills we reviewed above are the best options you will find on the market, the exact best option for you may boil down to your needs and preferences.

So let us give you some specific suggestions below.


Do You Want to Do Interactive Training Workouts?

If you're a beginner and would have to rely a lot on expert advice and help from trainers in realtime, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i would turn out to be your best bet.

NordicTrack Commercial X32i - Do You Want to Do Interactive Training Workouts - Professional Treadmill Shoppers – Here’s How to Buy the Best One

It comes with a massive 32” interactive touchscreen and free iFit membership for one year to help you do just that.


Do You Need a Treadmill for Home Use or Commercial Use?

This is a very important consideration, as you will have two very different set of options depending on whether you're looking for a treadmill for home use or commercial use.

Best Treadmill for Home Use

                                       

The Bowflex BXT 216 is as good as it can get for home use

It has all the features you will ever need, it's super sturdy and durable, and it's capable of handling heavy users and long hours of use.

The Bowflex BXT 216 - best for home use - Professional Treadmill Shoppers – Here’s How to Buy the Best One

It also saves a lot of space in your home with its low profile foldable design. What else can you ask for?

Best Treadmill for Commercial Use

I don’t think there’s a commercial treadmill offering a better value for money than the NordicTrack Commercial 2950.

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 -Best Treadmill for Commercial Use - Professional Treadmill Shoppers – Here’s How to Buy the Best One

The impressively powerful motor, large interactive touchscreen, both incline and decline functionality, advanced cushioning system, iFit membership and surprisingly quiet operation are all hard to find in a commercial treadmill that doesn't cost a ton.


Treadmill Cost – How Much Do You Have to Spend?

Treadmill Cost – How Much Do You Have to Spend

A treadmill isn't something you would want to cheap out on. Cheap treadmills that don't offer the required stability (especially if you're one of the tallest runners around) or durability are not only going to reduce the effectiveness of your exercise, but may also make you vulnerable to an accident in case something goes wrong.

And don't even get me started on how annoying it is to take care of their maintenance needs. If you're a heavy user, you would probably end up spending more on a cheap treadmill's repairs and maintenance than you would buying a better option like a professional treadmill.

Would you really be fine with that kind of limitations? I bet not!

However, that's not saying the budget shouldn't be a factor to consider at all. In fact, we have considered the cost as an important factor for each of the treadmill we picked and reviewed in this post.

The treadmills we have reviewed offer the best bang for your buck. They are all a great balance of budget (price) and impressive specs, features, functionality, and performance.


Treadmill Warranty

Treadmill Warranty

The warranty is also an important factor to consider when buying a treadmill. It's surprising how many buyers overlook this aspect of the treadmill and do not even read the warranty terms.

It's easy to think you're getting a great deal at a cheap price until you actually read the warranty terms and conditions.

Some treadmills mention that their warranty would only be applicable if the treadmill is used for personal or residential use only, and not commercial use.

That said, all the treadmills we reviewed above offer a pretty good warranty, some much longer than the others. And the good news is that all of them have a very high weight capacity, meaning there would be no issues with the warranty period even for heavy users.

Coming to the specific suggestion on this front, nothing beats the Sole F85's lifetime warranty on both the motor and frame. A rock-solid warranty on a rock-solid treadmill.


How Much the Screen Size Matters to You?

How Much the Screen Size Matters to You

The screen size is another factor that many users overlook, but they really shouldn't. This is especially true for beginners or users looking to get expert support.

A large screen with coaching or trainer support can make the workouts very interactive and can help beginners get started easily.

And if interactive workouts and a large screen appeal to you, then you would want to go with either the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 or the X32i.

Both offer pretty much the same features as far as their “screen” functionality is concerned, but the X32i boasts a massive 32” HD display while the Commercial 2950 offers a 22” HD screen.

The screens are also water resistant and the HD quality is as good as anything you may have seen. Then there's the coaching videos, iiFit community and awesome workout program.


Beginners vs. Advanced Users: Usage and Preferences?

While all the treadmills above are great choices for both beginners and advanced users in general, some may turn out to be better than the others depending on the usage and preferences of the users.

Some of the important features beginners would want to look for

  • diverse range of preset workouts

  • Speed variation should start from 0 or a near 0 point, so that beginners can take their time before being comfortable switching up to higher speeds

  • Spacious running track – all our professional treadmills above come with a very spacious user friendly deck, and if it can automatically adjust the incline, then the better.

  • Cushioning system – Beginners could really do with some cushioning support when working out, so this is important factor too, treadmills with cushioning systems are also great for people with bad knees or who are coming back from a knee injury.

  • Training and coaching videos – So that a beginner isn't forced to spend hours finding some useful and accurate information on YouTube. Also nowadays there are exercise apps like Zwift, which is compatible with a lot of treadmills, these apps give you a gamified running experience, making things fun and helping you stay motivated.

  • Shock-absorbent design and stability is a must for beginners; they may not be able to handle a shaky track when they are working out at higher speeds

  • A large LCD screen would be helpful too, as it would make it easy to track progress and get important information easily

  • If you're an absolute beginner, getting a treadmill with the iFit membership would be a great help.

Now, what should the advanced users look for?

  • powerful motor that would easily be able to handle more demanding workouts

  • More than the preset workout programs, being able to customize the workout programs, build their own ones, and the ability to customize the functionality of the treadmill in general would matter more to advanced users

  • A higher incline and the ability to decline may not be necessary for all advanced users, but still a great feature to have

  • The speed variation range – higher the better

  • While the cushioning system would be important to advanced users too, they would preferably want to have a system they can adjust to match their varying workout needs.

  • Stability – the treadmill should be able to handle the demanding workouts without making the workout condition difficult for the user

  • Warranty is more important for advanced users than beginners, as they are more likely to need it


Should I just run outside instead of buying a treadmill? 

Well, if you really could go out and run every day, you probably wouldn't even be reading this right now!

The thing is, we aren't really good at leaving the comfort of our home for running outside, at least not regularly.

But a treadmill can go a long way in filling this “motivation” gap. As all you would need to do is jump on the treadmill and get running, you would be much more likely to do it regularly than running outdoors.


Top Treadmill Brands

While we have only reviewed professional treadmills from reputed brands in this post. Sure, there are also other unsung brands like life fitness and the likes, but some brands are definitely more reliable than the others.

And when it comes to the top treadmill brands out there, there's little doubt that Bowflex, Sole, and NordicTrack sit right at the top of the list.

Let us quickly review these top treadmill brands below.


Bowflex

Bowflex - Top Treadmill Brands

Bowflex is actually owned by the Nautilus, but it has emerged as a better and more popular brand than its “parent” brand when it comes to treadmills. In fact, it's one of the most popular brands for professional treadmills.

And one of the biggest factors that has made it one of the best treadmills brands is the great balance of price and functionality it offers.

While many similar brands offer expensive treadmills that come with a lot of bells and whistles, Bowflex sticks to the basics and focuses on allowing its users to get a gym-like workout from the comfort of their home gym.

You would be hard-pressed to get a better value for your money than with a Bowflex treadmill when buying a professional treadmill for home use.


Sole

Sole - Top Treadmill Brands

Sole is another brand that offers a great value for money with all its treadmills. However, there are some major differences between Sole and some other brands out there.

Sole puts a lot of focus on the durability and stability of its treadmills over advanced functionalities and extra bells and whistles. This is especially true for the treadmills it sells at the more budget price points.

Some of its more expensive commercial grade ellipticals and treadmills also come with advanced functionalities and a lot of extras, but it's the budget treadmills where it really enjoys an edge over the other brands.

The budget options it offers like the Sole F63 turn out to be surprisingly durable for their price, while also offering all the features you would need for a complete workout.

Sole's confidence in the durability of its professional treadmills is evident in the fact that it offers a lifetime warranty on both the motor and frame with its top professional treadmill, the Sole F85.


NordicTrack

NordicTrack - Top Treadmill Brands

If you have some coin to spend, NordicTrack is your brand. 

It's hands-down the best brand if you're looking to purchase a commercial treadmill or a high-end treadmill with tons of advanced features and functionalities.

NordickTrack has a machine for everyone really. From these robust bad boys built to stand strenuous use by those doing cardio to build muscle, to small treadmills for seniors that are designed for lighter use.

While their professional treadmills aren't for budget buyers, they come with pretty much everything imaginable in a treadmill.

However, one of the most unique and highlighting features of NordicTrack treadmills if the iFit membership. It allows users to get a professional workout, assisted by a professional trainer in real time.


FAQ Most Treadmill Buyers Have

Many users may be looking to buy a professional treadmill for the first time. If that's you and and you have many questions about it, here are some more answers.


Who should buy a treadmill?

If you are building a home gym set up or are just simply needing a treadmill that is going to last you, give you your money's worth, and allow you to skip the local gym membership fees and hassle then you are probably in store to buy one.


I'm A Bodybuilder, is a Professional Treadmill  Best For Me

If you want a treadmill that is going to last you, one that is maintenance free, and one that does not cost a ton, then yes a professional treadmill is going to be your best option if you are wanting a treadmill for your bodybuilding home gym set up.


Can Pro or Commercial Grade Treadmills Workout Be as Effective as Running Outdoors?

Although it has been debated whether treadmills are bad for knees, they are not, as long as you use it right. 

As a matter of fact, running on a treadmill can be more effective than running outside. 

You get to create a customized workout or running environment, and don't have to deal with any obstacles as you do when running outdoors. 

This makes a treadmill workout perfect for seniors and for people with bad knees who would otherwise be running on the concrete rather than a cushioned treadmill deck.


What CHP do I need?

CHP basically means continuous horse power. A lot depends on your workouts and your body weight. If you plan to run or jog on the treadmill, you will need more chp rating than someone who would only be walking during their workouts.

Similarly, a user weighing 300 pounds or more would certainly need a higher CHP than someone weighing under 200 pounds.

But to get a little specific, here are a few general rules of thumb.

  • A runner would ideally need 3.0 CHP

  • A jogger would be fine with around 2.5 CHP

  • A walker would have no problem with a treadmill offering 2.0 CHP

Now, coming to the weight, there are some easy rules here too.

  • Users weighing up to 200 pounds should simply follow the above suggestion, depending on their use.

  • If you weigh more than 200 pounds, you may need to add 0.5 to 1.0 CHP to the above suggestions depending on your exact weight.


What's the ideal weight capacity I should look for?

Good question! A lot of users make the mistake of only looking for the exact weight capacity as their weight.

You would ideally want the max weight capacity to be at least 20% more than your current weight. A treadmill that has a higher weight capacity will provide you with the stability you need to have a comfortable and effective workout.


Are Preset Workout Programs Helpful?

They are definitely helpful, especially for beginners. If you have never worked out on your own, preset workout programs will help you get started easily.

The treadmills we reviewed above offer different types of preset workouts depending on your workout requirements, which should cover pretty much every type of user.


Professional or Commercial Treadmills? Which is best for home use?

This is a simple one. If you're looking for a treadmill for home use, you don't even need to consider the commercial treadmills.

Professional treadmills like the ones above or a perfect mix of in between commercial and residential. They are built better, cost less, and are more compact than commercial treadmills.


Do you need different shoes when using the treadmill?

I would suggest you buy a pair of treadmill running shoes if you are planning on doing anything other than walking on your treadmill. The reason for this is treadmill running shoes are designed to keep your feet supported with the extra padding and ankle support which allows for a comfortable and effective workout.

Recommended Readings;

Sources:

Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page

Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now. My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future. I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics. My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics. Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward. You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page