“treadmill every day
I hate the mundane things they say
The boredom sets in nine to five
At night that’s when I come alive.” This is how the popular song goes, and I wouldn’t say it is far from the truth. If you work nine-to-five in front of a computer, you need to hit the treadmill at the gym after work to unwind. But why pay for a gym membership card when you can have a treadmill at home?
In this post, I will be looking at some of the best treadmills you can buy online for under $1,000. Along the way, I will also answer some of the hottest questions about treadmills.
For example, why do you need to put a special mat under your treadmill before you start using it? First, let’s see what a treadmill is and how it works.
What Is A Treadmill?
Modern treadmills let you walk, run and climb while watching your favorite TV show in the living room. However, the first treadmills used animal or human power to grind grain, crush olives to extract the oil, etc.
Around the 1820s, an English engineer named Sir William Cubitt invented a punishment treadmill that used prisoners’ muscle power to do practical work. His invention remained in use until a century later.
Why Do You Need A Treadmill?
As I said, you need a treadmill to unwind after a hard day at work. A ten-minute workout on the treadmill keeps your heart healthier and your brain fresher. But going to the gym to use one takes time and costs money. If you buy a good treadmill for under $1,000, your investment will pay off in less than a year.
Treadmills are also for professional runners who want to keep in shape in the winter months. Other professional athletes such as footballers, rugby players, and cyclists also use treadmills in their workouts.
How To Choose The Best Treadmill?
There are several things you should keep in mind when shopping for a treadmill. Your perfect home running strip should provide a good balance of all factors that I am going to highlight below.
Budget
The first thing one thinks of when planning a purchase is their budget. In this case, we have already pinned it at $1,000 or less. My personal experience shows that the cheaper a device is, the more inferior its quality. Treadmills make no exception, so don’t go too far below $1,000.
You should also add the ensuing shipping and installation costs. Shipping rates vary between $125 and $800. Because treadmills are heavy, shipping one from overseas with regular postage is a huge rip-off. Instead, you should try to shop locally or use a specialized gym equipment shipper like Shiply or FreightCenter.
If you live in an apartment, you’ll probably need to carry your treadmill up the stairs. You can call in a friend or hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting for you. This service will add up to your treadmill’s cost.
Motor Power
Treadmills’ motors’ power is measured in CHP (continuous horsepower. Please note that the heavier the user is, the more powerful the treadmill’s motor should be, so always check the maximum user weight indicated on the device.
Treadmills meant for continuous use have motors of 3 CHP and above.
Within the $1,000 price range, it is realistic to look for a treadmill with a 1.5 CHP motor.
Belt Size
The rule is that the taller the user, the wider and longer the treadmill’s belt should be. If you plan to use it for running, you should pick up one with a wider belt. For example, if you are about six feet tall, you should be looking at treadmills with at least 54-inch-long and 18-inch-wide belts.
Computer
Modern treadmills have computers showing the user’s heart rate, distance, speed, and calories burnt during the workout. There are smart treadmills that connect to the internet and your fitness bracelet via wi-fi and Bluetooth, but these usually cost more than $1,000.
Anyway, I think you should choose a treadmill whose computer has a few pre-loaded workout modes and is easy to set up.
How much space have you got?
Before you go shopping for a treadmill, you should figure out how much of your living space you can sacrifice. You should leave at least two feet of space on each side for safe use and at least three feet at the rear.
As a rule, stationary models are more stable and robust, but they also require a lot of space to install and use. Foldable treadmills are more compact, but they are still heavy. Also, most of these models have no sidebars, so users should exercise with caution.
How to properly install a treadmill?
All even the quietest treadmill models make some vibrations and noise. This is a problem, especially if you live in an apartment. To eliminate vibration and muffle operational noise, you must place a special mat under your treadmill.
Good treadmill mats cost $80-$120. They are made from abrasion and wear-resistant rubber that protects your home’s floor from the treadmill’s vibrations and absorbs most of the noise that it makes.
Also, you should not install your treadmill close to a heat source or directly under an air conditioner. If it needs electric power to run, always plug it directly into the socket without an extension cord.
5 Best Treadmills Under $1000
1. Xterra Fitness TR6.4 Treadmill
The TR6.4 by Exterra Fitness is a formidable folding treadmill. It features a superior design and outstanding build quality. TR6.4 is as close as you can get to having a professional, gym-class treadmill at home.
The robust design and the wide running surface make TR6.4 suitable for big guys, while the powerful motor generates a very high running speed.
Price
Xterra Fitness has slashed this treadmill’s price to $950 from $1,600 with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Even so, it is at the top of our $1,000 budget. The good news is that you can space out your purchase in monthly installments as low as $44 per month. Some financing options have an APR as low as 0%, so it’s worth checking them out.
Technical Specs
This treadmill has assembled dimensions of 75.2″ L x 35″ W x 54.1″ H and weighs 209 pounds. It supports a maximum user weight of 325 pounds on its 20″ x 58″ belt reinforced by the patented 2-ply Duraweave technology. TR6.4 is powered by a 2.75 HP motor that generates a maximum speed of 12 mph to satisfy professional runners and amateur enthusiasts.
TR6.4 has twelve incline options that can be adjusted from the console. The console is equipped with a 6.5-inch LCD showing the selected training mode, time, speed, pace, distance, and calories burned. You can either grab the two sidebar sensors or use a compatible chest strap to see your heart rate.
This model supports two user profiles, each with six pre-programmed training modes and a manual setup option. You can easily fold TR6.4 and slide it under the bed with the LiftAssist function when you are done. The extras include two built-in speakers, a reading/tablet rack, and a cooling fan.
While other models only have cup/bottle holders on either side, TR6.4 provides plenty of storage space for your mug or water bottle, phone, keys, remote control, etc.
What Users Say
TR6.4’s user satisfaction rating is 4.7 on Xterra’s website. Users are delighted with the model’s sturdiness and functionality. ExterraFitness provides a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 5-year warranty on the motor.
The deck is covered by a 2-year warranty and the movable parts and labor – by one year.
Yet, TR6.4 has its setbacks. Some users complain, for example, that the heart rate that appears on display is inaccurate, while others mention mechanical and assembly flaws like missing belt alignment.
Pros
Cons
2. TRX2500 Treadmill
The multifunctional TRX2500 treadmill by ExterraFitness is suitable for amateur and semi-pro use. Compared to my top choice, this model has a smaller motor and display. The max speed is also a bit lower, although it’s still enough to break some sweat. There are also plenty of incline options for hikers and cross-country runners.
The LiftAssist technology and the SlowDrop function of the folding deck greatly facilitate transportation.
Price
This model is currently on sale on Xterra Fitness’s website for $900, with the retail price being slashed down from $1400. You can also buy it in installments as low as $42 per month.
Technical Specs
TRX2500 is 72.3″ L x 35.5″ W x 56.1″ H when in use, 48.3″ L x 35.5″ W x 61.8″ H when folded, and weighs just over 207 pounds. The belt is 20″ X 55″, and the deck can support users of up to 300 pounds in weight. The 110-V motor has a capacity of 2.25 HP and generates a maximum speed of 10 mph, while the starting speed is 0.5 mph.
The ten levels of incline and the running speed are easily adjusted from the console, and the sidebar handles, provided with pulse sensors.
The LCD mounted on the front console is slightly smaller than that of TR6.4 – just 5.5 inches. The backlight function allows you to train in the evening without switching on the lamp in the room. During the workout, the display shows all of the key parameters you need to check: heart rate, pace, calories, etc.
The extras include two built-in speakers, a cooling fan, accessories storage space, and a tablet holder. You can choose from 24 pre-installed training modes.
What Users Say
This model has a user approval rating of 3.7 from 25 reviews on Xterra’s website. Users are primarily happy with the superior quality of the manufacturing and the silent motor covered by a lifetime warranty. The frame is also made to last a lifetime, but the warranty on labor and parts is just one year.
The lack of a custom workout mode is one of TRX2500’s most significant drawbacks, the other being its substantial weight. It requires quite a bit of muscle to move around and occupies quite a lot of space even when folded. Also, the sound that comes out of the speakers isn’t of the finest quality.
Pros
Cons
3. TR300 Treadmill
TR300 is Xterra Fitness’s terminator of a treadmill. This heavy-duty foldable walking and jogging strip features a Soft cushioned shock absorption deck. Its wide belt makes the TR300 model suitable for tall users, while the fold function powered by a soft-drop hydraulic cylinder saves living space. The deck can be locked in a folded position.
Price
You can buy it from Xterra’s online store for $800, with its price having been slashed from $1300. Alternatively, you can space out your purchase in monthly installments as low as $37.
Technical Specs
TR300 is a heavy-duty treadmill with a maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs. It features a robust folding deck with massive handrails. Its dimensions are 72.2″ L x 35″ W x 54.1″ H when extended and 48.8″ L x 35″ W x 61.6″ H when folded.
This model weighs just over 200 pounds, which means it takes at least two persons to carry it around. The 20″ x 55″ belt is propelled by a 2.25 HP motor and the deck’s running surface is 18 mm thick. The maximum speed is10 MPH and the treadmill starts at 0.5 MPH. There also are ten incline modes.
The preset speed range makes this model suitable for walking and jogging alike. The frame’s covered by a lifetime warranty, and so is the quiet motor. The warranty on the deck, parts, and manufacturing is 12 months.
The treadmill’s 5.5-inch display shows the calories burnt, the distance covered, and the user’s speed. There also are 24 preset training modes and a manual program. TR300’s extras include remote handlebar controls, heart rate sensors on the handlebars, two speakers, a cooling fan, and a convenient tray for personal items.
What Users Say
This product has a consumer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Xterra Fitness’s website. Users like the motor’s quiet operation and the heavy-duty frame. The treadmill’s operation is smooth, and no mechanical malfunctions have been reported.
However, T300’s speakers can be improved further. The sound that comes out of them can barely be heard. Also, the treadmill is cumbersome to move around even with the rear wheels in place.
Pros
Cons
4. NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
NordicTrack T 6.5 S is another terminator of a treadmill. It features a big motor mounted on a solid frame with plenty of space for the user. Weighing in at over 200 pounds, this machine is not easy to move around. Yet, it has claimed the top spot in many online reviews due to its interactive training options via the iFit app.
Once you log into the platform from your device, you can have group workouts with other home fitness enthusiasts or work with personal trainers from around the world. NordicTrack T 6.5 S arrives with a free month of iFit membership.
Price
NordicTrack T 6.5 S is currently available on Amazon for about $920. NordicTrack’s price is $700, but the product is now out of stock. The extras include an iPod-compatible sound system with two 2-inch speakers. However, there aren’t any cup/bottle holders on the sidebars.
Fellow reviewers write that you can find some better options within the $700-$900 price range, adding that T 6.5 isn’t exactly a bargain.
Technical Specs
A 10-year warranty covers NordicTrack T 6.5 S’ solid aluminum frame. There is also a 2-year warranty on the movable parts and a one-year on the assembly. Amazon provides a 90-day money-back guarantee. The belt is 20 x 55 inches with a 10-degree incline and can support a user of up to 300 pounds in weight.
The powerful 2.6 CHP motor generates a max speed of 10 mph that can be adjusted during your workout via the iFit app. Nordic Track’s patented FlexSelect deck cushioning system protects your knees while jogging.
T 6.5 S’ size is 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches, so it requires a lot of space to operate, despite the SpaceSaver and EasyLiftAssist systems.
The LCD comes in three modifications: 5-inch, 7-inch, and 14-inch and shows all essential workout parameters. You can see your personal trainer on the tablet screen below. That’s a huge motivation booster.
User Reviews
NordicTrack T 6.5 S’ Amazon rating is over 70%, and most users are happy with the treadmill’s flawless operation and the lack of any vibrations or shaking. Yet, this is a heavy machine, and its installation takes 60 to 90 minutes. The most significant setback is the supposedly free iFit membership.
The user has to pay close to $400 for the first year upfront and then get the first month’s membership fee back upon cancellation.
Pros
Cons
5. ProForm Cadence WLT Folding Treadmill
Proform’s Cadence WLT model occupies the last spot on our list, but it still offers a reasonable value for your money. This folding treadmill is Bluetooth-enabled and connects to trainers and home fitness enthusiasts worldwide via iFIT to motivate you for the ultimate workout.
Your personal trainer can access your Cadence WLT treadmill’s controls and adjust the speed and incline for higher efficiency. If you suddenly get exhausted, you can regain control of your machine through the SMART QuickSpeed function.
If you are not in a mood for group workouts, you can browse iFit’s library and pick up an inspirational video to watch while doing your miles for the day. You have to buy an iFit membership separately, but the first month is free. You can use this treadmill without signing up for iFit. In this case, you can choose from ten different exercise programs.
Price
You have several purchase options on Amazon. The ones I currently see range from $529 to $499.
Technical Specs
This treadmill is fitted with a SmartControl motor that adjusts its noise level depending on the workout session’s intensity. The Freemotion t11.9 Reflex cushioning system on the treadmill’s deck prevents your joints from excessive strain by bending at every step you make
The 16″ x 50″ tread belt is suitable for users under 6 feet in height, while the treadmill’s user weight capacity is 275 lbs. The powerful 2.6 CHP motor generates a maximum speed of 10 mph.
User Reviews
I put Cadence WLT at the bottom of my list because of the small number of 5-star reviews it has earned on Amazon (31%). Even more worrying is that 19% of the confirmed purchases have returned feedback of just one star.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
All of the models within the $1,000 budget are for semi-professional and home use. That’s why all of my Top 5 pics are foldable models that are easy to move around.
I would also advise in favor of simple adjustment models. You need to primarily focus on your workout and not be distracted by continuous in-session tweaks. Finally, if you have any cardiovascular issues or knee problems, always consult a physician before using a treadmill. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for my next review!
