Fitness Experts Say These Are the Seven Best Treadmills to Buy in 2021
Courtesy of Peloton
msl Available at Dick's Sporting Goods
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msl Available at Peloton
msl Available at Walmart
msl Available at Amazon
msl Available at Amazon
If coming up with a fitness routine that makes you excited for your next workout feels impossible, know that you're not alone. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, fitness has fallen by the wayside for so many: Visiting a crowded gym or attending a group fitness class feels less like a haven and more like a stressful chore, and shelling out big bucks for a full home gym just isn't in the cards for you. Still, that doesn't mean you can't invest in yourself and your overall health. If you are willing to earmark some money for fitness, there's one piece of equipment most fitness experts say is worth having, and that's a treadmill.
For avid runners or walkers, a treadmill is an obvious choice. Having this piece of equipment at home means you're able get in a great workout no matter what the weather is like, and you can use it at your leisure. And even if a half hour of running isn't your first workout of choice, it's important to know that treadmills can be used for low-impact workouts, too. So, if you're ready to invest in your own well-being, shop these expert-approved treadmills, which come in at a variety of different price points and are all best-suited to different types of exercises.
Related: The Best Exercises to Do in Your 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond
Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods
Sole F85
"If you want a high-quality, traditional treadmill, I recommend the Sole F85 Treadmill because it's durable, quiet (some treadmills are obnoxiously loud), and comes with some neat features like a built-in heart rate monitor, cooling fans, and MP3-compatible sound system," says Mike Matthews, bestselling author of Bigger Leaner Stronger, personal trainer, and founder of Legion Athletics. "While it's expensive, if you're a dedicated runner or just want to make your runs or walks as pleasant as possible, this is a good investment."
Shop Now: SOLE F85 Treadmill, $1,999.95, dickssportinggoods.com.
Courtesy of Amazon
Horizon T202
If cost is a concern, Kathryn Kelly, first-place winner in the Team USA 2020 Jr. Master's fitness competition and owner and CEO of Taste Buzz Food Tours, recommends narrowing down your non-negotiable features—like a quiet motor, maximum speed, if it's foldable—and searching for treadmills with those included. Her top recommendation that won't break the bank is the Horizon T202.
Shop Now: Horizon T202 Treadmill, $1,300, amazon.com.
Courtesy of Peloton
Peloton
"My favorite treadmill is the Peloton Tread," says Briana Bernard, certified personal trainer and Isopure athlete. She appreciates the payment options for affordability, and says, "This a realistic investment for any budget! Purchase the All-Access Monthly Membership to access live classes, as well as thousands of on-demand workouts from the comfort of your own home, to hold you accountable for your fitness goals!"
Shop Now: Peloton "Tread Basics" Treadmill, from $2,495, peloton.com.
Courtesy of Walmart
Sunny Treadmill
Erin James, CPT, nutritionist, and founder of SQUAY, says that the Sunny treadmill has shock absorption that has allowed her to remain light and steady, keeping the pressure off of her joints. "I never used to run when I was younger because I had a lot of joint problems between arthritis and autoimmune issues causing inflammation in my body. So now that I can run, I always keep in mind that I need to take care of my joints." says James.
Shop Now: Sunny Health & Fitness Treadmill, $419.97, walmart.com.
Courtesy of Walmart
GoPlus Two in One Folding Treadmill
James recommends the GoPlus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill because it allows you to adjust the foot bar so it's just the belt, which feels similar to running outside. "I recommend a self-powered treadmill for those who prefer to run outside but may not be able to or need to supplement with something inside at times. It operates the same way as running outside so the belt operates based on your own speed...and you may feel like you have more space," says James.
Shop Now: Goplus Two in One Folding Under the Desk Treadmill, $399, walmart.com.
NordicTrack T6.5 S Treadmill
"If you want a less expensive model with fewer bells and whistles, go with the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill," says Matthews. "It's still a chunk of change, but NordicTrack has an outstanding reputation for quality. And as treadmills need to be able to withstand a lot of abuse and keep on ticking, it's worth buying a good one. This one can also be folded so it doesn't take up as much space when you aren't using it."
Shop Now: NordicTrack T6.5 S Treadmill, $685.10, amazon.com.
Courtesy of Amazon
Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Treadmill
Kelly recommends treadmills with floor stabilizers, personal training material, and wide belts for newer runners as they get acclimated to the full-body movements associated with running. Her top choice for an introduction to running on a tread is the Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA Treadmill.
Shop Now: Sunny Health & Fitness "ASUNA" Treadmill, $699.99, amazon.com.
