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For athletes with larger bodies, it can be difficult to find home gym equipment that can support a wider range of weights. Thankfully, treadmills can accommodate many sizes, with plenty showcasing sturdy, durable builds capable of accommodating the extra pressure. The best treadmills for heavy people often showcase broader weight capacities, powerful motors, lengthy running decks, and other conveniences that make working...
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
For athletes with larger bodies, it can be difficult to find home gym equipment that can support a wider range of weights. Thankfully, treadmills can accommodate many sizes, with plenty showcasing sturdy, durable builds capable of accommodating the extra pressure. The best treadmills for heavy people often showcase broader weight capacities, powerful motors, lengthy running decks, and other conveniences that make working out more convenient.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to kickstart a weight loss journey, or a bodybuilder or powerlifter aiming for a new form of cardio training, getting your equipment right from the start is a must. To lend a helping hand, we tested over 20 treadmills, looked closely at listed specs and build components, and consulted with other customer reviews to come up with our seven best treadmills for heavy people.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2023
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve had the pleasure of testing countless treadmills over the years, and understand which build components to look for when choosing profiles for heavier athletes.
For this round-up, we looked at 22 treadmills and got hands-on experience with many of the machines listed in this guide. We analyzed each treadmill’s weight capacity and motor size, as these components are likely to be the most crucial for heavier athletes. We also looked at the running deck to see if the treadmill housed enough space for comfortable movement in training.
Warranties for each treadmill were also examined, which can be a great factor to have on-hand when pushing your equipment to its max capacities — if a component fails, you want to be reassured that replacement parts are just a few emails or phone calls away, right? Incline and decline ranges, as well as available workout programs, were also given a fair examination to help you find machines that offer enough versatility and engagement to keep every session as enjoyable as the last.
Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall: Sole TT8
Sole TT8 Treadmill
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
Shop Sole
Specs
Pros
Cons
The Sole TT8 is our top treadmill for heavy people thanks to its large design and impressive speed and incline ranges. The steel frame can support up to 400 pounds, making it one of the most durable treadmills we tested. Additionally, the TT8 can reach max speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, inclines up to 15 percent, and declines down to six percent. These metrics can be great for keeping your workouts versatile and accommodating.
We also appreciate the warranty package that comes with this well-built machine. While we had no questions regarding the build quality, if you did experience a component failure, Sole backs this silhouette with lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, as well as three-year coverage on the deck, parts, and wear items. Labor is also covered for one year, and cosmetic features are warrantied for up to 90 days.
This impressive treadmill for heavy people also boasts a two-ply belt and 22-inch by 60-inch running deck. This can be great for athletes dealing with knee discomfort, as the two-ply surface can help absorb the impact of each stride more so than other, thinner belts you’d likely find in the space. The 9.17-square feet of running space can also suit larger athletes, granting ample space for arm swings while the 60-inch depth is long enough for most running gaits.
One major drawback with this premium treadmill, however, is the 15.6-inch touchscreen display. Our testers enjoyed the user experience and said they had no issues in navigating the available pre-programmed workout modules, but wished this console would support streaming capabilities. You cannot follow along with your favorite online workout programs through the device itself. Thankfully, though, there is a convenient media holder that can serve as a secondary screen for such workout scenarios.
Read our full Sole TT8 Review.
Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People: AssaultRunner Pro
AssaultRunner Pro
AssaultRunner Pro
The AssaultRunner Pro is a durable, motorless treadmill that can be great for athletes wanting full control of their training intensity. The durable frame boasts a 350-pound weight capacity, and the included display console is easy to read, albeit simpler in nature.
Shop Assault Fitness
Specs
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a treadmill that puts you in sole control of your workout intensity, look no further. The AssaultRunner Pro is a motorless profile, meaning you control the speed of your workouts by running. This can also be a nice benefit for athletes dealing with spacial limitations because you don’t need to house this machine near an electrical outlet. Additionally, the motorless design can be ideal for generating worthwhile training sessions. “I prefer the Runner over the motorized treadmill, which I also have, because I feel that I am working harder for every calorie,” notes one customer review.
In testing, we found that walking or running on the AssaultRunner Pro takes some practice. Getting the belt to move like a normal treadmill takes some learning, as the belt is self-controlled. But after a few workouts, you can learn how to stand and step efficiently on the machine. We recommend starting at a walking pace to see how each foot strike moves the belt across your stride. From there, you can begin to ramp up your pace.
We also appreciate how durable and well-built this treadmill is, thanks to its corrosion-resistant hardware, sold-steel frame and handrails, and impressive drivetrain system utilizing 100 precision ball bearings with 12 roller guides. Additionally, Assault Fitness has you covered in case of mishaps with five-year coverage on the frame and three-year coverage on all moving parts.
All that durability and sturdiness doesn’t come without a little elbow grease, though, which we examined when assembling this behemoth of a treadmill. The included instructions are easy enough to follow, but given the weight of most components, it could be helpful to have a second set of hands. We especially recommend such assistance when placing the handrails. Once built, however, we were more than happy with the performance, and definitely see this as a worthwhile investment for heavier athletes wanting full control of their training regimen.
Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole F65
Sole F65 Treadmill
Sole F65 Treadmill
The Sole F65 is a high-quality treadmill that's available for a reasonable price. It features a max incline of 15 percent, a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and 10 programmed workouts. This treadmill can also fold to clear the floor in your personal space after use.
Shop Sole
Specs
Pros
Cons
The durability of this top-performing treadmill is quite impressive, making the Sole F65 a no-brainer for our list of the best treadmills for heavy athletes. The sturdy steel frame can withstand a max load of up to 325 pounds, and the powerful 3.25 horsepower (HP) motor is capable of buzzing through sessions without hesitation.
It’s worth noting, though, that when searching for a worthwhile treadmill, you’ll often find the motors listed with their horsepower or continuous horsepower (CHP). CHP indicates a motor’s output over an extended period of time, whereas HP just showcases the motor’s maximum output. (7) Both specs are fine and share a lot in common, but CHP can be a little more helpful in determining your treadmill’s actual power throughout the entire duration of a workout. That said, we had no issues running the F65’s motor for extended sessions, regardless of its lack of a CHP listing.
We also appreciate the fact that the F65’s motor is a direct current (DC) motor. DC motors can be quieter than alternating current (AC) motors, which, according to our tester, made it easier to navigate a workout while living with children or roommates. DC motors do tend to need a cooldown, though, when run for extended periods, so we recommend giving your machine 20 minutes of rest for every 45 minutes of training.
The Sole F65 is also an efficient machine thanks to its 2.36-inch rollers. Having larger rollers can make each belt revolution less strenuous on the hardware, which means it’s easier for the machine to turn the belt with large rollers than it would be with smaller diameters. This can help preserve the equipment’s performance over time. But even if you burn through components, Sole backs the F65 with lifetime warranties on the frame and motor, as well as two-year coverage on the deck, parts, and wear items.
This treadmill also folds up for more convenient storage, making it a good pick for athletes tight on space. The foldability doesn’t make the F65 disappear when not in use — it still takes up 11.22 square feet with the deck raised — but it can be a nice convenience if your training space also houses other furniture or equipment.
Read our full Sole F65 Review.
Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
While the technology built into most machines for heavy people can run up the price, there are still budget-friendly options out there, like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Despite its sub $1,300 cost, this cardio machine still delivers a sturdy 300-pound weight capacity and impressive features, like a seven-inch HD touchscreen. Other treadmills at this price range commonly offer LCD displays, so this tech is definitely a bonus.
In testing, we appreciated the performance of the EXP 7i, especially when pairing our workouts to the integrated iFit platform of online fitness classes and challenges. Our testers also noted how seamless adjustments were for speed and incline changes, made possible through the Automatic Trainer Control technology. Rather than pausing your sessions to adjust your settings in accordance with our courses, the machine automatically keeps your workouts in-stride (pun intended) with the instructor.
Our tester walking on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
Naturally, however, a wallet-friendly treadmill does come with limitations when compared to more expensive options. For one, this treadmill’s running deck measures 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. These dimensions may be too short for athletes with longer gaits or those that really extend their strides when training at high intensities.
Additionally, the rollers are smaller than others in this round-up at just 1.9 inches. This means the motor needs to work harder to achieve a full belt revolution, and that added strain can put extra wear and tear on the components over time. Thankfully, though, the EXP 7i boasts an impressive warranty package with the frame covered for 10 years, the parts covered for two, and labor covered for one.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP7i Review.
Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming: Horizon 7.8 AT
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
For athletes with larger bodies, it can be difficult to find home gym equipment that can support a wider range of weights. Thankfully, treadmills can accommodate many sizes, with plenty showcasing sturdy, durable builds capable of accommodating the extra pressure. The best treadmills for heavy people often showcase broader weight capacities, powerful motors, lengthy running decks, and other conveniences that make working out more convenient.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to kickstart a weight loss journey, or a bodybuilder or powerlifter aiming for a new form of cardio training, getting your equipment right from the start is a must. To lend a helping hand, we tested over 20 treadmills, looked closely at listed specs and build components, and consulted with other customer reviews to come up with our seven best treadmills for heavy people.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2023
- Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall: Sole TT8
- Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People: AssaultRunner Pro
- Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole F65
- Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People: NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming: Horizon 7.8 AT
- Best Folding Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole F63
- Best Premium Treadmill for Heavy People: ProForm Pro 9000
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve had the pleasure of testing countless treadmills over the years, and understand which build components to look for when choosing profiles for heavier athletes.
For this round-up, we looked at 22 treadmills and got hands-on experience with many of the machines listed in this guide. We analyzed each treadmill’s weight capacity and motor size, as these components are likely to be the most crucial for heavier athletes. We also looked at the running deck to see if the treadmill housed enough space for comfortable movement in training.
Warranties for each treadmill were also examined, which can be a great factor to have on-hand when pushing your equipment to its max capacities — if a component fails, you want to be reassured that replacement parts are just a few emails or phone calls away, right? Incline and decline ranges, as well as available workout programs, were also given a fair examination to help you find machines that offer enough versatility and engagement to keep every session as enjoyable as the last.
Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall: Sole TT8
Sole TT8 Treadmill
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
Shop Sole
Specs
- Price: $2,699.99
- Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, -6% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Product Dimensions: 82.5? L x 38? W x 66? H
Pros
- The Sole TT8 boasts a 400-pound weight capacity that can suit athletes of varying sizes.
- The -6% to 15% incline and decline range allow for a wide array of training setups.
- The Sole TT8 features pulse sensors and an included heart rate monitor for data tracking.
Cons
- The $2,700 price tag may be too much for some budgets.
- Athletes tight on space may want to look for a folding treadmill.
- The 15.6-inch touchscreen display does not support streaming capabilities.
The Sole TT8 is our top treadmill for heavy people thanks to its large design and impressive speed and incline ranges. The steel frame can support up to 400 pounds, making it one of the most durable treadmills we tested. Additionally, the TT8 can reach max speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, inclines up to 15 percent, and declines down to six percent. These metrics can be great for keeping your workouts versatile and accommodating.
We also appreciate the warranty package that comes with this well-built machine. While we had no questions regarding the build quality, if you did experience a component failure, Sole backs this silhouette with lifetime coverage on the frame and motor, as well as three-year coverage on the deck, parts, and wear items. Labor is also covered for one year, and cosmetic features are warrantied for up to 90 days.
This impressive treadmill for heavy people also boasts a two-ply belt and 22-inch by 60-inch running deck. This can be great for athletes dealing with knee discomfort, as the two-ply surface can help absorb the impact of each stride more so than other, thinner belts you’d likely find in the space. The 9.17-square feet of running space can also suit larger athletes, granting ample space for arm swings while the 60-inch depth is long enough for most running gaits.
One major drawback with this premium treadmill, however, is the 15.6-inch touchscreen display. Our testers enjoyed the user experience and said they had no issues in navigating the available pre-programmed workout modules, but wished this console would support streaming capabilities. You cannot follow along with your favorite online workout programs through the device itself. Thankfully, though, there is a convenient media holder that can serve as a secondary screen for such workout scenarios.
Read our full Sole TT8 Review.
Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People: AssaultRunner Pro
AssaultRunner Pro
AssaultRunner Pro
The AssaultRunner Pro is a durable, motorless treadmill that can be great for athletes wanting full control of their training intensity. The durable frame boasts a 350-pound weight capacity, and the included display console is easy to read, albeit simpler in nature.
Shop Assault Fitness
Specs
- Price: $2,999
- Max Incline and Decline: N/A
- Max Speed: Depends on your athletic abilities
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Product Dimensions: 69.7” L x 33.1” W x 64” H
Pros
- There’s no motor, so your workout intensity is directly proportional to the effort you put into your training.
- The monitor is easy to read and delivers worthwhile stats including distance, speed, calories, time, and watts.
- The included warranty package covers the frame for five years and moving parts for three years.
Cons
- The AssaultRunner Pro weighs 280 pounds, which can make it difficult to move.
- This treadmill doesn’t feature any incline or decline adjustments.
- It’s best to assemble this treadmill with a partner, as the heavier components make solo assembly a bit of a challenge.
If you’re looking for a treadmill that puts you in sole control of your workout intensity, look no further. The AssaultRunner Pro is a motorless profile, meaning you control the speed of your workouts by running. This can also be a nice benefit for athletes dealing with spacial limitations because you don’t need to house this machine near an electrical outlet. Additionally, the motorless design can be ideal for generating worthwhile training sessions. “I prefer the Runner over the motorized treadmill, which I also have, because I feel that I am working harder for every calorie,” notes one customer review.
In testing, we found that walking or running on the AssaultRunner Pro takes some practice. Getting the belt to move like a normal treadmill takes some learning, as the belt is self-controlled. But after a few workouts, you can learn how to stand and step efficiently on the machine. We recommend starting at a walking pace to see how each foot strike moves the belt across your stride. From there, you can begin to ramp up your pace.
We also appreciate how durable and well-built this treadmill is, thanks to its corrosion-resistant hardware, sold-steel frame and handrails, and impressive drivetrain system utilizing 100 precision ball bearings with 12 roller guides. Additionally, Assault Fitness has you covered in case of mishaps with five-year coverage on the frame and three-year coverage on all moving parts.
All that durability and sturdiness doesn’t come without a little elbow grease, though, which we examined when assembling this behemoth of a treadmill. The included instructions are easy enough to follow, but given the weight of most components, it could be helpful to have a second set of hands. We especially recommend such assistance when placing the handrails. Once built, however, we were more than happy with the performance, and definitely see this as a worthwhile investment for heavier athletes wanting full control of their training regimen.
Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole F65
Sole F65 Treadmill
Sole F65 Treadmill
The Sole F65 is a high-quality treadmill that's available for a reasonable price. It features a max incline of 15 percent, a top speed of 12 miles per hour, and 10 programmed workouts. This treadmill can also fold to clear the floor in your personal space after use.
Shop Sole
Specs
- Price: $1,499.99
- Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, 0% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Product Dimensions: 82.5? L x 38? W x 67? H
Pros
- The Sole F65 boasts a durable steel frame and impressive 3.25 HP motor capable of supporting workouts at varied intensities.
- The 2.36-inch rollers can allow for more efficient belt rotations (more on this below).
- The deck can be folded up for storage when not in use.
Cons
- This treadmill doesn’t support declines.
- The nine-inch backlit LCD console isn’t the most high-tech.
The durability of this top-performing treadmill is quite impressive, making the Sole F65 a no-brainer for our list of the best treadmills for heavy athletes. The sturdy steel frame can withstand a max load of up to 325 pounds, and the powerful 3.25 horsepower (HP) motor is capable of buzzing through sessions without hesitation.
It’s worth noting, though, that when searching for a worthwhile treadmill, you’ll often find the motors listed with their horsepower or continuous horsepower (CHP). CHP indicates a motor’s output over an extended period of time, whereas HP just showcases the motor’s maximum output. (7) Both specs are fine and share a lot in common, but CHP can be a little more helpful in determining your treadmill’s actual power throughout the entire duration of a workout. That said, we had no issues running the F65’s motor for extended sessions, regardless of its lack of a CHP listing.
We also appreciate the fact that the F65’s motor is a direct current (DC) motor. DC motors can be quieter than alternating current (AC) motors, which, according to our tester, made it easier to navigate a workout while living with children or roommates. DC motors do tend to need a cooldown, though, when run for extended periods, so we recommend giving your machine 20 minutes of rest for every 45 minutes of training.
The Sole F65 is also an efficient machine thanks to its 2.36-inch rollers. Having larger rollers can make each belt revolution less strenuous on the hardware, which means it’s easier for the machine to turn the belt with large rollers than it would be with smaller diameters. This can help preserve the equipment’s performance over time. But even if you burn through components, Sole backs the F65 with lifetime warranties on the frame and motor, as well as two-year coverage on the deck, parts, and wear items.
This treadmill also folds up for more convenient storage, making it a good pick for athletes tight on space. The foldability doesn’t make the F65 disappear when not in use — it still takes up 11.22 square feet with the deck raised — but it can be a nice convenience if your training space also houses other furniture or equipment.
Read our full Sole F65 Review.
Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,299
- Max Incline and Decline: 12% incline, 0% decline
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Product Dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H
Pros
- The NordicTrack EXP 7i boasts a seven-inch tilting HD touchscreen — a rare feature for treadmills at this price point.
- Automatic Trainer Control automatically adjusts your speed and incline while following along with iFit’s trainer-led fitness courses.
- The $1,299 price is very approachable, especially when you consider the EXP 7i’s weight capacity and touchscreen display.
Cons
- The running deck measures 55 inches long, which may be too short for athletes with longer strides.
- Smaller 1.9-inch rollers can be less efficient for extended training and may lead to quicker burnout.
- A lack of pre-programmed workout modules means an iFit subscription is practically required.
While the technology built into most machines for heavy people can run up the price, there are still budget-friendly options out there, like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Despite its sub $1,300 cost, this cardio machine still delivers a sturdy 300-pound weight capacity and impressive features, like a seven-inch HD touchscreen. Other treadmills at this price range commonly offer LCD displays, so this tech is definitely a bonus.
In testing, we appreciated the performance of the EXP 7i, especially when pairing our workouts to the integrated iFit platform of online fitness classes and challenges. Our testers also noted how seamless adjustments were for speed and incline changes, made possible through the Automatic Trainer Control technology. Rather than pausing your sessions to adjust your settings in accordance with our courses, the machine automatically keeps your workouts in-stride (pun intended) with the instructor.
Naturally, however, a wallet-friendly treadmill does come with limitations when compared to more expensive options. For one, this treadmill’s running deck measures 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. These dimensions may be too short for athletes with longer gaits or those that really extend their strides when training at high intensities.
Additionally, the rollers are smaller than others in this round-up at just 1.9 inches. This means the motor needs to work harder to achieve a full belt revolution, and that added strain can put extra wear and tear on the components over time. Thankfully, though, the EXP 7i boasts an impressive warranty package with the frame covered for 10 years, the parts covered for two, and labor covered for one.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP7i Review.
Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming: Horizon 7.8 AT
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
...
Click here to view the article.
