The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2023

By Presser
November 10, 2023
33 min read

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
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. 

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
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.

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
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. 

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
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. 

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.

Our tester walking on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
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
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.8 AT Treadmill

Despite the lack of an integrated HD display, this impressive treadmill is still a worthwhile pick for streaming enthusiasts. There are multiple media shelves to store your devices mid-training, and the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to listen to your favorite programs and training courses without the need for headphones.

Specs

  • Price: $1,999
  • Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, 0% decline
  • Max Speed: 12mph
  • Weight Capacity: 375lbs
  • Product Dimensions: 76″ L x 37″ W x 64″ H

Pros

  • The display console boasts multiple spots for phone and tablet placement, so you can stream your workouts from any device.
  • The QuickDial controls allow you to seamlessly adjust your speed and incline during training.
  • The 7.8 AT boasts Bluetooth connectivity which can be great for following along to trainer-led courses and playlists without the need for separate headphones.

Cons

  • You will need a separate tablet or smartphone for streaming workouts — the display console does not support video.
  • The machine itself weighs 330 pounds, which can be difficult to move for some.
  • Horizon doesn’t list the actual size of the 7.8 AT’s motor.

Want to stream your favorite programs and training courses while getting your daily miles in? We recommend the Horizon 7.8 AT. While other treadmills may offer integrated HD touchscreen displays, the 7.8 AT allows you to create your own experience through your smartphone or tablet. Plus, there are multiple media shelves across the console, so your tracked metrics like speed, distance, calories, and others can still be within eyesight as you pace along to your favorite programming. 

The Bluetooth connection is seamless across this console, too. Instead of pairing your device to the treadmill as well as your wireless earbuds, the 7.8 AT allows you to stream your playlists and trainer-led courses through the integrated speakers. This can create a more efficient workout by eliminating a connection from your setup, i.e., one less opportunity for connection failure mid-training.

From a performance standpoint, the 7.8 AT stands up to other treadmills for heavy people thanks to its durable frame and spacious running dimensions. This treadmill can support athletes up to 375 pounds, and the 22-inch by 60-inch running deck should provide enough room for even the longest strides. 

We also enjoy how quick the speed and incline adjustments are thanks to the QuickDial controls. These pinwheel-style toggles allow you to quickly find your preferred settings rather than having to hold down a button to achieve the same results. “Love the dials for quick and/or more-precise increases/decreases in speed/incline,” says one happy customer.

Moving the machine itself is more of an endeavor — this bulky rig weighs a hefty 330 pounds on its own — but for the impressive performance and streaming capabilities, we still think it’s a worthwhile investment for heavier athletes.

Best Folding Treadmill for Heavy People: Sole F63

Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space. 

Specs

  • Price: $1,199.99
  • Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, 0% decline
  • Max Speed: 12mph
  • Weight Capacity: 325lbs
  • Product Dimensions: 77″ L x 35″ W x 67″ H

Pros

  • When folded, the Sole F63 takes up just 12.15 square feet of flooring.
  • At roughly $1,200, the Sole F65 is one of the most budget-friendly treadmills on our list.
  • The integrated tablet holder allows you to stream your favorite programs and fitness classes.

Cons

  • There are not a lot of tech-heavy features built into the console.
  • The 1.8-inch rollers will require more power to achieve proper belt revolutions, which may lead to quicker burnout over time.
  • Our tester noted that the treadmill can shake while training at high intensities.

It’s no secret that treadmills are some of the largest cardio machines, so having the convenience of a foldable deck can help save some space. The Sole F63 boasts a helpful kick release folding mechanism that shrinks this treadmill’s footprint by 6.57 square feet. For reference, the F63’s operating footprint is 18.72 square feet, and its folded footprint is 12.15 square feet.

Outside of its space-saving qualities, the Sole F63 can be a great treadmill for heavy people, thanks to its durable steel frame and efficient motor. This treadmill can support up to 325 pounds, and its three-horsepower is able to work through training sessions without much fatigue. Our tester did notice some shakiness when ramping up their speed to the machine’s maximum 12 miles per hour, but for less intense sessions, it’s as rock-solid as they come.

We do wish, however, that Sole would’ve added larger rollers to this build. The 1.8-inch rollers are able to support less-intense training scenarios without issue, but we question their durability when exposed to extended workouts and daily use. Thankfully, though, this treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty covering the frame and motor, as well as two-year coverage for the deck, parts, and wear items.

Additionally, we recommend that athletes wanting a tech-heavy treadmill setup look elsewhere. We appreciate the no-frills training potential baked into the 6.5-inch LCD display, but there’s no opportunity for streaming. There’s an integrated tablet holder, sure, but that requires some additional setup, where other treadmills have everything at the ready.

Read our full Sole F63 Review.

Best Premium Treadmill for Heavy People: ProForm Pro 9000

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill

If you’re looking for a high-tech tread for your home that can fold up when not in use, the ProForm Pro 9000 is a great option with a 22-inch touchscreen display and automatic incline and speed adjustments. The 60-inch running deck ca incline from -3 to 12 percent for a variety of running and hiking workouts.

Specs

  • Price: $2,299
  • Max Incline and Decline: 12% incline, -3% decline
  • Max Speed: 12mph
  • Weight Capacity: 300lbs
  • Product Dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H

Pros

  • The high-end 22-inch HD touchscreen makes the ProForm Pro 9000 an excellent choice for streaming live and on-demand workouts.
  • The ProForm Pro 9000 offers unique incline and decline capabilities for added versatility.
  • This treadmill’s 60-inch running deck and a 3.6 horsepower motor can support a variety of training intensities.

Cons

  • The Pro 9000’s 300-pound weight capacity is one of the lowest in this guide.
  • Our tester noted that connecting this treadmill to WiFi was challenging.
  • You’ll need to factor in the additional iFit subscription cost of $39 per month, which may exceed your budget.

If you’re looking for a treadmill with all the bells and whistles, it’s tough to beat the ProForm Pro 9000. This treadmill boasts many of the features we highlight in other quality profiles, including a foldable running deck, powerful 3.6 HP motor, incline and decline adjustments, a large 22-inch HD touchscreen display, and third-party app integration through the iFit training platform.

We appreciate this treadmill’s versatility, as you can train both inclines and declines at a max speed of 12 miles per hour. These settings are also easily adjusted through the Pro 9000’s QuickSpeed Button Control, suitable pick for interval training. There’s little delay when changing between paces and pitches, as there’s no need to continuously toggle to your desired speed or incline. The adjustments are preset, so tackling multiple intervals in a given session is a breeze.

There’s also the convenience of ProForm’s integration with iFit. The service has more than 17,000 workouts, spanning multiple fitness disciplines. This means every training session can be different, depending on your fitness goals and daily vibes. It is worth noting that access to the platform isn’t free past the initial 30-day trial run. You need to factor in the $39 monthly charge if you want to take full advantage of this feature.

Lastly, the Pro 9000 offers WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, but our tester noted that getting the machine connected to their network was quite the challenge. They actually never succeeded in connecting the treadmill to their respective WiFi network, so be sure to place this machine as close to your router as possible.

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Review.

How We Chose the Best Treadmills for Heavy People

Choosing a treadmill for larger athletes requires a closer look at the durability and strength of each machine. So, to accommodate these extra stresses, we searched for profiles with high-quality constructions and sturdy motors that could withstand the added loads. Of course, we looked at other factors related to in-training performance, as these components can make or break your workouts regardless of your frame and body type.

Weight Capacity

Heavier athletes require a more durable machine to support their training, so we dove deep into each chosen product’s listed specs to determine their respective weight capacities. We searched for profiles that boasted weight capacities of 300 pounds or more, with some even accommodating 400 pounds.

Running Dimensions

You also want to ensure that your treadmill is capable of housing your frame during movement, which depends on the running deck itself. We looked for treadmills with running surfaces at least 20 inches wide for comfortable arm swings during walks and jogs. 

Lengthwise, we favored treadmills featuring running decks of 60 inches, as we determined that this depth can support most running strides and training intensities. Your stride length is directly proportional to your running speed, so we wanted to make sure that the treadmills chosen could facilitate both slower walking paces and all-out sprints. (2)

Feet in gray shoes with pink soles moving on a treadmill
Credit: Sakdinon Kadchiangsaen / Shutterstock

Treadmills with less than 60 inches of running surface were noted in our reviews above. These can still be worthwhile machines for average strides or walking paces, but larger athletes with longer gaits may need to compromise their form in an effort to stay atop the treadmill during training.

Motor Size

Having a durable treadmill that can hold your larger physique is one thing, but it’s another to have the belt be able to move under the heightened stress. For this round-up, we looked for treadmills offering motors with outputs of at least 2.5 horsepower. We found this to be a good baseline for the demands of training, and highlighted profiles boasting larger outputs. 

Incline and Decline

Uphill walking is beneficial for just about any athlete. (3) Studies also note that walking backwards downhill can promote better knee strength over time, too. (4) While having the ability for decline training was a worthwhile perk to look for in our testing, we mainly focused on the incline capabilities, as these are more common across treadmills at varying price ranges.

A person on an inclined treadmill.
Credit: Microgen / Shutterstock

All of the treadmills included in this guide except for the AssaultRunner Pro offer incline adjustments. Profiles offering decline settings are noted as well.

Warranty

Heavier people can put more stress across their treadmills, which can lead to more chances of equipment failure and breakdown. To help combat these potential issues, we looked for treadmills that featured comprehensive warranty packages covering a majority of the parts and components susceptible to wear and tear. After all, it’s no fun when your equipment breaks down regardless of your physique, but if you’re going into a workout knowing there’s added stress, it can be reassuring to know that you’re covered if something goes awry.

The Benefits of Treadmills for Heavy People

Walking or running on a treadmill can be a great form of exercise for athletes with bigger bodies. Whether looking to create a calorie-burning workout or maintain your activity levels throughout your week, the benefits are ripe when it comes to these effective cardio machines.

Caloric Burn

Treadmills can be excellent for supporting intense workouts that generate a high caloric burn. In fact, they’re one of the most efficient exercise machines for facilitating such energy expenditure when compared to other popular options like stationary bikes and rowing machines. (5) If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to training, treadmills can be tough to beat.

Workout Customization

There’s also a good bit of versatility that comes with adding a treadmill to your training regimen. You can easily scale the workouts to meet your capabilities, which can be great for heavy athletes that may not have the same physical abilities as other, smaller individuals. There’s plenty of performance to be had with just a simple walking pace, and the addition of incline and decline settings can ramp up the challenge to your liking.

Convenience

As much as we’d like to think that the gym is a welcoming environment for all body types, it can still be an intimidating atmosphere for some. Treadmills can allow you to train toward your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. This comforting setup can also be great for eliminating excuses, as you don’t need to plan a trip to your training center for the sake of worthwhile workouts. The potential for a good session is always there.

Can Heavier Athletes Burn More Calories on a Treadmill?

Studies show that larger individuals tend to expend more energy during movement. (1) So, it’s natural to assume that heavy people will burn more calories while operating a treadmill than smaller athletes. 

A person running on the treadmill to burn calories.
Credit: Den4is / Shutterstock

This isn’t to say, though, that walking on a treadmill will immediately trigger a weight loss journey. In order to achieve a proper calorie deficit for the sake of losing weight, you’ll need to supplement your training with a well-rounded diet. (6) What you put into your physique is just as important as what you sweat out during training, so if weight loss is your goal, both factors need to be in order to generate positive results.

What Does it Mean to be ‘Heavy’?

Now, it’s easy to associate the term “heavy people” with an athlete’s body weight. This isn’t necessarily wrong, but there are other individuals that may fall into the category — and who may benefit from a treadmill supporting larger physiques. 

For example, taller athletes may have body weights proportionate to their height, but their lengthier frames may be able to hold that mass with a leaner body composition. In addition, bodybuilders and powerlifters can showcase some of the fittest physiques in the gym, but all that muscle can begin to topple scales at certain levels.

Regardless of how you came to your heaviness — whether through your height, training capabilities, or body weight itself — it’s always important to train with equipment that can support your physique. After all, the machines don’t care how you got to your current state, they just want to be able to support your training goals in as efficient a manner as possible.

How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Heavy People

If you’re a heavier athlete and want to support your cardiovascular training with a treadmill, there are a few factors worth considering. Below are some of the main components we recommend looking into before making such an investment in your workout regimen.

Weight Capacity

Naturally, you’ll want to go with a treadmill that can support your frame. Many of the best treadmills for heavy people showcase weight capacities of at least 300 pounds, with some even capable of supporting loads up to 400 pounds. Be sure your machine can support your weight before adding a treadmill to your cart.

It can also be wise to go with a treadmill that can support your body weight and then some. This can help alleviate some of the stress your machine will go through during use, and help ensure your equipment stays in operating condition throughout your fitness journey. For example, if you weigh 325 pounds, it can be better to go with a profile capable of withstanding 350 pounds or more.

Motor Size

Like your treadmill’s weight capacity, you want to search for a machine with a durable, powerful motor that can withstand the load. More powerful motors can also lend themselves to extended training sessions, giving you plenty of juice to keep the belt moving underfoot. While not all treadmills will list the actual capacities of their motors, we recommend looking for profiles with listed horsepowers of 2.5 and above.

Running Deck

A treadmill’s running deck refers to the actual space you have available during movement. You want to search for a silhouette that’s long enough to facilitate your stride length and wide enough for comfortable arm swings. 

Most treadmills offer running decks measuring 20 inches in width, but feel free to search for wider platforms if your dimensions call for it. Lengthwise, we recommend at least 55 inches of running deck for walking or moderate-intensity jogging, and at least 60 inches for running strides and all-out sprints. These dimensions should be able to accommodate most gaits, but be sure to match your machine to your required measurements.

Warranty

While having a durable, well-built treadmill from the start is nice, it’s always convenient to have some reassurance if something does break or falter during workouts.

When looking at warranty packages, it’s important to look for extensive coverage for the frame and motor, as these are the areas that will be taxed the most during training. The deck itself, parts, and other wear items are also often covered albeit for shorter durations. Look for a coverage package that puts your mind at ease most.

Available Programs

While not an absolute necessity, having a treadmill that offers a variety of training programs can go a long way in helping you stay interested in your workouts day in and day out. These modules can be pre-programmed into the console itself or available through a third-party service like iFit. These online workout programs often come with a separate subscription cost, though, so be sure you’re able to afford the services before opting for a treadmill that relies on such integration.

Price

Because of the heightened importance on durability and weight capacity, many of the best treadmills for heavy people will come in with higher costs than other silhouettes in the space. For example, the treadmills we recommend range from $1,200 all the way up to $3,000. You can definitely find other budget-friendly treadmills below $1,000, but these silhouettes may not carry the weight capacities or powerful motors you need for optimal training.

Final Word

The best treadmills for heavy people combine durable frames and powerful motors to help facilitate worthwhile training. These impressive devices can be a great way for larger individuals to create a calorie-burning session day after day, and often showcase conveniences such as foldable designs, third-party app integrations, and versatile speed and incline settings.

Heavy people wanting to get the most out of their fitness journeys can benefit greatly from treadmills. The cadence and training intensity can be scaled easily to meet their athletic abilities, and treadmills have shown to be one of the most efficient forms of exercise for facilitating energy expenditure. (5) If you’re looking to elevate your training with a machine capable of supporting your larger frame, consider one of these well-built, durable profiles for your next sweat session.

FAQs

How do you choose a treadmill for your weight?

The easiest way to choose a proper treadmill for your weight is by looking at the machine’s weight capacity. This spec is often listed on the treadmill’s product page, so determining its max load can be as simple as scrolling through the page.

When determining your ideal treadmill for your body weight, it’s best to search for profiles that can withstand your load and then some. This can help alleviate any unnecessary strain across the treadmill’s frame and motor. For example, if you weigh 325 pounds, going with a treadmill that can withstand loads of 350 pounds or more can make for a more efficient training setup in the long run.

Are treadmills good for obese athletes?

Treadmills can be excellent picks for athletes that fall under the “obese” terminology. Because of their effectiveness in generating energy expenditure, treadmills are ripe with training opportunities, whether looking to support a weight loss journey or not. (5) Your workouts can also be scaled to your athletic abilities, too, so getting started is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

Which treadmill is best for heavy people?

The best treadmill for heavy people is subjective, as different profiles can be more or less accommodating depending on your fitness wants and needs. For our money, though, the Sole TT8 is the best available treadmill in the category. This impressive machine can withstand users up to 400 pounds, and comes with an expansive warranty which includes lifetime coverage for the frame and motor — the two most taxed components of a treadmill during extended use.

Can you be too heavy for a treadmill?

In short, yes. You don’t want to choose a treadmill that carries a max weight capacity below your starting weight. This can lead to equipment failure and burnout more easily, so it’s important to start with a machine that’s actually capable of supporting your frame.

When looking at listed weight capacities, it can be best to choose a profile that’s durable enough to hold your frame and then some. Doing so can help take unnecessary strain off of key components like the frame and motor, creating a more efficient training setup that remains operational day in and day out.

References

  1. Loftin, M., Waddell, D. E., Robinson, J. H., & Owens, S. G. (2010). Comparison of energy expenditure to walk or run a mile in adult normal weight and overweight men and women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research24(10), 2794–2798.
  2. van Oeveren, B. T., de Ruiter, C. J., Beek, P. J., & van Dieën, J. H. (2017). Optimal stride frequencies in running at different speeds. PLOS ONE12(10).
  3. REISER, R. F., & BROWNING, R. C. (2011). Energetics and biomechanics of inclined treadmill walking in obese adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise43(7), 1251–1259.
  4. Cha, H.-G., Kim, T.-H., & Kim, M.-K. (2016). Therapeutic efficacy of walking backward and forward on a slope in normal adults. Journal of Physical Therapy Science28(6), 1901–1903.
  5. Zeni, A. I. (1996). Energy expenditure with indoor exercise machines. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association275(18), 1424.
  6. Kim, J. Y. (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome30(1), 20–31. 
  7. Carreiro, A. (2023, October 31). Treadmill Buying Guide: The Full Rundown on what to look for | time stamped. Time. https://time.com/shopping/article/treadmill-buying-guide/ 

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