Research has shown that running, for even as little as five to 10 minutes per day, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease1. Walking has also been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular disease risk prevention, blood pressure control, and depression2. Not only can treadmills help you reach your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home, but they can also help save you time (no more having to trek to the gym) and may be more comfortable than running on outdoor terrain, with less impact on joints. The net-net? Even those that are lighter on the wallet can be a huge investment in your health and well-being. To help you learn what to look for in an affordable treadmill, we connected with experts Hannah Daugherty, NASM- and ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach, and Lalitha McSorley, CPT and lead physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy. Below, find their advice and our top picks for the best treadmills under $1,000. Whereas most treadmills work well for walking, they’re not all suited for running. “If a person is looking for a treadmill to run on, they should look for one with a higher weight capacity and longer belt length,” McSorley explains. Take note of the features each treadmill offers. For instance, if you’re OK with a no-frills, compact model and don’t plan on running long distances, a manual treadmill could be best for you. On the other hand, if you want a more innovative machine, you might consider investing in a smart treadmill, or one with Bluetooth connectivity, programmed workouts, an app, or charging ports. McSorley adds that, overall, “the treadmill is an incredibly useful tool for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to stay active.” While treadmills are highly adaptable pieces of equipment that can be used by a wide range of people, Daugherty points out that it is important you first speak with your doctor before adding any new exercises to your routine. “The specifics of treadmill usage should always be discussed with your physician,” she says. “However, those who are dealing with any type of injury or recent surgery should practice caution.” Its shock-absorbing running belt is made of five layers: a wear-resistant surface layer, a compression layer, multiple comfort layers, and one for sound insulation. Plus, an LED screen is included to help monitor running data. Built-in transport wheels make this foldable treadmill easier to move, but the brand does note that it should not be used on carpeting due to overheating risks. A downside is that this particular model does not offer any incline options and, although the motor is quiet, the tread belt can be noisy. Those who are low on space can also rest easy. This treadmill features a space-saving design, and can quickly be folded and stored away when not in use. The motor is built with a self-cooling technology, which helps prevent burnout. Although this treadmill has plenty of rave reviews, people do note that assembly can be tedious and may require more than one person. Those who like to talk on the phone while they exercise can easily sync their phone via Bluetooth and answer calls using the built-in microphone and speakers. Each unit comes with an emergency stop clip, which brings your treadmill to a stop in just seconds. Overall, customers say this treadmill is quiet, simple to set up, and is a great quality for the low price. People note that the speed adjustments are easy on the display and handrails, and that they appreciate the safety features for unfolding and folding. “I got features on this treadmill like the higher weight limit and speed that I only saw together in treadmills that cost $600 and up,” one reviewer writes. While this pick does have many positive reviews, some do say the speakers aren’t of the best quality, recommending that they’re better suited for taking calls, rather than playing music at a higher volume. This treadmill provides a smooth and quiet running experience, with a cushioned deck that offers maximum impact absorption and takes pressure off your joints. A widescreen LCD display allows you to keep track of important tidbits, including pulse, distance, calories burned, and more. What’s more, 12 preset programs are included for no added cost. Just note, some customers stress that it is important to lubricate this treadmill regularly to prevent and minimize squeaking. Even better, this treadmill arrives fully-assembled and ready to use. It also has a 2.5 horsepower motor that runs smoothly and quietly, so you don’t have to worry about excess noise while working. Wheels and a foldable design make this machine easy to move and store. It doesn’t offer any incline options, so be sure to keep that in mind when choosing the best treadmill for you. One reviewer says they wish this treadmill had Bluetooth capability, so if that’s one of your must-haves you may want to try out a different machine. Floor stabilizers help keep the machine balanced, and dual flywheels offer more resistance, which in turn makes for a better workout. Even though this treadmill is non-electric, it still includes an LCD digital monitor that displays time, speed, distance, calories burned, and more. It also folds up into a compact size, making it a good choice for those living in smaller spaces. Although this treadmill has many positive reviews, one reviewer mentions that the incline may feel too steep for some, and it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, such as a cup holder. Through the brand’s Explore The World app, you can virtually “run” through settings all over the world, with the treadmill’s speed adjusting automatically based on each course’s design. Three free courses are available, but if you’d like to have access to the full app you must sign up for a paid subscription. However, some reviews do mention that this model is fairly heavy, which may be an issue for those looking for a treadmill they can easily move around the room.
