This is our review for the Best Heavy Duty Treadmill in .
In recent years, the popularity and durability of treadmills have increased. Many treadmills today are built with superior quality material and have powerful motors to support heavy user weight.
However, due to the multiple options available today, finding a good treadmill for heavy people might be challenging. So, after extensive research, we have curated a list of the best heavy duty treadmills available in the market.
The best treadmill for heavy people with the 300 lbs weight capacity is Nordictrack Treadmill Commercial 1750. It is loaded with the latest features that help you automatically adjust your workout, has a heavy-duty motor, wide and extra long belt, and a space saver design. Whereas, the best heavy-duty treadmill for walking in the 400 lbs weight capacity is the Exerpeutic TF1000, as it has a wide walking belt with extra long safety handles for a comfortable workout.
That said, let’s check out some other fantastic treadmill options across categories that’ll help you achieve your fitness goals:
| Best Heavy Duty Treadmill Overall (300 lbs weight capacity) | Nordictrack Treadmill Commercial 1750 |
| Best Heavy Duty Manual Treadmill (325 lbs weight capacity) | Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Manual Treadmill |
| Best Heavy Duty Walking Pad (350 lbs weight capacity) | LifeSpan Fitness TR1000-DT3 |
| Best Heavy Duty Treadmill for Streaming (400 lbs weight capacity) | Bowflex Treadmill 10 |
| Best Heavy Duty Treadmill for Rehabilitation (400 lbs weight capacity) | 3G Cardio Elite Runner |
| Best Heavy Duty Treadmill for Walking (400 lbs weight capacity) | Exerpeutic Treadmill TF1000 |
We have also included an in-depth buying guide for a heavy duty treadmill towards the end of this article, so do check it out.
6 Best Heavy-Duty Treadmill for home use reviewed
All the heavy-weight capacity treadmills reviewed below will help you reach your fitness goals. However, consult a physician if you have any medical conditions.
Nordictrack Treadmill Commercial 1750 – Best Heavy Duty Overall Treadmill (300 lbs capacity)
User weight capacity: 300 lbs
Belt size: 60 x 22 inches
Motor Capacity: 3.5 CHP
Incline: -3% to 15%
Warranty: Frame – 10 years, Parts – 2 years, Labor – 1 year
The Nordictrack Commercial 1750 is the best heavy duty treadmill in 300 lbs weight capacity as it is equipped with some really cool and new features.
The 3.5 CHP motor and a wide 60×22 inches belt allow the user to walk, jog or run comfortably. The treadmill’s speed ranges from 0 to 12 mph, allowing you to train harder as you progress.
This treadmill comes with AutoAdjust Technology, which helps you focus on your workout, letting the treadmill automatically adjust the incline, decline, and speed.
While adjusting the speed and incline, the ActivePlus technology targets an optimal heart rate zone to maximize the workout benefits.
The 14-inch HD touchscreen helps you track all your workout statistics. It also offers multiple workout genres (strength, cardio, incline training, etc.) to meet all your fitness needs. In addition, the display screen rotates and can turn to either side for better viewing.
The treadmill also comes with a 30-day iFit subscription, which provides you with an interactive workout experience from trainers worldwide.
In addition to all these features, the treadmill also has Bluetooth connectivity, a cooling fan, and integrated audio speakers, giving you a superior workout experience.
This Nordictrack treadmill is also built with SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist technology, which helps with easy storage.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Large running deck | Heavy frame |
| AutoAdjust Technology | |
| 14-inch HD rotating touchscreen | |
| SpaceSaver design | |
| iFit subscription | |
| Cooling fan |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
The customers find the treadmill incredible and similar to the ones found in gyms and hotels. Nordictrack Commercial 1750 is the best treadmill for heavy people as it is very comfortable, sturdy, and quiet. However, some customers have faced issues setting up the treadmill before every workout due to connectivity problems.
Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Manual Treadmill – Best Heavy Duty Manual Treadmill (325 lbs capacity)
User weight capacity: 325 lbs
Belt size: 45 x 16 inches
Motor Capacity: Manual
Incline: 3 levels (8, 10, and 15 degrees)
Warranty: Frame – 3 years, Other components – 90 days
The Exerpeutic 100XL is a heavy-duty magnetic manual treadmill fitted with a twin 6 inches flywheel drive system, giving a smoother and more comfortable workout experience than single flywheel treadmills.
The Pacer Control technology offers 8 levels of magnetic resistance to increase the workout difficulty. You can also select between the 3 levels of manual incline to challenge yourself further.
The LCD monitor displays the performance data like distance, time, calories, and heart rate. In addition, heart rate sensors are placed on the handlebars to measure and target the desired heart rate.
The handlebars are 2 times the length of other treadmills for extra security and to prevent injuries. The Exerpeutic 100XL can be easily folded and stored with the help of transportation wheels when not in use, making it the best budget treadmill in 300 lbs capacity.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Extra-long handlebars | No device and bottle holder |
| Compact design |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
Users love the Exerpeutic 100XL as it comes virtually assembled out of the box. They just have to attach the LCD monitor to get started. They also find it sturdy as it does not wobble or make excessive noise. However, few customers faced issues with the high incline, even on the lowest setting.
LifeSpan Fitness Treadmill TR1000-DT3 – Best Heavy Duty Walking Pad (350 lbs capacity)
User weight capacity: 350 lbs
Belt size: 44 x 20 inches
Motor Capacity: 2.25 HP
Incline: No incline
Warranty: Frame – 10 years, Parts – 2 years, Labor – 1 year
The LifeSpan Fitness TR1000 is a compact walking pad with a short deck, which makes it ideal for tight places.
It doesn’t compromise with durability as it is fitted with a high-quality, sturdy frame, has a 2-ply running belt, and has a 3/4″ phenolic deck. It also boosts a generous user weight capacity of 350 lbs, one of the highest in the walking pads category.
This under-bed treadmill is powered by a 2.25 HP motor with adjustable speeds varying from 0.4 mph to 4 mph and 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks, so you have an effective and safe workout.
The LED console is small, portable, and has internal cable routing, allowing you to customize your desk set-up and keep the controls within your arm’s reach. This makes the LifeSpan TR1000 a great heavy-duty under-desk walking pad as well.
With integrated step counting, you can easily track important metrics such as time, distance, speed, and calories burnt. The treadmill also features a unique ‘Intelli-Guard’ safety feature which stops the treadmill deck as soon as you step off.
This walking pad has a moderate weight of 117 lbs and has transportation wheels, making it super easy to slide and store under the bed.
| Why do we love it? | What you need to consider |
| Portable Console | Short belt – Running is not possible |
| Intelli-Guard Technology | No pulse sensor |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
Most customers find the treadmill to be value for money, thanks to its sturdy and compact build. However, a few customers have faced quality issues while receiving the product, but this isn’t a big issue as LifeSpan offers excellent customer service.
Bowflex Treadmill 10 – Best Heavy Duty Streaming Treadmill (400 lbs weight capacity)
User weight capacity: 400 lbs
Belt size: 60 x 22 inches
Motor Capacity: 3.0 HP
Incline: -5% to 15%
Warranty: Frame & motor – 15 years, Parts – 5 years, Labor – 2 years, Electronic – 1 year
Designed for home workouts, Bowflex Treadmill 10 offers a superior cardio experience to challenge all your workout goals.
The treadmill has a super sturdy frame and a weight capacity of 400 lbs., making it ideal for heavy-duty usage.
To make your workout entertaining, you can stream your favorite movies or shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney, etc. All these features can be accessed through the built-in 10 inches HD touchscreen. In addition, the screen also displays the workout metrics like time, distance, calories, etc.
This heavy-duty treadmill comes with a one-year JRNY membership, which offers you a tailor-made workout and access to the library of virtual coaching videos according to your fitness level.
The 60 x 22 inches wide belt with comfort-tech cushioning provides a smooth and comfortable workout. And you can adjust the intensity and speed of your workout with the help of a knob.
The treadmill also includes a Bluetooth heart rate armband to track and target the optimum heart rate. It is also equipped with a built-in fan to stay cool during the workout.
Lastly, the treadmill’s Softdrop folding mechanism helps minimize its footprint as it can be stored even in tight spaces.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Large running deck | Small console |
| JRNY membership | |
| SoftDrop mechanism | |
| Cooling fan |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
Most customers find assembling the Bowflex T10 treadmill easy due to its clear and straightforward instruction manual. And while they find it sturdy and comfortable, some have faced problems with the treadmill stopping randomly.
3G Cardio Elite Runner – Best Heavy Duty Rehabilitation Treadmill (400 lbs weight capacity)
User weight capacity: 400 lbs
Belt size: 62 x 22 inches
Motor Capacity: 4.0 HP
Incline: 0 to 15%
Warranty: (Residential) Drive motor & frame – Lifetime warranty, Parts – 10 years, Labor – 2 years
The 3G Cardio Elite runner offers excellent features to provide a fantastic workout experience. Powered with a 4.0 HP motor, the treadmill’s speed ranges from 0.5 mph to 12 mph, ensuring an effective workout.
This heavy-duty treadmill can handle a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs. The frame is built with alloy steel to ensure a smooth stride. Moreover, with its high weight capacity and durable frame, the treadmill is quite stable and sturdy.
The 62 x 22 inches deck has a soft orthopedic belt, thicker than most other treadmills, making the user experience more comfortable. This is especially important for people who are undergoing physical therapy. The oversized belt also makes it easier to accommodate big and tall people.
Along with the orthopedic belt, the treadmill also features an upgraded Ortho Flex Shock Suspension system to reduce the impact on joints and provide a cushioning effect for the feet. That’s why this machine is an ideal fit for people going through orthopedic rehab.
The 4.0 HP motor offers a challenging workout experience with up to 15% incline, which allows you to get fitter as you walk on the deck.
The console of the treadmill is simple and effective. It has built-in workout programs, heart rate control, and fitness tests to challenge you during every workout.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| 4.0 HP motor | Small screen |
| Oversized running deck | Expensive |
| Long warranty | |
| Orthopedic belt |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
Customers love the sturdiness of the 3G Cardio Elite Runner and are especially happy with the oversized deck. Also, most users consider it a good investment. However, some customers have complained about the heart rate monitor not working efficiently.
Exerpeutic TF1000 Electric Treadmill – Best Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill (400 lbs capacity)
User weight capacity: 400 lbs
Belt size: 40 x 20 inches
Motor Capacity: 1.5 HP
Incline: Up to 6% (2 manual positions)
Warranty: Motor – 5 years, Frame – 1 year, Parts – 90 days
The Exerpeutic TF1000 walk-to-fitness electric treadmill is a high-capacity effective machine.
To enable you to walk comfortably, the treadmill features a wide 20 inches belt and extra-long safety handles to grab onto, making it the best heavy duty treadmill in the 400 lbs category.
It can easily accommodate users of up to 400 lbs weight capacity and has impressive stability. With the help of a durable folding frame, it can be folded and stored easily.
The treadmill has a 1.5 HP motor, ensuring a smooth, quiet drive. The speed ranges from 1 to 4 mph, making it a perfect match for walking and light jogging.
The speed buttons/heart pulse pads on the handlebars allow you to easily adjust your speed and target your pulse rate. In addition, all the workout statistics like distance, speed, time, and heart rate are displayed on the LCD console fitted to the treadmill.
| Why do we love it | What you need to consider |
| Wide running belt | Light motor |
| Extra long handlebars | Short warranty |
| Foldable and portable | |
| Easy to assemble |
Summary of Customer Reviews:
Customers find the Exerpeutic TF1000 an easy-to-assemble treadmill as it comes with easy instructions. You just need to attach the display, and it’s ready to go. However, some customers have faced challenges with the motor being underpowered.
What are the benefits of a home heavy duty treadmill?
A Heavy duty treadmill provides numerous benefits.
Weight loss
The primary benefit of a heavy-duty treadmill is weight loss. Working out on a treadmill helps burn more calories, eventually losing weight quickly. However, it is also essential to maintain a healthy diet to see sustaining results.
Low impact workout
Our joints need to bear quite a lot of impact while walking outdoors on hard and uneven surfaces. A heavy-duty treadmill provides a low-impact workout that does not unduly pressurize the joints.
Improves overall health
In addition to weight loss, treadmills provide numerous health benefits, like better heart health due to improved circulation and blood pressure control.
Working out on a treadmill reduces stress, as it allows our brain to release endorphins, making us feel calmer and more relaxed.
Saves time
Getting a treadmill at home saves time as you don’t have to go to the gym for a workout. Instead, just get on your treadmill and start your training.
Convenience
You can workout on a treadmill without worrying about the time of day and the weather outside. So whether it’s rainy, sunny, or chilly outside, you can workout at your convenience, in the comfort of your home.
Lower risks of falls
A treadmill lowers the risk of falling as you walk on an even and smooth deck instead of an uneven surface. Most heavy duty treadmills are also equipped with handlebars that you can hold onto for support while working out.
No need to be conscious
There is no need for people to feel conscious or embarrassed about going to the gym anymore, as a heavy-duty treadmill lets you workout in the privacy of the home.
Buying Guide: What to look for in the best heavy duty treadmill?
Now that we know its benefits, here’s what you need to keep in mind before getting a treadmill for a heavy person.
Weight Capacity
The first and foremost thing to consider in a treadmill for a heavy person is its weight capacity. Usually, all heavy duty treadmills have a higher weight capacity than regular treadmills.
Also, always go for a treadmill that has a weight capacity more than your actual body weight to avoid any chances of injury.
Strong/durable machine
A treadmill should be durable and strong to avoid any injuries during the workout.
The frame and building material determine the durability or sturdiness of a machine. We advise looking for a heavy-duty steel frame with minimal joints/weldings in the machine.
For most treadmills, durability is directly proportional to its weight capacity. The higher the weight capacity, the more durable a treadmill is.
Running deck area
The running deck area should be sufficient to suit your fitness regimen. The dimensions of an ideal belt are as follows:
- Walking:
- Length – 50 inches
- Width – 20 inches
- Running:
- Length – 55 inches
- Width – 22 inches
However, if you are a 6-foot-tall runner, the length of the belt should ideally be 60 inches or more. We recommend getting the longest and widest belt for a heavy user to ensure maximum comfort.
Tread belt cushioning
It is essential to ensure that the running deck is thick, comfortable, and has good cushioning. Good cushioning describes the ability of the tread belt to absorb shocks when a user places their foot on the belt. It is required to reduce the strain on your joints.
This is highly crucial to heavy-weight users as their joints undergo more strain owing to their body weight. Some modern-day treadmills have orthopedic belts thicker than regular belts to help absorb shocks effectively.
Incline
Adding an incline to a treadmill makes a workout more enjoyable and efficient. A treadmill with an incline level offers various benefits, like burning more calories and better muscle support. Home treadmills usually have incline levels of up to 20%.
A decline feature on the treadmill is also helpful in providing a more accurate representation of outdoor conditions. So, this can be an added feature you can lookout for.
Motor
The effectiveness of a workout is directly correlated to the motor’s power. Therefore, continuous Horsepower (CHP) is an important value to consider as it indicates the power of a treadmill.
The minimum CHP requirements are as under:
- Walking – 2.0 CHP or higher
- Jogging – 2.5 CHP or higher
- Running – 3.0 CHP or higher
We recommend a higher capacity motor for heavy-weight users as the strain the machine endures is much higher.
Warranty
Lastly, a warranty is essential to consider before buying any equipment. As the treadmill will go through wear and tear over time, getting one with an extended warranty concerning the frame, motor, parts, and labor is recommended.
Conclusion
The best treadmill for heavy people is a strong and sturdy fitness machine that can accommodate a higher weight. Moreover, it has a powerful motor that can run continuously without any hitch.
As per our research, the best treadmill for heavy person in 300 lbs capacity is Nordictrack Commercial 1750. Powered by a 3.5 CHP motor, oversized running deck, and up to 15% incline, the treadmill offers an effective workout at home. In addition, it is also equipped with all the latest technology, making it the best overall treadmill in this category.
The best heavy duty treadmill for walking in the 400 lbs capacity is the Exerpeutic TF1000. Equipped with a wide deck of 20 inches, extra long handrails, and speed ranging from 1mph to 4mph, walking or jogging on this treadmill is very comfortable.
FAQs
How much does a heavy-duty treadmill weigh?
A treadmill’s weight depends on various factors like frame, motor, running deck, weight capacity, etc. On average, a heavy-duty treadmill can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 lbs.
Is it better to walk or run on a treadmill?
Walking or running on a treadmill depends upon your fitness goals. If your goal is to reduce weight, running is more advantageous as it burns more calories in a shorter span. However, walking can be equally effective in achieving your health goals. Make sure to pick an activity in which you are comfortable.
Where are these heavy-duty treadmills available?
You can easily find a heavy-duty treadmill online on e-commerce websites like amazon.com. In addition, the treadmills are also available at stores like Walmart, Target, etc.
Do I need a treadmill mat?
Yes, having a mat under your treadmill is always good unless you have rubber gym flooring. The mat helps to reduce noise and vibration caused by the treadmill and also helps to prevent damage to the floor.
You can check out some of the best treadmill mats here.
Can I use a treadmill if I’m over the weight capacity?
No, you should never use a treadmill whose weight capacity is lower than your body weight, as it may result in an injury.
Can a treadmill reduce belly fat?
Yes, working out on a treadmill is one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce belly fat. In the long run, the treadmill helps burn calories for weight loss and helps to reduce the fat under the belly. Working out gives the best results when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Heavy-duty ellipticals and Heavy-duty exercise bikes are also a great way for a heavy person to burn calories and reduce belly fat.
Is an incline on a treadmill good for weight loss?
Walking or running at an incline is good for weight loss as it helps burn more calories than walking on a straight surface. This is because your body must work harder and activate more muscles.
Consider taking a pre-wrokout without beta-alanine 30 mins before your workout to maximize your workout session and see the best results.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in the article above is for educational and informational purposes only. It shouldn’t be considered health or medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any medical/health conditions questions.
