What is the best treadmill for big guys – a question in the minds of many plus size people who want to add fitness into their lives…
Minute for minute, treadmills are the ultimate fat burning machine, eliminating up to 900 calories an hour.
Heavy duty treadmills provide an excellent form of workouts at home – no matter what your weight or size is…
Treadmills for big people are designed with shock and impact absorbers on the running area. This eliminates the shock on sensitive joints associated with outdoor workout sessions. This protects your ankles, knees and hips from shock.
In this post, I’m going to compare and review heavyduty treadmills from different weight brackets. The main goal of these treadmill reviews is to ensure you get the best treadmill for big guys.
In this treadmills buying guide, I’m going to look at the main features like maximum weight, maximum speed, running area size, motor horsepower.
The following is a table summarizing the main features of the best value treadmills for running.
Click for PriceSole Fitness F80375 lbs22" x 60", 12 MPHYes
Click for PriceProForm Pro 2000350 lbs22″ x 60″, 12 MPHYes
Click for PriceLifeSpan TR1200-DT5350 lbs20″ x 56″, 4 MPHNo
Click for PriceProForm 505 CST325 lbs20″ x 55″ 12 MPHYes
Click for PriceLifeSpan TR1200i300 lbs20″ x 56″, 11 MPHYes
Click for PriceNordicTrack T 6.5 S300 lbs20″ X 55″, 11 MPHYes
Click for PriceWeslo Cadence G 5.9275 lbs16” x 50″, 10 MPHYes
Click for PriceConfidence Power Plus250 lbs14 x 38.5″, 6 MPHYes
Click for PriceWeslo Cadence R 5.2250 lbs16″ x 50″, 6 MPHYes
Best Treadmill for over 300 Pounds (Treadmill for over 300 lbs)
In this section of our best treadmill for heavy people post, I’ll be looking at the best treadmills for people weighing 300 lbs and above. Even at this weight range, you’re open to a whole new world of powerful electric treadmills.
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Even though these are not the type of treadmills you’ll find at your local gym, you still got value for your money.
At a budget of $500 and below you can get a decent treadmill to add to your home gym. And I’m here to help you with all the comparisons and choosing.
Ladies and gentlemen, below are four of the best treadmills for over 300 lbs
Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill Review
Sole Treadmill Tech Specs
- Motor: 3.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 to 15%
- Running Surface: 22″ x 60″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 12 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 375 LBS (375 pounds)
- Dimensions: 82″ L x 37″ W x 57 H
- Built-In Programs: 10
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The Sole Fitness F80 is a great folding treadmill for over 350 lbs.
The best treadmill for 300 lbs features CushionFlex Deck, which makes workouts gentler by absorbing impact and shock. The cushioning has been seen to lower joint impact by 35 to 40%.
This treadmill model has the longest and widest running surface in this series of treadmills (best treadmill for running). The treadmill has a 22’’ x 60’’ track. To ensure durability, the track is two-ply.
To ensure you get value for your money, the treadmill is built with commercial grade components. This not only helps ensure the durability of the treadmill but also help make your workouts as safe as possible.
The Sole Fitness F80 folding treadmill comes with a 3.5 CHP track motor that is able to support the longest and toughest of workouts.
To ensure your safety at all times, the treadmill has a stop button and a safety lanyard to stop the treadmill in case you lose balance.
The treadmill has a 9’’ LCD display (one of the largest in the industry).
Some of the extras that come with this treadmill are speakers, compatibility with iPods (and other mp3 players), cooling fans, accessory tray, and two bottle holders.
With the treadmill’s foldable frame, you can easily fold and tuck the treadmill. With just a flip on a switch and the treadmill is ready for storage.
The Sole Fitness F80 folding treadmill comes with a lifetime protection on the frame, 5 years warranty on electronics, and one year of labor.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
The treadmill comes with only ten workout programs. There are cheaper treadmills with more workout programs than this one.
Even though the treadmill comes with handrails for stability, they are long enough for some runners.
ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill Review
Tech Specs
- Motor: 3.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: -3 to 15%
- Running Surfacea: 22″ x 60″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 12 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 350 LBS (350 pounds)
- Dimensions: 80″ L x 36″ W x 73.5 H
- Built-In Programs: 32
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The ProForm Pro 2000 is a great treadmill to go for if you’re not on a budget. It is one of the best treadmill for over 300 lbs.
To make sure you get value for your hard-earned money, the heavy duty treadmill comes with 32 built-in workout programs to make your workout sessions a breeze. Additionally, the treadmill is iFit Live compatible allowing you can download more workout programs.
The high-end treadmill comes with an 8’’ display. The big display allows you to view and choose workout programs from different heights.
For simple and easier storage, the treadmill features SpaceSaver and EasyLift Assist technologies. You can effortlessly fold and tuck away the treadmill (best treadmill for home use).
To help simulate outdoor workout conditions, the treadmill has incline options ranging from -3% to 15%. The incline changes automatically with workout programs. You can also adjust it manually using a “One-Touch button.
The ProForm Pro 2000 treadmill comes with a 22’’ by 60’’ 1-ply commercial tread belt. The size accommodates even the tallest runners perfectly.
To make your running sessions lively, the treadmill is iPod (and other MP3 players) compatible. The treadmill also comes with 3.0 Intermix Acoustics speakers.
The treadmill’s tread belt size, the personalized workout programs, and the 12mph max speed, ensures that this training equipment can suit almost any level of fitness.
With the treadmill’s 3.5 CHP commercial motor, any individual weighing up to 350 pounds can use the treadmill for workouts.
The ProForm Pro 2000 has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, five years warranty on the other parts, two years of service.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Even though the 60” track is long enough for most runners, it may not be sufficient for strides of taller runners. A 62” track is the best if you consider yourself taller than average.
Even though the treadmill has a commercial tread belt, which comes with a 5-year warranty, I still feel like the one-ply is not enough. Most high-end treadmills have two-ply or four-ply belts.
LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk Review
LifeSpan is a renowned seller of award-winning fitness and workplace products. Some of the heavy duty treadmills they sell include the TR800-DT3 Base, the TR800-DT5, the TR800-DT7, the TR1200i Folding Treadmill, the TR3000i Folding Treadmill, and the C3-DT5 Bike Desk.
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.25 HP
- Incline/Decline: n/a
- Running Area: 20″ x 56″
- Folding: No
- Top Speed: 4 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 350 LBS (350 pounds)
- Dimensions: 74″ L x 46.75″ W x 6 H
- Built-In Programs: n/a
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill is perfect for the workplace.
LifeSpan knows you can’t wait to get your hands on the treadmill to start your workout sessions straight away. The LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill arrives pretty much ready to use. You can start your sessions within 30 min of receiving it.
The 2 HP motor is designed to remain virtually silent not to interrupt with the day-to-day operations of the office. The motor automatically stops if you become inactive.
The treadmill for big guys has a maximum speed of 4 mph, which is more than enough during work. In fact, most people set it to 1 or 2 mph.
With this treadmill shock and impact is massively reduced. The shock absorbers are strategically placed on six points along the track to ensure you have the most comfortable workout sessions.
To ensure you have an easier and comfortable typing at the treadmill desk, the treadmill is fitted with foam-injected armrests.
The high-end treadmill desk can support a maximum user weight of 350 pounds.
One of the most important features of a desk treadmill is the work surface. With this treadmill, the height of this durable work surface can be adjusted to much your height.
The treadmill comes with a lifetime protection for the frame, 3 years for the motor, 2 years for the parts and 1 year for labor.
As if the attractive warranty wasn’t good enough, the treadmill comes with a 60-days satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like it within 60 days, just ship it back.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Even though the treadmill desk is pretty durable, its guardrails are made of plastic, which makes them not so durable.
The treadmill does not come with any built-in workout programs.
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Review
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 – 10%
- Running Area: 20″ x 55″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 10 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 325 LBS (325 pounds)
- Dimensions: 68″ L x 73″ W x 36 H
- Built-In Programs: 18
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The ProForm 505 CST is another great treadmill if you’re working on a budget of less than $1,000 but over $500.
The treadmill for 300 lb person features a SpaceSaver design and EasyLift folding technology, which makes it easy to fold and store away. These features plus the light and compact deck make this treadmill a perfect treadmill for the home gym.
The treadmill comes with 18 built-in workout programs. Certified personal trainers develop these workout programs. Based on the program you choose, the treadmill will speed and incline automatically.
Even though the affordable treadmill doesn’t come with advanced entertainment features, it does come with iPod compatibilities and two Intermix Acoustics speakers.
The treadmill comes with an attractive warranty – Lifetime warranty on frame, 25 years on the motor and 1 year on parts.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
The ProForm treadmill’s 20’’ by 55’’ running area is not sufficient for taller people.
The maximum speed of 10mph may not sufficient if you want to do sprint runs
Best Treadmill for over 250 Pounds (Treadmill for over 250 lbs)
In this section, I’m going to have a closer look at the best treadmills for over 250 pounds with the main aim of helping you get the best treadmill for heavy people.
The treadmills in this weight limit bracket are great for your home gym. These treadmills may not be as powerful as those for over 300 pounds may but they definitely offer value for money.
The following are some of the high-end treadmills you can get if you’re over 250 pounds but under 300 pounds.
LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill Review
LifeSpan is a renowned seller of award-winning fitness and workplace products. Some of the best treadmills for home they sell include the TR800-DT3 Base, the TR800-DT5, the TR800-DT7, the TR1200i Folding Treadmill, the TR3000i Folding Treadmill, and the C3-DT5 Bike Desk.
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 – 15%
- Running Area: 20″ x 56″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 11 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBS (300 pounds)
- Dimensions: 70″ L x 33″ W x 54 H
- Built-In Programs: 20
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The LifeSpan TR1200i is one of the best treadmills for heavy people weighing between 250 lbs and 300 lbs.
The well-built treadmill comes pre-loaded with workout options to save you time on workout sessions.
To enable you to blast your favorite mp3 tracks as you workout, the LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill comes with speakers.
The home treadmill has received multiple awards from treadmill reviewers and tons of positive reviews on Amazon.
The well-built treadmill for the money lets you save exercise data for easy tracking online. You easily check out your workout progress on the go.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
This treadmill doesn’t come with a fan. To control the heat associated with working out, you’ll have to plug in a fan alongside this treadmill.
The treadmill’s data tracking feature is free for four months only. After four months, you need to pay for a subscription.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review
NordicTrack Treadmill Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.6 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 – 10%
- Running Area: 20″ X 55″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 10 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBS (300 pounds)
- Dimensions: 73″ L x 35.75″ W x 67.5 H
- Built-In Programs: 20
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is yet another great treadmill if your weight falls between 250 and 300 lbs.
The affordable treadmill features FlexSelect Cushioning, which absorbs shock and impact during workout sessions. Minimal shock/impact means less pain on joints.
And if you want to have the same experience you would want to have while working out out there, you just turn off the FlexSelect Cushioning.
The considerably inexpensive treadmill comes with a whopping 20 workout programs. This is a steal at this price.
The treadmill is iFit compatible. With your iFit subscription, you can access hundreds of additional workout programs.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill features the patented EasyLift Assist and SpaceSaver. This means one thing – you can easily fold and tuck the treadmill away.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
A common complaint among users of this treadmill is its noisy motor. When in use, the treadmill can get pretty loud.
If you want to run or do interval training, the treadmill’s 10% incline and 10mph max speed may not be sufficient.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Review
Weslo Treadmill Tech Specifications
- Dimensions: 30 x 67 x 10 inches (W x H x D);
- Max Weight: 275 lbs (275 pounds)
- Horse Power: 2.25
- Max Speed: 10 mph
- Running Area: 16” x 50″
- Incline Grade: 0 – 3%
- Workout Programs: 6
- Warranty: 90 days Motor
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill is one of the best treadmills you can get if you are slightly over 250 pounds.
The treadmill’s powerful motor (2.25 horsepower); a speed of 10mph and a great upper weight limit of 275 lbs have seen a lot of love from users.
The best treadmill for home has a lot of great reviews on Amazon and other fitness e-commerce sites.
With the treadmill’s 6 personal trainer workouts, a comfort cell cushioning and a 2-position manual incline (this doesn’t make it a manual treadmill), you’re guaranteed to get more results in less time.
If you want to lose weight and increase performance the comfortable way, then the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 is the treadmill you need. It is designed in way that you’ll stay comfortable with each stride.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Like most treadmills, you can’t increase speed in points like from 6 mph to 6.7 mph. You have to jump the speed from one whole number to the other.
But the above shortcoming is not big enough to come between you and this great treadmill.
View price range on Amazon
Best Treadmill for under 250 Pounds (Treadmill for under 250 lbs)
This section is a roundup of the best-rated treadmills with a weight capacity of 250 lbs and below.
The treadmills in this weight bracket are generally stable (mostly due to their considerably huge weight). Most of the treadmills in this category are non-foldable (fixed) adding to their stability.
They come with bigger running decks (best treadmills for running), higher quality commercial components and larger motors to support high speeds and relatively heavy weights.
The following are some of the best treadmills for people lighter than 250 lbs. Not great for plus size people
Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 49 x 11 inches (H x D);
- Max Weight: 250 lbs (250 pounds)
- Horse Power: 0.8
- Max Speed: 6 mph
- Running Area: 14 x 38.5″
- Incline Grade: 0
- Workout Programs: 0
- Warranty: 90-Day Parts and Labor
Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
Another great treadmill you can get if you weigh under 250 lbs is the Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill.
The lightweight treadmill may not feature all those fancy settings you’ll get in expensive models like workout programs and incline but it is still great for your home gym.
The foldable treadmill allows you to run or walk at the comfort of your home. It is easy to store after use thus saving on house space.
Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill is suitable for users up to 250 lbs.
With the much affordable treadmill, you can now burn fat and increase fitness without the hassle of checking with your local gym. You can do it right in your house.
The affordable treadmill features a multifunction LED display, which makes it easy to operate.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
The main let down with this best home treadmill is that there is no warranty, which kinda leaves one with an uneasy feeling.
View price on Amazon
Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill Review
Tech Specs
- SpaceSaver Design
- Two-position adjustable incline
- 25 HP Impulse Motor
- Comfort Cell Cushioning
- Six workout apps
- 0 to 10 mph QuickSpeed Control
- 16″ x 50″ tread belt
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds (250 lbs)
- 90-day warranty covering motor, labor, and parts
Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The one thing that stands out about this relatively affordable treadmill is its solid feel even at higher speeds.
The treadmill features Comfort Cell Cushioning, which absorbs impact during workout. Less impact and shock means less strain on your joints.
The best treadmill for people under 250 lbs comes with pre-programmed workouts, which will definitely help you with your workout. You are also allowed to create your own treadmill workouts.
The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill SpaceSaver Design allows you to save space in your house. You can easily tuck the treadmill away with minimal effort.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Even though the treadmill’s 50-inch tread belt is long enough for average jogging, it feels short and insufficient when you introduce sprints on your workout session.
What to Look for in a Treadmill – Buying Guide
What should you consider when buying a treadmill?
In this section of the best high weight capacity treadmills article, I’m going to cover all the factors you need to consider before buying a treadmill.
I understand that choosing the right treadmill is not an easy task and that’s why I’m here to help you out.
Treadmill heavy weight capacity
When looking for the best treadmill for heavy person the first thing you need to consider is the treadmill’s capacity. Check the capacity in relation to your weight. You don’t want to buy a treadmill that can’t support your weight.
Your budget
The amount you want to invest in a treadmill is a very important factor. Generally, a comfortable, easy to use and durable treadmill is expensive.
Even though you can get cheap treadmills for as low as 200 dollars, you get what you pay for. A good treadmill will cost over 1,000 dollars.
Type of motor
Arguably, the motor is the most important thing you need to consider before buying a treadmill.
Typically, a treadmill will have two motors. One motor is for the incline and the other for the belt.
Go wrong with the motor and you won’t get value for your money.
The right type of motor means great workouts and longevity of your treadmill’s life.
If you plan on running on the treadmill on a frequent basis, shoot for a 2.5 to 3.0 horsepower motor. For daily lightweight workout sessions, a 1.5 horsepower motor will do.
Noise and space
Some treadmills are noisier than others are. If you plan to use a treadmill in a place where noise can be a nuisance, go for a treadmill with a less noisy motor.
The easiest way to tell is a treadmill has a noisy motor or not is to watch treadmill review videos online and reading customer reviews on Amazon.
Space is also another factor you need to consider. Best home treadmills need to work in your space. Also, make sure the treadmill will be easy to fold and tuck after use.
Folding Vs. Non-folding
If space is a factor, go for a folding treadmill – equipment you will easily fold and tuck after using creating space in the room.
Folding treadmills are the best treadmills for home use.
If space is not a problem, go for a non-folding treadmill.
Minimum specifications
The following are the minimum requirements you need to check before going for a treadmill for running.
Treadbelt size: A good treadmill should have a running area of at least 48” by 16”. This may not be sufficient for tall be people but it is more than enough for the average person.
Speed: If you are looking for a treadmill, go for a treadmill that has a speed of at least 10 mph.
Incline/decline: Treadmills use the incline and decline feature to simulate outdoor workout sessions. A great treadmill will have this feature. Go for a treadmill with an incline of at least 10%.
Cushioning: The running area should be well cushioned to absorb impact and shock. Don’t get near any treadmill that doesn’t have this cushioning.
Stability: A good treadmill for running should shake during workout. Generally, the heavier the treadmill, the more stable it will be.
Control panel. The treadmills control panel should be simple to use and easily accessible during workout sessions.
Conclusion – Best Treadmill for Plus Size Treadmill
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the most comprehensive “best treadmill for big guys” post on the internet.
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Best Treadmills for Big Guys
Sole Fitness F80 (up to 375 lbs)
ProForm Pro 2000 (up to 350 lbs)
LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 (up to 350 lbs)
ProForm 505 CST (up to 325 lbs)
LifeSpan TR1200i (up to 300 lbs)
NordicTrack T 6.5 S (up to 300 lbs)
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 (up to 275 lbs)
Confidence Power Plus (up to 250 lbs)
Weslo Cadence R 5.2 (up to 250 lbs)