Curious what treadmill brand is the most popular for home gyms? We break down the data to examine which treadmill and treadmill brand people love most.
The Covid pandemic changed a lot of people’s lives, and this was particularly apparent with fitness and exercise. The pandemic had a huge impact on how much exercise people performed and what they used to stay fit at home.
One study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (McCarthy et al. 2021), showed a significant reduction in physical activity from the week before COVID-19 was announced to when restrictions were relaxed. The median change was a whopping 57-minute decrease in activity.
At the same time, there was a huge increase in interest for home fitness equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, and other cardio machines.
The demand for treadmills spiked significantly in the spring of 2020, with Google Trends showing increased interest for treadmills long after the first wave of gym closures and restrictions.
With that in mind, we examined the most popular treadmills brands, popular models, and looked at how much money people spend on home fitness equipment.
In this article, we will look at the most the most popular treadmill brands and models for home gyms.
Most Popular Treadmill Brands by Ownership
NordicTrack is the most popular treadmill brand for home gyms. In a survey of 2,494 treadmill owners, NordicTrack represented 31.9% of total treadmills, with Peloton (20.5%) and ProForm (12.3%)
The survey, performed in April 2022, also included treadmill brands Bowflex, Schwinn, Echelon, and assorted other brands.
Most Popular Treadmill Brands by Search Volume
Another way to gauge the popularity of specific treadmill brands is by monitoring the amount of search volume—the number of times a specific keyword string is searched for on Google—of each brand.
Below, you will see the results of a search volume report done in September, 2023, that shows the popularity or respective treadmill companies.
As you will see, Peloton leads the pack by a wide margin. It’s important to note that search intent and purchase intent are not always the same thing.
In other words, just because a specific treadmill brand is searched a lot doesn’t make it the most popular treadmill brand when it comes to clicking that “add to cart” button.
Later, we will look at another chart that surveyed prospective treadmill buyers.
Most Popular Treadmills by Purchasing Intent
While NordicTrack might be the most popular treadmill brand, they don’t lead when it comes to purchasing intent.
In a survey of 1,481 adults in the United States, Peloton was the treadmill brand respondents were most likely to purchase (36.7%), with NordicTrack (28.2%) and Bowflex (14%) rounding out the top three.
Echelon (6.3%), Schwinn (6%), and ProForm (4.7%) were other treadmill brands users were interested in.
Most Popular NordicTrack Treadmill Models
Treadmills are NordicTrack’s most popular cardio machine, followed by bikes, ellipticals, strength training equipment, and finally, rowers.
According to iFit sales data published in July 2023, treadmills also make up the five most popular overall NordicTrack products in terms of unit sales.
The most Popular Treadmill Brands by number of units sold:
- NordicTrack 2450
- NordicTrack EXP14i
- NordicTrack 1750
- NordicTrack EXP7i
- NordicTrack 1750
- NordicTrack X22i
- NordicTrack 1250
- NordicTrack EXP10i
- NordicTrack X32i
What Makes a Treadmill Brand Reputable?
Treadmills are an expensive investment, so it pays to be attentive to some specific factors when searching through the long list of treadmill brands on the market.
The key ones, based on our cumulative decades of experience testing and reviewing treadmills, include:
Build Quality
A reputable brand will prioritize the construction and durability of their treadmills. Look for treadmills made from high-quality materials, including a sturdy frame, reliable motor, and durable belt.
Motor Power
The treadmill’s motor is a critical component. Reputable brands provide specifications for motor power, typically measured in horsepower (HP). The motor should be powerful enough to handle your intended use, whether it’s light walking or intense running. Look for a motor that has continuous horsepower as it’s primary rating, as this is a better indicator of quality versus peak power.
Warranty
A strong warranty is a sign of confidence from the manufacturer. A reputable brand will offer a generous warranty, including coverage for the motor, frame, parts, and labor.
Pay attention to the length and terms of the warranty. Sole treadmills offer the best warranty in the business, with lifetime backing of the frame on nearly all its treadmills.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Read customer reviews and ratings on websites, forums, and social media. This can provide insights into the experiences of other users and the overall satisfaction with the brand’s treadmills.
Brand Reputation
Research the reputation of the brand within the fitness equipment industry. Brands that have been around for a long time and are well-regarded by experts and users are often a safer choice.
Safety Features
Treadmills should come with safety features such as an emergency stop button, a safety key, and a sturdy handrail. These features can help prevent accidents and injuries.
Noise Level
Consider the noise level of the treadmill. A quieter motor and belt operation can make your workouts more pleasant and less disruptive to others in your household.
Incline and Speed Range
Depending on your fitness goals, make sure the treadmill offers an adequate range of incline and speed settings. Reputable brands often provide a variety of options to accommodate different workout intensities.
Display and Connectivity
Modern treadmills often come with interactive displays and connectivity options. Check if the brand offers features like touchscreen displays, compatibility with fitness apps, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Customer Support
Good customer support is essential. Ensure that the brand has responsive customer service and provides clear instructions for assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Price and Value
While price shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, consider the overall value for the features and quality you’re getting. Reputable brands offer a balance between price and quality.
Ease of Maintenance
Look into the maintenance requirements of the treadmill. Reputable brands often provide guidance on how to maintain and service their products to ensure longevity.
Availability of Replacement Parts
It’s a good idea to check if replacement parts and accessories are readily available for the brand’s treadmills. This can be important for long-term maintenance.
Size and Space
Consider the dimensions and folding capabilities of the treadmill if you have limited space. Some reputable brands offer space-saving designs.
Individual preferences and needs will vary, so it’s important to research and compare different treadmill models and brands based on your specific fitness goals and requirements before making a purchase.
Additionally, visiting a fitness equipment store to test out different models in person can be beneficial in finding the right treadmill for you.
More Treadmill Guides and Resources
We’ve extensively covered and reviewed treadmills and different treadmills brands here at YourWorkoutBook.com.
For those looking for more information on different treadmill models, brands, and information will find plenty to choose from below:
- Best Treadmills for Sprinting
- Best Treadmills with Incline
- Best Treadmills for Heavy People
- Best Treadmills with Decline
- Best Cushioned Treadmills
- Best Treadmills with Screen
- Best Folding Treadmills
- Best Cheap Treadmills
- Best Treadmills Under $2,000
- Best Treadmills Under $1,000
- Best Commercial Treadmills
Whatever your fitness and health goals, a treadmill is an excellent tool for losing weight, improving athletic performance, and getting in shape.
Choose the right treadmill brand and model for you, and take your health and fitness to the next level in the comfort of your home.
