**A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Treadmill for Home Workouts**
Treadmills are a popular choice for indoor exercise, providing numerous benefits for both cardiovascular and mental health. As the colder winter months approach, having a reliable treadmill at home becomes especially valuable for maintaining a consistent workout routine. However, purchasing a treadmill is a significant investment, and with the many options available, it’s important to know what features to prioritize and which models offer the best value for your needs.
**What to Consider When Buying a Treadmill**
Before purchasing a treadmill, several key factors should guide your decision:
- **Budget:** Treadmills vary widely in price. Models under $1,000 are available, though higher-end treadmills with advanced features can cost $3,000 or more. Set a budget that aligns with your priorities, whether that’s basic functionality or premium features like touchscreens and virtual classes. - **Size and Space:** Treadmills can be bulky. Measure your available space and check the treadmill’s dimensions. Many models offer foldable designs for easier storage. - **Features:** Decide if you want a smart treadmill with features like interactive touchscreens, virtual coaching, heart rate monitoring, or just a basic model that tracks speed, distance, and incline. - **User Needs:** Consider who will be using the treadmill. Look at the maximum weight capacity and belt size to accommodate different users. Also, think about whether you’ll use the treadmill primarily for running or walking. - **Noise Level:** Some treadmills are quieter than others, which can be important if you share your living space.
**Top Treadmills Reviewed**
CNET’s fitness experts have tested several popular treadmills, evaluating them for performance, comfort, ease of use, assembly, and value. Here are the standout models:
**1. NordicTrack Commercial 2450 – Best Overall**
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is a high-end treadmill packed with features. It boasts a large 22-inch adjustable HD touchscreen, which is perfect for following workouts or even tilting for floor exercises. Its incline ranges from 0 to 15%, and it also offers a rare -3% decline feature, mimicking downhill running.
A key highlight is its integration with the iFit training platform, which allows you to experience virtual runs worldwide using Google Maps and follow classes where instructors can automatically adjust your speed and incline to match the terrain. The treadmill supports speeds up to 12 mph and is suitable for a wide range of users, with a 300-pound weight capacity and a generously sized running belt.
Assembly takes about 2.5 hours and typically requires two people, but NordicTrack offers professional assembly for a fee. The treadmill folds up for storage with an easy-lift assist mechanism.
While the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for headphones and smartwatches, it currently lacks direct integration with popular music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. A stable internet connection is crucial