The 7 Best Commerical Grade Treadmills
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in November of 2016. Designed with both home users and professional gyms in mind, these commercial-grade treadmills are engineered to stand up to the daily punishment inflicted by multiple runners. They come with all the features you would expect, including wide and long decks, programmable fitness routines, and health statistics. We've included top of the line models, as well as those with a more palatable price. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Precor TRM 835
2. NordicTrack 2950
3. 3G Cardio Elite Runner
Editor's Notes
July 27, 2019:
Though running is difficult for many, it can be one of the best ways to lose weight. Unfortunately, it is known to be hard on the joints, which is why we all of the models we included are equipped with smart features to help minimize that. For example, the Precor TRM 835 has a proprietary impact control system, the NordicTrack 2950 features flex cushioning, and both the 3G Cardio Elite Runner and True Performance 300 have orthopedic belts. These kinds of technology can make running on a treadmill easier on the hips and knees than training outdoors on pavement. However, we realize that for some people, even the most shock-absorbent treadmills may be too much for their joints. If you fall into this category, we recommend you take a look at ellipticals, which provide the cardio workout of running, without the harsh impact.
In addition to impact absorption, it is also important for treadmills to provide users with an enjoyable running experience, which can mean everything from smooth acceleration and deceleration, to self speed adjustments and fully-featured consoles. Both the Precor TRM 835 and True Performance 300 provides some level of self speed adjustment, with the Precor TRM 835 offering very minute adjustments to match your foot speed, and the True Performance 300 being capable of larger speed adjustments to keep you at a target heart rate. When it comes to fully-featured consoles, few can match the NordicTrack 2950, which has a 22-inch, full-color touchscreen that provides access to on-demand studio workouts and live training sessions where the remote coach can actually make incline and speed adjustments to your machine. For those with a very broad stride, we recommend the Sole Fitness TT8. Whereas most other models have a 20- or 21-inch deck width, this model is equipped with a 22-inch wide deck.
Special Honors
Life Fitness Elevation Series This model can provide a comfortable and motivating workout that should help users burn a few more calories without even realizing it. It features a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-equipped LCD touchscreen that allows users to engross themselves in real-world courses and displays real-time exercise stats. It also provides access to popular apps, like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora, and can be programmed to show custom facility messages. lifefitness.com
Cybex R Series The Cybex R Series is equipped with an IS4 intelligent suspension system that is based on the concept of gradual deflection progression. Essentially, it provides a soft landing, firm portion through the middle of the stride, and firm area for the push off to offer effective shock absorption without compromising on running power. Additionally, it is available with either an advanced, full-color, TV-integrated touchscreen, or a more basic LED option like you find on treadmills in the average gym facility. cybexintl.com
4. Sole Fitness TT8
5. Life Fitness Club Series
6. Body Solid Endurance T10HRC
7. True Performance 300
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.