7 Best Commercial Treadmills: Reviewed & Compared For Runners

Commercial Treadmills Compared

The Commercial Treadmill Advantage

When shopping for a commercial treadmill, you might have specific features you’re looking for. Whether it’s high speed, compact, full of extra fun features, or even if you're looking for a manual treadmill, our list includes everything you might be looking for and more.

Commercial treadmills will be listed at a higher price point because they are built to last, are typically low maintenance, and are designed for heavy use. This article will detail top notch treadmills that perform as well as the ones you will find at your public gym.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Quality Commercial Treadmill

Core Components:

Secondary Features

Treadmill Type

There are a variety of treadmills out there specially designed for specific needs. A running treadmill is going to have a greater HP motor than a walking treadmill.

Manual treadmills does not have a motor creating a more challenging workout, whereas a motorized treadmill does have a motor, but is much easier to use while watching your favorite show or chatting on the phone.

Size vs. Available Space

A commercial treadmill is what you typically find in a public gym, so the machine will be much larger than a regular home treadmill. Make sure you have enough space to accommodate the item of your selection.

Many treadmills on our list can fold away, making it ideal for someone looking for something to take up less space. Upright treadmills are not designed to fold, so you will want a larger space for this model.

Safety Features

A safety key is designed for your protection. It is a device that can be removed if a fall occurs or if you need to quickly stop the machine for any reason. Handrails are built-in for your protection.

They will help you keep your balance and help you with climbing on and off of the treadmill. Automatic slow start is designed for those who want to be eased into their run or jog. Seniors may want additional safety features.

Warranty

Warranty will vary depending on the manufacturer and the seller. You’ll find the better quality the motor, the better warranty it will come with. Parts and labor might have a shorter warranty. It’s best to contact both the seller and manufacturer to make sure you have the right details for your product’s warranty. 

1. NordicTrack T Series 9.5 S Treadmill

Best Commercial Treadmill For Home Use

The Nordictrack T Series 9.5 S Treadmill is the best commercial treadmill for home use. Many users love this product because of its 1-year iFit membership, which allows you to work out at home the way you would in a studio or workout class.

An iFit membership gives you access to unlimited workout programs and countless trainers to choose from. This 14 inch model is also the best commercial treadmill for running as it’s got a spacious running belt that is 60 x 20 inches and can reach up to 12 MPH in speed.

This treadmill can hold a maximum of 300 lbs, and the incline range is excellent at a 12% maximum incline. The best home commercial treadmill has various features, including a smart response motor (for effective speed) that stays quiet, making it possible to work out at any hour and not disturb others at home.

The EKG grip pulse sensors are a bonus feature on this model as they are designed to regularly and accurately monitor your heart rate. This treadmill has folding capabilities and is designed to be compact.

The reviewers note that this product is comfortable to run on. However, many experienced difficulties with setup. Note that a credit card is needed to access iFit and contact the manufacturer for details on the 1-year free membership. This model also does not include a warranty. Assembly and in-home delivery are also not included.

2. NordicTrack Commercial 2950

Best Commercial Treadmill Under $5000

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is the best commercial treadmill under $5000. With the purchase of this affordable 22-inch model, buyers will receive a 1-year free iFit membership. The benefits of this membership include classes and trainers who will help you target your goals.

Visit the iFit home fitness website for more information on all the benefits you’ll receive with this purchase. With a 22” HD touchscreen, workout programs are easy to follow from home.

This is also a foldable model meant for an easy stow-away, leaving you with ample space to utilize in your home. The manufacturer describes the protective cushion as "Runners Flex" cushioning, which is designed to help with shock absorption to protect your joints. This cushioning is also adjustable on this model.

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 has a generously sized belt and running surface of 60 x 22 inches. The speed on this treadmill ranges from 0-12MPH, and the incline runs up to 15%. EKG grip sensors will be found on the handlebars.

This machine's weight capacity is up to 300 lbs. Customers were also satisfied with a generous 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.

This NordicTrack seems to have it all; however, customers did note that a tablet holder and chest strap were no longer included with this purchase. We recommend contacting the seller and manufacturer about these additional items before buying.

3. Precor TRM 835

Top of the Range

The Precor TRM 835 treadmill is top of the range. Among its most attractive features, consumers love the 25 preset workout programs included with this model. Whatever level of fitness you’re starting at, this product has a workout program perfectly designed for you.

Compared to other treadmills, this machine is designed for speed with an impressive range of 0.5-16MPH. Not only is it built for speed, but this treadmill can support up to 400 lbs and has a generous running surface of 60 x 22 inches.

With a 0-15% incline range, the consumer can climb any mountain from the comfort of their own home. This treadmill has specific and targeted cushioning where the front foot lands and harder cushioning where the back foot lands to give you a solid push-off.

This high-quality belt is designed for no maintenance, and no lubrication is necessary thanks to the carefully designed steel rollers that ensure a quiet run. A digital display on the console will show you your stats: time, speed, incline, calories burned, heart rate, workout summary, etc.

Heart rate sensors are located on both handlebars to ensure the accuracy of your heart rate throughout your workout. A lifetime warranty is offered on the frame and welds as well as 10-years on other parts and wear items. 

This product is not foldable, so be sure the size will suit your home. Also not included is a cooling fan.

4. IN10CT Health Runner

Best Commercial Manual Treadmill

The IN10CT Health Runner is the best commercial manual treadmill. This manual treadmill's curved design will challenge you even more. In fact, statistics point to manual treadmills offering users a greater cardio workout because you are pushing the machine rather than the machine pushing for you.

They say you burn 30% more calories with a manual model. The machine will always stop when you stop, which helps in case of a fall. No safety key is necessary when the treadmill is designed to follow your lead.

Curved treadmill models are typically more expensive, as they are a newer design and technology. This model can be found for under $5000, which is rare for a curved model. What sets this Health Runner apart from other models is the excellent shock absorbing belt, which offers you the right amount of cushion to protect your joints for a long run and frequent use.

This machine can also carry a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds and has a comfortable running surface of 61 x 17.16 inches. The IN10CT Health Runner offers customers a warranty of 5 years for the frame and 3 years warranty for all other parts.

Manual treadmills are upright and do not offer an incline option. This model also cannot be folded up, so it’s best to make sure you’ve measured the space in your home where it will be placed before purchasing.

5. 3G Cardio Elite Runner

Best Rated Commercial Treadmill

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner is the best rated commercial treadmill. An advanced Ortho-Flex Shock suspension feature sets this treadmill apart from the rest. This treadmill model will give you a smooth and silent experience, a perfect option for people living in an apartment. It’s carefully designed running belt and 3-inch rollers, making the foot-to-floor action as light as possible. 

Additionally, this product comes with 8 pre-programmed workouts, customizable workouts that you can design for specific needs, and 3 different physical tests to determine what kind of exercise routine is best suited for each user. With a generous running surface of 62 x 22 inches and a weight capacity of 400 pounds, this machine can suit just about anyone.

One-touch controls make this treadmill user friendly with quick and easy incline and speed adjustments. The speed range on this model is between 0.5-12MPH, and the incline range is 15% to help users target specific muscle groups. The warranty offer is generous, giving customers a lifetime on the motor, 10 years on the parts, and 2 years for home labor.

MP3 compatibility and built-in speakers make it possible to enjoy your music while using this machine. Unfortunately, some users complained that there was no shuffle function. Also noted was a missing cool-down button, which this model seems to come without. However, a fan is designed to operate at the end of your workout automatically. This model cannot be folded.

6. Life Fitness 95T Elevation

Most Built-In Features And Extras

The Life Fitness 95T Elevation series treadmill has the most built-in features and extras. Lifespring shock absorbers reduce knee and joint stress up to 30% more than other models with much less cushioning. A generous running surface or 60 x 2 inches gives you ample room to run in your own style.

A unique feature offered with this Life Fitness model is the heart rate adjustment monitor, which can adjust your speed according to your heart rate. The incline goes up to 15%. Lifescape interactive courses are offered to challenge you with extreme to light hiking and running through beautiful locations worldwide.

The machine has been delicately designed to adjust as you run through the different terrains on your journey around the world.

A great safety feature this product comes with is a stride sensor that can sense when you've left the belt or fallen, and it actually stops the belt from moving. A variety of 41 different workouts and fitness tests are offered with this machine and designed for every user.

It also has the ability to track all of your stats, including heart rate workouts, performance, and goal-oriented workouts. This Life Fitness machine will track your time, distance, calories burned, distance climbed, time in zone, pace, etc.

According to certain sellers, limited and extended warranty is offered. You will need to contact the seller for more information. Customers felt the warranty could be better. This model does not fold up, so be sure you have the measurements before purchasing.

7. 3G Cardio Pro Runner

Best Budget Commercial Grade Treadmill

The 3G Cardio Pro Runner is the best budget commercial grade treadmill. With the impressive Ortho-Flex shock suspension system, this machine is built to protect any user of any size. This advanced feature sets this model apart from the others, given that it is also the best commercial grade treadmill under $2000—an unheard of price with such an advanced cushioning design.

The 8 built-in workout programs and 2 additional customizable programs are another great feature this model offers. A machine that can easily fold away for the kind of user looking to utilize the space in their home between workouts. Unfolded, this model is smaller than most models making it an excellent treadmill for someone looking for something a little more compact.

The running surface is 58 x 20.5 inches. The running speed range is between 0-12MPH, and the incline range is 15%. This model can support a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.

A safety key and large STOP button are placed on the lower center portion of the console to ensure your safety in the case of an accident or for any reason you may need to stop the machine. This product's warranty is a lifetime for the frame, 5 years for parts and 1 year for home labor. 

Customers noted that the running surface was smaller than they had anticipated, and they also were missing the headphone jack that other models offer.

More Cool Features of Commercial Treadmills

How Much Space is Needed for a Commercial Treadmill?

Depending on where you plan to place your commercial treadmill, sizes on these advanced commercial treadmills may vary. The good news is compared to regular home treadmills, commercial doesn’t always mean they are much larger in size.

Make sure to evaluate the space needed and compare measurements before purchasing. The average size of a commercial treadmill is between 75-80 inches long, 30-40 inches wide, and 50-60 inches tall. We recommend the best space for a commercial treadmill is the garage or in a home gym.

Tips for Setting Up & Using a Commercial Treadmill

If you plan to set up a commercial treadmill yourself instead of hiring a professional, you will want to get a strong friend to help you. Assembly is typically straight forward. Make sure you have all the pieces in place, and all cables are connected properly.

Tighten all screws, and because the belt is already pre-assembled, it shouldn't need any adjustments. Make sure you never start at a higher speed than you’re used to. Keep an eye on where your safety key is so that you can stop the machine quickly in the case of an emergency.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How much weight can you lose on a treadmill in a month?

It helps to remember that diet is more important when it comes to weight loss. If you are on a healthy, steady diet, you can lose 20 pounds in 10-20 weeks. Avoid these common mistakes to maximize your weight loss.

How do I calculate the calories burned on a treadmill?

Most treadmills will calculate calories burned for you automatically, look for the digital display once you’ve set it up.

What commercial treadmills do gyms use?

Many popular gyms use Sole Fitness and NordicTrack treadmills.

What is the most reliable commercial treadmill for home use?

The 3G Cardio Elite Runner has impeccable reviews, and it really has it all in terms of features. Shock absorption, built-in workout programs, and an excellent warranty make this treadmill hard to beat.

Why are commercial treadmills marked as low maintenance?

Commercial treadmills are designed for gyms. A gym couldn’t afford to have maintenance come in at all hours of the day, so these models are designed to take a lot of wear and tear.

Where is the best place to find commercial treadmills for sale?

We highly recommend purchasing your treadmill through Amazon and Rogue Fitness. You’ll find they both have labor options to purchase separately as well.

Conclusion