True Treadmill Reviews: 6 Best Models Rated & Compared

True Treadmills Compared

Why Choose the True Fitness Brand of Treadmills?

HRC Control

The majority of True models offer HRC Cruise Control, which alters the speed and incline settings depending on your desired heart rate. All you have to do is input the heart rate you’d like to reach, and it will do all the work for you.

Soft Step/Select/System

Their Soft Step System is ideal if you’re worried about the impact treadmills will have on your joints. This system significantly reduces the shock, leaving your knees and other joints feeling healthier, thanks to their soft landing and firm push-off. You’ll find high-quality cushioning on each model’s deck, though some offer variable cushioning and others advanced orthopedic decks.

AutoStride Technology

This feature lets you adjust the stride to help you select the perfect setting based on your body’s natural movement at each level of speed you’re moving at. It encourages more freedom and proper alignment, as well.

Core Drive System

To keep you both comfortable and safe, the Core Drive System is there to encourage natural movement. Moreover, it ensures you stay well-balanced and stable so you can walk or run with 100% confidence and never hold back.

Virtual Training Program

True goes above-and-beyond the standard treadmill workout programs. With large LCD screens, you have the option on many models to use their Virtual Active programming, which essentially immerses you in beautiful, realistic landscapes with HD video. These will keep you engaged and motivated much more than your regular old screen would.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity lets you sync your smart devices so you can listen to music, watch videos, or track your progress with the fitness app(s) of your choice. This will help you better accomplish your goals and stay on track, and will also let you check your progress no matter where you are.

Fitness App Technology

Heart Rate Monitoring

You’ll find heart rate sensors and wireless receivers on every single True model. This will help ensure you reach your goals as quickly as possible while still ensuring your safety.

1. True Fitness Performance 100 Treadmill

Best True Fitness Treadmill

If you’re looking for a high-quality treadmill that will last you for years to come, comes packed with attractive features, and is listed at a great price, check out the True Fitness Performance 100 Treadmill.

The perfect balance between quality and affordability, the Performance 100 comes complete with their True Soft System, which is firmer toward the rear for push-off and softer in the front to help absorb impact. This helps with keeping you stable, yet is easier on the body to reduce fatigue and soreness.

We found the overall quality – from the frame to the smallest components – to be commercial-grade and made for heavy use.

The True PS100 treadmill comes with 6 different preset workouts, including weight loss, speed training, heart rate control (2 types), and rolling hills. You can also plug in 2 user-designed workouts to suit your specific preferences.

To increase difficulty, you have a motorized incline that can be set up to 15%. The 3.0HP motor can reach speeds of up to 12MPH as well and always operates quietly and smoothly, which is great to use while others are at home without disturbing them.

In order to keep track of your heart rate, you have grip sensors, though the machine can also be used with wireless pulse monitoring. This type has been proven to offer more accurate readouts and is even more convenient as it monitors without you having to do anything. 

Finally, with a 30-year motor warranty and lifetime frame warranty, you can rest assured you’re making an investment that will only benefit you, your health, and your wallet.

2. True Fitness Performance 300 Treadmill

Best True Treadmill for Family Use

If you browse through any True 300 treadmill review, you’ll notice that they all agree with that statement. With that being said, if you're looking for a treadmill that works for your entire household, this model can't be beaten. 

Technically considered a step up from the PS100, the main difference is that the True PS300 features an orthopedic belt. This belt is specially designed to further reduce stress on the joints, namely the knees and ankles. This, along with the fact that you get 4 individual user profiles with the ability to save up to 5 workouts on each one.

The large track measures 21" wide and 60" long, which will accommodate just about anyone. Runners will love the extra length as well, ensuring they can use a natural stride up to speeds of 12MPH. You can set incline anywhere from 0.5 to 12%, where 1% does an accurate job of replicating running on an outdoor track. The 3.0HP motor is quiet and overall smooth and made to last up to 30 years.

Track your heart rate either with the built-in grips or with the included Polar Heart Rate strap for greater accuracy. The console is one of the easiest to use, complete with quick keys a clear 7" backlit screen, which displays speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. You can also pair it with the GymTrackr app for more programs and exciting workouts!

3. True Fitness M50 Treadmill

Best True Treadmill for Small Spaces

When it comes to the True M50 Treadmill, True fitness themselves say it best by stating,

“One of the best treadmills for home, offering high-quality performance at an affordable price.”

If you’re looking to save some cash and are tight on space, you need to give the M50 a go. While it does feature a compact footprint, it still comes packed to the brim with attractive features and top-notch performance.

It may not be the most elaborate True treadmill out there, but it will get the job done and make sure your user experience is a good one. When it comes to workout programs, you get speed training, heart rate control, and weight loss, along with 2 custom-made workouts. This selection is just about what you’d see on your standard club machine.

Heart rate grip sensors do come built-in, though monitoring chest straps do not come included, which is where it also differs from the models above. However, you can still take advantage of the Heart Rate “Cruise Control” feature.

You get that luxurious orthopedic cushioning deck here, though it is just a tiny bit shorter than the more expensive models, which may not be ideal if you’re really tall. Overall, this is the best deck you could possibly get at such a low price.

The 3.0 HP motor is made for extended workouts, so whether you love climbing hills or “marathon” running, you’re in luck. Weighing 220 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than its previous counterparts and supports 300 pounds – a bit less than the others, too. Though sturdy, it’s very easy to move with its built-in transport wheels for when you need to stow it away.

4. True Fitness M30 Treadmill

Best Budget True Treadmill

If you’re on a tight budget but want to avoid skimping on quality, check out the True M30 treadmill. While it lacks the orthopedic deck, it’s still a durable model that comes with everything you need to improve your body composition and fitness.

Like with the M50, it features a 20" x 58" workout area, up to a 15% incline, and up to 12 MPH speed capabilities. With workout programs, you’ll get heart rate control, weight loss, speed, and a couple of custom workout options. With the variable cushioning, you get a softer deck in the front and firmer in the back, creating a more pleasant running experience. 

Heart rate monitor grip sensors are included, but once again do not have wireless pulse monitoring. The 7" backlit console is easy to see and read clearly, and with Quick Speed and Incline buttons, just about anyone can use it.

All in all, if you’re going for a compact cardio machine with supreme quality, the M30 should be at the top of your list.

5. True Excel 900 Treadmill

Best for Serious Athletes

The True Excel 900 Treadmill may be from the same manufacturer, but it holds quite a few features which stand out from the rest. Its incredible combination of supreme features, durability, and comfort make it an attractive option to anyone. However, the most stand-out feature for most is its ability to not only be set up to a 15% incline but a -3% decline as well!

So, what is so great about being able to walk or run at a decline? It engages different muscles, minimizing the chance of developing muscular imbalances, which can inhibit mobility and even place you at a greater risk of injury. Not only that, but it mimics traveling downhill as well.

Coming with a 4HP continuous duty motor, it’s significantly more robust and powerful than any other model we’ve looked at up until now. This means you get more use out of it, smoother/quieter operation, as well as the ability to move through intervals quicker – whether that be with incline or speed. If you love HIIT workouts, this is definitely the treadmill for you.

The large 60" x 22" running surface is perfect if you love running at high speeds or longer workouts. However, it’s the True Soft Select feature that allows for customizable, adjustable deck cushioning where it really shines.

34 workout programs are quite the upgrade from the typical 7-9 you get with the other models, offering a vast array to ensure you never plateau or get bored. A beautiful, full-color 11" LCD display is there to track your stats, immerse yourself into a running "world," and more. Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect to apps on your phone or tablet to listen to music or track results for better goal adhesion, too.

A 400-pound weight limit is also quite a bit more than what the others have offered.

6. True LC1100 Treadmill

Most Durable Option

Pros & Cons Of True Treadmills

Comparison to Other Popular Treadmill Brands

How to Setup & Use a True Fitness Treadmill

How to Maintain a True Fitness Treadmill

How to Lubricate True Treadmill

First, you’ll need some essential accessories: A 100% silicone lubricant or an entire kit, a mild detergent to remove dirt and salt from the belt, and a cloth to wipe it down.

Pull the belt away from the deck, spraying the silicone lubricant with the other hand under the belt and towards the center. Continue spraying up and down both sides until you’ve sprayed around an ounce.

Then, rotate the belt with your hand by ½ a revolution, so you now have the unsprayed half sitting on top, and repeat the process. Once the entire belt is lubricated, run the treadmill for 3 minutes at 3MPH.

How to Calibrate True Treadmill

The great thing about True treadmills is that they already come calibrated on arrival. However, if you happen to move it into another space you’ll need to recalibrate.

First, turn on the treadmill while holding both the GRADE UP and GRADE DOWN buttons. This will put you into Calibration Mode.

Click "Select" then enter "01" to set max speed calibration. Then press both "Fast" and "Slow" buttons to adjust the max speed. Once this is done, click "Start/Reset" to save the setting.

Enter speed table mode by pressing “Select” and entering “02”. Press “Start/Reset” to begin calibration. The walking belt will get faster and slower on its own. Wait until it’s stopped completely.

Press “Select” and enter “03” to enter incline calibration mode. Press “Grade Up” to set the highest incline, then “Start/Reset” to save the setting.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are the differences in the treadmill series from True Fitness?

The M series is the most affordable, consisting of the M30 and M50. The M50 is a bit more expensive and includes an orthopedic belt. Both come with 12 preset workout programs.

The PS series consists of the PS100, PS300, and PS825. The 100 is very basic, while the 300 has an enhanced belt designed to protect the joints.

The Z series consists of the Z5.0 and Z5.4 – both are much more expensive than those in the previous groups. They’re nice and compact and also include 12 preset workouts.

The ES series is the most expensive of them all and has only the ES900. It has 2 console options, a soft deck, Bluetooth connectivity, and over 30 workouts built-in.

What is the history of the True Fitness brand?

Starting back in 1981, they began in Saint Louis, Missouri, which is where their headquarters are currently located. In 1994 they introduced their signature orthopedic belt, and in 1998, their Soft Select patented feature.

Where is the best place to buy True Fitness treadmills and replacement parts?

Amazon.com is definitely the best. They offer a huge array of selections for you to choose from, ensure the best deals, safe and quick shipping, and real customer reviews.

What is the best True Fitness Treadmill workout routine/exercise instructions/steps that are easy to follow?

True Fitness actually has an amazing YouTube channel full of user-friendly workouts that are customized to suit your needs and the treadmill you’ve selected. Here is one of our favorites.

How do I contact True Fitness customer service in case of machine failure and repairs?

Conclusion