7 Common Budget-Friendly Treadmills For Home Use

For the health sector, it’s a mixed bag of gains and losses since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While vitamins and supplements noted a sharp increase in purchases, many, if not all fitness gyms, closed amid social distancing rules.

As a result, fitness buffs have been exercising at home, doing the best they can with the available resources and some modified household items to use as an exercise apparatus. While some can perform home exercises that don’t need specific types of equipment, some can’t live without a basic necessity—the treadmill.

There are many types of treadmills available today—with a host of choices available, it can get really confusing when looking for the right one. If you’re looking for one use at home and you’re on a tight budget, read on and don’t run yet.

What is a Treadmill?

Really, who doesn’t know what a treadmill is? But, in the unlikely event that one needs to know what this gym staple is, a treadmill is a machine with a moving belt that allows for walking, running, or climbing while staying in one place.

How Much Does a Treadmill Cost?

Depending on the features, materials, and functionalities, as well as the type of treadmill, these machines can cost you as low as $150 to as high as $2,000. Magnetic or mechanical treadmills are typically cheaper than electric-powered treadmills.

What are the Types of Treadmills?

There are two main types of treadmills, classified according to a power source:

• Magnetic treadmill. This type does not need electricity to run, only the strength of your running muscles. There’s a way to set inclination levels so you can simulate an uphill run, and you can often adjust the load, too.

As a mechanical machine, a magnetic treadmill needs the right amount of energy to rotate, so it may not be the best for beginners, but it can be what seasoned athletes or motivated fitness buffs are looking for. This treadmill for CrossFit workouts, for instance, is a non-traditional treadmill that encourages a running style that uses more muscle groups in the body.

• Electric treadmill. As the name states, this type is run by electricity and is generally more convenient to use than magnetic treadmills, making it a great option for beginners. An electric treadmill is operated by a motor that can control the setting of the machine with great precision.

Home-Use Treadmills

Because of the threats related to the coronavirus and the lockdowns in selected areas, an increasing number of people are staying and working at home, increasing the demand for home-use fitness machines.

If you’re looking to start using this fitness gear, one major consideration is the space available in your house, which can be addressed by buying folding treadmills. And if you can’t think of how to dedicate a space for a mini-gym at home, be inspired by these innovative ideas that prove when there’s a will, there’s always a way.

7 Budget-Friendly Treadmills for Home Use

These home use treadmills are best for those on a tight budget, with prices ranging from $150–450. These treadmills are arranged in no particular order, and they’re available on Walmart and Amazon.

1. MaxKare Electric Treadmill. This model features a 1.5HP motor to drive up to 7.5mph, making it great for walking and jogging. Its additional features include a heart rate monitor that’s built into the handrails. To make life easier, it has 12 preset workout programs.

2. Best Choice Products 800W Folding Electric Treadmill. Like the earlier model, this one also features a 7.5mph maximum speed that’s ideal for lighter jogging. It boasts of high-quality materials and three preprogrammed routines, a built-in heart rate monitor, bottle holders, and a basic display.

3. Merax Folding Treadmill. This model has three incline options and 12 pre-programmed workout routines that you can see and choose from via the LCD screen. According to manufacturers, it is made from high-grade materials with a 1.5 HP motor that can accommodate a user weighing up to 240 lbs.

4. Stamina In-Motion T900 Manual Treadmill. This is a no-frills treadmill that does the job. Made with a sturdy steel frame, it can support up to 225 lbs and has 2 incline positions—8 and 10 degrees. Its electric monitor found at the front side tracks workout time, speed, distance, and the number of calories burned.

5. Puyana Electric Treadmill. Designed to save on space, this model can accommodate speeds of up to 3.7mph, or 6kmh, and has an anti-skid and good shock absorption features. It can accommodate a maximum load of 220lbs.

6. Soozier 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill. If you’re into multi-tasking, this is your best friend. A budget-friendly unit, this includes incline settings from 15–20 degrees so it can be used as a treadmill and a sit-up bench. As a manual walking machine, it boasts of padded rollers and a non-slip surface.

7. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill. Another no-frill treadmill, this model offers great value for money for walking and jogging or keeping fit while at home. It also folds easily and stores really well even in small spaces.

Key Takeaways

In looking for the best treadmill to use at home, consider what you need based on your activity levels and how much you’re willing to spend. There are plenty of affordable home-use treadmills that you can choose from, with prices ranging from $150–450. Besides the considerations mentioned earlier, also look at other factors such as the design, materials, belt size, and running space.

If you tend to work out alone, look for a treadmill that features a safety device, for instance, a tether that you can attach to your waistband or one that automatically stops if you collapse or fall. Workout buffs tend to forget this, but you shouldn’t.