What are the best treadmills for heavy people – a question in the minds of many plus size people who want to add fitness into their lives…
Minute for minute, heavy-duty treadmills are the ultimate fat-burning machine, eliminating up to 900 calories an hour – helping you lead a healthy life.
High capacity treadmills provide an excellent form of workouts at home – no matter what your weight or size is…
| Treadmill | Capacity | Running area/Max. Speed | Folding | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Fitness F80 | 375 lbs | 22″ x 60″, 12 MPH | Yes | View |
| ProForm Pro 2000 | 350 lbs | 22″ x 60″, 12 MPH | Yes | View |
| LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 | 350 lbs | 20″ x 56″, 4 MPH | No | View |
| ProForm 505 CST | 325 lbs | 20″ x 55″ 12 MPH | Yes | View |
| LifeSpan TR1200i | 300 lbs | 20″ x 56″, 11 MPH | Yes | View |
| NordicTrack T 6.5 S | 300 lbs | 20″ X 55″, 11 MPH | Yes | View |
| Weslo Cadence G 5.9 | 275 lbs | 16” x 50″, 10 MPH | Yes | View |
| Confidence Power Plus | 250 lbs | 14 x 38.5″, 6 MPH | Yes | View |
| Weslo Cadence R 5.2 | 250 lbs | 16″ x 50″, 6 MPH | Yes | View |
Treadmills for big people are designed with shock and impact absorbers on the running area. This eliminates the shock on sensitive joints associated with outdoor workout sessions. This protects your ankles, knees, and hips from shock.
In this post, I’m going to compare and review treadmills for heavy persons from different weight brackets. The main goal of these reviews is to ensure you get the best treadmill for big guys.
Table of Contents
Best Heavy Duty Treadmill Reviews
Have you been searching for the best treadmills for home use? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve reviewed the top models on the market, and selected a few favorites.
Even though these are not the types you’ll find at your local gym, you still got value for your money.
You Might Also Like: Best Heavy Duty Elliptical for Big Guys
At a budget of $500 and below you can get the best treadmill for a fat person to add to your home gym. And I’m here to help you with all the comparisons and choices.
Ladies and gentlemen, below are four of the best budget treadmills for over 300 lbs
Sole Fitness F80 Heavy-Duty Treadmill Review (Treadmill for over 300 Pounds)
Tech Specs
- Motor: 3.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 to 15%
- Running Surface: 22″ x 60″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 12 MPH
- Capacity: 375 LBS (375 pounds / 170 kg)
- Dimensions: 82″ L x 37″ W x 57 H
- Built-In Programs: 10
- Chest strap heart rate monitoring
>>Click to Check the Sturdy Treadmills on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The Sole treadmill is a great commercial treadmill for over 350 lbs.
The best treadmill for 300 lbs features CushionFlex Deck, which makes workouts gentler by absorbing impact and shock. The cushioning has been seen to lower joint impact by 35 to 40%.
You Might Also Like: Best Heavy Duty Exercise Bikes
The best treadmill for 300 lbs person has the longest and widest running surface in this series of treadmills (best treadmill for running). The machine has a 22’’ x 60’’ track. To ensure durability, the track is two-ply… which makes it one of the best treadmills for heavy guys.
To ensure you get value for your money, the treadmill is built with commercial-grade components. This not only helps ensure durability but also helps make your workouts as safe as possible.
This best budget treadmill 300 lbs comes with a 3.5 CHP track motor that is able to support the longest and toughest of workouts.
To ensure your safety at all times, the treadmill has a stop button and a safety lanyard to stop the treadmill in case you lose balance.
The treadmill has a 9’’ LCD display (one of the largest in the industry).
Some of the extras that come with this treadmill are built-in speakers, compatibility with iPods (and other mp3 players), cooling fans, accessory tray, and two bottle holders.
With the treadmill’s foldable frame, you can easily fold and tuck the treadmill. With just a flip on a switch and the treadmill is ready for storage.
The Sole Fitness F80 comes with lifetime protection on the frame, 5 years warranty on electronics, and one year of labor.
What we don’t like
The treadmill comes with only ten preset workout programs. There are cheaper treadmills with more.
Even though it comes with handrails for stability, they are long enough for some runners.
You Might Also Like: What is the Best Bicycle for a 300 lb Man?
ProForm Pro 2000 Review – Commercial treadmill for 300 lbs
Tech Specs
- Motor: 3.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: -3 to 15%
- Running Surface: 22″ x 60″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 12 MPH
- Capacity of 350 lbs (350 pounds / 158 kg)
- Dimensions: 80″ L x 36″ W x 73.5 H
- Built-In Programs: 32
- Heart rate monitoring
>>Click to Check the Commercial Treadmill on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The ProForm Pro 2000 is a great treadmill to go for if you’re not on a budget. It is one of the best treadmills for over 300 lbs.
To make sure you get value for your hard-earned money, the treadmill comes with 32 built-in workout programs to make your workout sessions a breeze. Additionally, the machine is iFit Live compatible allowing you can download more preset workout programs.
The high-end machine comes with an 8’’ display. The big display allows you to view and choose workout programs from different heights. You can also use it for heart rate monitoring.
For simple and easier storage, the treadmill features SpaceSaver and EasyLift Assist technologies. You can effortlessly fold and tuck away the treadmill.
To help simulate outdoor workout conditions, the treadmill has automatic incline options ranging from -3% to 15%. The incline changes automatically with workout programs. You can also adjust it manually using a “One-Touch button.
Related: Heavy Duty Treadmill Mats
The best budget treadmill 300 lbs comes with a 22’’ by 60’’ 1-ply commercial treadmill belt. The size accommodates even the tallest runners perfectly. Perfect for the elite runner.
To make your running sessions lively, the treadmill is iPod (and other MP3 players) compatible. The treadmill also comes with 3.0 Intermix Acoustics speakers.
The treadmill’s tread belt size, the personalized workout programs, and the 12mph max speed, ensures that this training equipment can suit almost any level of fitness.
With the treadmill’s 3.5 CHP commercial motor, any individual weighing up to 350 pounds can use the treadmill for workouts. This makes it one of the best treadmills for big guys.
The treadmill for over 300 lbs has a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, five years warranty on the other parts, two years of service.
What we don’t like
Even though the 60” track is long enough for most runners, it may not be sufficient for strides of taller runners. A 62” track is the best if you consider yourself taller than average.
Even though the treadmill has a commercial treadmill belt, which comes with a 5-year warranty, I still feel like the one-ply is not enough. Most high-end treadmills have two-ply or four-ply belts.
You Might Also Like: Best Plus Size Waist Trainer for Weight Loss
LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 Treadmill Desk Review
LifeSpan is a renowned seller of award-winning fitness and workplace products. Some of the heavy-duty treadmills they sell include the TR800-DT3 Base, the TR800-DT5, the TR800-DT7, the TR1200i, the TR3000i, and the C3-DT5 Bike Desk.
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.25 HP
- Incline/Decline: n/a
- Running Area: 20″ x 56″
- Folding: No
- Top Speed: 4 MPH
- The treadmill has a weight capacity of 350 LBS (350 pounds / 158 kg)
- Dimensions: 74″ L x 46.75″ W x 6 H
- Built-In Programs: n/a
>>Click to Check the Treadmill on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 is perfect for the workplace.
LifeSpan knows you can’t wait to get your hands on the treadmill to start your workout sessions straight away. The LifeSpan TR1200-DT5 arrives pretty much ready to use. You can start your sessions within 30 min of receiving it.
The 2 HP motor is designed to remain virtually silent not to interrupt with the day-to-day operations of the office. The motor automatically stops if you become inactive.
The treadmill for big guys has a maximum speed of 4 mph, which is more than enough during work. In fact, most people set it to 1 or 2 mph.
With this treadmill for 350 lb person, shock and impact is massively reduced. The shock absorbers are strategically placed on six points along the track to ensure you have the most comfortable workout sessions.
To ensure you have an easier and comfortable typing at the treadmill desk, the treadmill is fitted with foam-injected armrests.
The treadmill desk can support a maximum user weight of 350 pounds.
One of the most important features of a desk treadmill is the work surface. With this treadmill, the height of this durable work surface can be adjusted to much your height.
It comes with lifetime protection for the frame, 3 years for the motor, 2 years for the parts and 1 year for labor.
As if the attractive warranty wasn’t good enough, the treadmill comes with a 60-days satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like it within 60 days, just ship it back.
What we don’t like
Even though the treadmill desk is pretty durable, its guardrails are made of plastic, which makes them not so durable.
The cheap treadmill does not come with any built-in workout programs.
Related: Best Heavy Duty Rowing Machines
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill Review
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 – 10%
- Running Area: 20″ x 55″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 10 MPH
- Weight Capacity: 325 LBS (325 pounds / 147 kg)
- Dimensions: 68″ L x 73″ W x 36 H
- Built-In Programs: 18
- Built-in heart rate monitor
>>Click to Check Commercial Treadmills
Why you should consider this treadmill
The ProForm 505 CST is another great treadmill if you’re working on a budget of less than $1,000 but over $500.
The motorized treadmill for 300 lb person features a SpaceSaver design and EasyLift folding technology, which makes it easy to fold and store away. These features plus the light and compact deck make it a perfect treadmill for the home gym.
It comes with 18 built-in workout programs. Certified personal trainers develop these workout programs. Based on the program you choose, the treadmill will speed and incline automatically.
Even though the cheap treadmill doesn’t come with advanced entertainment features, it does come with iPod compatibilities and two Intermix Acoustics speakers.
The compact treadmill comes with an attractive warranty – A lifetime warranty on frame, 25 years on the motor, and 1 year on parts.
What we don’t like
The ProForm treadmill’s 20’’ by 55’’ running area is not sufficient for taller people.
The maximum speed of 10mph may not sufficient if you want to do sprint runs
LifeSpan TR1200i Commercial Treadmill for over 250 Pounds
LifeSpan is a renowned seller of award-winning fitness and workplace products. Some of the popular treadmills for home they sell include the TR800-DT3 Base, the TR800-DT5, the TR800-DT7, the TR1200i, the TR3000i, and the C3-DT5 Bike Desk.
Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Incline range: 0 – 15%
- Running Area: 20″ x 56″
- Folding: Yes
- The motorized treadmill has a top speed of 11 MPH
- Capacity: 300 LBS (300 pounds, / 136 kg)
- Dimensions: 70″ L x 33″ W x 54 H
- Built-In Programs: 20
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The LifeSpan TR1200i is one of the best treadmills for heavy guys weighing between 250 lbs and 300 lbs.
The best treadmill for 250 lb man comes pre-loaded with workout options to save you time on intense workout sessions.
To enable you to blast your favorite mp3 tracks as you workout, the LifeSpan TR1200i Treadmill comes with speakers.
The home treadmill has received multiple awards from treadmill reviewers and tons of positive reviews on Amazon.
The well-built treadmill for the money lets you save exercise data for easy tracking online. You easily check out your workout session progress on the go.
What we don’t like
This treadmill doesn’t come with a fan. To control the heat associated with working out, you’ll have to plug in a fan alongside this treadmill.
The treadmill’s data tracking feature is free for four months only. After four months, you need to pay for a subscription.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S plus size treadmill for over 250 lbs
NordicTrack Tech Specs
- Motor: 2.6 HP
- Incline/Decline: 0 – 10%
- Running Area: 20″ X 55″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 10 MPH
- Capacity: 300 LBS (300 pounds / 136 kg) (It is the best treadmill for 300 lb person)
- Dimensions: 73″ L x 35.75″ W x 67.5 H
- Built-In Programs: 20
>>Click to Check Latest Price Ranges on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is yet another great treadmill if your weight falls between 250 and 300 lbs.
The commercial treadmill features FlexSelect Cushioning, which absorbs shock and impact during workout sessions. Minimal shock/impact means less pain on joints.
And if you want to have the same experience you would want to have while working out out there, you just turn off the FlexSelect Cushioning.
The considerably inexpensive treadmill comes with a whopping 20 workout programs. This is a steal at this price range.
This best treadmill for large person is iFit compatible. With your iFit subscription, you can access hundreds of additional workout programs.
The treadmill for heavy person features the patented EasyLift Assist and SpaceSaver. This means one thing – you can easily fold and tuck the treadmill away.
What we don’t like
A common complaint among users of this treadmill is – its powerful motor is noisy. When in use, the treadmill can get pretty loud.
If you want to run or do interval training, the treadmill’s 10% automatic incline and 10mph max speed may not be sufficient.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Review
Weslo Tech Specifications
- Dimensions: 30 x 67 x 10 inches (W x H x D);
- The treadmill for heavy weight has a capacity of 275 lbs (275 pounds / 125 kg)
- Horse Power: 2.25
- Max Speed: 10 mph
- Running Area: 16” x 50″
- Incline range: 0 – 3%
- Workout Programs: 6
- Excellent warranty: 90 days Motor
>>Click to Check Latest Price on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 is one of the best treadmills you can get if you are slightly over 250 pounds.
The best treadmill for fat person powerful motor (2.25 horsepower); a speed of 10mph and a great upper weight limit of 275 lbs have seen a lot of love from users.
The best treadmill for home has a lot of great reviews on Amazon and other fitness e-commerce sites.
With the treadmill’s 6 personal trainer workouts, a comfort cell cushioning (perfect treadmill for seniors) and a 2-position manual incline (this doesn’t make it a manual treadmill), you’re guaranteed to get more results in less time.
If you want to lose weight and increase performance a comfortable way (and live a healthy life), then the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 is the treadmill you need. It is designed in a way that you’ll stay comfortable with each stride.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Like most treadmills, you can’t increase speed in points like from 6 mph to 6.7 mph. You have to jump the speed from one whole number to the other.
But the above shortcoming is not big enough to come between you and this great treadmill.
Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill for Fat Person
Tech Specs
- Dimensions: 49 x 11 inches (H x D);
- The treadmill for a fat person has a max weight capacity of 250 lbs (250 pounds / 113 kg)
- Horse Power: 0.8
- Max Speed: 6 mph
- Running Area: 14 x 38.5″
- Treadmill ncline Grade: 0
- Warranty: 90-Day Parts and Labor
Click to Check the Foldable Treadmill on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
Another great treadmill you can get if you weigh under 250 lbs is the Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill.
The lightweight treadmill may not feature all those fancy settings you’ll get in expensive treadmill models like workout programs and incline but it is still great for your home gym.
The foldable treadmill allows you to run or walk at the comfort of your home. It is easy to store after use thus saving on house space.
Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill is suitable for users up to 250 lbs.
With the much affordable treadmill, you can now burn fat and increase fitness without the hassle of checking with your local gym. You can do it right in your house.
The treadmill features a multifunction LED display, which makes it easy to operate.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
The main letdown with this best treadmill for plus size is that there is no warranty, which kinda leaves one with an uneasy feeling.
Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill for 250 lbs
Tech Specs
- SpaceSaver Design
- Two-position adjustable incline
- 25 HP Impulse Motor
- Comfort Cell Cushioning
- Six workout apps
- 0 to 10 mph QuickSpeed controls
- Wide belts (16″ x 50″ tread belt)
- The best treadmill for heavy person has a weight capacity of 250 pounds (250 lbs / 113 kg)
- 90-day warranty covering motor, labor, and parts
Click to Check Latest Price Ranges on Amazon
Why you should consider this treadmill
The one thing that stands out about this treadmill for obese is its solid feel even at higher speeds.
The treadmill model features Comfort Cell Cushioning, which absorbs impact during a workout. Less impact and shock mean less strain on your joints.
The best treadmill for people under 250 lbs comes with pre-programmed workouts, which will definitely help you with your workout. You are also allowed to create your own treadmill workouts.
The heavy duty walking treadmill allows you to save space in your house. You can easily tuck the treadmill away with minimal effort.
What we don’t like about this treadmill
Even though the treadmill’s 50-inch tread belt is long enough for average jogging, it feels short and insufficient when you introduce sprints on your workout session.
FAQs on Heavy Duty Treadmills
What is the best treadmill for a heavy person?
The short answer is – Sole Fitness F80 treadmill, which has a capacity of 375 lb. This is enough capacity for a majority of heavy guys.
The long answer is – It depends…
Many factors come into play when choosing the best treadmill for a heavy person. When shopping for a treadmill, consider your weight and then shop for a treadmill that will comfortably hold your weight.
There is no point going for a heavy-duty treadmill 400 lb capacity when you weigh only 200 lb.
Can treadmill reduce belly fat?
Even though treadmill running is not so effective at burning belly fat, it does the work. The results will not be instant but after some time of daily training the belly fat will reduce.
Are treadmills bad for your knees?
Low-quality treadmills are bad for your knees. A good treadmill will have shock and impact absorbers on the running area. The absorbers will protect your knees and ankles from shock when running on the treadmill.
Does treadmill need mat under?
It is recommended that you place a mat under your treadmill. This helps protect the floor, reduce noise, and prevent dust from building up when running on the treadmill.
A good treadmill mat will also reduce the shock that forms when running on a treadmill. So, once you get yourself the best treadmill for overweight also get a heavy duty treadmill mat.
Is it better to train on a treadmill or outside?
Both treadmill and outdoor running have their benefits.
If you want to run at the convenience of your home without having to deal with the harsh outdoor weather conditions, then treadmill training is the best compared to running outside.
Does running on a treadmill burn fat?
Running on a treadmill can burn fat and calories, but it depends on a lot of factors. It depends on the incline at which you run, the treadmill’s speed, and your weight.
The same way, the time, the incline and the speed at which you run will decide how many calories you burn. But running on a treadmill can also make you lose weight, especially if you increase the intensity of your workout.
Can you put a treadmill upstairs?
Yes, you can put a treadmill upstairs. However; you may need to do some housekeeping such as moving furniture and removing breakables.
Why treadmill stops suddenly?
Most treadmill problems are caused by the motor. If the motor isn’t properly attached to the treadmill, the treadmill can move, but the motor won’t run. Another common treadmill problem is that the belt is slipping because of lint and other debris that accumulated under the deck.
If you experience this, check the power cord connection and make sure it is plugged in securely. If so, you may need to inspect the unit to see if there is any damage to the motor or the belt.
Can I use a treadmill if I’m over the weight capacity?
You can but you shouldn’t. Exceeding the manufacturer’s set weight is dangerous and damaging to the treadmill. Always go for a treadmill that has a weight capacity that is higher than your weight.
What treadmill can hold 500 pounds?
If you want a treadmill for 500 pounds then go for the Life Fitness Remanufactured 95Ti Treadmill. The treadmill has a speed rating of 12 mph, a deck size of 60 inches and a 15% max incline.
How important is Treadmill weight capacity?
Observing the manufacturer’s set weight capacity helps safeguard both the user and the treadmill. Exceeding the weight limit will break the treadmill exposing you to risks of injuries.
What to Look for in a Treadmill – Buying Guide
What should you consider when shopping for the best treadmill for overweight?
In this section of the article, I’m going to cover all the factors you need to consider before buying a treadmill.
I understand that choosing the right treadmill is not an easy task and that’s why I’m here to help you out.
When looking for the best treadmill for heavy person the first thing you need to consider is the treadmill’s weight capacity. Check the capacity in relation to your weight. You don’t want to buy a treadmill that can’t support your weight.
Your budget
The amount you want to invest in a treadmill is a very important factor. Generally, a comfortable, easy to use and durable treadmill is expensive.
Even though you can get cheap treadmills for as low as 200 dollars, you get what you pay for. A good treadmill will cost over 1,000 dollars.
Type of motor
Arguably, the motor is the most important thing you need to consider before buying a treadmill.
Typically, a treadmill will have two motors. One motor is for the incline and the other for the belt.
Go wrong with the motor and you won’t get value for your money.
The right type of motor means great workouts and longevity of your treadmill’s life.
If you plan on running on the treadmill on a frequent basis, shoot for a 2.5 to 3.0 horsepower motor. For daily lightweight workout sessions, a 1.5 horsepower motor will do.
Noise and space
Some treadmills are noisier than others are. If you plan to use a treadmill in a place where noise can be a nuisance, go for a treadmill with a less noisy motor.
The easiest way to tell is a treadmill has a noisy motor or not is to watch treadmill review videos online and reading customer reviews on Amazon.
Space is also another factor you need to consider. Best home treadmills need to work in your space. Also, make sure the treadmill will be easy to fold and tuck after use.
Folding Vs. Non-folding
If space is a factor, go for a folding treadmill – equipment you will easily fold and tuck after using creating space in the room.
Foldable treadmills are the best treadmills for home use.
If space is not a problem, go for a non-folding treadmill.
Minimum specifications
The following are the minimum requirements you need to check before going for a treadmill for running.
Treadbelt size: A good treadmill should have a running area of at least 48” by 16”. This may not be sufficient for tall be people but it is more than enough for the average person.
Speed: If you are looking for a treadmill, go for a treadmill that has a speed of at least 10 mph.
Incline/decline: Treadmills use the incline and decline feature to simulate outdoor workout sessions. A great treadmill for plus size will have this feature. Go for a treadmill with an incline of at least 10%.
Cushioning system: The running area for treadmills for fat guys should be well cushioned to absorb impact and shock. Don’t get near any treadmill that doesn’t have this cushioning.
Stability: The best treadmills for heavy runners shouldn’t shake during a workout. Generally, the heavier the treadmill, the more stable it will be.
Control panel. The controls should be simple to use and easily accessible during workout sessions.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, most of these popular exercise devices are built for the average Joe, and aren’t capable of supporting your 300+ pound weight. However, while you can’t find a treadmill designed exclusively for the heavier set, you can find one that’s strong enough to handle you.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the most comprehensive “best treadmill for heavier persons” post on the internet.
If you liked the post, feel free to share it with your circles. It’ll mean a lot.