Best Treadmills for Heavier Runners – How to Choose It

Published on: April 22, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

To shed a serious amount of body fat, walking, jogging and running are considered the safest and most effective ways. Yes, you can get to the gym to get training from professionals and run on the roads for free.

But what about the days when the weather is not favorable or you are extremely busy to get time to commute. Not to mention the lack of motivation and inferior feelings the heavy people feel around the fit people in the gym. 

So, bringing home a treadmill is logical. Spending money on something is the best motivation. Besides, you don’t have to deal with the weird stares from unknown people. In our list of the best treadmills for heavy runners, you will find the top category treadmills of different features so that you can find one that will work for you.

Advantages of Employing a Treadmill

One of the various benefits of a treadmill is that, once you begin shedding the additional weight gradually, you’ll be motivated to extend your treadmill sessions, supplying you with the arrogance in time to feature a couple of outdoor sessions slowly.

Most treadmills are motorized and are available with computer functions meaning it’s easy and motivating to assist you track how far you’ve got gone and stay motivated and achieve your future weight loss goals. A treadmill further provides other advantages such as:

Statistics & Reporting: Comes with features that assist you in measuring time, distance, speed, calories burnt, and even pulse. 

Financial: It’s cheaper to use a treadmill than register for the membership of a gym. Usually with payback in but two years

Convenience Factor: It’s more comfortable to form a habit out of using a treadmill because it’s more convenient than going bent the gym and saves on the period 

Flexibility: you’ll be flexible with workout times, grabbing 20-30 minute intervals during the day once you have the time

Comfort Factor: you’ll stay warm and cozy while using the treadmill reception, and no fancy workout clothes are required!

Multitasking Possible: you’ll read a book, watch TV or maybe interact together with your relations while you’re on a treadmill instead of out running. The treadmill may be a family device, which will be employed by your spouse, kids, spouse, and even relatives and friends once they visit. This is often great if you would like to urge the entire family fit.

Why Do Treadmills Have Weight Limits

Well, why not? Because this machine is meant to keep you in a healthy weight by shedding extra weight. Different people need different sizes and shapes of clothing for various body types.

Choosing a treadmill is also the same. If a person needs to lose just 20 pounds, then almost any treadmill can be useful for that. When it comes to losing 100 or 10 pounds of solid fat, then the treadmill must have to be durable enough to take that punishment and wide enough to create room for a big body. 

So we chose to develop a list solely keeping the big bodies on our minds so that they can also have the chance to start a healthy lifestyle.

How to Choose Treadmills for Heavier Runners

Weight Capacity

First, you have to determine how heavy you are. If you are over 300 pounds, then you must choose a treadmill with the highest weight capacity in the market. If you are 200 pounds, then the mid-ranged treadmills are enough to keep you running. 

Durability

As you are using the treadmill on a daily basis for years to come, durability is a serious issue. Check for the sturdiness of the belt and frame. The good quality treadmills are backed by a long warranty on their belt, motor, and frame. 

Width and Length of the Belt

Do you take long strides? Are you over 6 ft? Then a long belt is a must for you. If you have a really big body then the belt should be wide too. We have developed our list carefully so that only heavy runners of any size can run on these comfortably. 

Power

The highest speed settings of the treadmills are not used much or more often. But the more powerful the motor is, the longer you can run on it without overheating the motor. So, if you have that budget, invest in a powerful treadmill. 

Space

Not everyone is lucky to have a big house. Most of us live in apartments, where making space for a treadmill is crucial. If that is the case, then invest in a treadmill that is easy to fold and takes little space when folded. 

Apps and Programs

The manufacturers always highlight the hi-tech parts of their treadmills, but that is not important. Still, it matters because you will be using the treadmill at home all by yourself. For a big budget, you can invest in iFit compatible machines with a monthly subscription. Otherwise, the built-in and customized apps and programs are also useful.

Engine strength

The more CHP the engine in your treadmill has, the better.

Continuous horsepower (CHP) is the apparently consistent power of a treadmill engine, and a treadmill with a high weight limit must have sufficient infinite capacity to handle a heavy load, thus the term is sufficient.

Here are some broad CHP suggestions from treadmill engine specialists: For walking/jogging/running by users

• Over 250 pounds: 2.5 CHP minimum.
• Over 300 pounds: 3.0 CHP minimum.
• Over 250 pounds: 3.5 CHP minimum.
• Below 200 pounds: 3.0 CHP minimum.

View the 8 Best Treadmills for Heavier Runners, Below-

Here goes the list of top picks for best treadmills of 2021 by Treadmill Review Guru – you can’t fail with any treadmills on this list.

1. Sole Fitness Folding Treadmill with High Weight Capacity

• Weight limit: 400-pound;
• 0.5-to-12 MPH speed;
• 0-to-15% incline;
• 35 by 80 inches deck.

A treadmill is needed for heavier people only, offers a high weight capacity and provides a large deck. This F85 treadmill from Sole Fitness is the right machine to purchase for runners who are over 350 pounds. To make the running comfortable, the deck is impressively 35 inches wide.

Another thing I want to mention is, the belt is shock absorbent. So, your body weight may cause some discomfort for running faster, but the running surface won’t. The belt is highly durable and won’t give out after a couple of years of continuous running. If it does, at one point, you can always claim the lifetime warranty they offer.

There are six presets and two customized programs and other additives like fan, mp3, and heart rate monitor we see in all modern treadmills. The price is very high, but that is because of its durability. There are more programs included in lower range treadmills. But for longevity, you can trust this F85 treadmill with your eyes closed.

Positives

• High weight limit;
• Large running deck;
• Durable;
• Long warranty.

Negatives

• Very expensive.

---

2. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill (8.5sm model)

• Weight capacity: 300 pounds;
• Speed: 12 MPH;
• Deck length: 60 inches.

A treadmill is a good friend for your body. If you need a treadmill for heavier users then the NordicTrack T Series  8.5sm model Treadmill is a good choice for you. Its weight capacity is 300 pounds so easily a 100 kg-up person can use this. It comes with a 60-inch long length that ensures comfortable space for the user. 

It has a 10 inch HD Interactive Touchscreen Display stream, that’s on-demand iFit workouts into your home directly on your treadmill. It ensures that the iFit trainer auto-adjusts with your smart treadmill’s speed. So, working out on this machine will not be boring.  Its decliners 0-12 MPH digital quick speed control. So, the speed and inclination changes are quick to match the program you choose from the iFit. 

These strong treadmills offer a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty. Overall it is a good treadmill in the market if you have enough budget then buy this one.

Positives

• Decline option on deck;
• iFit compatible;
• Smart display;
• Long arent of the frame.

Negatives

• Expensive. 

---

3. LifeSpan Folding Treadmill for Big Guys

• Weight limit: 350 lbs;
• 20″ x 60″ deck;
• 13 level incline, 2 levels of decline;
• 21 preset training programs.

For over 300 pounds of the weight limit, the 20-inch wide deck and 23 inches side rails seem a bit narrow for me. But it is enough for people over 300 pounds. However, the sturdy structure and hi-tech features add up to the advantages of this treadmill from LifeSpan. 

This beast comes with 21 preset programs that support sports training, weight loss, and healthy living. The Bluetooth connectivity and app sync make tracking your daily results with android and the iPhone is a breeze. Now, you will never step out of your track you are maintaining and the goal you are chasing. 

As we are talking about heavy runners here, the deck has a well-made belt with 8 compressions. It makes running easy on the knees and ankles of heavy runners. Moreover, the incline and decline features of the deck make it versatile. You can enjoy plain, steep, slope, and terrain running on one treadmill. The assembly is a matter of minutes for a person. From every perspective, this one is worth your money.

Positives

• Results can be tracked through the app;
• Durable;
• Quiet;
• Folding Deck;
• Easy assembly.

Negatives

• No noticeable negative sites are found.

---

4. Exerpeutic Ultra High Capacity Electric Treadmill for Walk to Fitness

• 400 lbs weight limit;
• 2 levels of incline;
• Speed limit: 4 mph.
• Extra-long safety handle;

This one is another addition to our high weight capacity treadmills for bigger and heavier runners. When a person is heavy, he or she is big as well. Keeping the size and weight in mind, the belt is made wider and the handrails longer in this newly made treadmill. On top of that, it arrives pre-assembled. You literally don’t need to tighten any screw or fix any part. It runs out of the box.

The features of this machine are quite basic. The incline is set at 3% and 6%. Meaning, you are not having the advantage of a 15% incline in it. From my experience, most people do not even use the incline option. This machine runs quiet even on the highest speed setting. It gradually gains and reduces its speed for specific safety concerns. It is important for heavier people not to run on treadmills that change the speed and incline instantly. 

Shed all the extra fat from your body by walking and running on the Exerpeutic treadmill. It is safe, tough, and takes all kinds of abuse for years. Once you are in shape, you can switch to another treadmill designed to increase your stamina.

Positives

• Assembled;
• LCD screen.
• High weight capacity;
• Long handrails.

Negatives

• Limited incline.

---

5. Exerpeutic Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill with Heart Pulse System

• 325 lb weight capacity & foldable;
• Twin flywheels with an extended belt;
• 3 levels of incline with 8 level tension.

The high price is a major problem for increased weight capacity treadmills. For heavy runners on a budget, this Exerpeutic treadmill is a great choice for losing pounds without getting bankrupt. This beast has all the toughness one heavy runner will be looking for, minus the fancy and lacy features. For example, the incline is manual and has only two levels.

Another thing I want to appreciate about this machine is that it takes little space in a room and is easy to fold and unfold. For a small basement or bedroom, this is the perfect weight loss solution. The machine is not only whisper-quiet, but it also lets you whisper without any issue. For a cheap machine like this one, quietness is bliss.

A wide belt and large rails are specially made to create a comfortable workout space for bigger guys. There is practically no reason not to bring it to your studio apartment or condo. Tiny living space will not be an excuse for not getting in shape.

Positives

• Easy to fold and transport;
• LCD display computer;
• Whisper quiet.

Negatives

• Nothing found.

---

6. NordicTrack Treadmills (6.5Si Model)

• 10-inch touchscreen display;
• 10 MPH speed range and 10% incline.

First, I want to assure you that this treadmill from the T series also runs without the iFit registration. Though the advertisement says otherwise, you can turn on the machine, press the iFIt logo on the screen for 30 seconds. The window for iFit registration will go away and you can run on it however you like!

But honestly, even if the iFit is a money munching monster app, it works really great to get professional training in the comfort of your home. Besides, it increases the motivation big guys often struggle to keep up throughout their weight loss journey.

This reliable treadmill is backed by a long warranty and reasonably priced. If you intend to use the iFit on it, take a mental note of monthly subscription fees. It’s not much for a professionally trained workout, but it can be costly for some. Running on this machine without any wired app will save your pocket from draining.

Positive

• Nice and solid construction;
• iFit compatible;
• Responsive speed and incline change.

Negatives

• Scamming of iFit registration. 

---

7. Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

• Weight limit: 250 pounds;
• Large: 16 X 50 belt;
• Speed: 10mph;
• 2 position incline.

If your body weight is about 100 to 10 kg then you can easily choose this machine. Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill weight limit is 250 pounds so do not worry if you are an overweight person. It has 10 miles per hour so you can enjoy a supper jogging with this treadmill.

This treadmill has a 16″ X 50″ running surface that is suitable for an 80 to 110 kg person. Heavyweight people e=can enjoy running on this item. It comes with a 5 inch LCD display that is perfect. You can easily read the update, time, pulse, and calories. 

Speed range is also very good because this product has 0. 5 -10 MPH. If you do not have enough space then you can fold this treadmill easily. It comes with 12 programs but the price is very reasonable. 

Positives 

• 12 programs;
• Space-saving design;
• Reasonable price;
• Excellent customer service;

Negatives 

• No noticeable issues.

---

8. Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill

• Weight limit: 350 pounds;
• Running Surface: 44.5L x 19.5W inch;
• Program: 9
• Maximum speed: 6mph.

Well, don’t worry about your body weight. Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 is a heavy-duty treadmill that is suitable for all levels of fitness people. The weight limitation of these treadmills is 350 pounds. So if your weight is 100 to 150 you can comfortably use this.   It has a 19.5-inch running area that is suitable for all kinds of people. This treadmill has an easy-folding mechanism. It also has a soft drop system.

It is simple, easy to assemble, easy to use, and takes seconds to fold up and down. It can be placed under the bed and can be taken out and set at the full height when you feel like running on it. 

Comes with transportation wheels. With the help of transportation wheels, you can easily move this heavy treadmill in every space in your house. It has a backlit LCD screen and tracks. So you can easily know the update of speed, time, distance, and calories.

Big cupholders and the biggest integrated one give you more comfortable fillings. Through this treadmill, you can enjoy comfortable running at your home. 

Positives

• Basic and simplistic features;
• Emergency stop clip;
• Heavy steel materials;
• Easy to move and fold down.

Negatives

• No big issues are found.

---

FAQs About Treadmills for Heavier Runners

Will You Be Able to Be Heavy for a Treadmill?

Many components go within the limits of carrying the actual weight of the treadmill. Lower-end treadmills mostly set a weight limit somewhere between 200 and 300 pounds. 

Extensively improved quality models offer a severe sympathetic weight range of anywhere between 300 and 500 pounds.

What Does Weight Capacity Mean?

Weight capacity only – how much weight the line will hold. Suppose a clothesline has a weight limit of 39 kg, this is the absolute weight limit that can hold this fabric line.

Is There a Weight Limit on a Treadmill?

Yes, weight is limited for a treadmill. Some treadmills come with a 200 and 300 lbs weight limit. Some are 300 and 500 Ibs.

Is It Okay to Go to the Treadmill Every Day?

Yes, it’s ok to do it. Walking every day on a treadmill is a good idea. Running is a good exercise so if you use treadmills for running or jogging it’s good for your health.  

Is Treadmill Running Better for Heavier Individuals Compared to Cycling?

When comparing treadmill and cycling, heavier individuals may find treadmill running more beneficial. Running on a treadmill can support a heavier frame, while cycling may put more stress on the joints. Additionally, treadmill running can help build bone density, which is important for individuals carrying more weight.

Will Treadmills Help Lose Belly Fat?

Running and jogging is good exercise for the body. If you don’t have time to run then the treadmill is a good choice.  Running on a treadmill is one of the most effective ways to lose belly fat. It burns overall fat on your body.

Bottom Line

As you have come to the end of this list, I can guess that you have made up your mind on the treadmill you are going to buy for yourself. My last advice would be, check the treadmill’s warranty and customer service before actually spending on it. It will save you a lot of hassle in the future.

Read more:

• What Level Is 15 Incline On A Treadmill
• The Best Manual Treadmills for Running