The Ultimate Treadmill Buying Guide for Runners & Walkers

Treadmills are among the most popular pieces of cardio equipment for home gyms — and for good reason. Whether you're looking to reach your step goal for the day or you're training for your next marathon, a treadmill is a convenient and versatile tool that can help you reach your fitness goals at home year-round.

With so many options available, choosing a treadmill that meets your needs, your goals, and your budget can be daunting. If you've ever wondered which treadmill you should buy, you've come to the right place. Read on as we break down everything you need to know about how to choose the right treadmill for you.

Why Buy a Treadmill

There are so many benefits to adding a treadmill to your home gym.

It's versatile. Walk, jog, or run — the choice is yours. Reach your step goal, try an incline walk, build your aerobic base with a steady state run, or challenge yourself with a zone training workout, all on the same machine.

It's convenient. When you have a treadmill in your home gym, there's no need to risk an outdoor run in inclement weather. Just lace up and get your workout started in a matter of minutes. No more waiting for an open treadmill at the gym, either: you can get in your workout on your own schedule and start, pause, or stop whenever you want to.

It's motivating. Gone are the days of the 'dreadmill.' Today, the entertainment options offered on treadmills are endless. Connect and train with the fitness apps you already use or stream your favorite show to help the time fly by.

How to Choose the Right Treadmill

Whether you're looking for the best treadmill for small spaces, a budget treadmill option, or a premium experience built for runners, there are a few important factors you should keep in mind:

• Space: Consider how much space you have in your home gym. Selecting a folding treadmill can be a great way to reclaim floor space when it's not in use.
• Workout goals: Consider how you intend to use your treadmill. Do you plan to walk most of the time, or run mile after mile? Certain features, like quick dial controls for speed and incline changes, may matter to you more than others.
• Connectivity: Consider which connectivity features matter to you. Do you want a treadmill with an embedded screen or would you prefer to bring your own phone or tablet to stream workout classes or entertainment? Also consider which fitness apps you already use, or would like to use, and ensure the treadmill you select is compatible with those apps. If tracking your workouts on a smartwatch is important to you, choose a treadmill that is Apple Watch or Samsung Watch compatible.
• Budget: Treadmills vary in price, based on their features, connectivity options, and durability. Save yourself time and select brands that offer a range of treadmills designed to fit all budgets.
• Durability: When you purchase a treadmill, you want to make sure it's built to last. The BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, which means you can feel confident that your treadmill will keep up with you mile after mile.

Best Treadmills For Your Home Gym

Ready to choose the treadmill that's right for you? Take a look at our top picks, built with comfort, performance, and durability in mind.

Quick Look: Best Treadmills for Home Gyms

Best Budget Treadmill for Everyday Runners & Walkers: BowFlex T6 Treadmill

Ready to move? The BowFlex T6 Treadmill was built to put you on the fast track to connected fitness, without breaking the bank. It meets you where you are now — and pushes you to reach your goals.

• Best For: Everyday runners and walking enthusiasts who want a solid treadmill with features that can take their training to the next level.
• Why We Recommend It: The BowFlex T6 Treadmill's MaxReact Drive System makes rapid changes to speed and incline faster than ever before, ideal for interval training. Plus, a roomy running surface and Flex Zone cushioning system support you through every mile, and connectivity to JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift right from your smartphone or tablet lets you choose how you train. Best of all, it's offered at a price point your wallet will love.

Best Connected Treadmill for Runners: BowFlex T9 Treadmill

Ready to run with the ultimate in fitness app freedom? The BowFlex T9 Treadmill is packed with dynamic features and fitness app compatibility, making accessing entertainment, on-demand coaching, and enhanced metrics tracking easier than ever before.

• Best For: Performance runners who want more room to run and connectivity features to keep workouts engaging.
• Why We Recommend It: The BowFlex T9 Treadmill checks all the boxes: Apple Watch and Samsung Watch pairing capability? Check. Compatible with fitness apps like JRNY, Peloton, and Zwift? Check. Extra wide 22” running surface? Check. Ultra-responsive drive system that lets you speed up or slow down without lags or delays? Check.

Best Premium Treadmill for Serious Runners: BowFlex T16 Treadmill

Whether you're chasing a new personal best or building up your endurance with longer runs, the BowFlex T16 Treadmill is built to keep you entertained and motivated, while supporting serious training goals.

• Best For: Dedicated runners seeking the ultimate, immersive training experience.
• Why We Recommend It: The BowFlex T16 Treadmill features a spacious running area, intuitive controls, and connectivity with apps like JRNY, Peloton and Zwift — plus you can connect your Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch to keep your metrics in sync. With an immersive 16” HD touchscreen, you can also access entertainment options like Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify while you run.

Best Essential Treadmill for Runners & Walkers: BowFlex BXT8J Treadmill

The BowFlex BXT8J Treadmill offers everything you need to make some major strides, at a price point you'll love.

• Best For: Runners and walkers who want the basics — and then some.
• Why We Recommend It: ComfortTech deck cushioning keeps you comfortable and a 20” x 60” deck gives you plenty of space to run. Keep tabs on your stats thanks to the DualTrack LCD display system. Plus, this tread stows away when not in use.

Other Great Options: BowFlex Treadmill 10 or BowFlex Treadmill 22

If you're looking for a solid treadmill with entertainment options, the BowFlex Treadmill 10 or BowFlex Treadmill 22 might be a good fit for you.

Paired with a JRNY adaptive fitness membership, you can access a custom set of workouts on a 10” or 22” adjustable HD touchscreen to keep your routine feeling fresh, pick up the pace with real-time encouragement and guidance from a virtual coach, explore 200+ destinations with Explore the World, or stream your favorite shows on Netflix or Prime Video while you run.

Still unsure which BowFlex treadmill is right for you? Our Sales pros are here to help. Give them a call at 800-618-8853 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. (Hours may differ during holidays. Check our Contact Us information for hours availability updates.)

The content on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program, making changes to your fitness routine, or if you have questions about your health.

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