Walk into any gym and what’s the first thing you see? Usually the cardio section. And what machine dominates this area? The Treadmill. When most people join a gym, they tend to join to use this popular form of cardio. If you feel intimidated by other forms of exercise or complicated equipment, a treadmill is a safe and familiar way to get in shape.
Using a treadmill is a simple way to boost your cardiovascular health, strengthen your legs, improve your mobility and balance, improve core strength, and burn calories while doing so. But what if you don’t want to be part of a gym and prefer to workout at home? You may think that a treadmill for the home will cost thousands of dollars. Some do, but there are many great options that are much cheaper. This is a look at some of the best treadmill options that are under $600.
Best Treadmill Under $600
MaxKare Folding Treadmill
Best Convenience
Not only is this treadmill from MaxKare under $600, but it is also foldable. If you are limited for space, this is a great option as it can be stored out of the way when not in use. Then, whenever you are ready to workout, it’s simple to unfold and get going. This is a great option if you need a wide treadmill as its 17-inch width will help accommodate all sizes of people and different types of stride.
You also get an incline feature which is a great way to increase the intensity of your workout, engage more muscle, and burn more calories. If you like to have guided instruction, this treadmill comes with 15 different pre-set workouts so you will never get bored. During your run or walk, you can track your data in real-time including time, distance, speed and calories burned.
Pros
- Can hold up to 220 pounds
- Can reach speeds of 8.5 mph
- Built-in drink holder
- Anti-shock system to help protect your knees
Cons
- Might not be long enough for some runners
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Best For Runners
This option from Sunny health and fitness is a great choice if you’re a serious runner and want a challenging workout. This treadmill is built to handle a higher intensity as it has a shock-absorbing system. You can run at a high speed but still keep your joints, knees, and ankles protected from the impact. This is also a folding treadmill so it is easily moved and stored out of the way. This treadmill also has an adjustable incline so you can easily increase your workout intensity to get more cardiovascular improvements and more calorie burning.
This treadmill reaches speeds of 9mph making it a great choice if you are a serious runner and don’t want any outdoor training disrupted by poor weather. No matter what time of day, you can get a run in as the soft-drop setup means the treadmill is ready to go in seconds.
Pros
- Holds up to 220 pounds
- Handrail controls so you can easily change speeds
- 9 built-in workout programs
- phone/tablet holder
Cons
- Incline has to be adjusted manually
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Best Size
With the TR150, you will be able to get in the best shape of your life without taking up much room in your house. This is a great folding treadmill that still comes with a lot of features and performance. The first thing you’ll love about this treadmill is the size of it. It is large and long enough to accommodate walking and running of different stride lengths. It can also hold more weight than other treadmills at 250 pounds.
The amazing thing about the size of the TR150 is that it is still foldable. And it’s light. The entire unit only weighs 108 pounds. You can leave it set up in whichever room you want to use it, or fold it and store it away to free up more space. This is also a great treadmill if you love to run as it can reach up to 10mph. You can use it for slower-paced walks, or more intense workouts and there are pre-set workouts to follow, too.
Pros
- Large LCD display
- Large belt size and width
- 3 manual incline settings
Cons
- Handrails are not super long
- Incline needs to be manually adjusted
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Best For Working People
Goplus provides a unique 2 in 1 option that’s still under $600. This treadmill functions as a regular treadmill for a great walk or run, but it also can be used as just a walking platform. The support handles can be folded down turning this into a moving sidewalk. This now gives you the option of creating a walking desk in your home or office. When folded down, the Goplus can easily be positioned under a desk so you can stay active as you work.
The studies show that using a walking treadmill not only keeps you active, but prevents weight gain, and can boost productivity. If you’ve been working from home, and spend too much time sitting, this treadmill can be the perfect choice to get some more activity in while still being able to work. No matter which way you use the Goplus, it has a shock-absorbing system making it easier on your knees and joints.
Pros
- 2.5 hp motor
- Bluetooth speak
- Remote control to change speeds
- Non-slip running belt
Cons
- No pre programmed workouts
- Smaller running surface than other options
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
Best Technology
The SF-T7515 is a heavy-duty treadmill that is also very technologically advanced. Build-wise, it can hold up to 240 pounds and has a very stable and supportive base and running surface. If you have a heavier stride, this treadmill will easily accommodate you. But it’s the technology that makes this standout. The first is that it has auto incline which is impressive to find at this price point. This allows you to change the incline without having to get off and manually adjusting it leading to fewer interruptions in your workout.
There are an impressive 12 different levels of incline so you can constantly adjust your workout intensity. It has Bluetooth wireless connectivity and built-in pulse sensors so you can accurately track your heart rate. It also has a multi-functional performance digit monitor so you can accurately track your workout stats as you go.
Pros
- Goes up to 8 mph
- Soft drop system
- Shock absorbing tread deck
- phone/tablet holder
Cons
- Not foldable
- Heavier than some other options
Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill
Best Overall
The G 5.9i is a treadmill that seems like it should cost more than it does, and is the top choice for best treadmills under $600. This is a folding treadmill that is easy to assemble so you can be working out in no time. It has a large 16×50 inch belt and can hold a weight of up to 275 pounds. It also has a shock-absorbing system to reduce impact and protect your knees and joints. What makes this treadmill standout is how interactive it is. With the G 5.9i, you get a running club in your own home.
It comes with the iFit training system which provides you with an endless amount of workout options. You can connect via Bluetooth and use your tablet to train across the globe, follow an intense studio workout, or check out the 16,000 on-demand workouts. This is a treadmill that will allow you to get in the best shape of your life. If you like guidance, and instruction, you will be set with the G 5.9i.
Pros
- 2 position incline
- Can go up to 10 mph
- Space-saving design
- 2.25 hp drive system
Cons
Important Things to Consider When Buying an Exercise Bike for Your Home
Since you have already decided on a budget, you have a much easier decision. Budget is usually the biggest concern and not having one set in mind can give you too many options. The next thing you need to consider is how much functionality you want out of your treadmill. If you are someone that likes to do their own thing and go at your own pace, you won’t need a treadmill with many features and functions such as pre-programmed workouts. If you are not sure where to start and need some guidance, you’ll want a choice that has pre-programmed workouts, or guided instruction via an app.
Space is always a big issue as treadmills are often the largest pieces of cardio. This list presents some great folding options if you are limited for space. If space is not an issue, you can go for a bigger treadmill which will give you a larger running surface. If you are suffering from any knee or joint pain, you want to make sure you choose a treadmill that has a great shock-absorbing system. This will help reduce impact and damage to your joints. From there, you need to decide which other features are important to you. A water bottle holder may not seem like it’s that important, but this can be a feature you learn to appreciate when your water is just an arm’s length away.
Verdict/Conclusion
Treadmills will always exist as they are one of the most popular ways to get fit. Whether you use one for walking or running, the option to use one in your own home makes it more likely you will stick to your fitness and reach your goals. Whether you want to get fitter or lose weight–a treadmill can help you do it. You may love to run or walk outside, but we get limited by many things. The weather will determine what you can do outside and you don’t want to put off a workout because it’s too dangerous to exercise outdoors. There’s nothing more frustrating than when you’re motivated to run, but it’s either got too dark, or it’s not worth risking slipping and falling. A home treadmill takes away all those deterrents and allows you to workout whenever you want in the comfort of your own home.
