Best Treadmill For Heavy Person

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When you are a heavy person you need a treadmill that can work as hard as you. It is not enough to have an unbreakable will when cheap, second-rate treadmills can holt your progress just when things start getting good.

Treadmills are often your best option for working out. The outdoors is just not ready for you yet and until then a treadmill gives you a way to do a strenuous workout within small amounts of space in the privacy and safety of your home.

Not every treadmill is up to the job though. Some treadmills do not have that kind of weight capacity and will not give you the shock absorption that you need when you’re slightly bigger. Some treadmills aren’t even wide enough that you can run on them using your full range of motion – risking injury.

Here we explore the best treadmill to support you on your weight loss journey.

Best Treadmill For Heavy Person

What is the Best Treadmill For Heavy Person?

To find the Best Treadmill For Heavy Person for you we have used several of treadmills for big person and selected the absolute top 4 treadmills for heavy person.

This is based on our first-hand experiences, years of practice as well as individual research on what others have to say, so that we can give you a more well-rounded review.

Feel free to scroll to the end of this article for a short buying guide and some frequently asked questions.

1. NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill

NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 203 pounds (92.08 kg)
Size: 73.5 x 54 x 36 inches (186.7 x 137.2 x 91.4 cm)
Speed: 10 miles per hour
Max Horsepower: 2.6 hp
Max Incline: 10 °
Max weight: 300 lbs
Display type: 5″ Backlit LCD Display
Heart rate monitor: Dual CardioGrip
https://youtu.be/ZFlYcTsfkzA

The NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Treadmill is an affordable entry-level treadmill for home applications. While the 6.5S treadmill offers minimal performance specs, it has a high build quality and innovative design that makes it one of the brand’s best-selling models. It features a 2.6 CHP motor that provides smooth incline and speed adjustments to enhance your cardio workout experience. It also has a 20-inch width running deck that provides a comfortable workout space, and with the FlexSelect cushioning feature, you get to reduce impact injury and fatigue on your joints as you work out. The 6.5S console features a 5-inch backlit LCD screen to display all your workout metrics with user-friendly control buttons and a tablet rack, while the handles feature the heart rate monitor. The treadmill is compatible with NordicTrack’s iFIT training programs that you can stream on your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. However, it also comes with 20 built-in training programs that are much simpler to use if you are not interested in subscribing to the iFIT programs. After your workout, the treadmill features a folding design that enables you to fold in the running deck to reduce its footprint for easy storage. Special features include console speakers that many users say have a poor sound quality and two large-sized water bottles on either side of the console.

Pros

  • Sturdy construction to withstand moderate training,
  • Offers flexible training options with 10-degree incline and speed adjustments,
  • Variety of built-in training programs and compatibility with iFIT training,
  • Foldable design with wheels enables easy storage,
  • User-friendly console with backlit screen and control buttons,
  • Features a media rack to accommodate your tablet or smartphone

Cons

  • It has a light-duty motor that does not support intense workouts,
  • Has poor after-sales service for dealing with product issues

2. Nautilus Treadmill Series

Nautilus Treadmill Series
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 253 pounds (114.76 kg)
Size: 78 x 62.8 x 37.6 inches (198.1 x 159.5 x 95.5 cm)
Speed: 12 miles per hour
Max Horsepower: 3.5 hp
Max Incline: 15 °
Max weight: 350 lbs
Display type: 3.75″ & 5.5″ Backlit LCD Windows
Heart rate monitor: Hand Pulse Sensors & Telemetry
https://youtu.be/5jdgvsgPuUU

The Nautilus Treadmill Series T618 model is one of several treadmills and recumbent bikes from the Nautilus Performance Series. It is a light commercial-grade treadmill affordably priced for home applications and comes with several exciting features to keep you motivated. The T618 has a high capacity 3.5 HP motor that provides smooth and quiet power for intense training without overheating. However, several users report that the electronic parts are of cheap quality and may need frequent replacing. Additionally, the motor may not handle obese people and prolonged training sessions even though the product specifications indicate a 350-pound weight capacity. On the other hand, Nautilus provides a 5-year warranty on parts and a 2-year warranty on labor for product issues and comes with excellent after-sales service. The T618 features a 60″L x 20″W 3-ply running belt that is comfortably spaced for most runners, and it comes with Rebound Cushioning to reduce impact and fatigue on your joints. The treadmill provides a 15% maximum incline function and a 12 MPH top running speed to simulate outdoor running conditions while training with Explore the World App. Additionally, the machine comes with 26 built-in workout programs that add variety to your regimen while building cardiovascular endurance. The console displays your workout metrics on two backlit LCD panels and is Bluetooth enabled to synchronize with fitness apps on your phone. It also features stereo speakers and a 3-speed cooling fan as extras. It also supports telemetry heart rate monitoring with a chest strap that is included in the box and a media tray to hold your smartphone.

Pros

  • High-quality and robust treadmill for performance training,
  • Offers a variety of training programs and compatibility with training apps,
  • Easy to assemble and the company provides excellent product support services,
  • Sturdy construction with a spacious running deck,
  • Comes with integrated speakers and a cooling fan to improve the running experience,
  • Chest strap for heart rate monitoring is included in the package,
  • Features quick-select speed and incline adjustments on the handlebars

Cons

  • Mechanical parts may have a short service life,
  • Speakers are not Bluetooth supported to play music from your device,
  • Does not feature a cool down option

3. XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill

XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 213.9 pounds (97.02 kg)
Size: 77.2 x 56.1 x 35.5 inches (196.1 x 142.5 x 90.2 cm)
Speed: 12 miles per hour
Max Horsepower: 3 hp
Max Incline: 12 °
Max weight: 350 lbs
Display type: 6.5″ Backlit LCD Display
Heart rate monitor: Hand Pulse Sensors & Telemetry
https://youtu.be/mDruFQx8JCg

If you are looking for a high-performance treadmill for home use, the XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill may be a good choice. Although it is expensive for a home workout machine, it offers several training advantages that you would get from a commercial treadmill. It is also solid and well built for intense cardio workouts, endurance training, and weight loss. The TRX3500 features a heavy-duty steel frame that supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. The frame is foldable and uses a hydraulic mechanism to fold and drop safely, while its integrated transport wheels assist in moving it to storage. While it is a significantly heavy machine, its weight helps keep it stable while running at high speed, plus it comes with front and rear adjustable stabilizers to keep it level. I also like its extra long running deck that accommodates people with a long stride and features multiple cushioning points for impact absorption and a robust 2-ply Duraweave belt with excellent traction. Furthermore, the 3.0 HP motor delivers smooth and quiet performance for extended training and has a top speed of 12 MPH. The console offers a 6.5-inch backlit display with 30 pre-set workout programs and quick selection buttons for 0-12° incline adjustments and speed. The console also enables telemetric heart rate monitoring with chest straps alongside the EKG pulse sensors on the handlebars. It also features a fan, two cup holders, a media rack, integrated stereo speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync your workout data with third-party apps such as MyFitnessPal.

Pros

  • Pre-assembled out of the box making set up a quick and effortless task,
  • Heavy-duty construction provides stability for intense training, Convenient speed and incline adjustments on console and handlebars,
  • Offers a variety of pre-programmed workouts for any fitness level,
  • A spacious running surface that accommodates people with long strides,
  • Quick selection speed and incline adjustments on the console and handlebars,
  • Bluetooth enabled to synchronize with various fitness apps

Cons

  • It has only provided two user profiles,
  • Significantly heavy to move and install on upper floors,
  • Does not come with accessories such as the HR chest strap

4. Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 143 pounds (64.86 kg)
Size: 60.5 x 52.4 x 32 inches (153.7 x 133.1 x 81.3 cm)
Speed: 6 miles per hour
Max Horsepower: 2.5 hp
Max Incline: 2 °
Max weight: 350 lbs
Display type: Backlit LCD Monitor
Heart rate monitor: None

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T7634 is a low-impact treadmill suitable for walking and light jogging exercises. It is an excellent option for obese people due to its high weight capacity of 350 pounds and remarkably sturdy design to support your weight while working out. The treadmill has a quick assembly, but it is also a little heavy for one person to set up alone. Also, Sunny Health typically has poor customer service, and you may have to look for YouTube videos on how to assemble it if you get stuck. On the other hand, many users note that the folding mechanism works seamlessly, and the treadmill is easy to move around with its transport wheels. The SF-T7634 has a 44.5″L x 19.5″W running deck that provides ample space for most people to walk on and has a 6 MPH top speed that allows for light jogging. The deck also features a fixed 2-degree incline that some beginners find uncomfortable and have to find innovative ways of leveling the platform. The user-friendly console features a simple backlit panel to display four workout metrics and large control buttons for speed adjustments. The console also features a media rack to support your tablet or phone and is Bluetooth enabled to sync your progress with fitness apps.

Pros

  • Supports a high weight capacity for heavy users,
  • It has a user-friendly console with quick speed buttons,
  • Low power consuming motor with smooth and quiet operation,
  • Seamless folding design and transport wheels for easy storage

Cons

  • The non-adjustable 2-degree incline may be uncomfortable for new users,
  • Has basic performance features with no pre-set workout programs

Verdict

To sum up, out of the top 4 Best Treadmill For Heavy Person, our absolute top pick is NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill.

If you have the money, you can go for Nautilus Treadmill Series which is our premium pick.

However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill.

Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:

What You Should Know Before Buying treadmills for heavy person

Weight Capacity

Each treadmill has a graded weight capacity provided by the manufacturer. It’s one of the most important specifications and you need to make sure it meets your criteria. Failing to match the right capacity, might result in injuries or mechanical failure of the equipment.

Not all treadmills are designed to be able to carry plus-sized users. Sometimes they are built to be lightweight and sacrifice weight. Consequently, they sacrifice some of the support that would otherwise be given by the treadmill.

Medical treadmills are your best bet when it comes to weight capacity. This is because they are designed to rehabilitate people with larger weights as well as the elderly and people who suffer from knee problems. This means that the treadmills tend to not only have a large weight capacity but also high shock absorbance.

Types of Threadmill

There are two ways to group treadmills, by power and by purpose.

Types of Treadmill by power : manual and motorised Manual treadmills: Manual treadmills have a simple frame with an area for the user to stand on. The belt, which is either rubber or plastic, then moves underneath them as they walk or run. Manual treadmills are also known as non-powered treadmills since there’s no motor powering it. Motorised treadmills: Motorised treadmills, as the name suggests, come with a motor which can power up the belt. This means that you can reach greater speeds than you can with a manual version as the motor is the one making the belt go round rather than you. Motorised treadmills also tend to be able to change the incline as you run so you can switch between running on flat ground and running up a hill. They are usually more expensive compared to its non-powered version because of its extra functionality.

Types of Treadmill by purpose : folding, commercial, hybrid and medical. Each type provides a different set of benefits to the user.

Folding: Folding treadmills are great for tight or small spaces. They have a variety of features that can be adjusted to the user’s preferences, and they fold up which makes them take up less space when not in use. Commercial: Commercial treadmills provide power-packed performance over extended periods of time. They are designed to be run by multiple people for multiple hours in the day. If you are an avid runner who wants a reliable treadmill for home use you could try a semi-commercial treadmill as a full-blown commercial treadmill might be overkill in terms of reliability. Hybrid: Hybrid treadmills provide a variety of features that are beneficial to the user. They combine both commercial and folding treadmill benefits into one unit, perfect for facilities or homes with space constraints. Medical: Treadmills designed for medical purposes come in various forms such as gait trainers which help people who have trouble walking due to neurological damage by training their muscles back into shape. Medical treadmills may also be used by the elderly or people with knee problems as they tend to offer extended handrails, lower starting speeds and even slight declines.

Motorized

A motorized treadmill is what first comes to mind when people think about a typical treadmill. It is a treadmill that uses a motor to spin the belt around for you to run on. There are many benefits to using a motorized treadmill. For one, it allows you to reach greater speeds than with a manual machine as the motor does all the work spinning the belt; the faster the belt spins the faster the speed. They also tend to be able to change inclines which is great if you’re training for outdoor running – which is often is not flat.

When buying a manual treadmill, you want to make sure that the speed falls within a range that works for you. The average walking pace is around 3mph and for an elderly person of 80, it’s usually 2mph and less. If you find mobility difficult you want the lowest starting speed you can not only to be able to train within a lower range but also to give yourself time to get started.

The average jogging speed of a man is 8mph, 6mph if you are a woman. Anything above that would be sprinting. It’s unlikely that you can train for world record-breaking speeds on the treadmill, seeing as the fastest speed of running on record is 27.78 mph. But 8mph should be enough to tire yourself out and give yourself a finishing sprint, if not then choosing a treadmill that can increase the incline would solve this problem for you so you can challenge yourself.

Manual

A manual treadmill is a great tool for exercise. It has no electricity and can be used anywhere, even in your home because there’s no need to plug it into an outlet! The belt moves when you walk on it rather than being moved by a motor, this easy-to-use machine doesn’t require much space or equipment at all – making it environmentally friendly too. Even though these devices only go 4 mph max they still offer enough speed to get our heart rate going. Pushing the conveyor around requires extra effort, burning more calories without having to go to high speeds. Being able to burn more calories at a low speed would make it ideal to place under a standing desk so you can walk and work. Running fast means a lot of bouncing up and down. Bouncing up and down is quite jarring and it is difficult to work when you are bouncing up and down. Walking involves less bouncing up and down, so it is easier to walk and work. Walking, however, usually involves low levels of effort, meaning the workout can be unsatisfying. As walking is harder on a manual treadmill, it is ideal if you want to burn lots of calories while working. Manual treadmills are also good for developing a good running technique. When you run on a motorized treadmill, it’s not unusual to fall into bad form by leaning back. Not running with good form on a manual treadmill would mean that the belt wouldn’t have enough force to propel it around, meaning it would stop.

Hybrid

A hybrid is simply something made to combine different elements. In this way a hybrid treadmill is a treadmill that has multiple elements. These elements most often refer to either a stepper or elliptical or both. This means that a hybrid treadmill is really good if you need a low impact workout as both a stepper and elliptical are designed for this purpose. A hybrid stepper/elliptical tends to consist of two thin treadmill belts side by side, one for each foot, instead of one large treadmill belt. These treadmill belts move up and down in a fashion similar to an elliptical or stepper. As a consequence of this extra functionality, these treadmills tend to move no faster than a brisk walk – 4 or 5 mph at most. This means that if you want to practice your running skills, it’s not the treadmill for you. However, if you are simply looking to burn calories the extra movement of the hybrid might help.

Some hybrid treadmills might also refer to as hybrid treadmills which can be used for both climbing and running. However, the highest incline of a treadmill is about 40 degrees and the average highest incline of a commercial treadmill is around 15 degrees, so keep it in mind before making a purchase on a treadmill that claims to offer the extra element of ‘climbing’. A hybrid might also refer to the treadmill’s ability to be used as both a manual treadmill and a motorized treadmill – obviously not at the same time though.

Medical

Medical treadmills are designed for rehabilitation purposes. The users these medical treadmills are intended for often have mobility issues in some way, and the treadmill is a good way to exercise/ practice the motion of walking in a controlled, safe environment. In this way, medical treadmills are often designed with a particular focus on safety.

One feature of a medical treadmill that is specialized for safety is the extended handrails. The extended handrails mean that the user can support themselves with their hands throughout the walking motion as their legs may not be strong enough to carry the full weight of their upper body. Medical treadmills often come with extremely low starting speeds to give people with difficultly moving plenty of time to get into the walking motion. Some medical treadmills will allow you to reverse the deck in a way that will give you a slight decline to rehabilitate people who have trouble walking downhill. These treadmills might also rotate both forward and backward, to test/ practice a person’s gait and help them if they have problems walking back.

Medical treadmills also tend to have top-of-the-line shock absorption to make walking as low impact for users as possible, especially as the users likely experience some sort of pain just from walking. Heavier individuals also benefit from quality shock absorption much more than the average weight. There’s also the added benefit that medical treadmills are often designed to rehabilitate people weighing as much as 400 lbs and in some cases 500 lbs.

Medical treadmills are investments and are likely to be used by a wide range of people throughout the day, as such they are made to be durable. Of course, they do not need to withstand the same levels of wear as a commercial treadmill, but you can expect a medical treadmill to cost a lot (many thousands), last a long time (many years), and be protected by a long warranty.

Commercial

Commercial treadmills as the name suggests are for use for commerical purposes in shared gyms. These treadmills are often seen as an investment for gyms and as such often have extensive functionality and are highly reliable. They are made to be used 12 hours a day many days a week by many different people. As commercial treadmills often come with a warranty extending years, it is in the manufacturer’s interest to ensure that their products are as durable as possible. They are for use in the gyms, they are likely to have a large feature set with a variety of speeds, inclines as well as heart rate monitoring, preset workouts, televisions, touch displays, and high impact absorbance. Commercial treadmills might seem a little excessive for the average user, especially if you only expect to be using a treadmill for 1 or 2 hours a day. But perhaps you or your household might be using the treadmill for 4 to 7 hours a day and want high levels of reliability? Well in this instance a commercial treadmill might be excessive and a semi-commercial treadmill might be a better fit for you. Semi-commercial treadmills often have a large feature set and warranty, the difference is that they are not made to withstand the amount of use per day as a commercial treadmill.

Treadmill Features

Some of the features to consider before buying a treadmill include:

emergency stop button and string – safety first!

incline – is it possible immitate walking or running uphill,

speed – you should be able to regulate your pace on a treadmill,

heart rate monitor – to see how well you’re doing,

calorie counter – to monitor your progress,

workout programs – choice of varying pace workouts, like HIIT, to make it more interesting,

treadmill desk – in case you’d like to work while working out,

others – each treadmill brand has their own unique features.

Console

Treadmills console is where you can find all essential information about your workout as well as controls to set the type and intensity of your workout. Most of the modern treadmills nowadays will be equipment in an LCD screen. Regularly they also include USB connectivity and auxiliary input allowing for external connectivity.

Few things to consider:

Control and Font Size – If you struggle with reading bear in mind that you cannot take your reading glasses onto the treadmill. All information and figures that are important to you, you need to be able to read even as you jog. Small diagrams are often much easier to make sense of than small text so it is best to buy a treadmill with a console that keeps that in mind.

Operating a touchscreen while running – This can often be hard though as many touch screens have difficulty registering sweaty fingers. Touch screens are often at risk of the user pressing the wrong button, this is because a physical button gives more resistance to commit to and is often bigger and easier to hit.

Unnecessary features – For less tech-savvy people, it might be a waste of money to pick treadmills models with extensive console features.

Running Deck

The running deck is the piece of board underneath the belt. The ideal running deck is ultra-smooth so it can give the least possible resistance to the turning of the belt around the deck. A smooth rotation means that more power dedicated to turning the treadmill goes to your workout as opposed to puny forces such as friction. Friction sometimes does have the last laugh though. Extended periods of use can cause major wear onto the running deck, especially at the front and center of the belt where most of your weight is directed to. One of the best things to look out for when buying a treadmill is a reversible deck. A reversible deck allows you to easily flip the deck and belt you give you a clean slate… or a clean deck.

Heart Monitor

There are a couple of things you need to consider when it comes to heart monitors on treadmills

-Is it in an easy place for you to reach? If you struggle to maintain a steady and constant pace then you may not be able to the pulse sensor at the front, perhaps needing a pulse sensor further back along the handrail – especially if the handrail is extended.

-Are the figures given by the treadmill easy to read? Running can often cause a certain element of bouncing up and down, this can make reading small text difficult. Plus, you don’t want to be getting out your glasses in the middle of a workout!

-Does it save and track your heart rate over multiple sessions? Seeing how a thing like your resting heart rate has gone down over time can be just as satisfying as metrics like weight.

Questions and Answers About treadmills for heavy person

What is the best type of treadmill?

There are a few different things to consider when deciding the best type of treadmill for you/your family.
The first thing that you need to take into consideration is how much room do you have in your house? If you don’t have a lot of space then maybe one of the smaller treadmills, or a treadmill that can collapse, may be more suitable for your home. In addition to how much room you have, another thing that you need to think about is your weight. If you are a smaller person then you have a smaller stride so you can afford to have a smaller treadmill. Likewise, if you are a tall person you need to make sure that you have a treadmill that will accommodate your stride length. Next, you need to think about the age of your family members. If you have young children or older parents then it is important that their treadmill has safety features like a wrist strap and handlebar for balance. Finally, if you are a heavier individual then you might need a different treadmill from someone who weighs less. The main difference between treadmills for lighter and heavier people is the weight capacity of each one. Some treadmills that come with a higher weight capacity will come with better shock absorption, making them more suited to a heavier individual.

What is a hybrid treadmill?

A hybrid treadmill is simply a treadmill that is designed to serve at least one other purpose.
A treadmill is one of the most popular cardio exercise machines which provides users with numerous benefits like improved cardiovascular health, toned muscles, and increased fat burn.
An elliptical is a cardio machine that has two foot-pedals and handles for users to hold onto while they work out on the device. A stepper is another popular workout equipment that simulates stair climbing without excessive strain on the joints. A manual treadmill is a piece of workout equipment that requires you to manually push the machine in order for it to move.
A hybrid treadmill is usually a treadmill that is also a stepper or elliptical, sometimes both. A hybrid treadmill may also refer to a treadmill that is both motorized and can run as a manual treadmill or a treadmill that could double up as a desk so you can walk as you work. In this way, it is important to make sure what kind of hybrid you are buying so you don’t end up with a treadmill that isn’t as you would expect.

Is treadmill good for weight loss?

Running is a good way to lose those extra pounds because it helps burn excess fat and exchange builds muscle and burns calories. This means that although you may not notice any difference in the short term, your clothes will fit better and you’ll feel more toned than before. Running also helps with mental health as well as physical fitness – regular exercise releases endorphins which can help improve moods.
Treadmills make running more convenient which in turn means that you are likely to run. Having a treadmill in front of the TV can mean that you can run whilst keeping up with your favourite netflix shows. Many people don’t like running because of how boring they perceive it to be and having to head outside to fight the cold or heat. Having a programme running may help make running more enjoyable and also gives people something to concentrate on other than the physical strain on the body. This means that people are more likely to run and for longer periods, meaning more gradual and consistent healthy weight loss.

Can treadmill reduce belly fat?

Running is a great exercise to lose weight. It burns fat and calories, which helps you become leaner as well as stronger. Running may also suppress appetite; many people find that eating less makes it easier to lose excess weight without feeling hungry or deprived. Treadmills help make running more convenient and enjoyable by providing a comfortable and conducive place you are familiar with where you can run when you want to the tunes that you want. Treadmills can only assist in making it easier to run they cannot assist in the weight loss itself. So if you’re buying a treadmill the best way to make sure that you lose weight is to use it frequently and weekly. Even if you just do a slow workout just to get the heart rate up a bit it’ll be enough to initiate some weight loss, assuming a good diet. So the best way to lose weight with a treadmill is simply to use it a lot.

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