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Did you know that the treadmill originated as a means of hard labor? While some people may still dread the sight of one, thanks to modern technology, training on a treadmill has become the best substitute for going on a walk or a run when outdoor conditions are unfavorable or you have commitments keeping you at home. Some people even prefer using a treadmill to training outdoors because it can provide a more-predictable experience.
After walking and running on 37 treadmills over the past eight years, we’ve concluded that the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a dependable, versatile machine that most runners will be pleased with. It has a large color touchscreen and a cushioned yet supportive deck. An optional subscription for onboard workout content provides an extra dose of motivation.
The best treadmill for most runners – NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has been updated annually over the past few years, and the latest version has the best deck yet. It feels stable, with just the right amount of give, so it’s easy on the knees and feet. A new touchscreen rotates 90 degrees on each side and has a crisper picture than the touchscreen on previous versions. However, this latest model has dispensed with the speed and incline adjustments on the side of the screen—features we appreciated on previous versions. NordicTrack’s warranty is solid: There’s a lifetime warranty for the motor, a 10-year warranty for the frame, a two-year warranty for the parts, and a one-year warranty for labor.
Top speed: 12 mph
Max incline: 12%
Decline: to -3%
A quieter, more conventional treadmill – BowFlex T9 Treadmill
The BowFlex T9 Treadmill has notably easy-to-manage speed and incline adjustments, a comfortable deck, and plenty of storage options. Unlike our top pick, it can connect to workouts through Peloton and Zwift (in addition to BowFlex’s in-house Jrny programming, for a subscription fee). But this machine is lower-tech than our top pick, at least in presentation, because it lacks a touchscreen (it has an LCD monitor instead). The T9 Treadmill performs similarly to the BowFlex Treadmill 10, which we previously recommended in this guide, but the T9 is less obtrusive overall—which is a good thing.
Top speed: 12 mph
Max incline: 15%
Decline: none