Best Treadmill For Running – 3 Options That Won’t Break the Bank
Looking for the best treadmill for running?
Runners need more from their treadmills – since running takes a greater toll on your machine than walking.
If you’re planning on running on your treadmill you need to make sure it has an extra strong deck, high quality cushioning for your hips, back, knees and ankles and plenty of leg-room for you to stretch out.
There are other things too – like entertainment options and incline/decline ability.
Then again, these are largely a matter of your personal preference.
While you probably know that I’m partial to Nordictrack treadmills (hence this blog), you also have some other great brand options when looking for a strong treadmill for running.
So here are some of your best options when it comes to the top treadmills for runners – along with the strengths of each treadmill:
Best Treadmill For Running – 3 Options That Won’t Break the Bank!
#1 Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
Nordictrack’s Commercial series of treadmills are built with stronger motors, tougher decks and higher end cushioning than their starter models.
The Commercial 2450 treadmill gives you these strong basics along with some extras – like up to 15% incline and 3% decline for added crosstraining.
Plus it also steps up from the Commercial 1750 treadmill with a larger, HD, Full-Color console screen (10 inches vs 7 inches) – making it easier to watch your iFit Coach workouts or scenery as you run.
You’ll also get a free 1 year membership to iFit Coach. With iFit Coach you can run all over the world – from the streets of Santorini to the shores of Hawaii – and watch real scenery pass you by.
This gives you a lot of motivation to reach new goals – plus it’s just plain fun.
iFit can also track your running workouts for you, show you how far you’ve come and help you set new fitness goals. So it can take your running workouts to a whole new level.
If you want an even larger 22 inch console, you could upgrade to the Commercial 2950 treadmill – but if you want to keep it under $2000, then the Commercial 2450 treadmill should be fine. It’s affordable and gives you everything you need in a runners treadmill.
Click Here for more on the Nordictrack 2450 Treadmill
#2 Bowflex BXT 216 Treadmill
While Bowflex is known more for their Treadclimber series, they recently released 2 new treadmills to the market – including the impressive BXT 216 model.
The BXT216 is perfect for runners as it has an extra-strong 4.0 HP motor, higher grade 5-cell comfort tech cushioning (vs the BXT 116 model) and an extra spacious 22 x 60 inch belt, giving you lots of room to stretch out and move.
I recently tried out the BXT 216 at my local fitness store and was really surprised at just how solid this thing is – it’s built like a tank. Plus another nice touch is the side handrail speed controls (so you don’t have to reach up to the console to do it).
While the BXT216 does not have the decline or the iFit features of the Nordictrack Commercial 2450 treadmill, it does have a free tracking app you can use to keep track of your running workouts.
And, like the Nordictrack 2450 it’s also affordable – coming in under $2000 with Free Shipping here. Overall it’s a great blend of strong construction with some little added luxury touches that runners will appreciate.
Click Here for More on the Bowflex BXT 216
#3 Horizon Elite T9 Treadmill
Like the Nordictrack Commercial series, Horizon Elite treadmills are built tougher than Horizon starter models. The Elite T9 treadmill is ideal for runners as it has a stronger 3.25 HP motor (vs the other Elite models) along with a larger running deck.
It has also taken home “Best Buy” awards from several different Treadmill Review websites.
The Elite T9 also has larger 2.4″ rollers vs the other Horizon elite models. Larger rollers helps reduce static and ultimately help prolong the life of your treadmill.
And if you get bored? The T9 has a whopping 40 built-in workouts to challenge you and take you to the next level.
While it doesn’t have some of the perks of the Nordictrack 2450 (decline and full-color console with iFit) or the Bowflex BXT 216 (solid construction, free online tracking), the Horizon Elite T9 does give you everything you need for a solid runners treadmill like a strong motor, higher grade cushioning, larger belt and excellent construction.
Click Here for More on the Horizon Elite T9
So those are some of the best treadmill for running currently on the market. Be sure to consider your own unique needs when choosing a treadmill. For example, do you get bored easily? If so you’ll want to find a treadmill with lots of options like an iPod dock or built-in programs or the iFit workouts mentioned above.
Do you have space limitations in your home? Then you’ll need a treadmill that folds up easily with wheels on the bottom you can move around (all treadmills above have this).
By considering your own unique needs when choosing the best treadmill for running, you’re more likely to find the best fit for you. Don’t just trust what a magazine says (a lot of them are paid by the treadmill manufacturers). Do some research, look at the treadmill specs and go with a solid brand name.
If you do this, you’ll have the best chance of finding a treadmill that you love – and will use for years to come!
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