Last Updated: February 8th, 2021
There are so many choices and you may have a difficult time selecting one.
However, it need not be so. For example, we found that Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills is ideal as it is the right combination of affordability and functionality.
Apart from it, there are still 6 more which can be perfect for you. You may check out our 7 best treadmills for a beginner runner list below.
However, since a treadmill is a significant investment, we will encourage you to do your own research before making a financial commitment.
Our Top Picks For Today
✅ Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills.
“2.75 CHP. Best for home use.”
For Affordability:
“3.5 CHP capable of handling 375 lbs.”
Best Treadmill for a Beginner Runner in 2021
On this page
- ✅ 7 Best Treadmill For Beginner Runners – Detailed Review
- 1. Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills
- 2. Folding Electric Treadmill
- 3. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
- 4. Bowflex Results Series Treadmills
- 5. Sole New 2019 F80 Treadmill
- 6. ProForm 905 CST Treadmill
- 7. Precor TRM 211 Energy Series Treadmilll
- • Our Top Pick
If you are a beginner, there are two things that you need to consider.
Firstly, you are totally new and you may not exactly know what you need to do as part of your workout.
In that case, this treadmill comes with a free coach lead on-demand streaming for a more effective workout.
Also, in case you are overweight, you need a treadmill which will be shock absorbing.
Horizon Fitness T101 series comes with 3-Zone variable response cushioning.
This is soft on your knees and joints and will minimize the impact of your extra weight on you.
Also, you can easily fold the treadmill as it comes with a feather-light folding frame which is hydraulically assisted.
It is Bluetooth enabled and comes with built-in speakers with which you can enjoy your favorite kind of music anytime.
Specifications:
Motor: 2.75 CHP motor
Running belt size: 20 inches by 55 inches
One-touch speed: ✓ (10 speed)
One-touch incline: ✓ (10 inclines)
Speed range: 0 MPH – 10 MPH
Pre-Set Programs: 5 built-in program
Contact Heart Rate: ✓
Machine Weight: 180 lbs.
Folding/Non Folding: Folding
Dimensions: 73″ X 29.5″ X 12″
Audio Speakers: ✓
Bluetooth Enabled: ✓
Device holders: ✓
Max User Capacity: 250 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on frame and motor, brake 20 years, electronics and parts 1 year, labor 1 year
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This is a basic running machine which does the job well.
If you are a beginner you don’t want something which will intimidate you when by only the complicated look of it.
This running machine will help you to get the work done and is very affordable.
The motor is 2.25 HP and can support a user weight of up to 260 lbs.
It comes with 12 preset programs and is capable of giving you a very efficient fat burning workout.
There is also a heart rate monitor included on the left sidebar. This way you can check your heart rate on the fly and can keep it within the target heart rate zone for maximum fat burning.
Also, you can easily fold or unfold it with an easy soft drop system and you can always store it at a convenient place once your workout is done.
It is a virtually noiseless machine and will not cause any disturbance to any of your family members when you workout.
Also, it comes with a warranty of 1 year and a good customer service to navigate through any problem if they arise.
Specifications:
Motor: 2.25 HP
Running belt size: 120 X 40
Speed: 1 to 14 kmph
One-touch speed: ✓
Incline: 3 level manual incline
Pre-Set Programs: 12 preset programs
Contact Heart Rate: ✓
Folding/Non Folding: Folding
Dimensions: 59.1 X 26 X 45.7 inches
Folded Dimensions: 55.1 X 25.6 x 20.9 inches
Audio Speakers: ✓
Max User Capacity: 260 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year
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This treadmill is more of commercial quality and is very sturdy and long-lasting.
It can support a user weight of almost 300 lbs and can accommodate even a very tall person.
You can easily change the speed of the treadmill belt by a one-touch button.
If you want to add more challenge to your workout, add some incline to it.
You can add an incline of up to 12% with a one-touch button and can choose from more than 50 variations of the program.
It has an auto-breeze workout fan to keep you cool during the workout and EKG grip pulse to monitor your heart rate.
Using this heart rate monitoring you can keep your heart rate in the target heart rate zone. This maximizes your weight loss, but that is a story for another time…
Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 35.5″ W X 78.5″ L X 59″ H
Weight of the machine: 254 lbs.
Motor: 3.5 CHP drive system
Deck: FlexSelect Cushioning
Running Surface: 20 inches by 60 inches
Display: 10-inch full-color capacitive touch display
User weight support: 300 lbs.
Built-in Programs: 50+ (includes 1-Year iFit membership)
Cooling fans: ✓
One-touch speed control: ✓ (0-12 mph)
One-touch incline control: ✓ (0-12%)
Sound system: ✓
Tablet holder: ✓
Folding/Non-folding: Folding
Residential Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 5 years parts, 2 years labor
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This is a very decent treadmill that will last you for a long time.
It is sturdy and comes with a host of features. It is suitable for both beginner and advanced runner.
With a very powerful motor if 3.75 CHP, this beast is capable of supporting a weight of up to 400 lbs.
The deck is well cushioned and will protect you from a lot of impacts.
Also, this makes this easy on your joints and they remain healthy for a longer period of time.
The heart rate monitoring comes with contact and telemetry enabled and is good at keeping you in your target heart rate zone for maximum weight loss.
Also, it has a wide variety of speeds ranging up to 12 mph. You can do so, with the touch of a single button.
You may also change the incline in a similar way and with the touch of a button.
This will add more variety to your workout and in turn, it will be more effective for your health.
Specifications:
Motor: 3.75 CHP
Treadmill Belt: 20 inches by 60 inches with 3-ply belt, 2.5 mm thickness
Cushioning: Comfort tech design
User weight: 400 lbs.
Display: 7.5″ full color, backlit LCD screen
Speed: 0 – 12 mph
Incline: 0 – 15%
Built-in programs: 9 simplified “Push and Go” workout program.
Folding/non-folding: Folding (SoftDrop fold up deck design)
Transport: Wheels for easy transport
Contact heart rate: ✓
Chest strap: ✓
Speakers: ✓
Warranty: 15 years frame, 15 years motor, 5 years mechanical, 5 years electrical, 2 years labor.
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This is almost a professional gym quality treadmill that you get in elite clubs or fitness studios.
The belt size is 22 inches by 60 inches which is spacious enough to for any person to workout including people who are very tall.
Also, the weight capacity is very high somewhere around 375 lbs.
The running surface is also shock absorbing. It is a Cushion Flex whisper deck.
Research shows that this kind of deck can reduce the impact on your knees and joints by more than 40%.
This means you will be able to enjoy your healthy way of life over a longer period of time.
This machine is easily foldable and you can widely vary the speed and incline of this running machine.
Specifications:
Motor: 3.5 CHP DC Motor
Dimension: 82 X 37 X 57 inches
Machine Weight: 278 lbs.
Holders: Integrated tablet holder
Cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck.
Belt: 22 inches by 60 inches
Incline control: 0 – 15 % (One Click)
Speed Control: 0.5 – 12 mph (One Click)
Foldable/non-foldable: Foldable
User Weight: 375 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on Frame, Motor and deck, 5 years on parts and electronics and 2 years on labor.
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ProForm 905 CST is also a very high-quality treadmill that will provide you the best-in-class workout.
With a motor of 3.0 CHP and 20 inches by 60 inches treadmill belt, it can handle a weight of 325 lbs and even all runners.
The cushioning of this running machine helps you to protect your joints and keep you healthy for a longer period of time.
Also, it has 30 on-board workouts which make it perfect for a runner at any level and will help you to gradually build up your mileage right from the start.
It has speakers for a more wholesome workout experience.
The display is 5 inches and is backlit. Also, it is capable to monitor your different stats like distance, time, calorie burned, etc.
Specifications:
Motor: 3.0 CHP Mach Z Commercial Motor
Dimension: 83 X 30 X 11.5 inches
Machine Weight: 218 lbs.
Holders: Integrated device shelf
Cushioning: Proshox cushioning
Belt: 20 inches by 60 inches
Incline control: 0 – 12 % Digital Quick Incline Control
Speed Control: 0 – 12 mph Digital Quick Speed Control
Display: 5 inches backlit
Audio: Audio Auxiliary Port w/ Dual 2 inch Speakers
Heart rate: EKG Grip Pulse Sensor w/ included chest strap
User Weight: 325 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on Frame and Motor, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
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This is a professional quality treadmill which is also great for home workout.
It is smooth, stable and reliable. Also, it is very durable.
When you run on a treadmill, due to the nature of the rolling belt, you tend to bounce up and down.
This is very harsh on your joints and can cause damage over a period of time.
However, this can be avoided if your treadmill is cushioned.
Running deck of Precor TRM 211 is well cushioned and this makes it easy on your joints.
Also, it can speed up to 12 mph and the elevation range is up to 15%.
This will help you to get a very effective workout every time you use this treadmill.
Specifications:
Motor: 3.0 CHP Motor
Dimension: 81 X 32 X 54 inches
Machine Weight: 227 lbs.
Cushioning: Energy Stride Technology
Belt: 20 inches by 57 inches
Incline control: 0 – 15 %
Speed Control: 0 – 12 mph
Heart rate: EKG Grip Pulse Sensor w/ included chest strap
User Weight: 227 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on frame and welds, 5 years on parts and wear items, 3-year console and 1 year on labor.
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Conclusion
If you are a beginner runner, then you may not know what treadmill to purchase.
There are a lot of options but they will confuse you more.
When starting out you need something which is easy on your joints and will give you proper workout.
Also, it should be sturdy.
The above treadmills all have these features. Especially, Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmills.
It is great for beginners and is very affordable.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.