Choosing the best cheap treadmills: Health benefits and considerations

Home treadmills are becoming increasingly popular as an easy way to exercise regularly from home. Some cheap treadmills are available for under $800.
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This article lists some of the best cheap treadmills. It also discusses how to use a treadmill, alternative exercises, health benefits, and risks.
treadmills
How to use a treadmill
Stretching before and after exercise can help reduce the risk of injuries such as muscle strain.
muscle strain
Learn about the best stretches for runners here.
Learn about the best stretches for runners here.
Before a person uses a treadmill, they should ensure they are wearing suitable footwear.
Learn about the best running shoes here.
Learn about the best running shoes here.
People should make sure they know how to use the treadmill before starting the machine. They also need to check they know the location of the emergency stop button.
Most treadmills allow users to increase the speed and incline levels. A person should start slowly and gradually increase these to comfortable levels. This slow buildup will help warm up the muscles and allow users to become accustomed to the treadmill.
To begin a workout, individuals should hold on to the handrails when the belt starts to move. Once comfortable with the sensation and movement, they should release their grip on the rails.
List of cheap treadmills
Below is a list of treadmills under $800 with information about their key features:
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
XTERRA TR150 Foldable Treadmill
This model from XTERRA Fitness is available to order from the company’s website for $499.99. It is a foldable model, meaning the deck folds to save on storage space.
Other features of the XTERRA TR150 include:
powerful and quiet 2.25 horsepower motor
0–10 miles per hour (mph) speed
three manual incline levels
display that tracks speed, time, calories, and distance
calories
12 preset programs
heart rate sensors
cushioned deck technology
250-pound (lb) weight capacity
Additionally, XTERRA offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee with this machine. The company also offers warranties on the following parts:
frame: lifetime
motor: 1 year
deck, parts, and labor: 90 days
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Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill
This Sunny Health SF-T1407M treadmill is a manual walking model, meaning there is no motor. The belt moves according to a person’s movement of their feet, which controls the speed of the belt. Manual treadmills are better for the environment as they do not use electricity.
Other features of the SF-T1407M include:
digital monitor that displays time, distance, speed, and calories
nonslip handles
folds to save storage space
wheels for easy moving
floor stabilizers
220 lb weight capacity
set incline of 13.5%
The machine model is available for $147.99. Sunny Health also offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The treadmill comes with a 3-year frame and a 180-day parts and components warranty.
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Goplus Under Desk Electric Treadmill
This model from Goplus features a compact, thin, and wheeled design, making it is suitable for storage and moving.
This treadmill can also fit under a standing desk so a person can use it while they work.
Other features include:
rubber foot mat to reduce noise and vibration
0.5 to 4 mph speed range
220 lb weight capacity
1 horsepower motor
display that shows time, speed, distance, and calories
remote control with emergency stop button
This Goplus model is available to buy for $379.99. However, there is no information regarding the warranty or a returns policy.
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Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon claims this model is one of their bestselling treadmills. It features Bluetooth speakers and a device holder so people can work out while streaming fitness classes, music, films, or television.
Other features include:
ultra-quiet 2.5 continuous horsepower motor
shock-absorbing three-zone cushioning deck
USB charging port
foldable design to reduce storage space
0.5 to 10 mph speed range
0–10% incline
300 lb weight capacity
The Horizon T101 treadmill is available on the company’s website at $699. Horizon also offers a 30-day return policy, while the treadmill comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
The Horizon T101 treadmill
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LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill
The LifeSpan TR1200i is another foldable treadmill that requires less storage space. It also incorporates wheels for easier moving.
Other features of the LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill include:
compression shock absorbers to provide safe cushioning for joints
Bluetooth connectivity
full-color display, which shows time, calories, speed, distance, and heart rate
15 incline levels
0.5 to 11 mph speed range
200 lb maximum capacity
step counter
The LifeSpan treadmill is available on the company’s website for $799. They also offer a financing scheme where a person can pay in installments.
LifeSpan also offers free shipping and a 30-day return policy, while the treadmill comes with the following warranties:
frame: lifetime
motor: 5 years
parts: 2 years
labor: 1 year
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Alternatives
There is a range of cheap treadmills available with different features. For people looking for other types of home exercise equipment, some alternatives include:
stationary bikes
stationary bikes
rowing machines
rowing machines
vertical climbers
vertical climbers
suspension trainers
suspension trainers
As with any exercise equipment, price ranges will vary depending on features and functions. Many basic and lower-cost options are available.
People can also buy smaller exercise aids, such as kettlebells and workout mats, to incorporate them into exercise routines at home.
kettlebells
workout mats
Learn about some of the best home gym equipment here.
Learn about some of the best home gym equipment here.
Health benefits and risks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only half of adults get the physical exercise they need to help reduce and prevent chronic health issues.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
The American Heart Association recommends people complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as cardio workouts, every week. Walking on treadmills counts as cardio activity.
American Heart Association
There are many health benefits of working out using a treadmill. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) states that sustained physical activity helps prevent or reduce weight gain.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
The NHLBI also says that exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Regular physical activity also helps with brain health and can reduce stress and anxiety, resulting in better sleep quality.
cardiovascular diseases
diabetes
stress
anxiety
Learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of exercise here.
Learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of exercise here.
However, there are some risks with treadmill workouts, according to a 2014 study. Incorrect footwear or an inadequately cushioned deck can put pressure on the joints and feet, resulting in injury.
2014 study
Treadmill injuries in children are also an ongoing issue. A 2021 study found that treadmill-related hand injuries in children were on the rise across various low income countries.
2021 study
A 2016 study conducted in Australia also found that treadmill friction burns accounted for 3.5% of pediatric burns over a 10-year period. People should therefore consider whether they can use a treadmill safely and safeguard children appropriately before purchasing one.
2016 study
Additionally, one 2018 systematic review found that exposure to green space and the outdoors provides additional health benefits. If a person owns a treadmill, this may receive less outdoor time as they do not need to go out to exercise.
2018 systematic review
Summary
There are many cheap treadmills on the United States market that are available for under $800. A person may wish to consider the amount of storage space they have and research each treadmill’s features, including whether they are safe to have in the home.