The Best Treadmills for Heavy People in 2024, Chosen by Fitness Experts

For athletes with larger bodies, it can be difficult to find home gym equipment that can support a wider range of weights. Thankfully, the best treadmills can accommodate many sizes, with plenty showcasing sturdy, durable builds capable of accommodating the extra pressure. The best treadmills for heavy people often showcase broader weight capacities, powerful motors, lengthy running decks, and other conveniences that make working out more convenient.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to kickstart a weight loss journey, or a bodybuilder or powerlifter aiming for a new form of cardio training, getting your equipment right from the start is a must. To lend a helping hand, we tested over 20 treadmills, looked closely at listed specs and build components, and consulted with other customer reviews to come up with our seven best treadmills for heavy people.

The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People of 2024

• Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall: Sole TT8
• Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming: Horizon 7.8 AT
• Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People: ProForm Pro 9000
• Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People: AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Folding Treadmill for Heavy People: Bowflex Treadmill 10
• Best Interactive Treadmill for Heavy People: Peloton

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Heavy People

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we looked at 22 treadmills and got hands-on experience with many of the machines listed in this guide. These are the factors we considered while making our choices, using BarBend’s equipment testing methodology. 

• Weight Capacity: When choosing a treadmill for adults with larger bodies, you want to opt for a machine that has a suitable weight capacity. “Budget models may have capacities as low as 200 pounds,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. We selected only machines with at least a 300-pound capacity. 
• Running Dimensions: You want a treadmill that feels suitable for your body in the frame. We looked at treadmills with running surfaces at least 20 inches wide. Our testers also favored machines with running decks at least 60 inches long, as this is suitable for most stride lengths.
• Motor Size: For this round-up, we looked for treadmills offering motors with outputs of at least 2.5 horsepower. This is a good baseline for the demands of training, and we even highlighted profiles with larger outputs. 
• Incline and Decline: Uphill walking is beneficial for just about any athlete. (3) Studies also note that walking backwards downhill can promote better knee strength over time, too. (4) So, we prioritized machines that offer incline options and even decline, in some cases.
• Warranty: To help combat any potential issues, we looked for treadmills that featured comprehensive warranty packages covering a majority of the parts and components susceptible to wear and tear.

Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall: Sole TT8

The Sole TT8 is our top treadmill for heavier adults, thanks to its large design and impressive speed and incline ranges. The steel frame can support up to 400 pounds, making it one of the most durable treadmills we tested. In the durability category, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. 

“Treadmills with high weight capacities are naturally more durable than those with low weight capacities,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “This is because they are built with higher-quality, more durable components designed to increase the efficiency of the machine and reduce stress on the motor.”

Additionally, the TT8 can reach max speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, inclines up to 15 percent, and declines down to six percent. These metrics can be great for keeping your workouts versatile and accommodating. We gave the customization a 4.5 out of 5, as our testers also noted the speeds and inclines changed smoothly with little noise.

This impressive treadmill for heavy people also boasts a two-ply belt and 22-inch by 60-inch running deck. This can be great for athletes dealing with knee discomfort, as the two-ply surface can help absorb the impact of each stride more so than other, thinner belts you’d likely find in the space. 

One major drawback with this premium treadmill, however, is the 15.6-inch touchscreen display. Our testers enjoyed the user experience, giving the tech a 3 out of 5. They had no issues in navigating the available pre-programmed workout modules, but wished this console would support streaming capabilities. 

We do recognize that this is a pricier machine, unfortunately, giving the overall cost category a 3.5 out of 5. “I really enjoyed running on this machine but the cost is really high, especially considering there isn’t much tech involved,” our tester said. “My run felt incredibly smooth, though, and the machine was sturdy.”

Read our full Sole TT8 Review.

Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People: NordicTrack EXP 7i

While the technology built into most machines for heavy people can run up the price, there are still budget-friendly options out there, like the NordicTrack EXP 7i. Our team gave this machine a 5 out of 5 for cost, as the $1,299 price tag is pretty unique, especially for machines of this caliber.  

“Heavier individuals may struggle to find a suitable treadmill, especially at a price within their budget,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT. “As the user weight capacity increases, so does the price tag, generally.” Luckily, the NordicTrack EXP 7i maintains a high weight capacity at a manageable cost.

In testing, we appreciated the performance of the EXP 7i, especially when pairing our workouts to the integrated iFIT platform of online fitness classes and challenges. Our testers also noted how seamless adjustments were for speed and incline changes, giving the adjustability a 5 out of 5. “The belt was incredibly well cushioned,” one tester noted. “This should be able to help reduce the impact on your joints.” 

Our tester walking on the NordicTrack EXP 7i.

Also one of our best treadmills for walking, the EXP 7i is plenty durable, earning a 4 out of 5 in this category. Our team didn’t notice any shaking while walking or running. Plus, the 300-pound user capacity meets the industry standard.

Naturally, however, a wallet-friendly treadmill does come with limitations when compared to more expensive options. For one, this treadmill’s running deck measures 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. These dimensions may be too short for athletes with longer gaits or those that really extend their strides when training at high intensities.

Additionally, the rollers are smaller than others in this round-up at just 1.9 inches. This means the motor needs to work harder to achieve a full belt revolution, and that added strain can put extra wear and tear on the components over time. Thankfully, though, the EXP 7i boasts an impressive warranty package with the frame covered for 10 years, the parts covered for two, and labor covered for one. 

Read our full NordicTrack EXP7i Review.

Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming: Horizon 7.8 AT

Want to stream your favorite programs and training courses while getting your daily miles in? We recommend the Horizon 7.8 AT. While other treadmills may offer integrated HD touchscreen displays, the 7.8 AT allows you to create your own experience through your smartphone or tablet. Luckily, this machine does have Bluetooth connection, though, earning a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities.

“I enjoyed my overall workout experience with this machine,” our tester said, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “The treadmill’s deck is plenty sturdy and I didn’t notice much shaking even as I increased the speed.” So, our testers think the durability is definitely suitable for larger bodies.

From a performance standpoint, the 7.8 AT stands up to other treadmills for heavy people thanks to its durable frame and spacious running dimensions. This treadmill can support athletes up to 375 pounds, and the 22-inch by 60-inch running deck should provide enough room for even the longest strides. Our team also gave the adjustability and ergonomics a 4 out of 5, as we liked the cushioned feel of the deck.

We also enjoy how quick the speed and incline adjustments are thanks to the QuickDial controls. These pinwheel-style toggles allow you to quickly find your preferred settings rather than having to hold down a button to achieve the same results.

Unfortunately, this bulky rig weighs a hefty 330 pounds on its own — but for the impressive performance and streaming capabilities, we still think it’s a worthwhile investment for heavier athletes. We also gave this machine a 4.5 out of 5 for cost, as the $1,999 price tag is pretty approachable. 

[Related: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review]

Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People: ProForm Pro 9000

As with most people, athletes with larger bodies probably don’t want a machine that shakes or shifts while they sprint and walk. And after trying out the ProForm Pro 9000, our team gave it a 5 out of 5 for durability. “Even when I had the speed up high for sprint intervals, this machine felt stable,” one tester said. “I liked the belt, too, it felt thick and durable.”

We appreciate this treadmill’s versatility, as you can train both inclines and declines at a max speed of 12 miles per hour. These settings are also easily adjusted through the Pro 9000’s QuickSpeed Button Control, earning a 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. 

There’s also the convenience of ProForm’s integration with iFIT. The service has more than 17,000 workouts, spanning multiple fitness disciplines. This means every training session can be different, depending on your fitness goals and daily vibes. This is also one of the best treadmills with iFIT, which our testers love, giving the technology a 4.5 out of 5. Unfortunately, though, you do need to pay a monthly fee for an iFIT subscription past the trial.

“The only issue I had with this machine was connecting it to the WiFi,” our tester said. “You may need to keep the machine a little closer to your router.” Despite this issue, we did give the overall value a 5 out of 5. At $1,199, this is a pretty cost-friendly treadmill for all the tech capabilities involved.

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Review.

Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People: AssaultRunner Pro

If you’re looking for a treadmill that puts you in sole control of your workout intensity, look no further. The AssaultRunner Pro is a motorless profile, meaning you control the speed of your workouts by running. This can also be a nice benefit for athletes dealing with smaller spaces, as you don’t need to keep this machine near an electrical outlet.

We also appreciate how durable and well-built this treadmill is, thanks to its corrosion-resistant hardware, sold-steel frame and handrails, and impressive drivetrain system utilizing 100 precision ball bearings with 12 roller guides. The 350-pound weight max is also ideal for heavier athletes. “This machine is incredibly durable,” one tester said, giving this category a 4 out of 5. “I don’t have any concerns with it shaking or falling apart. I do just wish a few of the plastic components (like pieces in the arms) were higher-quality material.”

This machine isn’t the best for those who love streaming workouts, according to our testers, who gave the tech capabilities a 3.5 out of 5. “The AssaultRunner Pro has a pretty screen that allows you to connect your heart rate monitor but that’s about the extent of the tech.”

The included instructions are easy enough to follow, but given the weight of most components, it could be helpful to have a second set of hands. We especially recommend such assistance when placing the handrails. 

Unfortunately, the AssaultRunner Pro isn’t the most budget-friendly machine on this list. At $2,999, this treadmill may not be accessible to all, so our team gave the cost a 3 out of 5. 

Read our full Assault Runner Elite Treadmill Review.

Best Folding Treadmill for Heavy People: Bowflex Treadmill 10

It’s no secret that treadmills are some of the largest cardio machines, so having the convenience of a foldable deck can help save some space. The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has a SoftDrop folding mechanism that shrinks this treadmill’s footprint to allow for easy storage when not in use. 

“This machine feels pretty durable, especially considering the miles our team has put into this machine,” one tester said, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “The footprint is large and feels stable and the 4 hp motor should last a while.”

While testing this machine, our team really enjoyed the shock absorption in the belt. “The belt is incredibly wide and it has a long deck that should work for just about anyone,” they said, giving the adjustability and ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. Overall, this is a pretty big machine and should work for most athletes, including those with larger bodies.

When it comes to tech, this machine has a ten-inch touch screen that offers all the streaming services you might need, including JRNY, which is a Bowflex exercise program. “I like that I can stream TV from apps like Hulu or Netflix,” one tester said, giving the tech capabilities a 4.5 out of 5. “JRNY is great as well — it’s not as developed as iFIT but still a good program.”

Where the cost is concerned, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. The machine costs $1,999, which is pretty standard, given this level of technology and durability. That being said, the folding aspect isn’t something you can find with every machine. So, if saving space is a priority, we think this one is worth the cost.

Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review.

Best Interactive Treadmill for Heavy People: Peloton Tread

Unfortunately, running on a treadmill can get pretty repetitive and, well, boring, after a time. Luckily, Peloton’s interactive live and on-demand workouts can make your treadmill workouts way more enjoyable.

For the tech capabilities and dynamic programming, our testers gave the Peloton Tread a 5 out of 5. Not only is the 23.8-inch touchscreen easy to see (even at a distance), there’s seemingly endless workout options, led by experienced trainers. “When you do a Peloton tread workout, it’s incredibly interactive, especially the live sessions,” according to our tester. “You can communicate with other users in the session — Peloton really fosters a community.”

The durability is hard to match, too. This machine has a 300-pound weight capacity, which is pretty standard and shouldn’t shake or shift while you train. “I really love how sturdy this machine feels,” our tester said, giving this factor a 4.5 out of 5. “I’ve had multiple treadmills before but this one is hard to match and I’ve already had it for several years.”

As far as conveniences go, this machine nails all the most important marks. It has pretty large cup holders and a spacious running belt and frame, earning a 4 out of 5 in this category. However, the Peloton tread doesn’t have a cushioned deck, though it does have shock absorption. According to our testers, it didn’t feel too tough on the knees but that may not be the case for everyone. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t the most budget-friendly machine at $2,995, earning a 3 out of 5 for cost. Plus, you do need to pay for a monthly Peloton membership, which is $44 per month. So, for those shopping on a budget, this is another expense to consider. 

[Related: The 6 Best Tried and Tested Non-Folding Treadmills of 2024]

The Benefits of Treadmills for Heavy People

Walking or running on a treadmill can be a great form of exercise for athletes with bigger bodies. Whether looking to create a calorie-burning workout or maintain your activity levels throughout your week, the benefits are ripe when it comes to these effective cardio machines.

• Caloric Burn: Treadmills are one of the most efficient exercise machines for facilitating high energy expenditure when compared to other popular options like stationary bikes and rowing machines. (5) If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to training, treadmills can be tough to beat.
• Workout Customization: There’s a lot of training versatility with a treadmill. You can scale your workouts according to your fitness level and you can alternate your speed or incline levels. Thanks to the screens on most machines, you can track your progress, too.
• Convenience: Treadmills can allow you to train toward your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. This comforting setup can also be great for eliminating excuses, as you don’t need to plan a trip to your training center for the sake of worthwhile workouts. The potential for a good session is always there.

Can Heavier Athletes Burn More Calories on a Treadmill?

Studies show that larger individuals tend to expend more energy during movement. (1) So, it’s natural to assume that heavy people will burn more calories while operating a treadmill than smaller athletes. 

This isn’t to say, though, that walking on a treadmill will immediately trigger a weight loss journey. In order to achieve a proper calorie deficit for the sake of losing weight, you’ll need to supplement your training with a well-rounded diet. (6) What you put into your physique is just as important as what you sweat out during training, so if weight loss is your goal, both factors need to be in order to generate positive results.

How to Choose the Best Treadmill for Heavy People

If you’re a heavier athlete and want to support your cardiovascular training with a treadmill, there are a few factors worth considering. Below are some of the main components we recommend looking into before making such an investment in your workout regimen.

Weight Capacity

Naturally, you’ll want to go with a treadmill that can support your frame. Many of the best treadmills for heavy people showcase weight capacities of at least 300 pounds, with some even capable of supporting loads up to 400 pounds. Be sure your machine can support your weight before adding a treadmill to your cart.

It can also be wise to go with a treadmill that can support your body weight and then some. This can help alleviate some of the stress your machine will go through during use, and help ensure your equipment stays in operating condition throughout your fitness journey. For example, if you weigh 325 pounds, it can be better to go with a profile capable of withstanding 350 pounds or more.

Motor Size

Like your treadmill’s weight capacity, you want to search for a machine with a durable, powerful motor that can withstand the load. More powerful motors can also lend themselves to extended training sessions, giving you plenty of juice to keep the belt moving underfoot. While not all treadmills will list the actual capacities of their motors, we recommend looking for profiles with listed horsepowers of 2.5 and above.

Running Deck

A treadmill’s running deck refers to the actual space you have available during movement. You want to search for a silhouette that’s long enough to facilitate your stride length and wide enough for comfortable arm swings. 

Most treadmills offer running decks measuring 20 inches in width, but feel free to search for wider platforms if your dimensions call for it. Lengthwise, we recommend at least 55 inches of running deck for walking or moderate-intensity jogging, and at least 60 inches for running strides and all-out sprints. These dimensions should be able to accommodate most gaits, but be sure to match your machine to your required measurements.

Warranty

While having a durable, well-built treadmill from the start is nice, it’s always convenient to have some reassurance if something does break or falter during workouts.

When looking at warranty packages, it’s important to look for extensive coverage for the frame and motor, as these are the areas that will be taxed the most during training. The deck itself, parts, and other wear items are also often covered albeit for shorter durations. Look for a coverage package that puts your mind at ease most.

Available Programs

While not an absolute necessity, having a treadmill that offers a variety of training programs can go a long way in helping you stay interested in your workouts day in and day out. These modules can be pre-programmed into the console itself or available through a third-party service like iFIT. These online workout programs often come with a separate subscription cost, though, so be sure you’re able to afford the services before opting for a treadmill that relies on such integration.

Price

Because of the heightened importance on durability and weight capacity, many of the best treadmills for heavy people come in with higher costs than other silhouettes in the space. You can definitely find other budget-friendly treadmills below $1,000, but these silhouettes may not carry the weight capacities or powerful motors you need for optimal training.

Best Treadmill for Heavy People Overall	Sole TT8	$2,699.99
Best Budget Treadmill for Heavy People	NordicTrack EXP 7i	$1,299
Best Treadmill for Heavy People for Streaming	Horizon 7.8 AT	$1,999
Most Durable Treadmill for Heavy People	Profrom Pro 9000	$1,199
Best Manual Treadmill for Heavy People	AssaultRunner Pro	$2,999
Best Folding Treadmill for Heavy People	Bowflex Treadmill 10	$1,999
Best Interactive Treadmill for Heavy People	Peloton Tread	$2,995

Best Treadmills for Heavy People FAQs

References

1. Loftin, M., Waddell, D. E., Robinson, J. H., & Owens, S. G. (2010). Comparison of energy expenditure to walk or run a mile in adult normal weight and overweight men and women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2794–2798.
2. van Oeveren, B. T., de Ruiter, C. J., Beek, P. J., & van Dieën, J. H. (2017). Optimal stride frequencies in running at different speeds. PLOS ONE, 12(10).
3. REISER, R. F., & BROWNING, R. C. (2011). Energetics and biomechanics of inclined treadmill walking in obese adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(7), 1251–1259.
4. Cha, H.-G., Kim, T.-H., & Kim, M.-K. (2016). Therapeutic efficacy of walking backward and forward on a slope in normal adults. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(6), 1901–1903.
5. Zeni, A. I. (1996). Energy expenditure with indoor exercise machines. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 275(18), 1424.
6. Kim, J. Y. (2021). Optimal Diet Strategies for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 30(1), 20–31. 
7. Carreiro, A. (2023, October 31). Treadmill Buying Guide: The Full Rundown on what to look for | time stamped. Time. https://time.com/shopping/article/treadmill-buying-guide/