Are you thinking of giving a treat to your newly opened gym/physical center? What’s better than investing in the best commercial treadmill that is durable, solidly built, and pays off for years to come?
Home Treadmill vs. Commercial Treadmill
A treadmill is modern and accessible gym equipment used for performing extensive cardio. You need to know the difference between home/residential treadmills and commercial treadmills before you decide to purchase.
The former is suitable for home use as it is light-weight and comes in both folding and non-folding forms. It occupies less space, and the warranty lasts for about 1-2 years. The latter is best suited for gyms/fitness centers/therapy clinics as it offers a sturdy build, long warranty, higher running time, top resistant belt to handle friction— all-in-all, perfect for heavy workout sessions.
The powerful commercial treadmill not only allows you to choose different workout options but also lets you choose different speed settings and monitor your heart rate while performing cardio.
If you’re searching for the top commercial treadmills that helps you in achieving the body of your dreams, worry not! This guide will help in choosing the best commercial treadmill according to your requirements. Before we reveal the list of best commercial treadmills, consider the factors before buying:
**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Factors To Look For While Buying Best Commercial Treadmill
It isn’t an easy job to find the perfect treadmill that meets your requirements. You need to consider certain factors that would help you in buying the ideal machine that you won’t regret.
1. Motor
One of the crucial components of a machine that needs to be considered is the motor. The motor is what drives the belt and a low-quality motor is prone to wear and tear and noise. The commercial treadmills usually have large motors featuring 3.5 to 4 HP motors. Greater the motor power, the higher will be the performance. High-quality motors come with a lifetime warranty whereas poor quality motors don’t offer such relaxation.
2. Belt
One of the factors you should consider before purchasing a commercial treadmill is the quality of the belt as it will determine the life-span of the machine. The commercial treadmill belts are infused with silicone, which means it doesn’t require frequent lubrication. A well-lubricated belt ensures a smooth and quieter experience. If the belt is of low-quality, it can put stress on the motor and thus becomes a hurdle in your progress. The top commercial treadmill model should be able to take you up to 150,000 miles.
3. Deck
The treadmill deck plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and comfortable workout. The commercial machines have a larger deck size as compared to the residential models. For maximum comfort, go for a deck size that is wider so that you don’t feel confined. Some heavy-duty treadmills also have reversible decks. If one side of the deck is affected by wear and tear, you can switch to the other side and use it comfortably.
4. Space
Commercial treadmills are bulky and occupy ample space. Therefore, you need to assess the area you wish to turn into a gym area.
When you’re planning your gym center layout, make sure to leave adequate areas for each gym equipment, including a commercial treadmill. They should be placed at a specific distance from the walls to minimize heat buildup. Make sure there is enough room for the gym members to move around.
Similarly, if you’re looking for a commercial treadmill for home use then consider the best folding treadmill for small space. So the machine can be folded and stored under the bed or behind the door easily.
5. Running Hours
Commercial treadmill machines have a higher horsepower rating as compared to home treadmills. This means that it can support continuous usage and works efficiently for individuals who have the largest weight. You can smoothly perform high-intensity training without worrying about the machine as it has the potential to run for 6-7 hours per day. The power ratings of the treadmill are between 4 CHP-5 CHP.
6. Durability and flexibility (Warranty)
When you’re investing in a commercial treadmill, you would want to spend on a durable machine that is long-lasting. Check the weight capacity of the machine as this would show the build of the treadmill and give you an idea of its lifetime.
A commercial treadmill has a guaranteed lifespan of over ten years if proper care and maintenance are ensured. Look out for the companies that offer a good warranty as well as satisfying customer service in case you encounter any problem due to the machine.
Make sure that the machine is safe and easy to use. It shouldn’t shake while using it as this could cause serious injury to the runner. Check that the treadmill frame is entirely stable to ensure smooth running.
7. Weight Capacity
Heavier treadmill machines tend to be more robust and powerful when it comes to handling work. Before buying the machine, follow this simple rule of thumb: the treadmill should weigh more than the largest weight of the person. If you use the treadmill that’s lighter than you, it would be unsteady and uncomfortable to use.
Each type of industrial treadmill caters to various weight capacities from 300lbs to 400 lbs to 500 lbs. For someone who is overweight, a commercial treadmill is a much safer option. Therefore, take into account weight before buying the commercial treadmill.
8. Maintenance
Since the treadmill can support a person weighing from 100 lbs. to 500 lbs. on the belt, a great amount of friction is produced. Therefore, maintenance is required.
Some treadmills need maintenance twice or thrice per year, whereas other treadmills powered by advanced technologies take care of the job of maintenance and are often seen with a label “No maintenance.” Both of the machines are effective. However, your negligence may cost you if you don’t timely do the maintenance due to your busy routine. It’s up to you to decide the type of running machine that is best suitable for you.
9. Technology
Most of the advanced commercial treadmills come with additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, USB ports, touch sensors, a heart rate monitor, and other features that could assist you in your workout and motivate you to train harder.
The treadmills can be optimized to have several options that aim at accomplishing a specific target such as a weight loss program, which could be part of the machine’s programming. This would greatly help you in achieving goals and gives you inner satisfaction.
When you’re at the store looking for commercial treadmills equipped with smart technology, you may want to play around with the features of the machine and analyze its benefits before buying.
10. Workout Details
Ask yourself, what would you like to do with a commercial treadmill? Can it be used to perform various types of workouts? If you want to perform sprint, jog, cross-train, and other extensive exercises, choose a machine that meets your requirements. Identifying your needs will make it easier to purchase the best commercial treadmill.
Top 7 Commercial Grade Treadmills 2021
Amazon.com Best Commercial Treadmill Reviews
1- NordicTrack Commercial Series Treadmills
The Nordictrack commercial-grade treadmill is perfect for fitness enthusiasts who want real-time personal training from elite trainers. The machine is powered by iFit that gives access to workout programs led by professional trainers. You could perform a real-time workout and monitor your progress throughout.
NordicTrack Commercial Series Treadmills (1750, 2450, 2950 Models) – Best for Smart Trainers
1. Motor:
This commercial-grade treadmill delivers noise-free operation. With a 3.75 CHP motor and speed up to 12 mph, this makes it suitable for interval training and long-distance running.
2. Treadmill belt:
The 22 x 60 belt with 2 inches width gives you sufficient space to move and comfortably accommodates anyone. Furthermore, the belt’s thickness increases the lifespan of the belt and reduces the noise of the machine.
3. Track cushioning:
The cushioning reduces the impact of the exercise to protect your joints and minimize the risk of any muscle injury. If you want to prepare yourself for a race on a treadmill, you should turn the cushioning on to make sure there is less impact.
4. Maintenance:
You don’t have to spend too much time on maintaining a premium commercial treadmill made from high-quality material. It’s finished with lubricants to minimize wear and tear and make sure that the machine is working flawlessly. Check on the lubricants from time to time and see if the screws or bolts need to be tightened up
5. Foldable:
Once you’re done with the workout, you can easily fold the treadmill – Thanks to its space saver design that makes it possible. You wouldn’t have to worry about your child opening the treadmill since it has a strong lock. All you’ve to do is grab the bar of the deck’s base and slowly lift it up. It’s lifted and locked securely unless you press the foot release bar.
6. 10-inch touch screen:
Touch screen devices have become quite common. No wonder this fitness equipment is equipped with a 10-inch touch screen panel, which allows you to check your heart rate, calorie rate, switch between workout programs and use iFit coach facility to give you interactive personal training.
7. Offers Incline & Decline controls:
The NordicTrack provides a 15% incline and a 3% decline that would help you to burn fat and strengthen your muscles. If you’re into high-intensity interval training, the incline feature is beneficial. While performing a workout program, your iFit trainer can automatically adjust the speed and incline options to match the real-world setting.
8. Cooling option:
To beat the sweat, the auto-breeze workout fans come real handy, and it’s an absolute luxury. Turn on the cooling system while enjoying your workout.
Top Features:
Note: NordicTrack Commercial comes in three different sizes 10″, 14″ and 22″. Click below to check all the variants on Amazon.
2- ProForm Pro 2000 – Best Folding Commercial Treadmill
The high-end foldable commercial treadmill is designed exclusively for trainers who like to jog, walk and run. It can greatly support your cardio exercise and helps you burn calories in no time.
ProForm Pro 2000 – Best Folding Commercial Treadmill For The Money
Not to mention, the folding treadmill is the best value yet has so much to offer than other treadmills having similar prices. With one finger tap, the machine smoothly changes the incline position and speed and steps up your workout game to a whole new level.
1. Motor:
The commercial treadmill offers 3.25 CHP motor speed. Equipped with high-quality commercial bearings, it provides remarkable speed for intense workout sessions.
2. Treadmill Belt
The 20″x60″ belt provides ample space to move around the deck and is perfect for trainers of all heights. You’ll assuredly experience comfort throughout your exercise.
3. Offers incline and decline control
It offers a 15% incline and a 3% decline. You’re only one tap away from walking either at an incline or decline position that would target different muscle groups and strengthen them while helping you burn stubborn calories.
4. Cushioning:
The full surface cushioning reduces any impact on your joints for an easy and comfortable workout session and quick recovery.
5. 8-inch display
The crystal-clear display screen displays statistics like speed, time, incline, calorie burn, etc. Whether you’re short or tall, it has a large viewing angle and is easy to read so you can monitor your workout progress.
6. Maintenance
It’s fairly easy to maintain. Make sure to regularly clean the treadmill and the belt to wipe off any dirt using a damp cloth with a very small amount of soup.
7. Foldable
The Easy lift Assist technology makes it possible to fold the treadmill vertically to save space when the machine is idle.
8. Wireless Chest Strap and Dual hand-grip sensors
The blue-tooth chest strap accurately displays data of your heartbeat as you exercise. Either that or you could use hand-grip sensors to measure your heart rate. How convenient is that?
Top Features:
3- Ancheer Folding Treadmill
The Ancheer Folding treadmill is an excellent commercial-grade treadmill with great specifications. From bluetooth connectivity to incline levels and shock-absorption systems, you don’t have to sign up for a gym when you can perform cardio workouts at home with this beauty!
1. Motor / Speed
The treadmill comes with a 3.25 HP motor that is noise-free. It supports 0.9 mph – 9.0 mph speed that is performed for extensive workout durations.
2. Running Deck
The running surface measures 17” x 47” that gives you enough space to run comfortably. The belt is composed of 7 layers that offer shock-absorption and cushioning to ensure there is minimal impact on knees, joints and muscles so that the post-workout soreness doesn’t get the best of you.
3. Incline levels
The incline treadmill offers 0%-15% automatic incline. One can easily adjust the tilt of the machine by using the console button or via a mobile app that can simulate real-life sports scenarios. There are over 12 built-in workout programs.
4. LCD Screen
The console displays your workout statistics such as the number of calories burned, speed, distance, and time. Select the workout program of your choice and track your progress.
5. Foldable Design
With the soft-drop system, you can effortlessly fold the treadmill and store it under your room, sofa or any place you wish to. It’s a space-saver treadmill that is ideal for homes having limited spaces.
6. Other Features:
One of the interesting features of the treadmill is that it includes handrail sensors that monitor your heart rate and adjust the speed and incline.
Top Features:
-Compatible with FitShow app
-Built-in workout programs
-Weight capacity of 300 lbs.
-Steel frame
-Top speed of 9.0 mph
Pros:
-Easy to assemble
-Sturdy build
-Noise-free
Cons:
-It’s expensive
-Doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame
Rating: 8.5/10
The Ancheer treadmill is the ultimate fitness package for runners who want more than just a treadmill. You’ll get all the necessary features you expect from an entry-level machine.
4- Advenor Folding Treadmill
The Advenor treadmill is one of the top entry-level commercial treadmills that is suitable for every age group. The treadmill offers amazing features at this price. Starting your fitness journey with a treadmill from Advenor won’t disappoint those who want to get started.
- Motor speed
The treadmill is equipped with a powerful 3.0 HP motor that supports 0.6 mph – 9 mph speed to give you a smooth running experience.
- Comfortable running space
The running surface measures 47.3” x 17 “ that is wide enough for the runners to walk or jog. It is equipped with a shock-absorbent system that absorbs vibrations and protects your knees from impact and injuries.
- Manual Incline
The folding treadmill has a three-level incline that can be adjusted manually. The 3 inclines are 4.5”, 5” and 6”
- 5-inch LED Screen
The HD LED screen has a crisp display that increases screen visibility and readability. You can check your workout data, such as the calories burned, speed, distance, heart rate, pulse rate, etc. The handles have pulse sensors and quick buttons to start and stop the treadmill. With the pulse sensors, you can measure your heart rate as well as pulse rate.
- Foldable
Folding and unfolding the treadmill is easy thanks to its foldable design. Soft drop system ensures that the deck can be safely lowered to the ground. You can store the treadmill under the sofa, bed or any place you wish to.
Top Features:
-Safety features
-64 built-in training programs and 8 modes.
-Integrated speakers
-User weight capacity of 220 lbs
-Incline range
Pros:
-Affordable
-Easy to assemble
Cons:
-Doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty
The Advenor treadmill is a stylish modern-day treadmill that has got remarkable features. You can use the training modes that would definitely step up your workout game while listening to your favorite music.
Rating: 8/10
5- 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
As the name says, it’s one of the luxurious commercial treadmills on the market that has an elite performance. Although it’s costly, the sturdiness and performance of the machine are worth the money.
3G Cardio Elite Runner - Editor's Pick: Overall Best Commercial Treadmill For Gyms
With the suspension system and orthopedic treadmill belts, you wouldn’t feel any more comfortable doing cardio as it reduces the effects of impact on your body. Its hands-down one of the best commercial treadmills for gyms.
- Motor
The Elite Runner has a 4.0 HP motor which means that it has the power to sustain a huge amount of pressure generated by the person’s weight during the workout. The machine can easily handle the weight capacity of 400 lbs.
- Deck
The frame is made up of stainless steel and the stretch-resistant deck is robust so that it can withstand the weight of the machine. The deck includes 3” rollers enclosed with bearings that can last for 10 years. With the Ortho Flex Shock suspension system, the user can have a comfortable running experience.
- Ortho Flex Shock Suspension System
A unique feature of the treadmill that sets it apart. The suspension system works along with an orthopedic belt and 3″ rollers to give you a near-to-perfect workout experience and instant relief to your joints. The belts are thick which makes it easier for the user to run on.
- Display Screen
The treadmill not only comes with one screen but three screens, each divided into a heart rate tracker, distance measure and an exercise screen that displays information such as no of calories burnt, speed, distance, etc. The treadmill also includes 8 built-in workout programs, 3 fitness programs and 2 customized programs.
- Incline option
With one-touch buttons, the user can activate the incline option that supports mountain walking, full-out sprint, and many other exercises. The incline has a range from 0% to 15% which can be easily adjusted through quick one-tap buttons.
- Entertainment
Other features include a built-in sound system so you could play your favorite music while you break the sweat during your extensive workout session. You can connect your devices and enjoy the music, movie or TV show while you’re at it.
Top Features:
6- SOLE TT8 – Best Lightweight Commercial Treadmill
The Sole TT8 is one of the simple and lightweight commercial treadmills available on the market. Although it’s a bit of an expensive machine, it is worth every penny. So, you’re getting high-tech features, customized workouts and entertainment features all in one machine.
SOLE TT8 - Best Lightweight Commercial Treadmill For Serious Runners
- Motor
The commercial treadmill has a 4.0 HP motor which is one of the most powerful motors that is guaranteed to work for everyday use and lasts longer.
- Treadmill belt
The dimensions of the running surface are 22 x 60 which is perfect for tall runners as well as larger users who can move comfortably while using the machine and run smoothly. The running surface is composed of 4 layers that include PVC, rubber, and nylon for low-maintenance operation and it moves over 3-inch rollers to minimize friction.
- Incline/Decline
The range of the incline treadmill is -6%-15% that can easily be adjusted using the handlebar controls during the workout.
- Cushioning
The Solo TT8 has a cushioning system that makes running, sprinting and jogging on a treadmill gentler and comfortable on the joints.
- LCD Display Screen
The machine has a simple 10.1” LCD screen that gives you a summary of the workout and lets you track calorie burn, speed, time, etc. However, it isn’t a touch-screen. The input buttons are quick to respond.
- Workout programs
The commercial-grade treadmill has a built-in workout program that comprises two user-designed workout programs, manual mode, 2 heart rate controlled exercises, and lastly, 5 common workouts that target fat burning, cardio, strength, and interval training.
Top Features:
7- Merax Folding Electric Treadmill
One of the mid-range commercial treadmills available on the market is the Merax Electric folding treadmill. This treadmill not only offers monotonous features that are found in every treadmill, but it also offers additional features normally found in expensive treadmills.
- Motor:
It comes up with a 1.5 HP noise-free motor that offers a speed range of 0.5 mph – 10 mph suitable for long-duration running, walking or jogging sessions.
- Treadmill belt
A belt measuring 16.5″ by 47.5″ allows runners ample space to run on the treadmill without tripping.
- Incline Control
The treadmill has 3 manual incline levels ranging from 0% to 15 % which can be adjusted manually by the user.
- LED Display
The LED screen display shows statistics such as speed, time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. Additionally, it has speed and incline controls mounted on the handrail. The safety key cuts off the power instantly in the event of an emergency.
- Foldable
You can fold or unfold the treadmill easily. The treadmill is designed to be portable and compact so you can shift it to a new place easily and store it under the sofa, bed etc.
- Built-in workouts
The commercial treadmills offer 12 built-in training programs along with 3 modes that can help you to customize your workout.
Top Features:
- Steel frame
- Incline range 0% – 15 %
- Phone and tablet holder
- Compatible with FitShow app
- Bluetooth speakers
- User weight capacity of 240 lbs.
Pros:
-Foldable design
-Easy to use
-Large running area
Cons:
-Limited user weight capacity
-Doesn’t provide lifetime warranty
You should consider investing in the Merax folding treadmill if you do not want to spend a fortune and want a treadmill that does more than just run.
Score: 7.5/10
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Final Verdict
Winner: The winner is none other than 3G Cardio Elite Runner that is worth every penny. Although it cost a fortune, this commercial treadmill is a one-time investment that provides long-term benefits. The Elite Runner is a near-to-perfection machine that won’t disappoint you for many more years to come considering the intrigue features that set the treadmill apart from others.
Runner-up: The runner-up is Proform Pro 9000. ProForm is a renowned company that aims to provide top-notch, reliable, and professional commercial treadmill machines that last longer, and shows results as promised. From 4.25 CHP motor to 22 x 60 running surface to compact design and customized workout plans, it’s a complete treat for enthusiastic runners. It gives you the feel of being on real ground.
FAQ (Frequently Answered Questions)
Q1. What is the Difference between CHP and HP?
The peak horsepower (HP) refers to the maximum power a motor can exceed for a short period of time. On the other hand, continuous horsepower (CHP) tells us the ability of the motor to deliver power continuously.
Q2. Do non-foldable commercial treadmills have a stronger built as compared to foldable treadmills?
Previously, foldable treadmills were designed for homes having limited space. Their decks can be easily folded for easy storage. However, nowadays there are foldable commercial treadmills in stores that have a robust built and don’t compromise on features like motor speed, treadmill belt, etc.
Q3. Are higher-priced commercial treadmills worth it?
Yes, the expensive treadmills have much stronger built with powerful features, and are backed by excellent warranties that can last up to a lifetime. Whereas, low-grade treadmills may not have the best performance and are prone to frequent maintenance and repairing.
