Best Treadmill for Heavy Person: Review 2023

Who says you cannot aspire for a leaner body if you are on the heavy side right now?  That because you are big and heavy, that will be the state of your body until you die? I say otherwise. 

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Recommendations
Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill
NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
OMA Treadmills For Home

You can take control and improve the quality of your life, and the best way to start is to get your body sweating. 

Exercising can help you lose weight. If you’re just now starting to exercise, then treadmills can be a good machine to use for plus-size people.

Let’s explore the best treadmills for a heavy person in this article.

Best Treadmill for a Heavy Person – Our Top 3 Choices

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Why Exercise?

People who exercise become healthier over time. Healthier people have higher satisfaction in life. The following are the health benefits of exercising regularly: 

• Help with weight control
• Reduces risk of heart diseases
• Helps the body manage blood sugar and insulin levels
• Helps with mental wellbeing
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Reduces risk of some cancers
• Strengthens balance and control
• Improves your sleep
• Increases your chance to live longer

You may now be asking “I am so heavy now and it is so difficult to start. How do I start?”.  The secret is baby steps! Do something today that you have not done yet. Walk so your body can start sweating.  

Benefits of Using Treadmill for Heavy People

A lot can be said about the treadmill. It is the most common piece of gym equipment used by a lot of people. And they prefer it for various reasons: 

• You are not comfortable going to the gym and being with people who are fitter and healthier. This is one of the more common reasons why heavy people prefer the treadmill.
• You prefer working out alone with no distractions.
• You prefer working out from the convenience of your home.
• There is no road or running trail that’s easily accessible for you.
• You want to run or walk outside, but the weather does not permit you to.

Treadmills are popular because they are very easy to use. They are more user-friendly than other low-impact equipment. They are also friendlier to the joints compared to when you walk or run outside on the road or pavement. 

There are treadmills designed specifically for heavy people. These pieces of equipment have higher weight capacity with some going as high as 400 lbs. It also has a wider and longer belt, making it more comfortable to work out. 

Treadmills are also excellent for people with lower back pain because it is not as harsh as when you run outside on the pavement.  Most are also equipped with handlebars that can be used for support while walking.

So, get your walk on now! And find a good time to invest in a good treadmill for yourself. Because walking can improve body weight, and strengthen muscles and bones among other things.

9 Best High Weight Capacity Treadmill for a Heavy Person

We have come up with our top 9 picks on treadmills for heavy people, and let’s start with our favorites:

Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill – Editor’s Choice

Did you say a treadmill with 350 lb capacity? You got it right, you will have that in Sunny Health & Fitness Heavy-Duty Walking Treadmill! It’s a great choice for when you are starting.

It delivers what is needed for a workout session, with the motor just powerful enough to go from walking to light jogging. I especially love the console because of its big, easy-to-reach control buttons, making it easier and more convenient. 

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 lbs
• Frame Material: Alloy steel
• Running Area: 44.5L X 19.5W in
• Motor: 2.5 HP motor which supports a speed limit of up to 6mph, equivalent to a brisk jog
• Handlebar: {added for safety and stability
• Display: With a backlit digital monitor to help track workout progress on time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
• Console: With large, easy-to-use buttons for easier handling even as you work out. With a quick-button feature that allows you to get to your desired workout speed quicker
• Belt Cushion: With integrated shock-absorbing technology to lessen the impact on joints
• Extra Features: With dual bottle holders, and an integrated table holder to safely store your 
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty with 90-day limited parts

Drawbacks:

• With no adjustable incline
• Some have reported noise either on the motor or squeaking or creaking when the treadmill is in use
• Some have reported difficulty in assembling the product despite the user manual that came with it

NordicTrack T Series Treadmills – Top Pick

Sturdy, efficient, and durable with a heavy-duty treadmill boasting a 3.0 horsepower. I also love that it’s longer compared to most treadmills in the market, making it friendlier to taller people.

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Alloy steel
• Running Area: 55L X 20W in
• Incline: 10
• Motor: 3.0 HP motor which supports a speed limit of up to 10mph, equivalent to a very fast sprint
• Handlebar: Standard handlebar for stability
• Display: The LED display tracks workout progress on your workout program, calories burned, speed, incline, intensity, and distance
• Console: With large, easy-to-use buttons for easier handling even during a workout. With a quick-button feature that allows you to get to your desired workout speed and incline quicker
• Belt Cushion: Commercial-rated FlexSelect cushioning that softens the impact on joints.
• Extra Features: With an integrated speaker, dual bottle holders, and an integrated table holder to safely store your things. Also, comes with free 30-day membership on iFit, which is a virtual trainer simulating walks or runs in different terrains across countries
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 10 years on frame; 2 years on parts; and 1 year on labor

Drawbacks:

• Some have reported that the treadmill emits squeaks when used
• Be aware that the iFit membership is just for 30-days. Subscription would need to be paid afterward. However, you can choose not to subscribe. You do not need to subscribe for you to get the most out of the treadmill

OMA Treadmills For Home – Runner Up

If you are looking for a treadmill that not only delivers the basics but comes with extras, then the OMA Treadmill for Home is also a good option for plus-size people.

It has great-to-have features like a preset program, and incline options, with a strong enough motor to handle fast runs. 

Features:

• Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: ABS, steel pipe
• Running Area: 45.3L X 16.5W in
• Incline: 3 manual incline position
• Program: 36 preset and 3 custom programs
• Motor: 2.25 HP motor which supports a speed limit of up to 8.1mph, equivalent to a very fast sprint. The motor also allows a quiet operation which minimal distraction from noise
• Handlebar: durable handlebar for stability; has fast control buttons to control speed, start/stop, and heart rate sensor
• Display and Console: Very sleek LED display that tracks workout progress on your time, distance, calories burned, speed, and pulse
• Belt Cushion: With a 6-layer elastic cushioning belt that protects joints and knees
• Extra Features: With an integrated speaker, phone, and item holders to safely store your things
• Storability: Can be stored and transported. Is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Easy to assemble

Drawbacks:

• Harder to store because it does not completely fold up
• Some have reported that the actual size is smaller than what is presented in the photos
• Watch out for the speed, and the start/stop button embedded on the handle because light touch can change the setting

Hypata Treadmill for Home Gym – The Sleek One

Another great treadmill with a high weight capacity that delivers not just the basics, but comes with a few bells and whistles. 

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
• Frame Material: Steel
• Running Area: 40L X 15.7W in
• Incline: Naturally inclined at 4 degrees
• Program: With 12 built-in preset programs providing more options on workout levels and intensities. 
• Motor: With a 2.5 HP motor that supports a speed limit of up to 7.5mph, equivalent to a fast jog. It also boasts of emitting just very minimal noise, to let you enjoy working out without disturbing others
• Handlebar: With safety handrails for more stability
• Display: With a multi-functional LCD monitor to help track workout progress on time, speed, distance, calories burned, and the various preset programs
• Console: With a sleek display console with easy buttons for speed, programs, and other mode settings
• Belt Cushion: Made of polyester which is shock-absorbing and lessens the impact on joints 
• Extra Features: With a big integrated table and bottle holder that serves to hold small objects 
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 1 year on parts; 1-year quality service provided for motor and the frame

Drawbacks: 

• The built-in 4-degree incline cannot be adjusted, so it may feel like you are perpetually walking up a hill
• Some have reported difficulty in assembling the product despite the user manual that came with it

ProGear HCXL 4000 Ultimate High Capacity Treadmill – The Heavyweight

If you want a solid, sturdy treadmill that delivers the basic, with incline capability, then look no more! The ProGear HCXL 4000 Ultimate High Capacity Treadmill may be just for you.

You also don’t see this often on a treadmill, a machine that has a 400 lb weight capacity!  This one can definitely take the punishment. 

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 400lbs
• Frame Material: reinforced steel
• Running Area: 40L X 20W in
• Incline: 2 manual incline adjustments for a more or less challenging workout based on your preference
• Motor: 1.5 HP Power High Torque motor that supports a speed limit of up to 4mph, equivalent to a light jog.  The motor also utilizes a quiet drive, which allows you to workout with minimal noise distractions
• Handlebar: extra-long providing extra safety and stability. Also, with embedded speed buttons on the handlebar to easily control your speed
• Display: LCD monitor that tracks workout progress on time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 5 years on the motor
• Comes almost fully assembled

Drawback: 

• A few have reported awkward placement of the handlebar switches, where the switch is right on the bar where you put your hand. 

XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill – Built To Last

This treadmill has so many features going for it! It’s extra-long, with a running surface of 60 inches long.

It is also built to last having alloy steel as its metal frame and covered by lifetime warranties on frame and motor, 2 years on deck and parts, and even 1 year on in-home labor. Not a lot of treadmills would top this.

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Frame Material: Alloy steel
• Running Area: 60L X 20W in, longer than most treadmills out there. This caters to users of different sizes, and also makes running safer 
• Incline: 12, catering to different levels of difficulty based on user preference. Walking at a 12-degree incline will simulate walking through a hilly terrain
• Programs: 30 pre-set and 2 custom programs to cater to different levels of workout based on preference
• Motor: With a quiet 3.0 HP motor that supports a speed limit of up to 12mph. This is already a fast pace, even for athletes!
• Handlebar: Mounted with speed and incline controls for easier control levels more easily
• Display: Easy-to-read blue, backlit LCD that tracks workout progress on time, speed, pace, distance, calories burned, incline, and pulse
• Console: Preset speed and incline buttons embedded in the console for a fast and easy control 
• Belt Cushion: Extra cushioned for maximum impact absorption
• Extra Features: With Bluetooth connectivity, an audio jack, and a built-in speaker, with a built-in reading rack, cooling fan, and cup holder for extra convenience
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 2 years on deck and parts, and 1 year on in-home labor

Drawbacks: 

• A few have reported that the treadmill is noisy or squeaky
• Yet a few have reported that low-quality speaker, fan, and Bluetooth function

LifeSpan Fitness TR5000 Under Desk Treadmill – Your Walking Pad

Heavy-duty and with a high-mileage belt that can support up to 9 hours of daily use, you can convert your stand-up desk into a walking desk with the LifeSpan Fitness TR5000 Under Desk Treadmill.

Working and walking are made easier with this treadmill.

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 400lbs
• Frame Material: alloy steel with aluminum side rails 
• Walking Area: 50L X 20W in, longer than most treadmills out there. This caters to users of different sizes, and also makes running safer 
• Motor: 3.0 HP motor that supports a speed limit of up to 4mph which is equivalent to a light jog. the motor is so quiet that there are markings on the belt to help you identify if the belt is moving. This is backed by some users who have reported that the only sound they hear is the sound of their feet stepping on the treadmill
• Display: tracks workout progress on step, speed, distance, and calories burned
• Belt Cushion: With 6 impact-absorbing compression shocks maximum impact absorption
• Extra Features: self-lubricating belt that is maintenance-free for the first couple of years
• With Intelli-Step technology which not only counts your daily step but also automatically pauses the belt 20 seconds after you have stepped off the belt.
• Warranty: 10 years on frame; 2 years for parts, and 1 year for labor 

Drawback: 

Since the treadmill is a walking pad, there is no rail available that can support you. You may have a problem balancing while walking, especially if you are not used to a treadmill with no handrail, and you are on the heavy side.

Merax Foldable Electric Treadmill – Your Basic Running Mate

If you are looking for a basic treadmill to get you started, then the Merax foldable electric treadmill can be for you. 

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Running Area: 41.7L X 16.1W in
• Incline: 3 manual incline options for a more challenging
• Programs: 12 preset programs for variety
• Motor: With a quiet 2.5 HP motor that supports a speed limit of up to 7.5mph. This is equivalent to a fast jog
• Handlebar: With hand pulse sensors in the handlebars for easier tracking of heart rate
• Display: LED monitor tracks progress like time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate.
• Console: Large console panel with built-in speaker, bottle holder, and device deck
• Belt Pad: 5-layer running belt that absorbs shock and protects joints against impact
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 1-year manufacturer 

Drawback: 

A handful of users have reported some form of damage in the product upon delivery, with either the power cord not working, or one of the pulse-sensor hand bars having a crack. 

Exerpeutic TF1000 Ultra High Capacity Electric Treadmill – Best Value

Recommended for a beginner or intermediate user and catering to heavy people up to 400 lbs. This treadmill is designed to be used for slow walking, and at most a very light job.

It is heavy duty and can deliver your ultimate target which is to exercise. If you are looking for something that is not too pricey but delivers the basics, check out this one.

Features:

• Maximum Weight Capacity: 400lbs
• Frame Material: Carbon steel
• Running Area: 40L X 20W in
• Incline: 2 manual incline positions
• Motor: With a 1.5HP high torque motor that supports a speed limit of up to 4mph, which is equivalent to a light jog
• Handlebar: 18 inches, is extra long for added support and stability. Comes with a grip heart rate monitor to more easily read your pulse. Also comes with a speed button and on/off switch
• Console and Display: Records your time, distance, calories burned, speed, and pulse
• Storability: Easy to store and transport because it is foldable and with transportation wheels
• Warranty: 5 years on the motor; 1 year on the frame

Drawbacks: 

• Some have reported difficulty in assembling the product despite the user manual that came with it
• The length is just enough for it to be a walking treadmill. However, if you are tall or have naturally longer strides, then you may find the treadmill a little awkward to use.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Treadmill for Heavy People

If you are looking for tips to help you decide how to choose the perfect fit for you, then check out these factors that you can consider:

Wide Running Path

Also known as the treadmill belt, a wider running path offers more comfort and convenience, especially for plus-size people. You won’t need to worry too much about balance as you are getting used to the treadmill. 

Some watch out, though. You do not need a wider treadmill if your arms’ reach is short. Find a treadmill that is just wide enough for you to hold your arms out to comfortably grasp the handrail. 

Check also that the running path is not too wide that you will have a problem placing your feet on either side in case of emergency. 

Space

Not all treadmills are foldable. Also, not all have transportation wheels. If one of your top considerations is storability and the ability to move the treadmill around, then find a treadmill that will deliver this feature.

Sturdy Base and Frame

You wouldn’t want a treadmill that moves and shakes as you run. Look for a treadmill that gives that extra stability to hold your excess weight. 

Treadmills are usually made of either steel, aluminum, or a combination of both, with steel being more stronger and durable than aluminum. 

Motor

The quality and strength of a motor are also a consideration. If I put it another way, a treadmill’s maximum speed is determined by the power of the motor behind it. 

• Is it powerful enough to carry both your weight at the speed of choice? Look for a treadmill with at least 2.0 horsepower. The motor should be good enough for walkers.
• Is it quiet enough that you will not be distracted as you work, hold meetings, or do calls? 
• Also, know the reason why you are getting a treadmill. Is it to walk so you can slowly lose those fats? Or are you expecting to jog and run? If it is just for walking, then maybe a treadmill delivering a max speed of 4mph is the perfect one for you.

Warranty

If you are looking for an indicator of a machine’s build quality, then look at its warranty. Longer warranty coverage is an indicator of a company’s confidence in its machine’s quality. It communicates that they know their product is top-notch, and that the machine is durable enough to withstand pressure. 

The ideal would be a lifetime warranty on the motor, frame, and deck, and 3 to 5 years on parts and labor. But this is the ideal goal. The reality is that a lot of treadmills out there do not offer this good of a warranty unless the machine is on the expensive side.

One thing I noticed is the more expensive the treadmill, the better the offer on warranty. 

Weigh your options, considering product quality, warranty, and budget. Then find the best one for you.

High Weight Capacity

This is the most obvious “must-have” feature for me and a top consideration when buying a treadmill. You wouldn’t want to use a piece of equipment that supports maximum weight that is way below your weight. 

For one, your machine will be damaged faster. A lower-weight capacity treadmill usually comes with lower horsepower (or HP). A lower HP means its motor can only deliver the torque level equivalent to its power. So, you will risk your motor being overheated which can lead to damage.

 For another, the manufacturer will void your warranty in case they learn that the treadmill was not used according to its specifications.

And lastly, using the correct weight limit capacity will give you the comfort that it can hold your weight, even when you use the treadmill daily and for a long period. 

So, best to invest in a treadmill whose weight capacity matches or even exceeds your weight. 

Safety Features

If you want a good return for your money, then look for a treadmill that has a good shock absorption functionality in the running belt. This will help in absorbing the impact of your weight. This is additionally important when you are on the heavy side. 

Some treadmill belts have one-ply rubber, some offer multiple plies, and can be made of different materials like polyester, cotton, PVC which is a variation of rubber, monofilament, and others.

Also, check if there is a safety key or button that allows you to suddenly stop your treadmill in case of an emergency. Most treadmills in the market have this feature, except for the walking pads with no handlebars and formal console.

Workout Programs

A lot of treadmills offer just the basic package – – shock-absorption on the running belt, handrails, big button controls for speed and/or incline, and a display console that tracks workout progress. These treadmills usually don’t have any preset programs. 

If you are after just the basic offering, then go for those with lesser or no workout programs. They also come cheaper and can meet your budget requirement.

Still, there are other treadmills that offer more features and give you that extra value. Features like pre-set programs can be an important consideration if you want more challenge and variation in your workout. 

Consumer Reports:

When I buy anything online, I always check user ratings and reactions. They can be reliable sources of feedback. It is an indispensable tool for me because it helps guide my product purchases. Just keep your eyes and ears open, and be objective as you read through their feedback. 

Commonly Asked Questions:

How To Lose Weight on a Treadmill?

Your body will burn more calories when you consistently exercise and get your heart rate up.  It is said that you lose weight when you burn more calories during exercise versus your calorie intake through food.

You can already lose weight when you consistently put in treadmill time daily. However, if you want a faster burn, then change the speed, incline, intensity, and difficulty level of your workout. 

The more you vary the intensity of your workout, the more your heart will pump faster. This, in turn, will help you burn more calories.

Lastly, after you’ve lost some weight and are now looking for a way to tone your muscles without bulking up, you may find our guide on muscle toning without bulking up useful. 

How To Start Using a Treadmill if You Are Overweight or Obese?

The secret is consistency and commitment. Commit to consistently put in at least 30 minutes of your time to walk on the treadmill daily. Make it a regular part of your routine to step on the treadmill and work out. 

If you are obese and new to exercising, then start by walking on your treadmill. You don’t even need to walk fast right away. You can just walk according to your natural pace. 

Can a Treadmill Reduce Belly Fat?

Walking on a treadmill does not directly reduce belly fat, however, it can help with overall weight loss. 

A study has shown that it is usually the arms and leg regions that lose the most weight when you are obese. The same study mentioned that generally for everyone, the region that loses the most weight and fat is the trunk, followed by the legs, then the arms. 

So, just consistently put in treadmill time daily to start reducing not only your belly fat, but your overall weight!

Lastly, if you are a plus-size woman, then we recommend that you pair up your treadmill workout with waist training to get faster results.

Can I Use a Treadmill if I Am Over the Weight Capacity?

It is not recommended to use a treadmill if you are over the equipment’s weight capacity set by the manufacturer.  You can technically use the treadmill, but you will run the risk of damage to the equipment, voiding of warranty, and most of all, your safety.

So, it is best to invest in a treadmill whose weight capacity matches or even exceeds your weight. 

Are Treadmills Bad for Your Knees?

No, treadmills are not bad for your knees. Compared to running on pavement, running on a treadmill is friendlier to the joints. 

When you run outside, the impact of your bones landing on concrete is heavier compared to the impact when you land on the treadmill belt.  

If you are worried about hurting your knees more, then invest in a treadmill that has good shock absorption.

What Is the Best Treadmill Speed for Weight Loss?

Short runs between 8 to 10 mph can exercise your heart more and make your body burn more calories. However, be careful not to start too soon! Listen to your body and start slowly. Then just gradually build up your workout intensity level over time.

Is It Okay To Use a Treadmill Every Day?

Although you can technically use the treadmill every day, our recommendation is for you to work out five to six times a day.  You should still make time for rest so the body can recover.

Is It Better To Go Faster, or Longer on a Treadmill?

For heavy people, it is best to go slow while putting in longer workout time on the treadmill. You can burn more fats the longer you work out, even if it is only walking.

How Is Running on a Treadmill Different Than Running Outside?

Running outside may not be everyone’s cup of tea. While it can make your runs more interesting, a lot prefer working out from their own homes. A lot, especially obese people love the privacy that running at home offers them. 

Additionally, running on treadmills is more friendly to the joints because the treadmill belt usually comes with shock absorption to minimize the impact on the joints. This is especially important for seniors and heavy people.

Lastly, running on a treadmill can be a great option when the weather is inclement. 

How Often Is It Advisable To Lubricate the Belt?

Check your user manual if there is an instruction on the frequency of lubrication. However, manufacturers generally recommend lubricating your treadmill belt every three months.

In Summary:

Getting a treadmill is an investment because it is such a good workout tool and can be every heavy person’s preference. 

The choice of what treadmill to get will depend on your need and budget.  

When you have a treadmill and commit to consistently working out, you can start taking control of your body and improving the quality of your life.