If it’s too hot, cold, or wet to run outdoors (or you just don’t feel like interacting with the outside world), having a treadmill at home can be the key to keeping your training plan on track, making it simple—if not easy—to hit the exact paces you want. And having a good tread isn’t just convenient, it can also help you add some variety to your (hello, recovery walks, , and ). “As much as I’m an outdoor runner, I find treadmills valuable when the weather’s bad or if you have kids and you just can’t leave the house,” a United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA)-certified running coach and performance coach, tells SELF.
She adds that treadmills can also be safer than running outside (especially ). With so many options out there to choose from, we asked experts in the running industry what they consider the best treadmills for home use. Then our vetted testers did the, well, legwork to see how the machines perform mile after mile.
They sweat over all the small stuff (like water bottle storage and control button responsiveness) to help you for your home. Top picks for the best treadmills In this article NordicTrack NordicTrack Good shock absorption Decline capability Foldable design Lots of workout options through iFit Only the deck inclines, so the handlebars can end up hard to reach Heavy and difficult to move without help Touchscreen is on the smaller side Good shock absorption Decline capability Foldable design Lots of workout options through iFit .