Walking or running on a treadmill is an excellent way to lose weight without having to venture to the gym. Unfortunately, not all treadmills for home use have the capacity to accommodate bigger guys.

Several months ago, my husband and I went on the search to find the best treadmill for big guys. This was no easy undertaking. While most professional gyms have powerful (and extremely costly) treadmills that can hold men and women in the higher three-digit weight category, most at-home models just don’t cut it.

After searching through hundreds of options, we’ve discovered some excellent treadmills designed exclusively for bigger individuals. If you want to get on the journey to better health, here’s a look at some of the best treadmills and their key features.

What to Look for in a Treadmill for Big Guys

• Shock Absorption System: If you’re a bigger guy, you’re going to want a treadmill that can support your weight when you’re walking or running. An adequate treadmill should feel firm and stable when in use.
• Enhanced Features: Many upscale treadmills have desirable features that you may want to consider. Check out all the features available to you, such as fans, customizable goal inputs, and mounts that hold phones and music devices.
• Sufficient Motor: While bigger isn’t always necessarily better, having an adequate motor is important when you’re a bigger guy. You’ll want to ensure that the treadmill you choose is compatible with your weight and exercise goals.
• Easy-to-Use Navigation Console: If you’re serious about weight loss, you’ll want to keep track of how long you are running and how many calories you’re burning. Many modern treadmills provide a digital readout of these numbers.

400 lbs. Capacity

 

1. Exerpeutic High Capacity Treadmill

There’s lots of great features to love about this first treadmill option. The Exerpeutic High Capacity Walk to Fitness Electric Treadmill has a high-torque 1.5-horsepower motor and is able to support up to 400 pounds. With a 20-inch-wide treadmill belt and extra-long 18-inch safety handles, this treadmill is equipped for users of all weights.

What makes this the best treadmill for big guys is not just its wider belt and heavy weight capacity, but also its user-friendly features. The LCD display window shows the user how much time has elapsed, calories burned, distance walked, and more. It also has two manual incline positions that allow you to challenge yourself over time.

What Users Are Saying:

• Great for heavy people who need a reliable treadmill
• An excellent walking treadmill
• Good quality build
• My whole family uses it – we love it!
• Has plenty of power for what I need
• Easy to assemble and use

2. ProGear Ultimate Treadmill

The next best treadmill for big guys is the ProGear Ultimate High Capacity Extra Wide Walking and Jogging Electric Treadmill with Heart Pulse System. This top-rated treadmill has been tested up to 400 lbs. and features an extra wide 20” treadmill belt, similar to the ones you see in health clubs.

What I really like about this treadmill is its versatility. If you’re just starting out with a new exercise regimen, you can begin slow by simply walking at a leisurely place. As you progress, you can begin jogging up to 4mph for a more vigorous workout. You won’t have to worry about noise as you work out, as the motor has a “Quiet Drive” function.

What Users Are Saying:

• Great value
• Love my new treadmill!
• Putting it together was so easy
• Sturdy and can hold my weight just fine
• Well-made and easy to use
• The motor is very quiet

350 lbs. Capacity

 

3. Horizon Fitness Elite Treadmill

If power and performance are among your top priorities when purchasing a treadmill, the Horizon Fitness Elite Treadmill may be right for you. What make this our Top Pick for the best treadmill for big guys is  how it performs. There’s no lag time or surges as you’re walking, jogging, or running. The consistent forward-motion and adjustable controls allow you to work out your way.

It’s hard to find a treadmill that offers adequate cushioning for big guys. This treadmill features a variable response cushioning system that gives users just the right amount of cushioning to prevent excess strain on the legs and ankles. Another great perk? It folds up for quick and easy storage.

What Users Are Saying:

• Stellar treadmill
• I couldn’t be happier with my purchase
• Step-by-step instructions are easy to follow
• Easy to adjust different speeds
• Very quiet and the belt is so smooth!
• Allows you to keep track of your workouts

4. ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill

The next treadmill was rated as a ‘Best Buy’ from a leading consumer magazine and in my opinion, has earned this claim. The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill has 12 MPH QuickSpeed Control and an oversized backlit control display. If that’s not enough, it’s also compatible with iFit and has a port for an iPod.

Not only will you remain entertained while on this treadmill, but you’ll also get an excellent workout. I love that it comes with 32 workout apps, ProShox cushioning, and a CoolAire Workout Fan. Of course, it also has incline features that allow you to burn double the calories in the same amount of time.

What Users Are Saying:

• This is a great machine
• Easy to use and nice cushion
• Heavy and ultra-sturdy
• Love this treadmill!
• Didn’t take long to put together
• I like the adjustable speeds and inclines

300 lbs. Capacity

 

5. Lifespan TR1200i Folding Treadmill

When shopping for the best treadmill for big guys, I found that most machines catered to the smaller and more athletic crowd. The LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill was the exception. This innovative treadmill has the capacity to hold up to 300 lbs. without issue, and has other great features that are geared towards beginner treadmill users.

The 2.5-horsepower folding treadmill has a large 20 by 56 inch running surface, perfect for men and women of all sizes. The biomechanically correct deck system is able to support bigger guys, allowing you to exercise with confidence. You can also easily track your time, distance, calories, speed, and more with the multicolored LCD console.

What Users Are Saying:

• Excellent treadmill for the price
• We’ve had this over a year with no problems
• My second treadmill from LifeSpan, both great
• This is an amazing machine
• Simple in design and function, coupled with a quiet motor
• Provides a good cardio workout

6. Schwinn 830 Treadmill

What first caught my eye when seeing this treadmill is the name. Yes, it’s the same legendary Schwinn that brought bicycling technology to the home fitness industry. The Schwinn 830 Treadmill is not your average machine. This durable treadmill has everything you need to meet your fitness goals, from 22 programs to 12mph speeds.

In addition to its exceptional power and performance, the treadmill has an extra-large, high-resolution backlit LCD monitor and charging USB port that allows you to connect your machine with popular fitness websites like myfitnesspal.com. It’s also easy to use with quick access speed and incline controls.

What Users Are Saying:

• Great home treadmill
• I love my Schwinn… it’s really amazing
• The whole family is enjoying it!
• Use it every day and have had no problems
• The computer and speakers are fantastic
• Nice design at a great value

7. Nautilus T614 Treadmill

After searching high and low for the best treadmill for big guys, this next treadmill made the top of my list. The Nautilus T614 Treadmill offered everything our family needed in a fitness machine, and best of all, my 300 lb. husband is able to use it without issue. The treadmill has a 2.75 CHP motor, as well as 22 workout programs to keep you motivated.

Another must-have for big guys is a superior cushioning system and this treadmill delivers. The StrikeZone cushioning system provides an ultra-smooth run and the high-resolution blue backlit LCD monitor allows you to easily track your distance, workout time, and calories burned.

What Users Are Saying:

• Highly recommended for home use
• Goes up to 12mph!
• This treadmill is amazingly quiet
• I like the ability to track your programs
• Love this treadmill! I couldn’t be happier
• This treadmill is very durable and has great appeal

So, there you have it – our top picks for the best treadmill for big guys. After you have ordered a treadmill that is right for you, check out this article from Prevention.com on The 10 Treadmill Mistakes You’re Making. I believe it will help you form good treadmill habits and posture from the get go – making results easier to achieve and injuries much less likely.