Whether you’ve come to enjoy working out at home in the past few years or you’ve never fancied sweating it out alongside others, there are plenty of reasons to invest in exercise equipment – namely, a treadmill.
It can save you time getting to the gym, membership fees and you can work out whenever you want at your own pace and fitness level.
And if you are short on space, there are plenty of compact treadmill options and at different price points to match your budget and needs.
Speaking of treadmills, a TikTok workout that has been sweeping our FYP is the famous 12/3/30 treadmill workout.
WHAT IS THE 12/3/30 WORKOUT?
Spearheaded by American influencer, Lauren Giraldo, the 12/3/30 workout consists of:
- Setting your incline to 12
- Setting your speed to 3mph (4.8km/h for us Aussies)
- Walking for 30 minutes
It’s a workout trend that has been well-received by TikTok users, garnering 425 million views with many users posting their experience doing the workout as well as tips.
And while at first it sounds like just another TikTok trend – Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic thinks the workout is “great”.
“Personally, I think its great. It not only is inspiring people to be active, but it is also giving them a goal and a clear road map to save them the guesswork when it comes to the workout,” he told news.com.au checkout.
Fans of the 12/3/30 workout on TikTok agree, describing it as a “brilliant” workout that “works a treat” and they’ve “seen some crazy results”.
Why is it so good? Ben notes that it’s “a really tough workout” despite the speed seeming slow.
“It will work your glutes, your hamstrings, core, your cardiovascular system and endurance. Because it is not being done at a running pace, it is also going to be a lot less daunting to the non-runners out there, which makes it achievable for more people,” he explained.
“This workout will be great for weight loss and toning. However, it doesn’t need to be done exactly like this.
“The workout is essentially encouraging you to get your steps up at a moderate speed. If you need to do it at a lower incline, at a different speed, outdoors or even using a bike or elliptical, you will get a similar result.”
Interested in kickstarting your fitness era? Scroll on for our roundup of the best treadmills based on buyer recommendations and reviews.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the right treadmill for your needs and budget, we asked the Director of Flow Athletic, Ben Lucas, for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a treadmill. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best treadmill from premium to budget.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
EDITOR’S PICKS
Everfit Electric Treadmill 480mm 18kmh 3.5HP, $793.95 (down from $1114.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Belt: 48cm x 125cm
Weight capacity: 135kg
If you’re after a strong and sturdy yet multifunctional treadmill, let this one by Everfit be your first pick. Offering 12 preset training programs, 18 speed levels ranging from 0.6 to 18km/h, 15-level auto inclination, dumbbells, sit-up bar and massage belt – this treadmill sure packs a punch. It’s foldable, has a user-centric control panel, pulse sensors on the handles, dual drink holders, USB and MP3 connection and speakers.
It’s a machine that has all the features you could possibly want, even lubricating oil for the running belt.
It currently holds a 5-star rating with reviewers hailing it “great value” and a “overall pretty good”.
“Love this treadmill. Feels super sturdy whilst running. Easy to use and much quieter than others I’ve used... Very happy with my purchase,” one wrote.
Endurance Spirit Treadmill, $1299 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Product: 172cm x 77cm x 33cm
Belt: 46cm x 125cm
This treadmill by Endurance has just shy of a five-star rating with more than 100 customer reviews and is the number one bestseller in the treadmill category.
And despite being a large item, there is free delivery so you won’t have to wrestle it into the car to get it home.
It folds up and can be wheeled around, which is great if your home gym is your lounge room. One buyer said it was it “is so easy and quick to fold up and down for each use” while another said it was the “perfect size for my limited space” and easy to use and “not over complicated with extra unnecessary ‘bells and whistles’ on the interface”.
A 15-level automatic incline gives plenty of scope to keep pushing yourself during workouts and importantly, for those of us with perpetual aches and pains, it has a Pro Cushion Suspension System to help reduce the impact on joints as you run.
Powered by a 2.5CHP motor with a lifetime warranty, users have raved about the quality for money, with one saying, “this treadmill packs in the features and for the price, you will not get any better”.
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill PFTL15820-INT, $2999 (down from $3999) at ProForm
What You Need To Know
Product: 113cm x 90cm x 177cm
Belt: 51cm x 152cm
Weight capacity: 135kg
While on the pricier side, this beast of a treadmill will provide you everything you need for a great workout. This treadmill secures you a 30-day iFit membership which gives you access to streamed live and on-demand personal trainers that will lead you through a variety of workouts both on and off the machine. It has a 22” HD touchscreen and bluetooth connectivity, a 1-22k/ph digital quickspeed control, a -3 to 12 per cent incline, CoolAire workout fan to keep you cool and a track belt with ReBound Pro cushioning for comfort.
Five-star reviewers say “it is a beast” and “makes exercising convenient”.
“Could not be happier. The Proform Pro 9000 is an outstanding investment especially at the price. I have used many treadmills in my life. But this one, takes it to a whole new level,” one wrote.
“It is well built and meets all of my needs. I had no problems assembling it myself. Its touch screen console is also great. This is a very powerful machine.
“My incline and decline experience was very good. The only slightly awkward thing I found is the location of the lower storage tray. Other than that it is great. I can’t for my next workout.”
“This treadmill is user-friendly and I enjoy exercising on it. I purchased the iFit training program for my family and we love it!” another wrote.
BEST BUDGET TREADMILL
ADVWIN Electric Treadmill, $299.90 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Product: 121cm x 53cm x 95cm (including handrail)
Belt: 38cm x 100cm
Weight capacity: 120kg
Compact and easy to store away, this treadmill doubles as a walking pad and can hold a weight capacity of up to 120kg. It has a foldable handrail that you can leave down when using the machine as an under desk walking pad and easily put it up when you want to run. It has a non-slip running belt and an ultra-quiet 1.0HP motor that will allow you to keep fit minus the disturbance.
BEST UNDER DESK TREADMILL
Lifespan Fitness WalkingPad M2 Treadmill, $914 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Product: 144.5cm x 51.8cm x 12.5cm
Belt: 40cm
Weight capacity: 105kg
Designed with space in mind, this sleek walking pad is ideal for popping under your desk and can easily be put away as it’s foldable. It reaches a speeds of up to 6km/h, offers two different modes – automatic and manual and can be controlled via the remote it comes with or the WalkingPad app. It has a lightweight build and an LCD display, plus the belt is cushioned for comfort.
Centra Electric Treadmill, $362.95 (down from $453.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Product: 112cm x 50cm x 12cm
Belt: 40cm x 90cm
Weight capacity: 90kg
It has a 1-6km/h speed range, powered by a quiet motor, an LED display, bluetooth compatibility and a smart app that allows you to sync, record and track workouts (iOS/Android compatible). Plus, its compact design (112cm long x 50cm wide) means it will fit under a desk, won’t take up a lot of space and is easy to store.
BEST COMPACT, FOLDABLE TREADMILL FOR SMALL SPACES
Everfit Electric Treadmill, $432.95 (down from $480.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Product: 135cm x 61.7cm x 125.3cm (including handrail)
Belt: 38cm
Weight capacity: 120kg
Designed with 12 preset training programs, 0.8-12km/h of speed and three incline levels, this small but mighty treadmill is ideal for those that love a good workout but have limited space. Operated with a 1.0HP motor, this machine is neighbour-friendly and quiet, has a digital LCD display, pulse sensor to monitor health, dual drink holders, safety tether key and wheels for easy moving.
BEST BASIC, EASY-TO-USE TREADMILL
Costway 2-in-1 Walking and Running Treadmill, $449.95 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Product: 134cm x 69cm x 109cm
Weight capacity: 120kg
Offering two modes – walking speed (1-4km/h) and running speed (1-12km/h), this 2-in-1 treadmill is a great option for those looking for something with versatility and a little more power to run on. The in-built riser (which also has a phone bracket) allows you to easily switch the treadmill from under-desk to a regular treadmill. It has a smart app, 5-layer shock-absorbing running belt, bluetooth speaker and remote-controlled LED display that shows you speed, distance, time and calories burned.
Boasting a 4.4-star rating, customers on Amazon have described the treadmill as “easy to use” and “easy to assemble”.
“Basic mechanisms … it’s a walking/running machine. No bells and whistles but who needs them, right. Very low to the ground. Works a treat! Very glad I bought it. Hopefully it will give me many hours, weeks, months etc of fun. Just wish there was a better stand for my iPad but I’m thankful for small mercies,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
BEST CURVED TREADMILL
Freeform Cardio FreeRunner Curved Manual Treadmill, $4199 at Gym and Fitness
What You Need To Know
Product: 172cm x 81cm x 170cm
Belt: 44cm x 160cm
Weight capacity: 150kg
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, the Freeform FreeRunner is a good place to start. This curved manual treadmill is a great entry-level treadmill for those looking to improve their running technique and posture, and increase their fitness level. It offers four levels of magnetic resistance and seven workout modes, and it’s self-powered too so you don’t need to worry about plugging it in. It also has a LCD monitor so you can keep track of your workout data and stats like calories, speed, distance, time and RPM.
Five-star reviewers say it “performs well” and is “not a one trick pony”.
“Had this treadmill for a few weeks now and have put it though it’s paces. It performs well and is well built. It came securely packaged with no damage to the box, the unit and parts were well protected. Installation was straight forward and took about 10-15 minutes to put it all together … Very happy with my purchase and look forward to logging a few more km on it,” one wrote.
“This treadmill does it all, the magnetic resistance is a must for the backwards walking and for safety with my 74 year old mother-in-law it also allows for sled push intervals which means this is not a one trick pony but a versatile add to my special corner of the house,” another wrote.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREADMILL FOR YOU
Choosing the right treadmill for you will come down to your fitness goals and living space. For those who prefer to walk or jog on a level surface, you needn’t pay a premium price for a model with multiple levels of inclination or an inordinately powerful motor – rather, a basic model with varying speeds, or even a manual treadmill may best suit your fitness goals.
On the other hand, people who have already achieved an increased level of fitness and are looking to challenge themselves further may wish to invest in the latest of treadmills, complete with a powerful motor to achieve the fastest of speeds, up to a dozen or more levels of inclination, and entertainment hubs to keep you motivated as you run.
All of the above doesn’t matter if you don’t have the living space to accommodate your treadmill. Fortunately, there are many models on the market now that are designed with portability and storage in mind, so you’re certain to find the treadmill for you, no matter your living arrangements.
WHAT IS BETTER FOR TREADMILL EXERCISE: WALKING OR RUNNING?
Ben believes a good treadmill is suitable for both walking and running. But it is important to note there are some more flimsy treadmills in the market, and it is best to only walk on them.
“I would reserve running for the sturdier, tried and tested machines, such as the ones that are commercially used in gyms,” he suggests.
“For me personally, I prefer to run outdoors. When I use a treadmill I am using powerwalking or jogging while taking a call or watching the news.”
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREADMILLS?
There are so many types of treadmills including walking pads, curved treadmills, 2-in-1 treadmills, manual treadmills and foldable treadmills, as well as different brands.
“Lifespan Fitness is the one you will often see in commercial gyms,” he said.
“Peloton and Nordic Track are the machines that offer an experience and are often the go -to for home and hotel gyms. There are also now walking treadmills that are less sturdy and less safe to run on. They are often the ones that you find in offices.”
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TREADMILL?
Generally, you will want to look for a treadmill that is sturdy, safe and has railings on the sides so that people can hold onto it if they trip.
“A treadmill with a TV is good for keeping people engaged. For a home treadmill, I would look for treadmills that have trainer-led programs to keep the owner engaged and using their treadmill,” Ben recommends.
“In a commercial gym, the treadmills will often have hill, incline etc programs, but the Pelotons and NordicTracks have more engaging content.”
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHP AND HP MOTOR?
When researching the right treadmill for you, you will often encounter the strength of the motor being described in terms of CHP and HP – but what do those terms mean? CHP refers to Continuous Horsepower, and is considered the highest quality motor. That is because the motor is capable of performing at the same capacity continuously, as opposed to other types of HP (or Horsepower), which will peak in performance then decline.
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Ben Lucas
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Ben Lucas is the Director of Flow Athletic, Australia’s leading boutique fitness and yoga studio. Post schooling he went on with his rugby league to play professionally for the Cronulla Sharks. In March 2013 Flow Athletic opened, bringing a unique mix of strength, fitness and yoga to the marketplace. Ben now spends the majority of his time on the growth of Flow. In 2015 Flow Athletic won the Telstra Start-Up of the year.
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Originally published as Best Treadmill 2023 | Top exercise treadmills
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