How Much Does a Treadmill Cost?
Treadmill Cost & Price Summary
A. Price Range = $200-$8,000
B. Average Cost = $900
C. Cheapest Price = $200
Investing in a treadmill doesn’t have to cost a fortune since there are treadmill models available for all budgets. When purchasing a treadmill, cheaper isn’t always better. It’s important to look at what you need it for, how often you plan to use it, and your total weight. That said, finding a treadmill in your budget range shouldn’t be difficult.
Specifications
Certain specifications of a treadmill influence the total cost. For example, treadmills with iPod docks and televisions built-in can cost a small fortune, and while these features are nice, they aren’t necessary. However, motor power is an important feature to look at because you probably want a machine with a strong motor. Things like a strong motor, strong frame and durable tread will make a big difference and save you money in the long run, assuming you will be keeping your treadmill for a long time.
A fully loaded treadmill like the ProForm Pro 2500 will cost about $1,500. This type of machine has incline and decline features, multiple programs and heart-rate monitoring capabilities.
A no-frills treadmill should cost around $600. This basic type of machine may not have the sturdiest frame or accuracy for heart rate, but it will help you get active and burn calories. The ProForm 505 CT machine is a good example of a machine in this price range.
Does Price Matter?
In this case, and depending on your needs and budget, price does matter and is a relatively good indicator of quality plus perks. The cheapest treadmills are not going to be strong enough to withstand regular use or running. A thin person who isn’t active could get away with buying a $200 Confidence Power Plus, but it wouldn’t be a great investment for most people that want to use it consistently.
On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive treadmills can run around the $7,800 price point. These machines are packed with lots of extra features to make you a better athlete. These professional machines are a serious investment and often have some niceties that are arguable not necessary. For example, the Stex 8025TX is a treadmill with a built-in LCD television and is a next-generation machine that is designed to withstand heavy usage. A household with a lot of exercises could benefit from this machine and personal trainers may also benefit from investing in one of these.
The bottom line is more expensive treadmills are going to be durable, will have more features, and will likely last longer and perform better even after years of use. Because there are so many options, it’s important to know your budget and which features you want.
Researching Your Treadmill
You should have an idea about what you want in a machine before doing your research. If you want to lose weight by walking (and don’t want to walk outside), then a simple treadmill will do the trick. Continuing with this example, it’s probably better to get the $500 or $600 treadmill instead of a gym membership if you’re going to stick to treadmill walking only. If you want to improve your athletic skill, then a more expensive machine would be better. You could splurge on a $2,000 treadmill, and it will probably still be worth it.
Personal trainers and businesses should go for the durable and higher priced machines as you will likely need very durable machines that can withstand many different people constantly using them. It would also be wise to compare costs across the market to determine which machine will give you more bang for your buck.