I’ll never forget my first treadmill.
It was sitting in the corner of a dusty garage, half-buried under old gym bags. The owner barely used it, but for me, it became the start of hundreds of miles of winter training. It wasn’t perfect, but it got the job done — and taught me a lesson I’ve shared with dozens of runners since:
A treadmill is only as good as the miles you put on it.
Whether you’re buying brand new or scoring a secondhand deal, the goal stays the same: find a machine that fits your needs without draining your wallet or your patience.
In this guide, I’ll break down what really matters when choosing between used and new treadmills — based on what I’ve seen work (and not work) for real runners over the past decade.
Let’s get to it.
Why Getting The Right Treadmill Actually Matters
A treadmill isn’t just another thing sitting in your living room gathering dust.
Pick the right one, and it’s a total game-changer:
• You’ll run no matter the weather, time of day, or mood.
• You’ll build fitness from couch to 5K… and beyond.
• You’ll lose weight (if that’s your mission).
• You’ll train for races without dodging cars, potholes, or loose dogs.
Here’s the truth most fitness blogs won’t share:
In the long run, a good treadmill saves you from wasting money on gym memberships you’ll stop using.
Trust me, I’ve made that mistake—wasting money on a ‘fancy’ gym I never used.
And what about pace control?
Set your pace, and it stays locked in—no interruptions.
No traffic lights, no wind slowing you down, and no excuses.
If you’re really into making progress, this is a must.
But here’s the thing: Not all treadmills are made for actual runners.
Some treadmills look awesome online, but then break down quicker than you can say ‘pizza.’
Let’s go for a reliable workhorse, not something that will break down at the first sign of trouble.
Step One: Know Your Space (Before You Dream Big)
Reality check: Where is this beast going?
Treadmills take up space.
And make sure there’s enough room so you’re not running into your coffee table.
Measure your space—twice.
If you’re tight on room, folding models exist — but measure both unfolded AND folded dimensions.
Just because it’s foldable doesn’t mean it’ll fit anywhere.
Picture yourself trying to clean around it. Opening the closet. Running hard without shoulder-checking a bookshelf.
If it feels cramped, rethink.
And hey — if you live in a shoebox apartment?
Walking pads exist.
They slide under desks or beds, perfect for casual walking days.
But if you’re training for anything serious? Skip the pad. Get a real treadmill.
One of my friends tried to cram a treadmill into his tiny apartment.
He ended up climbing over it to reach the bathroom. Every. Single. Day.
Take it from him, don’t make that mistake.
Step Two: Set a Real Budget (Without Selling a Kidney)
Here’s the unfiltered truth: Treadmills aren’t cheap.
But you don’t need to rob a bank either — you just need to know where your money’s going.
Budget Breakdown for Real Runners:
• Under $600 ➔ Decent for walking. Jogging? Sketchy. Running? Forget it.
• $600–$1000 ➔ Some hidden gems for walkers and casual joggers — especially during big sales.
• $1000–$1500 ➔ Solid sweet spot. Durable motors, good cushioning, incline options. A real runner’s entry point.
• $1500–$2500 ➔ Great features, tougher frames, better electronics. Households with multiple runners? Look here.
• $2500+ ➔ Luxury zone. Daily runners, marathoners, tech lovers, this is your playground.
Runner confession:
I once tried to marathon-train on a $400 treadmill.
By week five, it sounded like a dying jet engine… and then literally caught fire during intervals.
Never again.
Budget Survival Tips:
• Check for 0% financing offers if you’re serious but strapped.
• Hunt for deals around Memorial Day, July 4th, Black Friday, and New Year’s resolution season.
Manual vs Motorized Treadmills: Real Talk (Runner to Runner)
Alright, here’s the no-B.S. breakdown nobody else will tell you:
Manual treadmills sound cool in theory — you power the belt yourself, Rocky-style, no electricity needed.
In reality?
It feels like dragging your feet through quicksand while wearing a weighted vest.
Fantastic workout, sure… but if you’re planning real runs, real workouts, or real mileage?
You’ll be swearing under your breath before you hit mile two.
Motorized treadmills, on the other hand?
Push a button, hit your pace, climb the hills, hammer intervals.
These are the ones you want if you’re serious about anything beyond casual walking.
Match the Treadmill to Your Running Style (or Suffer Later)
Buying a treadmill without matching it to your style is like running a marathon in flip-flops.
Technically doable… but you’re gonna regret it real fast.
Here’s the crash course:
🏃♂️ Walkers:
You’ll want a machine with a 2.0+ CHP motor, nice handrails, and good deck cushioning.
Smooth, easy, nothing fancy — just sturdy.
🏃♂️ Joggers:
Shooting for casual runs and steady miles?
Look for 2.5+ CHP, a top speed of at least 8 MPH, and some decent shock absorption so your knees don’t file a complaint.
🏃♂️ Serious Runners:
Marathoners, sprinters, pain-chasers:
You need 3.0+ CHP, a top speed of 12 MPH, a wide and long belt (especially if you’re over 6 feet tall), and easy-to-reach speed/incline buttons for those gut-check interval days.
Hidden durability tip:
Always check the maximum user weight — even if you’re a lean machine.
300+ lbs capacity usually means sturdier frames, tougher belts, and motors that don’t wave the white flag at mile 9.
Bonus material geek-out:
Steel frames = springier, quieter, built to take a pounding.
Aluminum frames? Lighter, but harsher underfoot.
If you’re going long, go steel.
Don’t Ignore the Deck and Belt (Your Knees Are Begging You)
Let’s talk decks and belts — the unsung heroes of treadmill survival.
If you’re tall (over 6 feet)?
You’ll need a minimum 54″ deck length if you actually want to stretch out and stride.
Belt quality matters too.
Two-ply belts = smoother ride, quieter sessions, and a treadmill that won’t sound like it’s dying every time you pick up the pace.
Shocking but true:
A good deck can slash the pounding on your joints by 30–40%.
That’s the difference between finishing your run smiling… or booking a standing appointment with your chiropractor.
Roller reality check:
Bigger rollers (2.0″ and up) mean smoother belt movement, less wear and tear, and way fewer “oh crap, the belt’s slipping again” moments.
Bonus Features: Nice to Have (But Don’t Let Them Scam You)
Look — bonus features are like dessert.
Fun to have, but not the main course.
Stuff worth eyeballing:
• Built-in programs (hill repeats, intervals, Netflix guilt distractions)
• Big fancy screens (cool, but don’t overpay unless you’re really gonna use it)
• Bluetooth and App Sync (Garmin Connect, Peloton, Zwift — if you’re a numbers nerd)
• Tablet holders (essential for zoning out with trash TV during long runs)
• Fans (spoiler: 90% of built-in fans blow about as hard as a tired Labrador)
• Heart-rate monitoring if you’re into training by zones
• Customizable outdoor course programming (simulate racecourses or brutal hill repeats indoors — love/hate relationship guaranteed)
Warranty = Your Secret Weapon
Before you hand over your card, check the fine print:
✅ Lifetime warranty on the frame
✅ Lifetime on the motor
✅ 5+ years on electronics
✅ 2+ years on labor
Anything less? Walk away.
Bonus Tip:
If you can swing a treadmill with a light commercial warranty, do it.
They’re built to take punishment — not just Sunday strolls.
Try Before You Buy (Or Regret It Later)
If you’re buying local?
Put the thing through its paces:
• Run for at least 10 minutes (not just a 30-second jog)
• Test the incline and speed buttons (they should react fast, no weird lags)
• Listen for suspicious clunks, screeches, or “is this thing gonna explode?” noises
• Shake it a little — it should feel rock-solid, not like a carnival ride
Buying online?
Deep dive into runner reviews and forums.
Skip the sponsored Amazon raves.
And unless you secretly enjoy throwing out your back?
Pay for white glove delivery.
Moving a 300+ pound treadmill up the stairs solo = instant regret.
Final Miles: You’re Ready to Choose
Alright, champ — you made it.
Now you’re armed with the truth, not marketing fluff.
You know how to dodge the duds, spot the beasts, and pick the machine that fits your grind.
No more treadmills that turn into coat racks.
No more buyer’s remorse.
Final bit of runner wisdom:
“The best treadmill isn’t the fanciest one. It’s the one you’ll actually use.”
Now get out there — indoors or out — and keep chasing those miles.
Catch you on the run. 🏃♂️
-David