Walk into any gym and what’s the first thing you see? Probably a lot of treadmills. Most gyms have the cardio session near the entrance, but even if yours doesn’t–the treadmill dominates the cardio centre. Most people join gyms to have access to high-quality treadmills. The good news is the advancements in home treadmills have grown so much that you can bring the gym home with you–and for a lot less.
You’ll be amazed at the quality of treadmill you can get for under £1000. If you’re an avid walker or runner, you can now get your exercise any time of day, no matter what the weather is outside. Before owning your own treadmill, you would have to drive all the way to the gym to get your run in if it was raining outside.
The treadmills of today are no longer the gigantic machines you’ve seen before or in gyms. They have become much sleeker, and space-saving, while still providing all the features you need to get in the best shape of your life–from the comfort of your own home.
Here’s our countdown of the best treadmills under £1000.
Best Treadmill Under £1000
5. Sportstech F17 Treadmill
Not only is the F17 a folding treadmill, it comes in a good amount under 1000. The first thing that stands out with this offering from Sportstech is that the F17 is a self-maintaining treadmill. Some treadmills do require some maintenance to keep them running optimally. The F17 uses a lubrication system that releases silicone oil evenly over an extended period of time. This not only keeps your treadmill running its best–it extends the life of it, too. You get to do less maintenance and can spend more time exercising.
The F17 has a large running area and will feel just like you’re running outside, or on a track. The large running surface is also made up of 5 different layers. This creates a gentle dampening which not only creates a more natural running experience–but it’s a lot easier on your joints. If you suffer from any joint or knee discomfort, you’ll want to consider the F17.
It is also perfect for in-home use. It has a virtually silent motor, and that combined with the dampening system means you can work out without disturbing those around you. Last–but not least–the F17 has an amazing multimedia console. This allows you to watch content, play games, and use the home fitness 2.0 app for pre-set workouts
Pros
- Goes up to 12 mph
- Pulse monitoring belt included
- Easily foldable, with wheels to help transport it
Cons
- Takes some assembly
4. Branx Fitness Foldable ‘Cardio Pro’ Treadmill
The ‘Cardio Pro’ is the choice for you if you’re a serious runner. This treadmill is all about performance and will hold up to your high-intensity sprints and running. It’s 6 horsepower motor can handle speeds up to 17.5 km/h. It also has an amazing 20 different levels of resistance so you can always adjust your intensity depending on how hard you want to go that day.
What also makes the Cardio Pro stand out is its automatic incline function. This can adjust your incline without you having to get off it and interrupt your run. You can now change the elevation and create even more intensity like you would have running up an incline. It’s amazing to find features like this on a treadmill that can be folded up and stored away. Not only that, but it also has a “Smart Shock Absorbing System” to make your run much more comfortable.
Technology-wise, the Cardio Pro has a touchscreen console so you can easily access your stats such as time, distance, speed, intensity, and calories burned. It is also one of the only treadmills you’ll see that has a body fat readout.
Pros
- Soft drop system
- 5-year warranty on frame and motor
- Comes with a free treadmill mat
Cons
- No specific place to put a tablet
3. JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill
The T350 is a great space-saving treadmill, but can still hood up to intense exercise. It has a quiet 4.5 hp motor but can get up to speeds of 18 km/h. This will be your choice for high-intensity training. You will be able to boost your intensity levels thanks to the amazing 20 different levels of incline. This means you can always adjust your intensity, and make every workout a different experience. The high inclines will better engage the muscles of the lower body and even your core.
What makes the T350 stand out is the inclusion of Bluetooth and built-in speakers. You can now sync up your own audio and blast it all around you like you were in a big commercial gym. Another great thing with this treadmill is how you will be able to go pretty hard, but know that your joints are being supported. One of the drawbacks to sprinting–or high-intensity running–is the toll it can take on the joints. The T350 covers you for this with its 16-point cushion deck absorption system. You’ll be able to sprint harder than you would outdoors and protect your joints in the process.
Pros
- 20 different running programs
- Wide running area
- Designed for all running abilities
Cons
- Some report that the belt can get noisy
2. Branx Fitness Foldable ‘Elite Runner Pro’ Treadmill
With the Elite Runner Pro by Branx Fitness, you’re getting a treadmill that looks like it came out of a high-end gym. This is a large treadmill–but it’s still foldable. The advantage with this size is you get a much larger running area. This is great if you have a longer–or wider–running stride. Along with the large running size, you get a 10-point shock-absorbing system that can help absorb your weight and reduce the impact on the knees and joints.
This may be one of the fastest home treadmills at this price point as it can reach speeds of 21 km/h. The Elite Runner Pro also has 22-levels of auto incline making this the ideal treadmill for whatever running style you want to do. You also have the luxury of Bluetooth so you can listen to your own content, and get cooled by the built-in fan which you tend to only find in much more expensive fitness club treadmills.
Pros
- 5-star rating on Amazon
- Soft drop system and easily transportable
- Powerful 6.5 hp motor
- Pulse sensor and 1-touch speed adjustments
Cons
- No pre-programmed workouts
1. Sportstech FX300 Ultra Slim Treadmill
At number one on our list of the best treadmills under 1000 is the Sportstech FX300. This treadmill shows you what’s possible for a home treadmill, and why you may never want to use one in a gym again. The FX300 is the perfect example of how far treadmill technology has come. This is an ultra-slim machine that still has a massive running surface. The sleek-looking appearance of the FX300 will look great in your home as it looks modern and unique.
This treadmill is easily foldable to be moved out of the way. But it’s so slim you might be happy to just leave it out in whatever room you use it in. The FX300 is all about multiple training options. If you are the type of person that likes variety and likes to be taken through workouts–this is the treadmill for you.
It has a built-in multimedia console that lets you follow along with video events, and coaching. There is a multiplayer mode so you can challenge other people through your workout. This helps to create a well-rounded workout experience with as much guidance and challenge as you want. This is the motivation you can use to get as fit as possible.
If you like technology, sleek design, and amazing function–you’ll want to go for the Sportstech FX300.
Pros
- Top speed of 16 km/h
- Pulse strap and finger sensor
- Anti-slip system
- Folds up to only 21 cm high
Cons
- Maximum weight is 110 kg
Important Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill
Your budget will have been first, but you’ve determined that already if you’re reading this article. The next thing to determine is your exercise needs. If you are using it for general fitness and walking, you don’t need a treadmill that has high levels of speed, resistance, and incline, If you are into more intense exercise, you’ll want to choose a treadmill that can provide those things listed.
You also need to consider if you are happy to do your own workout, or if you’d rather follow pre-set programs. This decision will help to narrow down the choice you make, as a simple treadmill that you can just jump on and go, will be what you need.
Space is always a big issue when it comes to adding a treadmill to your home. If you have a dedicated room where it will be used, you just need to pick the appropriate size unit. If you are limited for space, you’ll want to find the smallest treadmill available, or one that can be folded up and stored out of the way. This will give you more room for other exercise options if you are using it in a small space.
Personal Trainer Recommendation & Conclusion
The warmup is critical before using a treadmill. Whether you’re running or doing a brisk walk, you want to warm up with 5-10 minutes of low-intensity walk. This will help engage the muscles, direct more blood flow to them, and elevate the heart rate to prepare for exercise.
Remember to finish with a cooldown, too. You don’t want to exercise at a high pace and just stop. This will lead to blood pooling in your muscles which can result in cramping and discomfort. When your workout is done–your work isn’t finished yet. This is when you want to transition from the exercise state back to your resting heart rate. The best way to do this on a treadmill is to slow down the pace gradually by lowering the speed until you get back to a gradual walking pace. You’ll want to continue at this slower intensity pace for at least 5-10 minutes to finish the cooldown phase and start the recovery process.
Not often discussed when using a treadmill is using the proper footwear. Shoes that have been overly worn will not provide adequate support during your exercise. This not only can cause issues for the feet and ankles, but even lower back problems can be caused by inadequate stepping from worn-shoes. Even if your shoes look new, they still need to be replaced every 350-500 miles of use.