What Is The Best Treadmill For Heavy People?
Have you ever wondered about those treadmills that you find in a health club?
You know, the really good ones that operate 12-24 hours a day with athletes of all sizes walking, running and yes…even jumping on them.
Well, how do they last? 
The truth is they are built specifically for heavy-duty use and to withstand the inevitable pounding they are going to take.
But why can’t you get the better treadmills for home use?
Well, it turns out you actually can!
I have found the best treadmills for heavy people that are for use in the home.
So what’s the best treadmill for 500 pounds or more?
Let’s take a look at the top 6 options:
Product | Capacity | Star Rating | Price |
HCI Fitness PhysioMill Rehabilitation Treadmill | 500 lbs. |  | |
3G Cardio Elite Runner | 400 lbs. |  | |
ProGear HCXL 4000 | 400 lbs. | | |
Sole Fitness F85 | 400 lbs. | | |
Exerpeutic TF1000 | 400 lbs. | | |
Sole TT8 | 400 lbs. | |
The HCI Fitness PhysioMill Rehabilitation Walking Treadmill – Best Choice
The HCI Fitness PhysioMill Rehabilitation Treadmill is the only treadmill that can be found with a listed weight capacity of 500+ pounds (which is surprising to me).
This machine is the real deal as it comes with a robust 4 HP motor. This is a heavy-duty electric motor that can reach a top speed of 15 mph. (who the heck runs 15 mph?). 
The belt is reversible so it can go forward as well as backwards. (who the heck runs backward at 15 mph?)
The PhysiMill Rehabilitation Treadmill was built with a purpose in mind. With its amazing weight capacity and a thick walking belt, it is perfect for individuals who may be obese or suffering from joint pain. In addition, it has a very low step-up height ensuring a risk-free mounting and dismounting.
This treadmill comes almost completely assembled. You simply add the side rails and support arms.
It measures 80 x 40 x 30 inches and is non-folding. The total weight is approximately 345 pounds and the running surface is 20 x 63. The incline ranges from 0-15%
All in all, the frame is very high quality and durable.
So what kind of a display does it have? A high definition LCD that is easy to see with a 9-inch screen and large graphics. The display also gives you instant workout feedback with Distance, Time, Calories, Speed, Grade, METS, Pulse and more. There is also a built-in heart rate monitor.
This treadmill comes with an excellent warranty. There is a five-year guarantee on the motor, mechanical and electronic parts. The warranty also includes a lifetime protection on the frame.
Treadmill Pros:
- Weight capacity guaranteed to be 500+ pounds.
- Incredibly powerful motor can handle the most strenuous workout.
- Great warranty.
- Dual emergency stop buttons ensure safety.
- Very large LCD display makes it easy to track progress.
Treadmill Cons:
- This treadmill takes up quite a bit of space
- Does not fold.
- Can be pricey for some people.
See more product reviews.
Conclusion:
The HCI Fitness PhysioMill Rehabilitation Walking Treadmill is one of the best non-folding treadmills you can find. The stability and safety features make it a perfect solution for those who are looking to lose weight or are suffering with pain.
The motor is powerful, the step-up height is low, and the machine comes with a great warranty. It is on the expensive side for most shoppers, but again, it is the only one on the market that is built for 500 pound individuals.
If you are obese and looking to drop weight by walking, this treadmill is the perfect option. It is also perfect for those who are rehabbing injuries or are suffering from pain.
3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
Another great choice for a treadmill that has a high weight capacity is the 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill.
This treadmill includes a high performance 4 HP DC motor and sizable 3” rollers resulting in an extremely quiet and smooth operation. This model is also excellent for knees and hips as it is equipped with an Ortho Flex Shock Suspension.
The running area is spacious at 22” x 62” which is far above the average treadmill dimensions.
Enjoy running on an incline?
Well, the 3G treadmill allows users to easily incline to 15% with a one-touch incline key on the console.
And if you run like Usain Bolt, this treadmill has a maximum run speed of 12 mph, also controlled with one-touch.
The display area is divided into three screens that include an LCD dot matrix, a heart rate tracker, and a workout matrix screen with a readout of information like distance run, calories burned, current speed, etc.
For those of us who love music, built in speakers and MP3 compatibility are included.
This model has many options, with eight workout programs included, three programs to test your fitness, and two custom programs that you design yourself.
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner treadmill has a killer residential warranty: lifetime on the motor and frame, and ten years on parts. The commercial warranty is five years on the motor and frame and two years on parts. Pretty darn good!
This is one of the best treadmills on the market.
Treadmill Pros:
- It doesn’t get much better than a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame.
- The 15% incline provides a heart-pumping workout.
- An amazing 8 built-in workouts and 3 fitness test programs are included.
- This one-of-a-kind suspension system is super easy on the joints.
- Enjoying your favorite music is easy with the built in speakers and MP3 compatibility
- Change the incline and speed with one quick touch on the console.
- It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds.
Treadmill Cons:
- There is no Bluetooth option on this model.
- The old adage, “You Get What You Pay For” applies here. You want the best heavy-duty treadmill? You have to pay a premium price.
Conclusion:
The 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill will cost you more than the other models reviewed here, but the stability and durability of this elite treadmill makes it a worthwhile investment. For a heavier person looking to lose fat and/or get in shape, this is the equivalent of a treadmill you would find in a high-end health club.
ProGear HCXL 4000 Treadmill
The ProGear HCXL 4000 Treadmill is a great choice for a number of reasons, but number one on the list may be that it is so affordable.
Like the other treadmills on this page, it has a maximum capacity of 400 pounds. The frame has been reinforced so this model is built for heavy walkers.
This model is also perfect for those who are worried about safety or who are newcomers to exercise. It has a max speed of only 4 mph, so it is geared more toward walkers than joggers.
There is a heart pulse rate system built into display to help you hit that target heart rate during your workout.
One nice bonus with the ProGear Treadmill is that it comes equipped with wheels and is foldable. So, when you are done, simply fold the machine and wheel it to a spot where it is out of the way. No one even has to know you are exercising at home!
The belt is a huge 20” which is what you would normally find in health clubs.
The engine is a 1.5 HP High Torque Motor. It offers “Quiet Drive” which provides a noise reduction you will love.
Extra long security handles make this the safest option on the market.
The warranty is fantastic: 5 years on the motor and 2 years on the frame.
Treadmill Pros:
- The ProGear 4000 has extra long handles which ensures balance. You won’t fall of this model.
- The belt is extra wide which gives you more than enough space.
- The frame is incredibly strong and built with heavy users in mind.
- Assembly is incredibly easy.
- Folds up and rolls away with almost no effort on your part.
- Motor Warranty is excellent.
- Best treadmill for safety.
Treadmill Cons:
- The incline option is limited as it only moves to 6%.
- As users become more fit, they eventually may want to exceed the maximum 4 mph speed.
Conclusion:
The ProGear 4000 is perfect for those who have a low to moderate level of fitness or are below average athletes as it was designed with those people in mind. It is the safest choice out there and is priced to sell especially for a 400-pound weight capacity treadmill.
Sole Fitness F85 – Their Best Treadmill
The Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill is thought to be the best treadmill in the entire Sole Fitness line. What makes it so good? Keep reading…
This is a VERY solid, precision welded treadmill, perfect for someone who weighs 400+ pounds. The machine itself weighs in at 265 lbs.
The Sole Fitness F85 showcases the heaviest duty motor and chassis in its class. Also included are zinc coated, all-steel balanced flywheels which assures a walking/running surface that is vibration free.
This model has a top speed of 12 mph and a minimum speed of .5 mph which makes it ideal for walking or running. And amazingly, the motor is very quiet.
Need workout programs? There are 10 to choose from here including six that are standard, two that you can customize and two that control the heart rate. There is literally something for everyone here.
The belt is 22” x 60”, which is the largest that Sole treadmills offer.
The cushioning system, Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, is wonderful as it reduces the impact on your knees and joints by 40% as compared to running on a hard surface.
A computer monitor happily provides you with speed, distance, calories burned, incline, and pulse. Pulse is taken simply by placing your hands on the contact heart rate grips.
This treadmill also features an Easy Assist Folding Deck Design which allows for easy removal and storage.
The warranty is second to none, with a lifetime on the motor, frame, and deck, while the electronics feature a 5-year guarantee.
Treadmill Pros:
- The durable motor is strong and will last.
- The belt is extra wide and makes workouts much more comfortable.
- The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck protects your knees and joints against impact injuries.
- Has an Assisted Hydraulic Drop System to help with folding.
Treadmill Cons
- Can be pricey for some people.
- A few customers have complained that it is too noisy at low speeds.
Conclusion:
If you are very tall and or very heavy, this is a great treadmill option for you. It has a maximum capacity of 400 pounds and is incredibly durable yet strongly built. The extra wide belt and cushioning system means the chances of injuries is greatly reduced. The Sole F85 is another good choice.
Exerpeutic TF1000 – Best Treadmill For Safety
The Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill is an excellent choice if you are searching for a heavy-duty walking treadmill. Probably its most endearing feature is that it is inexpensive for a heavy capacity machine.
Supporting a user up to 400 pounds (the weight of the actual machine is only 120 lbs), this model is built for walking more than running with a maximum speed of 4 mph.
The frame is made nearly entirely of steel, guaranteeing a sturdy unit that will last for many years. The TF1000 Treadmill is equipped with a high-traction, heavy-duty belt that is plenty big enough at 20” x 40”.
A folding mechanism is included that utilizes a hydraulic cylinder. This makes it very easy to fold and unfold the deck. The front base incorporates a pair of wheels to improve the portability. All this equals easy setup, breakdown, and storage for an owner.
Another popular feature of this treadmill is the extra-long sidebars (almost twice the standard length). These sidebars come equipped with speed controls and pulse sensors.
With a maximum speed of 4 mph, the Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill has a motor that is only 1.5 hp. However, it is plenty strong enough to offer power walking or slow jogging. And the motor is extremely quiet which makes it an enjoyable piece of equipment.
This model is short on frills. There are no preset programs nor any type of online connection available. However, it has an LCD display that tracks speed, distance, time, calories, and pulse rate. All these metrics are displayed at the same time so there is no need to scan to find what you need.
The warranty is impressive with a 5-year guarantee on the motor and 1 year on the frame.
Treadmill Pros:
- Has a 400 lb. capacity.
- Folds and unfolds easily.
- Controls integrated into sidebars.
- Quiet engine.
- Excellent warranty.
- Perfect for exercise novices.
Treadmill Cons:
- Eventually, owners may need to surpass the 4-mph speed.
- The console display is smaller than other models.
Conclusion:
The Exerpeutic TF1000 Treadmill is a perfect solution for a heavy person who wants to start an exercise program or who is worried about safety. The price is outstanding for a heavy-duty treadmill such as this. Highly recommended!
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Sole TT8 Treadmill
Another in the fine line of Sole treadmills is the Sole TT8 Treadmill. It has an extra-wide track, measuring 22 inches and is health-club quality.
This is the only model from Sole that features a power decline as well as a power incline: 15% to -6%.
It has a beautiful data screen and is optimized for an MP3 player. In addition, the machine can use Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device.
Need workout programs? Like all Sole treadmills, this one features a 10-item program menu that includes five classic workouts, one manual, two user-designed, and two heart rate workouts.
This treadmill is perfect for those with knee or joint problems with a commercial cushioning system call CushionFlex Whisper Deck.
Extras on this model include two water bottle holders, a tablet holder, cooling fans, USB charging port, and Bluetooth audio speakers.
As with all treadmills on this list, the TT8 Treadmill has an excellent residential warranty: Lifetime for the frame, lifetime on the motor, and lifetime on the deck!
Treadmill Pros:
- 10 workout programs included.
- Bluetooth audio speakers.
- Power incline and decline.
- Excellent contrast screen.
- CushioinFlex Whisper Deck makes exercising painless.
- 400-pound user capability.
Treadmill Cons:
- It is nonfolding.
Conclusion:
The Sole TT8 Treadmill is just a fantastic treadmill for a fitness center or home. It is priced competitively, and blends a sturdy frame, digital entertainment, and programmable workouts seamlessly. If you can afford it, give this one a try!
The Best Treadmill For 400+ Pounds -A Large Person Breakdown
Lets face it…Heavy people have it tough.
Sometimes exercising in a health club just isn’t appealing as self-consciousness can kick in.
But using a treadmill at home can be a great option.
However, finding quality treadmills with a high weight capacity is no easy task.
In fact, it is impossible to find a treadmill with a listed weight capacity over 400 pounds.
Even finding a treadmill with a capacity of 400 lbs is tough.
However, there are a few out there that are a notch above the rest. They are listed above with customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
So, What Is The Deal With Weight Capacity?
It is vital that you check the listed weight capacity before you purchase a treadmill of any kind.
All of the products listed on this page have been tested up to 400 pounds. Now, what that means is that if you are 400 pounds or less, you can use the machine without safety concerns or fear of it breaking. 
But what if I weigh 500 pounds?
Good question. As none of the treadmills above have been tested up to 500 lbs., the answer is “nobody knows”. You may be fine or you may not.
But look around, most treadmills don’t even list their weight capacity in the specs. This is a little scary to me and a little sketchy.
What you need to do is to ALWAYS hang on to the warranty in case you have problems. Find a machine with a great warranty despite the higher price tag. It will probably save you money in the end.
Heavy People Will Need A Higher Horsepower Treadmill
If you are a heavy person, it is imperative that you choose a top treadmill that also has a high horsepower motor. 
Make sure you look for a CHP (continuous horsepower) model. This is the gold standard used in high-end treadmills that are found in gyms and health clubs. A CHP motor measures the minimum horsepower delivered at all points during a workout.
They are more powerful, they last longer, and they deliver smooth performance.
But to break it down; if you are a heavy person, the higher the horsepower, the better when it comes to your treadmill.
Don’t Forget Treadmill Maintenance!
You may have spent a bundle on a top treadmill but guess what? You are not paying any gym membership month after month.
Also, there is no inconvenience because you only walk to a room in your home to exercise, not get in your car and drive to a club.
There is no waiting, no worrying about getting off because someone else is waiting or fretting because you don’t look like a model.
It’s just you and the treadmill.
However, the one thing that you MUST do is maintain your new treadmill.
The Reasons For Maintaining Your Treadmill
Listen, I hate cleaning. My house resembles the aftermath of one of our frequent Florida hurricanes. However, I am also cheap. If I pay for an expensive top treadmill, I want it to last.
So I do what I have to do.
If I don’t, the treadmill will break down and I will be cursing myself (Actually, I don’t curse, but I do call myself names).
How To Clean It
Your treadmill deck needs regular cleanings. Debris and dirt quickly accumulate on the belt and deck. My advice is to clean the belt and deck one time per month.
And while you are at it, you should clean the areas on each side of the belt.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the other portions of the machine and don’t forget to clean the motor area once every six months. You will find instructions in the owner’s manual for cleaning the motor area.
Should You Lubricate?
Ah, the jokes that are running through my head! But seriously, you need to read the owner’s manual to find out if your treadmill is self-lubricating (yes, that is a thing). It you must lubricate, then follow the directions in the manual.
Keep The Belt Aligned!
Even the top-of-the-line treadmills may require the belt to be aligned occasionally.
The belt must run straight down the deck’s center. If you notice that it is out of alignment, it should be fixed immediately.
To align, simply adjust the bolts on each side of the machine.
Hold On To The Tension
Your new treadmill should come with a belt tension that is preadjusted.
However, it will begin to stretch with regular use. If it becomes loose, it will start slipping and cause excessive wear to the belt and deck.
And the opposite, (belt is too tight) results in damage to the motor and rollers. Just make sure that belt is just tight enough to keep it from slipping.
To find out, turn on the treadmill at a slow mph and step down and forward with one foot. If the belt slips at all, tighten the bolts as needed.
It’s Electric 
Your new treadmill will have an electronic console controlled by computers. Similar to a desktop, a lightening strike (Florida again!) or a power surge can damage your console.
Always connect your treadmill to an AC outlet that has been grounded. Surge protectors are a must.
Treadmill Guidelines For An Obese Person
Anyone who has visited my web site knows that I am quite possibly the biggest exercise advocate on the planet!
It is vital to everyone, no matter what weight you are. However, there are a few things to consider if you are obese or have a large amount of body fat.
First, as a heavy person, you will experience more difficulty than a thin person when walking or jogging on the treadmill. But that will eventually disappear as you continue to make progress and reduce your body fat.
Check out these suggestions if you are just getting started:
Consistency Is Best
How many people start exercising, get excited, start making progress and then…quit?
A very high percentage.
Don’t fall into this group. Being consistent is important because it allows your body to begin building endurance which allows you to push harder and harder.
Your frequency of treadmill work is actually more important than the intensity of the workout. Staying consistent will also help you develop great workout habits that will last the rest of your life.
Spend Some Time
Your goal when starting out needs to be 30 minutes a workout. Workouts should be a minimum of three times a week.
After three weeks, bump up your time by 5 minutes. Keep following this routine until you reach the 60-minute mark.
If you simply can’t make a 30 minute treadmill workout, try 10 minutes at a time. But do 3 workouts a day for a total of 30 minutes. Again, keep progressing until you can easily walk an hour.
No Need To Be Intense
Heavy weight can be hard on joints, so keep the workout intensity low. Don’t worry about jogging, just focus on walking.
Walking places very little stress on your joints. Try to stay at a pace where you can speak but sweat like Mike Tyson.
Stay Safe
Always keep a bottle of water next to you during workouts and take several sips while you are walking. Wear light clothing. If you start to feel nausea, reduce your pace immediately.
The Best Treadmill For 500 Pounds Final Word
The most important thing will always be to make a decision to change and then follow through.
I love using a treadmill and I am almost 60 years old now. It is a great way to get some exercise.
If you are severely overweight, I can’t think of a better thing to do than to begin a walking program. And a treadmill allows you to do this in the safety and security of your own home.
If you want no part of the gym life, then make a great investment in a treadmill. Begin by following my guidelines above and then progressively advance your program by walking outside, walking in a pool etc.
Combine your treadmill walking program with better eating habits and you will see slow, steady weight loss. This is not a guess, this is a fact. Be patient!
All great athletes have struggled at one time or the other. You are no different.
Shoot for 2-4 pounds a week. That should be easy to achieve.
Don’t think that is enough?
Well, 2 pounds a week is over 100 pounds in a year!
Read the reviews above, purchase your new treadmill and get started living today!
Check out the best treadmill for running under 1000 dollars!
Citations:
- Sole Fitness: Treadmills. (n.d.). Sole Fitness: Treadmills. https://www.soletreadmills.com/treadmills.com
- Best Treadmills for a Heavy Person – Top 7 User Picks for 2021. (2021, June 13). GymPerson.com. https://gymperson.com/best-treadmill-heavy-person/.
I have three college degrees;a BS in Exercise Science, a MA in Physical Education, and an Ed.S in School Leadership. My adult life has been spent educating youth on how to eat properly and exercise. This is my passion.
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