No matter what kind of workout you want to do, we found the NordicTrack to be easy to use. Easily controlled via buttons on the side of the touch screen, it remains responsive even when sweating. “I’ve been working out for the past 15 years, and this is by far one of the best treadmills I’ve ever used,” said one of our testers, a high school track coach and trainer.
This is thanks in part to a springy, shock-absorbing platform that moves comfortably with your weight, even during light jogging. As we picked up speed, some testers said the belt felt slippery. However the frame itself is very stable and the straps have great traction. Plus, unlike some treads, it’s comfortable on the ears. “This treadmill won’t wake a sleeping baby,” one tester said.
For the price of this cardio equipment, we highly recommend getting an iFit membership (starting at $180 per year) to get the most out of it. You’ll get tons of guided workout options that automatically adjust your incline and speed, and you’ll be able to track your progress over time.
The Horizon Fitness 7.4 AT Treadmill is sturdy and powerful enough for regular running, and you can fold it up and roll it when you’re done.
What our testers think
Not every home has enough space to place a treadmill at all times. That’s why Horizon Fitness’ 7.4 AT treadmill folds up and automatically locks into place with a simple foot lever, so you can put it away when you’re not running. It has wheels, but be warned: It weighs 318 pounds, and moving it into a closet can count as its own exercise.
We didn’t mind, as this folding tread is designed for people who want to go hard. It can be adjusted to a 15% incline for vigorous climbing. The long and wide deck measures 60 x 22 inches, roomy enough to comfortably sprint (up to 12 mph) without fear of falling off. It only takes 18 seconds to go from flat to full slope, and there’s no binding or wobbling when adjusting. It felt rooted to the ground and very stable throughout our runs.
“I think everyone should own a bad boy like this,” said our tester, a personal trainer and high school football coach. That said, this cardio equipment doesn’t come with a touch screen; Although we found the Bluetooth connection to be seamless, you’ll need to use your phone or iPad to stream any workout sessions. “This feature doesn’t require a lot of thinking on my part,” our tester noted, calling the display “the definition of user-friendly.”
The WalkingPad A1 Underdesk Treadmill makes counting steps at home easy.
What our testers think
If TikTok has convinced you to buy a walking mat to track your steps during work hours, this simple, no-frills option can help you do it easily. The setup is fake-proof—you just plug it in and start walking. Plus, it’s only a few inches tall, so it easily slides under your desk (and you won’t fall off the giant platform if you somehow miss a step).
