One of the reasons you might purchase your own treadmill is to avoid having to train at the gym on potentially outdated, broken down treadmills that are supposed to be commercial grade.

More often than not, the treadmills at gyms also have time limits on them or speed limiters meaning you can’t get an appropriate run workout for you.

Our reviews will provide you with a Summary Recommendation, Price (Amazon), Motor Review, Running Area and Incline, Display/Computer and General information, helping you to sort through the various models that are out there.

LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill

Review Summary

This is a good middle of the range treadmill with an acceptable price. The motor, top speed (11mph/18kmh) and running surface will provide you with the functionality you need to knock out the miles safely. This also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. If you are looking for a treadmill to go the distance, this could be the model for you.

See Amazon for the latest price. At the time of the review, this sits in the middle for prices of treadmills reviewed. I would suggest this is the minimum you should be looking to spend if you’re looking for something reliable that is also solid enough to support a decent level of running.

When purchasing a treadmill, it’s important to take into account the HP or horse-power rating of the motor, along with the duty-cycle. Smaller HP rated motors are more likely to breakdown and also won’t handle long periods of use without overheating. A running treadmill needs to be at least a 2.25 horse power continuous duty motor.

The Lifespan TR1200i Folding Treadmill has a reasonably powered 2.5 hp continuous-duty motor. The continuous duty motor simply means the motor operation can be run continuously under load as opposed to a peak horse power rating which would be the rating with no load (nobody using it). Because this motor is 2.5 hp at continuous duty, this puts this motor in the range of a running treadmill which is a good thing!!

The running area of the treadmill is important as it determines whether you can safely run on a treadmill or not. This includes both the width and length of the deck plus the underlying shock absorption and deck stability.

The LifeSpan TR1200i Folding Treadmill has a running area of 20″ x 56″ or 51 cm x 142 cm. This puts it just at the bottom end of a good running treadmill again. If your legs are a bit longer or you have a long stride length, you might want to look for something a little bigger.

The frame is a good solid frame with 6 compression shock points (3 each side) meaning there’s adequate protection when you’re running fast.

The treadmill also supports 15 levels of motorized incline so you can change this during your run as required.

The display is adequate and provides all the functions you need, specifically the speed, distance and time. It also has features such as heart rate monitor and plug in for audio. It also has some built in programs which you tend not to use unless you’re not a runner!!

The treadmill supports folding up meaning you can easily make space in your training area for other activities if required. The folding process uses a hydraulic shock to make it easy to put up and down again.

The maximum recommended weight for this model of treadmill is 300 lbs or 136 kgs.

3G Cardio Pro Runner Treadmill

Review Summary

This is another good upper range treadmill with an slightly more expensive price. The motor, top speed (12mph/19kmh) and running surface will provide you with the functionality you need to knock out the miles safely. This also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. However, you may be able to get similar quality with cheaper models reviewed here.

See Amazon for the latest price. At the time of the review, this is more expensive than similar treadmills reviewed. However, if you’re happy to spend this amount of money, you’ll end up with a reliable product that is again solid enough to support a decent level of running.

When purchasing a treadmill, it’s important to take into account the HP or horse-power rating of the motor, along with the duty-cycle. Smaller HP rated motors are more likely to breakdown and also won’t handle long periods of use without overheating. A running treadmill needs to be at least a 2.25 horse power continuous duty motor.

The 3G Cardio Pro Treadmill has a good powered 3.0 hp continuous-duty motor. The continuous duty motor simply means the motor operation can be run continuously under load as opposed to a peak horse power rating which would be the rating with no load (nobody using it). Because this motor is 3.0 hp at continuous duty, this puts this motor in the range of a running treadmill which is a good thing!!

The running area of the treadmill is important as it determines whether you can safely run on a treadmill or not. This includes both the width and length of the deck plus the underlying shock absorption and deck stability.

The 3G Cardio Pro Runner Treadmill has a running area of 20.5″ x 58″ or 52 cm x 147 cm. This puts it slightly above the bottom end of a good running treadmill again. If your legs are a bit longer or you have a long stride length, you might want to look for something a little bigger.

The frame is a good solid frame with an Orthopedic Belt. An orthopedic belt is a thicker belt/running surface which should provide better shock absorption than thinner belts.

The treadmill also supports 12 levels of motorized incline so you can change this during your run as required.

The display is adequate and provides all the functions you need, specifically the speed, distance and time. It also has features such as heart rate monitor and built in fan. It also has some built in programs which you tend not to use unless you’re not a runner!!

The treadmill supports folding up meaning you can easily make space in your training area for other activities if required. The folding process uses a hydraulic shock to make it easy to put up and down again.

The maximum recommended weight for this model of treadmill is 350 lbs or 158 kgs.