

Treadmill Deals & Offers
2 active deals6,190 commentsAll Treadmill discounts and offers overview - December 2023





Treadmill price comparison from £180.99






















































Treadmills: Getting Fit at Home

While running outdoors in the fresh air is best it doesn't always appeal if the weather is bad while it can be hard to fit into busy schedules. This is where a home treadmill comes into its own. Powered by electricity, these stationary cardio machines can be set at walking, jogging or running speeds. Speed and incline can be adjusted while sophisticated models can do a lot more. Most home treadmills can reach speeds of up to 12 mph and inclines of 10% or more.
Claude Lauraine Hagen patented the first 'training-machine' in the USA in 1911 but it wasn't until the 1960s that treadmills for the domestic market appeared. They have changed very little in design or function since then.
If you're thinking of buying a treadmill, then read on to find out everything you need to know as well as where to find a cheap treadmill and the best treadmill deals.
Treadmill Reviews
For an expensive piece of electrical kit, one of the best places to find unbiased reviews is Which. It takes you through the benefits of owning a treadmill and what to look for as well as highlighting some reputable brands. Find impartial reviews and advice as well from Runners World and Expert Reviews.





Features to Look for When Buying a Treadmill
It's always advisable to buy treadmills from specialised websites or stores where staff know about exercise equipment and keeping fit. Although specifications vary from model to model, treadmills have several features in common:
- Price
Prices vary from a couple of hundred pounds to around £1000 depending on quality and features. Expensive models are more durable, are quieter and have more functions.
- Motor
The more expensive a treadmill is the stronger its motor. Stronger motors last longer and give a better performance. Home treadmill motors range from 1 to 5 hp. Budget for a treadmill with at least a 3hp motor.
- Deck (Or Belt)
This is what you stand on and should be long enough for your stride - for walking at least 122cm long (longer if you're over six foot tall). When running or jogging strides lengthen so the deck should be at least 137cm long. Naturally, thicker belts last longer than thinner ones.
- Frame and Stability
The treadmill should be sturdy with front and side safety rails. It shouldn't shake when in use.
- Emergency Stop Button
A stop button is important in case you get into trouble. Don't try and get off a moving belt.
- Gauges
These should be easy to read while exercising.
- Operating buttons
These should be simple enough to operate while on the move.
- Speed
For serious running, your treadmill's speed should reach 16 km/h or more.
- Software
This varies and very much depends on your budget. Software lets you adjust speed and incline, set interval training programs or monitor your heart rate.
- TV Screen and USB Port
Many models now have built-in TV screens which you can wirelessly link to your own TV. A USB port links you up to your smartphone or tablet.
- Foldability
Some treadmills can be folded but they still take a lot of space.
Comparing Top Treadmill Models
There are plenty of treadmill models out there, here's a quick comparison of some top models:



![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Opti Folding Treadmill | JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill | Nordic Track T12.0 | |
Speed | 0 - 12 km/h | 0 - 18 km/h | 0 - 22 km/h |
Motor | 1hp (continuous), 1.5hp (peak) | 2.5hp (continuous), 4.5hp (peak) | 3hp (continuous), 3hp (peak) |
Incline | 0 - 6.5% | 0 - 10% | 0 - 10% |
Monitor | Monitor LCD monitor shows speed, distance, pulse, calories burnt etc. | LCD monitor shows time, speed, distance etc. | HD touchscreen monitor shows speed, distance, pulse, calories burnt etc. |
Belt Size | 125 x 42 cm | 123 x 41 cm | 152 x 46 cm |
Preset Runs and Workouts | x10 | x20 | x32 |
Max User Weight | 100kg | 120kg | 140kg |
Foldable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Overall Size | 60 x 73 x 130 cm (LxWxH) | 158 x 70 x 128 cm (LxWxH) | 193 x 86 x 151 cm (LxWxH) |
Weight | 51kg | 59kg | 85kg |
The Pros and Cons of a Treadmill
Pros
Cons
How to Set Up a Treadmill
Your treadmill should come with a full set of instructions but the main setup process is similar whatever your model:

Decide where you want your treadmill to stand.
Place the deck on the floor, leaving at least 5 feet of clear space behind.
Connect the arms to the deck.
Attach the console using the labelled wires.
Adjust the tension and alignment of the belt. You should be able to lift it at least 3 inches from the track.
Program any software and you're good to go.
Treadmill Accessories
Your treadmill comes with everything you need to get started on boosting your cardio fitness and losing weight, but there are some accessories that help a treadmill fit more smoothly into your home and life. These include:

Floor mats help reduce the noise your treadmill makes (especially on hard floors) while protecting your floor or carpet and stopping it moving around when in use. If your room is carpeted, a mat also helps prevent carpet fluff and dust from getting into the motor and mechanics of your treadmill, helping to prolong its life. A good mat should be at least 4mm thick and larger in size than the belt.

This reduces friction helping to keep the treadmill belt running smoothly. While treadmills don't need a lot of ongoing maintenance, using this should be factored into your training program. Oil your belt after 100 hours of use (approximately).

Some treadmills come with a heart rate sensor feature but if yours doesn't, adding this accessory lets you track your workout intensity in real-time.

While your treadmill will come with a safety key, these are often lost. A replacement can be bought from the manufacturer or another sports equipment retailer. A safety key links you to the treadmill and should you lose focus or have an accident it automatically stops the treadmill.
FAQs About Treadmills
While the upfront cost of a treadmill can be substantial and needs to be budgeted for, don't forget to plan as well for ongoing running costs. Depending on its usage and settings, your treadmill can cost anything from a few pence to £1 or more for every hour of use.
Used sensibly, a treadmill provides an excellent form of cardio workout and is great for burning calories and losing weight. To choose the correct treadmill for your health and diet needs, do some online research or speak to a certified personal trainer.
As with all exercise, you have to weigh up the pros and cons of using a treadmill. Walking on a treadmill shouldn't do any damage but long-term jogging or running on a treadmill can put a strain on your knee joints. If you're new to treadmill use, build up gradually and take a breather if your joints start to complain. On the plus side, using a treadmill is a great form of high-impact exercise, necessary for building and maintaining bone density.
In 1911, Claude Lauraine Hagen patented a 'training-machine' in the USA featuring a treadmill belt. It wasn't until 1952, however, that the first motorised treadmill was invented by Dr Robert A Bruce (an expert in Exercise Cardiology) as a diagnostic tool. The home treadmill as we know it today was created in the late 1960s by William Staub, a mechanical engineer. The basic technology has changed little since then.
To burn fat on a treadmill you need to reach and exercise at your fat-burning heart rate. This is when you use up most calories per minute. Generally, this fat-burning zone is 70% of your maximum heart rate. Your treadmill instructions should guide you through the calculations for this.
If you're not sure whether a treadmill is for you or you don't have the budget for the upfront costs, then treadmill hire can be arranged through reputable sports equipment rental companies such as HomeGym, Hire Fitness or Fitness For Hire.
Where to Find Treadmill Deals
Treadmills can be bought in-store or online from sports equipment retailers such as Pro-Form, Best Gym Equipment, Decathlon and Sports Direct. High street retailers will hold regular sales throughout the year while online, every day is treadmill sale day. For the best deals, start your new exercise regime around Black Friday and Cyber Monday or visit hotukdeals for great treadmill offers throughout the year.
Is a Treadmill for me?
Anyone, no matter their age or fitness level, can benefit from working out on a treadmill. If you're new to exercise or have underlying health conditions check with your doctor before using one. Providing you have the space and the budget for upfront and running costs, having a treadmill will definitely provide a boost to your health and fitness.