The short answer: match the treadmill to how you will actually use it. For walking, look for about 2.0 to 2.5 continuous horsepower (CHP) and a deck around 50 to 55 inches long. For regular running, look for 3.0 CHP or more and a deck of 60 inches or longer. Then check the heaviest person who will use it, the space you have and the warranty. Ready to look? Browse our treadmills and running machines.
Why a treadmill?
Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that adults aged 18 to 64 get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening on at least two days (see the guidelines). A treadmill makes the aerobic part easy to keep up when it is dark by 5 p.m. or minus twenty outside, and it lets you control speed and incline exactly. If you have a heart condition, an injury or any health concern, check with your doctor before starting a new routine.
Step 1: Decide how you will use it
This one answer drives every spec below, so be honest about it.
- Walking, and maybe light jogging: you can choose a smaller motor and a shorter deck, and spend the difference on other things you value.
- Regular running: you need more motor, a longer and wider deck and better cushioning.
- A shared household: size everything for the heaviest and tallest regular user, not the average.
- Walking now, running later: buy for the running spec. It costs less than replacing the machine in a year.
Step 2: Know the specs that matter
These are typical ranges from retailer buying guides. They differ slightly from one guide to the next, so treat them as sensible starting points and compare them with the spec sheet of the exact model you are considering.
| Spec | Walking | Walking and jogging | Regular running |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous motor power (CHP) | 2.0 to 2.5 | 2.5 to 3.0 | 3.0 to 4.0 |
| Deck length | 50 to 55 inches | 55 to 60 inches | 60 inches or longer |
| Deck width | About 18 to 20 inches | About 20 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
| Top speed | Around 4 mph is plenty | 8 to 10 mph | 10 to 12 mph |
| Incline | Up to about 6% for light walking | Up to 10% | Up to 10%; 12% or more only for serious hill training |
Motor power. Look for continuous-duty horsepower (CHP), not "peak" horsepower, which is a short-burst figure. A motor that is too small can overheat in long sessions, while a larger one runs cooler, quieter and lasts longer.
Deck size. A longer deck gives you room for a longer stride and a bigger margin for error. Runners and taller people should look for 60 inches or more. Retailer guides suggest the longer decks once you are somewhere between about 5'10" and 6'2" tall, so if you are near that height, lean towards the longer deck.
Speed and incline. Most treadmills top out at 10 to 12 mph, and 10 mph is enough for most people. Incline reaches 10 to 12% on most home machines, which covers nearly every built-in program, and walking uphill is a very good workout.
Cushioning. A softer deck reduces the impact on your ankles, knees and hips. It matters most if you run often, or if you are returning to exercise after a knee or hip problem.
Weight capacity. Choose a rating at least 50 pounds above the heaviest regular user's weight. A machine working near its limit wears faster.
Warranty. Compare the motor, frame, parts and labour separately. A "lifetime" warranty often covers only the frame, so read what else is included and for how long.
Step 3: Folding or fixed frame?
A folding treadmill is the obvious answer when floor space is tight. The trade-offs are that a hinge can loosen over years of heavy use, and fixed frames generally handle higher weight capacities and speeds, which matters in a multi-user home. Check the folded footprint on the spec sheet too: some models get much shorter when folded but barely any narrower. Short on room overall? Our guide to building a home gym in a small space shows how to plan around a treadmill.
Step 4: Measure your space, noise and floor
Measure the room before you shop, and allow clear space behind and beside the machine so you can step off safely. Check the ceiling height as well, especially in a basement, since incline raises your standing height. Under the treadmill, an equipment mat or rubber flooring protects the floor and reduces vibration and noise, which your downstairs neighbours will appreciate. Our gym flooring guide explains what to buy and how thick it should be.
Step 5: Decide how much technology you want
A basic console with a few programs is enough for many people. Some models add large touchscreens and app connectivity for guided workouts and virtual routes, and some turn running into a game, where your speed and incline control what happens on screen. These are worth paying for only if you will use them, because the motor, deck and frame decide how the machine feels and how long it lasts. If you get bored easily on a treadmill, though, a gamified machine can be what keeps you coming back.
Treadmills to start your search
Our range runs from simple, space-saving treadmills to advanced running machines and gamified options from Aviron. Here are five of our best sellers, plus an Aviron gamified treadmill, listed roughly from basic to advanced. Check each product page for the full specifications, current price and warranty details, and compare them with the ranges above.
Basic: a compact, foldable starter for walking and jogging, with 12 incline levels, speeds up to 12 mph and 12 workout programs.
Walking and running: a roomy 20 by 60 inch deck, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, an easy-fold hydraulic release and a wide range of built-in programs.
Mid-range: a great fit for beginner runners, with a 3.6 CHP motor, 0 to 12 mph, 12% incline to -3% decline, RunFlex cushioning and a fold-away design.
For regular runners: a 4.25 CHP motor, speeds up to 12 mph, incline and decline, and a 16-inch pivoting touchscreen with iFIT.
Advanced: a 4.25 CHP motor with a lifetime motor warranty, 12% incline to -3% decline, a 16-inch pivoting touchscreen with iFIT and support for users up to 400 lbs.
Gamified: your speed and incline control the game on a 22-inch pivoting touchscreen. It has a 3.5 CHP motor, a 4-inch step-up height, Cloud Stride cushioning and streaming apps.
Want to see more? Browse all of our treadmills and running machines.
Is a treadmill the right machine?
If you want lower impact on your joints, an elliptical or an indoor cycle may suit you better, and you can compare everything in our cardio equipment hub. Many people also pair a treadmill with a few pieces of strength equipment, since the guidelines call for both. Our guide to adjustable vs fixed dumbbells is a good place to start.
Try it before you buy it
A treadmill is a big purchase, and specs only tell part of the story. Walking and jogging on one in person shows you how the deck feels, how loud the motor is and whether the console is easy to use. Spartan Fitness has showrooms across Canada where our team can match a machine to your space, goals and budget, with free in-store pickup, and financing is available at checkout. Browse our treadmills and running machines, which include models from brands such as NordicTrack, VO3 Fitness, ProForm, LifeSpan, Life Fitness and Aviron.
Treadmill checklist
- How will I use it, and who is the heaviest, tallest user?
- Is the motor rated in continuous horsepower, and is it big enough?
- Is the deck long and wide enough for my stride?
- Does the weight rating leave at least a 50-pound margin?
- Do the motor, frame, parts and labour warranties each cover what I expect?
- Does it fit the space, folded and unfolded, with clear room around it?
- Have I tried it, or talked to someone who can advise me?
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower do I need in a treadmill? For walking, about 2.0 to 2.5 continuous horsepower is enough. For regular running, choose 3.0 CHP or more, and up to 4.0 if you run daily or share the machine.
How long should a treadmill deck be? About 50 to 55 inches for walking, 55 to 60 for walking and jogging, and 60 inches or longer if you run regularly or are tall.
What is the difference between CHP and peak horsepower? CHP is the power the motor can sustain during a workout. Peak horsepower is a brief maximum that says little about how the machine performs over 30 minutes.
Are folding treadmills any good? Yes, they are a good fit for small spaces and lighter use. For heavy daily running or several users, a fixed frame is often the sturdier choice.
How much weight capacity should I look for? At least 50 pounds more than the heaviest regular user.
Can I put a treadmill in an apartment? Usually, yes. Choose a quieter, well-cushioned model, measure the space and put an equipment mat underneath to reduce noise and vibration.
What is a gamified treadmill? It is a treadmill whose touchscreen turns your run into a game or a race, with your speed and incline controlling what happens on screen. It suits people who find ordinary treadmill workouts dull.