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Are you interested in adding a treadmill to your collection of fitness equipment in your home gym? 

Treadmills are some of the most common types of cardio exercise equipment that you can find in commercial and home gyms. This is because they’re easy to use, and can provide a high-quality cardio workout at any intensity you feel comfortable with.

However, before you purchase a treadmill, there are many factors you need to consider. One in particular, is how you will be using the treadmill. Will you be using your treadmill for jogging, running, or walking?

Believe it or not, the way you intend on using your treadmill should impact the treadmill you decide to invest in. So which treadmill is better for you as either a light jogger or a high-intensity runner?

Thankfully, we are here to help! At Akfit, we’ve been operating as a Canadian specialty fitness store located in Sudbury, Ontario for over the last three decades.

Our fitness professionals work closely with our clients locally within northern Ontario, the rest of Canada, and beyond to help them find the perfect piece of fitness equipment for their fitness goals. One of the many questions our customers want to know is which treadmills are best suited for joggers vs runners. 

In this article, we will outline the basics of what to look for in a treadmill depending on if you are a jogger or a runner. Further, we will highlight specific treadmill models at Akfit for each use. 

In this article:

1. Running vs. Jogging: Treadmill Features to Look For
2. Treadmills for Runners at Akfit
3. Treadmills for Joggers at Akfit
4. Reach Out to Akfit

Running vs. Jogging: Treadmill Features to Look For 

Important Treadmill Features for Runners

If you are intending to use your brand new treadmill for running, there are a few features you should look for and factors to consider. 

Treadmill Motor with a High Horsepower

The motor is one of the most important parts of your treadmill as it takes on the majority of the work mechanically. 

When it comes to looking for a treadmill that is ideal for running, we recommend looking for a treadmill that features a motor that has a continuous horsepower of at least 3.0. This is especially important if you intend on using your treadmill for running 3-5 times a week. 

To learn more, take a look at our article Treadmill Motors: Everything You Need to Know.

Longer Treadmill Belt

If you are a runner, you should look for a treadmill that features a belt with a length of 60 inches and a width of 18-22 inches. 

This is especially trueif you are over 6 feet tall. A belt that is any shorter in length doesn’t provide much room for those with longer strides. 

If you are shorter than 6 feet tall, you may be able to get away with a belt that has a length of 55 inches, but we don’t recommend a belt any shorter than that. 

Durable & Comfortable Treadmill Deck

Further, runners would benefit from a treadmill that is built with enhanced durability. Additionally, the treadmill should provide a higher level of comfort than mid to low-range treadmills.

Ideally, a treadmill that provides less bounce is something you should look for. 

For example, the Matrix line of treadmills features variable response technology. This means each part of the deck has a different cushion source.

Near the front of the belt will feel slightly softer on your feet where they land with each stride. Whereas towards the back of the deck, the belt feels a little harder allowing you to push off from each stride more effectively. In turn, this deck structure is healthier for your joints when running. 

High-Quality Cost

Ultimately, you get what you pay for. 

If you expect to use your treadmill regularly for running (3-5 times a week), you should expect to spend around $3,000 or more. With this, it is worthwhile to invest in something high-quality as a runner.

For more information, take a look at Factors That Impact the Cost of a Treadmill.

Important Treadmill Features for Joggers 

If you intend on using your treadmill for jogging, you won’t require all the features of a treadmill used for running. However, there are still a few things you should look for before opening up your wallet. 

Treadmill Motor with Average Horsepower

If you are looking to jog on your treadmill regularly, we recommend finding a treadmill that features a motor with 2.5 continuous HP. 

This is slightly less horsepower than what is recommended for running. We don’t recommend a motor that is less powerful, especially when using the treadmill for jogging 3-5 times per week. 

When jogging at a consistent slower speed, the belt creates more torque on the motor and has less momentum to run. This in turn puts more pressure on your motor. This is especially dependent on the person's weight. 

Average Treadmill Belt Length

If you intend on using your treadmill for jogging, you may not need a belt that has a length of 60 inches. A 55-inch belt should be fine. 

In fact, you could potentially settle for something a little shorter, but it won’t leave you much room for error. If you’re 6 feet tall, we don’t advise a treadmill belt any shorter than 55 inches. 

Sturdy & Durable Treadmill Deck

Ideally, for a jogger, you should look for a mid-range treadmill with a deck that is still stable and durable, especially for those who are heavier. 

Additionally, joggers might consider purchasing a folding treadmill as they are easier to store. With that being said,  the deck (on most, not all), tends to provide more bounce.

Mid-Level Cost

When it comes to purchasing a treadmill for jogging, we definitely don’t recommend going cheap, say in the $1,000 price range. Treadmills in this price range usually aren’t stable nor durable enough to withstand regular use, especially from heavy users. 

In turn, you should expect to spend around $1,500 up to $2,500 on a middle-level treadmill for jogging. 

Recommended Treadmills for Runners at Akfit

At Akfit, we sell a large selection of high-quality treadmills that are great for different fitness goals. Here are some of the treadmills we recommend if you intend to use your treadmill for running:

Our Entire Selection of Matrix Treadmills

At Akfit, we offer five different treadmills from Matrix: 

• Matrix TF30 Non-Folding
• Matrix TF30 Folding
• Matrix T50 Non-Folding 
• Matrix TF50 Folding 
• Matrix TF75 Non-Folding

The overall quality of Matrix treadmills are the most desirable for running. This includes a treadmill motor with a continuous horsepower of 3.0+, as well as a heavy-duty frame. 

The T50, TF50, and TF75 treadmills, for example, feature a welded steel frame for maximum stability for workouts and users of all kinds. 

As previously mentioned, Matrix treadmills also feature a deck cushioning system called variable response technology. This cushioning system provides less bounce with each stride, a more comfortable landing for your feet, and a harder surface near the back allowing you to push off effectively with each step. 

Spirit XT685 Non-Folding Treadmill

The XT685 from Spirit is another treadmill we recommend for running. 

This treadmill features a large treadmill belt that is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, leaving more room for error, which is more ideal for runners with longer strides. 

Similar to the Matrix treadmills, the SpiritXT685 also features a cushioning system to help provide more comfort and less bounce with each stride. Additionally, the Matrix treadmill features a waxed-deck system that is designed to stand up to the impact of continuous running. 

As for the motor, the XT685 features a 4.0 HP DC motor, which should hold up to the requirements for serious runners. 

Horizon 7.8AT Folding Treadmill

We also recommend the Horizon 7.8AT Folding Treadmill as a viable option for runners. In fact, the 7.8AT was rated as one of the best treadmills in 2019 according to Runner’s World Magazine. 

The motor featured in the Horizon 7.8AT is a powerful 4.0 continuous HP motor and the belt is a large belt measuring a length of 60 inches and a width of 22 inches. 

Further, this treadmill features a rugged frame with a 3-zone cushioned deck. hat may be even more enticing is that this treadmill has a lifetime warranty on the motor and the frame. With this, you can rest a little easier if your treadmill is subject to avid running. 

Sole F85 Folding Treadmill

Lastly, the F85 treadmill from Sole is Sole’s top model in their folding treadmill series. This treadmill features a cushion flex shock absorption deck to provide an experience that is healthier on your joints with each stride.

The Sole F85 also features a very large belt, similar to the previous treadmills we have mentioned, measuring 60 inches long and 22 inches wide. This is an ideal commercial length belt for runners of all sizes. 

This treadmill also features a 4.0 continuous HP motor and a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck.

Recommended Treadmills for Joggers

Alternatively, here are some of our mid-level treadmills that we recommend for jogging:

Spirit XT285 Folding Treadmill

When it comes to Spirit treadmills, we recommend  the folding model for jogging. More specifically, the Spirit XT285 Folding Treadmill is a quality choice. 

This treadmill features a stable and durable enough frame for jogging and casual use. The motor itself is a 3.0 continuous HP motor. Moreover, there are 6 layers of cushions underneath the belt for a more comfortable experience which is also easier on your joints than a deck with no cushioning. 

The Spirit XT285 could be an option for runners, but it is more ideal for jogging if it is used regularly (3-5 times a week) due to the bounce it may create. 

Sole F65 Folding Treadmill

In comparison to the F85 model, the F65 treadmill from Sole is ideal for joggers.

This model has a belt of the size measuring 60 inches in length and a width of 22 inches, leaving minimal room for error. 

However, the motor in the F65 runs at 3.25 continuous HP, which is still good for joggers.

The deck, however, does not feature the same cushioning system that the F85 model has, making this treadmill more suited for serious joggers and walkers. You can use this treadmill for running, but it will be harder on your joints than the F85 would be.  

Reach Out to Akfit

At Akfit, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect treadmill that will help you reach your fitness goals, whether it be jogging or running. 

We hope that our article has given you a brief overview of what to look for when treadmill shopping, however, these aren’t the only treadmills we sell at Akfit. 

As you shop for a treadmill, take a look at Akfit’s Official Treadmill Buyers Guide.

We highly recommend contacting us with any questions you have regarding our extensive treadmill selection. You can also visit us in-store at our Sudbury location, or book a virtual meeting with our fitness experts. 

Our fitness professionals will work closely with you and provide expert advice to help you find the perfect treadmill for you. 

If you have already decided on the treadmill that is best for you, we are happy to let you know that we offer delivery and installation services for your equipment. Just simply submit a request for delivery. 

Our services don’t stop there either! At Akfit, we also offer preventative maintenance and servicing on your fitness equipment. Check out our article on our equipment servicing and what to do if your fitness equipment breaks down.