Meet the winning budget treadmill and the other four finalists. Budget treadmills give a good walking workout for $1500 or less. Treadmills in this price range vary from very basic motorized treadmills to models with a wider array of features. We took nominations and then a vote from our readers. If you agree or disagree, come rate and review your treadmill.
1. Winner: LifeSpan TR3000i Treadmill
© Lifespan
The LifeSpan TR3000i is the winner of the 2011 About.com Walking Readers' Choice Awards. For walkers, it has a step count display and exercise programs that include heart rate control workouts. LifeSpan brings its treadmills into the modern era with a USB port to use to save your workout data so you can upload it to your private health management account. And you can plug your iPod or other MP3 player into its high quality speakers. If you need a lower price point, the TR1200i was also nominated.
2. Spirit XT185 Treadmill
The Spirit XT185 is a folding treadmill with a soft-drop feature. It has a 2.5 HP motor. It comes with one manual program and five pre-set programs.
3. Bowflex Treadclimber TC1000
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
The Bowflex Treadclimber is a different breed, with many of the low-impact benefits of an elliptical trainer with the great workout of a stair stepper and the ease of use of a treadmill. Rather than a moving belt, each foot has a long track it pushes on. You can get a great workout at a lower speed.
4. NordicTrack A2350 Pro
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
For under $1000, this treadmill is designed for walkers with a weight loss goal. It has a powerful 2.8 HP motor, a weight limit up to 325 pounds, and a wide 20" deck. It has 10 built-in weight loss workouts and is iFit Live compatible, so you can enjoy popular workouts such as those from Jillian Michaels. You can use Google Maps to do a simulated walking course anywhere in the world. It has a built-in iPod dock with two speakers.
5. ProForm 570 Crosswalk Treadmill
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
ProForm has several models of very low priced treadmills. The ProForm 570 has a 2.8 HP motor with a 25 year motor warranty. It comes with three built-in interactive CrossWalk workouts and 12 personal trainer workouts. It has grip pulse monitors for checking your heart rate.
