Discover 3 Factors Which Affect The Average Weight Of A Treadmill

Treadmills are a hugely popular piece of gym equipment that allows a user to walk, jog or sprint on varying degrees of incline. Depending on the model you use, some even offer advanced features such as screens that show virtual trails for you to enjoy whilst you exercise.

As the popularity of treadmills continues to rise so to do the number of models launched into the marketplace. These vary in terms of functionality, shape, size, cost and weight.

When it comes to the weight of a treadmill you may be wondering why it even matters. Well, in truth, if you’re a regular at your local gym it probably doesn’t.

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However, perhaps your setting up a home gym and you need to know the weight to be sure you can easily manoeuvre it into place. Or, more importantly, your home gym is going to be located on a second floor where you would most certainly need to ascertain the weight to be sure it doesn’t cause structural damage.

In this article we take a look at the average treadmill weight of some popular commercial treadmills. Before that, let’s look at some of the different types of treadmills available.

Types of Treadmills and Their Average Weight

Manual Treadmill

A manual treadmill is a treadmill that does not have an electric motor, meaning they do not require a power supply. Instead, the treadmill deck is powered by the person using it. Because of this, you recruit more muscle making it for better muscle hypertrophy. As you remain in complete control throughout your workout and you push the running surface with your feet, this better mimics running or walking outdoors.

There are different types of a manual treadmills with some being suited for home gyms and others being better for commercial use. This means that the costs do vary quite a bit and you should expect to pay more for a commercial grade treadmill. It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for a curved treadmill, these all tend to have manual belts.

When it comes to the weight, this can also vary quite considerably. The lower-end treadmills, in terms of cost, tend to be very lightweight starting from as little as 45lb (20kg) with curve treadmills weighing more in the region of 275lbs (125kg) to 330lb (150kg).

The lower cost and weight of the more basic treadmills tend to make these a popular option for home gyms. However, it’s important to consider the weight limit of a treadmill. This is because the very lightweight options tend to be capped at around 220lbs (100kg). So, if your bodyweight exceeds this it may not be a good option for you.

Benefits of a Manual Treadmill

• Many different options from curved to foldable treadmills.
• Better for the environment.
• Recruit more muscle.
• Similar to running outdoors.
• Low maintenance.
• Burn more calories.
• Quieter when compared to motorized treadmills.

Motorized Treadmills

A motorized treadmill is a type of treadmill that features a running deck that is powered by electricity which provides continuous horsepower. Generally, motorized treadmills have additional features when compared to manual alternatives. These include adjustable speed and incline options, allowing users to control their workout intensity.

They also tend to offer consoles, some being touch screen, that showcase information such as speed, energy expenditure, heart rate and distance ran or walked. Different programs are incorporated allowing the user to perform HIIT or hill walking and, depending on the fitness goals, even programs dedicated to fat burning or improving cardiovascular strength.

The treadmill motor can differ in terms of its power output. Generally, a more powerful motor equates to it being larger, this is turn impacts the size of the machine meaning it will take up more floor space. Aside from that, it also allows for high speeds with some ranging from 19kph (12mph) to 25kph (16mph).

When it comes to the weight, motorized treadmills range in weight from 220lbs (100kg) to 350lbs (158kg). This weight range is due to the materials used to construct the treadmill and, of course, the weight of the motor itself. Heavy-duty treadmills will often weigh more and tend to commonplace is most commercial gyms.

The motor housed within a treadmill does make them more expensive to purchase and higher maintenance when compared to manual alternatives.

Benefits of a Motorized Treadmill

• Adjustable incline setting.
• High weight capacity when compared to manual versions.
• Allow for higher speeds.
• Low impact making it suitable for most people.

Hybrid Treadmill

A hybrid treadmill is a more innovative design, but the very definition can take on different meanings. One version of a hybrid treadmill is a combination of both a traditional treadmill and an elliptical machine. This dual-purpose treadmill provides a more comprehensive workout experience for the user and can be a good choice for those with limited space who’d like more variety with their cardio workouts.

However, there are other variations of what is termed a hybrid treadmill, all of which offer dual functionality. Such examples include a combined treadmill and climber/stepper and even treadmills which feature options that allow for a strength-based workout.

Because of these differences, the weight of a hybrid treadmill can vary quite a bit depending on what it offers and its build quality. Typically, a hybrid treadmill is a heavy treadmill. They tend to average out between 553lbs (220kg) right up to 719lbs (326kg).

With a hybrid treadmill, you can use it to improve your endurance, speed, and agility. The machine also offers a low-impact option, making it suitable for those who have joint issues or are just starting a fitness routine. They are also great for home use especially when space can be limited.

Benefits of a Hybrid Treadmill

• Dual purpose.
• Some options allow for a better all over workouts.
• Tend to offer features such as entertainment systems.

Medical Treadmills

Medical treadmills, sometimes called rehabilitation treadmills, are specialized equipment used to conduct specific tests on patients. These tests are typically used to evaluate a patient’s heart and lung function and are often used to diagnose and treat conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Medical treadmills are distinct from regular treadmills as they are operated digitally and can provide more accurate data about a patient’s exercise performance. You’ll find medical treadmills in places such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics with the design tending to focus on ergonomics.

They usually feature a wider running belt and an adjustable slope with handrails. They are often equipped with an auto speed function which means that speed will automatically adjust without the need of intervention from the user by way of pressing buttons.

In terms of how much a medical treadmill weighs, they are usually around 350lbs (159kg), so around the same weight as a commercial grade motorised treadmill. Due to their functional elements they tend to be much larger than both manual and electric treadmills.

Benefits of a Medical Treadmill

• Better suited to medical practices compared to standard treadmills.
• Usually feature a low-level platform for easy access.
• More safety features.
• Tend to have lower start up speeds.

What Factors Affect The Average Weight Of A Treadmill?

Motors

The motor of a treadmill has a significant effect on the average weight of the treadmill. Generally, higher horsepower motors will result in a heavier treadmill. They are usually designed to withstand the rigors of running and sprinting, which can cause the frame to vibrate. For example, a 3.0 CHP motor is typically much heavier than a 1.5 CHP motor.

This is because of the additional power and robust construction. The treadmill’s overall weight will also include the engine’s weight. The machine as a whole will weigh more with a heavier motor.

Features

Generally, the more features and capabilities a treadmill has, the heavier it will be. Incline capabilities are one feature that can affect a treadmill’s average weight.

Incline capabilities allow users to add extra difficulty to their workouts by changing the treadmill’s incline degree. This requires equipment and motor power, which can make the treadmill heavier. The excess weight varies depending on the type of incline option the treadmill has. For example, a treadmill with a manual incline option will be lighter than an automatic one. Essentially, more engineering equates to more parts of the machine which in turns leads to an overall heavier treadmill.

Size

Treadmills come in a wide range of sizes, from compact foldaway models through to full-sized commercial grade units with many features, and the size of the treadmill can have a big impact on its weight.

Below we have listed the top 18 treadmills and the weights of each to give you a representation of the average weight of a treadmill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Treadmills are an excellent option for cardiovascular training as they facilitate the development of stamina, the strengthening of muscle tissue, and the burning of extra calories.

With the many options available, before investing in a treadmill, make sure you know where you plan on positioning it and what your workout goals are as this will depend on the features you may require.