RUNNING is a great form of exercise that will get you fit in no time at all.
However, if you run in the UK, you might have to face jogging in all sorts of conditions, including rain, wind and snow, which is where one of the best cheap treadmills can come in handy.
If you’ve ever been to a gym, you will have seen row upon row of treadmills.
The machine simulates walking and running thanks to a rotating belt that mimics the road, which allows you to move while staying stationary.
Although treadmills in most gyms can cost thousands of pounds, it is possible to get something similar to use at home for a fraction of the cost.
Most budget treadmills are suitable for all but the fastest runners, with many reaching speeds of 20km/h.
They also generally have features such as incline, which simulates going uphill.
Having a treadmill doesn't always mean turning your living room into a home gym either. Many smaller models can be folded neatly away in a cupboard or under your bed.
But what is the best cheap treadmill for you and your needs? Read on to find out our top picks, all for under £600.
Where can I buy a cheap treadmill?
Over the past 18 months the demand for treadmills has sky-rocketed.
As a result, stock fluctuations are frequent, but there are a handful of retailers you can rely on to have a decent selection of treadmills. These include:
- Amazon
- Argos
- JTX Fitness
- Sports Direct
1. Opti Non-Motorised Folding Treadmill
- Opti Non-Motorised Folding Treadmill, £129.99 from Argos – buy here
At the most affordable end of the market, you can find this incredibly priced treadmill from Opti.
The catch? It's not motorised; you'll have to power it yourself with your legs as you walk or run.
It's fixed at an angle of 6%, so it's a tough workout whether you're walking or jogging.
And it folds away if you want to save space once your workout is over.
If you want to dip your toe into the treadmill market, this is an excellent way to go.
2. Opti Folding Treadmill
- Opti Folding Treadmill, £349.99 from Argos – buy here
You don't have to break the bank to get your hands on a motorised treadmill.
Another model from affordable brand Opti, this treadmill will reach 12kph; a decent jogging pace, and can adjust to angles of 2.8%, 5%, 6.5%.
It's also got 10 built-in workout programmes and a pulse monitor in the handles.
It'll fold away once you're done to save space too.
3. Reebok Astroride A2.0 Treadmill
- Reebok Astroride A2.0 Treadmill, £499.99 from Sports Direct – buy here
This Reebok treadmill will push you to 13kph and sells itself on its springy, cushioned treadmill technology, which makes for a smoother run that's more forgiving on your joints.
It has 36 preset programmes, a body fat and fitness test and two manual incline levels.
It has integrated hand pulse sensors and an LED display that gives you detailed feedback on your training.
4. Reebok GT40 S Treadmill
- Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, £599.99 from Sports Direct – buy here
With a max speed set at a lung-busting 16kph, this treadmill will challenge the keenest of runners.
Powered by a solid 2.0 horse power (hp) motor, this model has 36 user programmes, 12 incline settings and a maximum user weight of 110kg.
Like many other treadmills, it also has pulse monitors in the handles so you can see how hard you're working, and despite its impressive performance, it will also still fold away once you're done, although it has a slightly bulkier fold, so isn't ideal for small spaces.
Extra details like cup holders, two storage trays, a five inch LCD display, MP3 input and built-in speakers give this Reebok treadmill a high-end vibe.
5. Domyos Compact Treadmill Walk 500
- Domyos Compact Treadmill Walk 500, £299.99 from Decathlon – buy here
If you're looking for a simple, petite treadmill to help you enjoy walking at home, this Domyos model may be just the ticket.
The average walking speed for most people is around 5 to 6kph, and with a maximum speed of 8kph, this isn't for a marathon runner, but it can offer you a fast walk or very light jog.
Its also super sleek and slimline with folded dimensions (L130 x W67 x H17cm) that make it easy to tuck away in a cupboard or under the bed.
It has a basic digital screen that helps you keep track of your time, distance, calories, speed, and steps.
6. Domyos Comfort Treadmill
- Domyos Comfrot Treadmill T520B, £449.99 from Decathlon – buy here
For a treadmill that'll provide you with a decent challenge that's priced competitively, this model from Domyos is a winner.
Its top speed is 13kph, which is more than enough for ambitious beginners, plus it has 10 preset programmes – five for health and five for calorie targets.
The backlit LCD screen display shows all the essential stats for your exercise.
7. Dripex 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
- Dripex 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, £399.99 from Amazon – buy here
Its slimline folding frame, built-in Bluetooth speaker and powerful motor make this treadmill a serious box-ticker for anyone looking to get in shape and sharpen their running skills.
It has two modes depending on your fitness needs: when it's upright and unfolded it's in 'running mode' with a top speed of 12kph, and when the upright section is folded down it's in 'walking mode' with a maximum speed of 4kph.
Its powerful motor is quieter than your average and while it doesn't have any incline options, it's top speed of 12kph is enough to blast even the hardiest of calves and thighs into submission.
It has a remote control, phone holder and dual display – all handy additions that defy it's great value price tag.
How much is a treadmill?
You can get a self-powered treadmill (that you drive with your legs) for under £100.
A low powered treadmill that's suitable for medium level jogging will set you back at least £200.
If you want a treadmill that will go up to 20kph and has a few features, such as pre-programmed workouts, you're looking at spending at least £500.
Can treadmills help you lose weight?
We're no doctors here, so if you're looking for weight loss advice, it's worth checking out the NHS's website.
That said, as a rule of thumb, running (and even walking quickly) burns a lot of calories very quickly.
Runner's World reckon you'll burn around 100 calories per mile run, so if you manage five miles (about 8km) you'll have knocked 500 calories off your waistline.
That's two Mars bars!
Looking for more health and fitness recommendations? We've got a dedicated section just for that.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best cheap treadmills? If you're planning to start training this year, check out our selection of the best gym leggings. available on the market.
Need a good-quality sports bra to aid you on your running journey? See our pick of the best.
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