Buying a treadmill as an overweight runner is a bit like internet dating – lots of option, lots of glamour, but will the bit of kit actually stand by you when you need it? The truth is, not all treadmills are built to carry weights in excess of 120 kg (265 lbs / 18.9 st). Many of the cheaper ones creak, sag, or give up on you the moment you step on, which is neither fun nor confidence-building.
Up to 150kg Weight
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 7 best treadmills for heavy people – all under £1500. For this guide, we’re defining “heavy” as up to 150 kg (330 lbs / 23.6 st). If you’re looking for machines that go beyond that weight capacity, let us know in the comments, but for now, this is a safe, sturdy, well-priced shortlist that ticks the boxes for most plus-size and heavier users.
No Overspending
We don't enjoy pressuring people into overspending, and let's be real - £1500 is already a reasonable amount of money. That's why all of the treadmills featured here are from reliable brands with solid motors, strong guarantees, and sufficient build quality to last longer than January motivation. They all fold away to that handy place, sturdy enough for actual use, cushioned for comfort, and tough enough to carry the load without giving your credit card cardiac arrest.
So, put on those trainers, stretch out hamstrings, and let's get on with our top 7 treadmills for overweight users under £1500. First, a brief little one from Horizon that's built to keep pace with streaming exercise
Best Treadmills for Heavy or Obese People (under £1.5k)
1, Horizon Fitness 7.0 AT Folding Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT price of £1450 is the kind of treadmill that seems tailor-made for the Netflix generation of exercise. Why? Because it's designed to hook up seamlessly with your favourite apps – Zwift, Kinomap, or Horizon's own @Zone – so you can stream workouts, take virtual classes, or just stroll along to a rather lovely mountain view without ever having to leave the confines of your living room.
Its RapidSync drive system is the real showstopper, reacting quickly to speed or incline changes – perfect when you're in a HIIT workout where the instructor shouts, "Sprint!" on a whim. With its top speed of 20 kph and 15% incline, it has enough space for walkers and runners. QuickDial controls make it easy to make adjustments so you won't be tinkering with buttons as you walk.
Build quality is also strong. The 3 HP continuous motor offers smooth power, and the treadmill can support users weighing up to 150 kg (23 st 9 lb). Cushioning is built in to absorb every step and protection is provided with an auto-stop facility. The running deck offers room for confident strides, and when the activity has been finished, the soft-folding facility saves room without the need for a team of engineers.
With its durable performance, streaming ability, and sturdy frame, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for heavy users who want to integrate today's technology with a firm running foundation.
2, Adidas T-23 Treadmill
The £1200 Adidas T-23 is proof enough that the three stripes look just as sharp on treadmills as they do on trainers – and that they're just as capable of building a no-nonsense treadmill. As soon as you unbox it, it flexes with a 4.5 HP brushless motor, which is more horses than any home user is ever going to need. Translation: it's silky smooth, ridiculously powerful, and will happily take you along at a speed of up to 20 kph without making you sound like a jet plane.
The 52 cm x 150 cm running deck is wide, perfect for longer strides and larger users (again, up to 150 kg weight capacity). Adidas adds its NRG cushioning system under your feet, damping the impact blow and giving a bit of R&R to your joints as you accumulate the miles.
Feature-wise, the T-23 is not shy. There are 15 power incline levels, 31 programmes (fat burn through interval training), and a sleek LED console that tracks from speed to calories burned. Smooth touches are the tablet holder that rotates and surround sound Bluetooth speakers, whether you're streaming exercise via Kinomap and Zwift or merely watching cat videos when you jog.
It folds, wheels around effortlessly, and comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty. For those who want a treadmill as powerful as it is smart, the Adidas T-23 delivers power, space, and comfort in a stylish package – all without exceeding the £1500 budget.
3, Nordic Track T Series 10 Folding Treadmill
If treadmills were renowned, the NordicTrack T Series 10 (priced around £1300) would be that smug gym bunny who sports the new smartwatch, the dearest leggings, and is always conscious of how many macros they've got down before 10 am. But give it credit where credit's due, this treadmill has the credentials to back it up.
First off, the 10-inch HD touchscreen feels like having a personal trainer living inside your console (without the awkward eye contact). Paired with the iFit membership (subscription sold separately), you’re suddenly running through the Alps, sweating on a Hawaiian beach, or doing interval sprints while pretending you’re late for a flight.
The treadmill itself is a 3.0 HP continuous drive – more than sufficiently powerful for the walker, jogger, and sprinter. But the crowning glory? The 25% incline. That's correct, if you have a desire to climb Everest without ever venturing from your living room, this treadmill says, "No problem." With a top speed of 20 kph and a large 150 x 50 cm deck, it's built for heavier runners (up to 150 kg) who don't like to feel claustrophobic.
Yes, at £1300 it's nearly at the very end of our budget, but should you want a feature-laden, interactive treadmill that'll have you hooked on your routine, the NordicTrack T Series 10 is like Netflix for fitness – binge-able and quite addictive.
4, Reebok FR30z Treadmill
Ah, Reebok. Former kings of 90s aerobic class, but now back in the mix with treadmills that essentially float. Alright, all right, not literally, but their Floatride+ cushioning system is as close to it as possible. Imagine running on marshmallows – without the stickiness and sugar high.
The FR30z (approximately £1000) boasts a 4.0 HP eco-Kinetic engine, so it's powerful but economical, and will propel you all the way up to 20 kph without so much as breaking a sweat (notwithstanding you, naturally). The 15 levels of incline also provide more variability for those who require something more than straightforward, dull jogging.
The platform is 150 x 51 cm, large enough to fit taller runners or those who need a little extra room for comfort and security. And yes, it supports up to 150 kg, so plus-size runners need not fear. Bonus: Bluetooth connectivity enables you to pair with apps such as Zwift or Kinomap, turning your treadmill workout into an immersive experience in other digital worlds.
Priced at around £1000, it's a solid mid-range model that certainly doesn't let you down in terms of comfort, performance, and construction. Not the prettiest on this list, but definitely one of the most reliable – like that friend who always shows up when you need them (and sometimes with snacks).
5, Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro Treadmill
If the Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro was a man, it would be the gym bench presser and the bloke is all muscly, but is doing your bodyweight. for warm-up. This treadmill does not mess around and is about £1000. Its motor is 6.5 HP (yes, you did read that) and it can propel you at 23 kph. You will probably never require that, unless you are reborn Usain Bolt, but hey – bragging rights.
The running deck is huge at 140 x 48 cm, giving heavy users a wide, safe space to really stretch out their stride. And unlike many treadmills that top out at 150 kg, this bad boy is certified up to 160 kg. So if you’re in the very heavy category, or just want a sturdier build, the Branx is your friend.
It comes with 22 inclines, so you're able to mimic anything from gentle slopes to the kind of hills that make your thighs scream for mercy. The treadmill also comes with Bluetooth compatibility for Zwift, Kinomap, and FitShow, as well as speakers, tablet rest, and rapid controls integrated into it. In essence, it's powerful, smart, and well-equipped.
At £1000, it’s arguably one of the best value-for-money heavy-duty treadmills out there. The only downside? It’s a bit of a tank – so make sure you’ve got the floor space and maybe a friend or two to help move it around. Otherwise, this machine is practically bulletproof.
6, ProForm Carbon TLX Treadmill
The ProForm Carbon TLX is the kind of treadmill that leaves you half expecting to find yourself walking into some kind of hi-tech training facility, before you remember… nope, you're just in your living room. And that's the magic of this machine.
It's got a 3.0 CHP motor and 20 km/h range, which is more than enough horse power to keep even the biggest runners on their toes. The 152 x 51 cm platform is also extremely roomy, so you'll never feel like you're running on a tightrope after every sprint. And with ProShox shock absorption, your joints will thank you after a long session, it takes the burn out of repetitive impact without leaving you jumping around like on a trampoline.
The 12% incline isn’t the steepest in our roundup, but it’s enough to torch calories and prep your legs for those brutal hill runs. And since it’s powered by iFit, you’ll get access to thousands of interactive workouts that adapt to your fitness level. Don’t want to use iFit? No problem, the TLX still lets you track your runs, use third-party apps like Strava or Garmin, and even charge your phone with the handy USB-C port during hot and sweaty workouts.
It costs £1300, which isn't cheap, but it packs ruggedness, clever features, and support for heavier runners (up to 150 kg) into its package. Think of it as the reliable hybrid: half fancy gadget, half workman-like workhorse.
7, Reebok Z-Tech DC Treadmill
The Reebok Z-Tech DC is the surprise underdog on this list. While some treadmills flex their six-pack abs and shout about their fancy incline stats, the Z-Tech quietly rolls up with a 4 HP DC motor, a roomy 154 x 55 cm deck, and says, “Hop on, I’ve got you.”
Supporting users up to 150 kg, it doesn’t skimp on build quality despite being the most affordable of the bunch at under £1000. With 18 incline levels and a 20 km/h top speed, it covers everything from a casual walk to a full-blown sprint session. Add in 36 pre-set programmes, and you’ve basically got a coach living inside your console, minus the shouting and overpriced protein shakes.
Reebok's Energy Transfer Cushioning system is also given a nod. Instead of merely deadening the impact, it actually pushes your stride ahead, and running is smoother, less knee-brutal. Don't worry about getting bored: the Z-Tech is compatible with Zwift, Kinomap, and the Reebok Console App, so you can gamify your workout or pretend to be running in Paris instead of staring at your wallpaper.
At a mere £900, it's the epitome of bang-for-your-buck. Okay, it lacks the cachet of NordicTrack or ProForm, but as a heavier runner in search of a tough, durable treadmill without breaking past a grand, the Z-Tech is your dark horse champion.
Comparison Table – Treadmills for Heavy People
| Treadmill | Price Guide | Max Speed | Motor Power | Max User Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Fitness 7.0 | ~ £1,450 | 20 km/h | 3.0 HP | 150 kg |
| Adidas T-23 | ~ £1,200 | 20 km/h | 4.5 HP | 150 kg |
| NordicTrack T Series 10 | ~ £1,300 | 20 km/h | 3.0 HP | 150 kg |
| Reebok FR30z | ~ £1,000 | 20 km/h | 4.0 HP | 150 kg |
| Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro | ~ £1,000 | 21 km/h | 6.5 HP | 160 kg |
| ProForm Carbon TLX | ~ £1,300 | 20 km/h | 3.0 HP | 150 kg |
| Reebok Z-Tech DC | ~ £900 | 20 km/h | 4.0 HP | 150 kg |
Final Verdict – Best Treadmills for Heavy People Under £1500
If you've got this far, well done, you clearly have an interest in your fitness (and your joints). The plus is that you don't need to remortgage the house to buy a treadmill suitable for heavier users. All of the treadmills listed here are rated for at least 150 kg / 330 lbs, the Branx Fitness Elite Runner Pro stretching up to 160 kg. That's good design, not hyperbole.
Budget Cap
By setting the budget cap at £1500, we’ve deliberately avoided the “eye-watering price tags” that some commercial-grade machines flaunt. For beginners and seasoned walkers/runners alike, that’s more than enough to secure a treadmill from reputable brands like Reebok, Adidas, ProForm, Horizon, and NordicTrack, names that actually put some thought into motor strength, deck stability, and cushioning systems.
Patterns
Across the seven treadmills, a few patterns emerged…
- Strong Motors & Speeds – They all top out at 20 km/h, with motors between 3.0–4.5 HP (and Branx flaunting a 6.5 HP monster).
- Generous Running Decks – All offer ample space, with lengths of around 150 cm, so no shuffle-space deficits during the run.
- Solid Warranty & Support – Solid brands typically back their machines with a minimum 2 years parts/labour, an overlooked but important factor.
- Smart Features – Bluetooth, app compatibility, incline training, and interactive workouts are standard and not a pricey add-on.
So, which one do you purchase? That's your vibe. Do you desire a connected, app-based experience? Look at NordicTrack, ProForm, or Adidas. Do you desire a straight-up beast? Branx Fitness is your dude. Do you desire a balance of cushioning, incline, and sleek folding? Reebok and Horizon fit that bill.
Final Word
Bottom line - under £1500 is where heavier users will find the best. You get durability, safety, and comfort for not paying daft money. Anything under £800 will typically compromise on motor power or weight limit, and anything above £1500 has no place in front rooms, only gyms.
If you've used any of these treadmills (or if you've found a hidden gem we missed), share your experience in the comments. Let's help other readers choose a machine that won't buckle, wobble, or sound like a jet engine after three jogs.
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