Working out at home has become more popular than ever. The convenience of squeezing in a workout without leaving the house is hard to beat. But creating the motivation needed to push yourself during solo workouts can be challenging. That’s where a Peloton treadmill can take your home fitness to the next level.
Peloton has become one of the most popular home workout systems due to its immersive, studio-style classes streamed right to your equipment. Combining the motivating guidance of real instructors with the performance tracking of a full-featured treadmill has made Peloton a top choice for home cardio training.
In this post, we’ll cover the key benefits of a Peloton treadmill system, what features are important in a Peloton-ready model, and provide details on some of the best Peloton treadmills to power your workouts. We’ll also answer common questions about choosing and using these interactive treadmills. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Exercising with a Peloton Treadmill
What makes Peloton treadmills so popular for home workouts? Here are some of the top benefits these interactive machines provide:
Immersive Classes
The streamed classes are the real star of the show. Peloton’s trainers give clear direction and encouragement that makes you feel like part of a live studio class. It’s much more engaging than just listening to music or watching TV while you run solo.
Convenience
You can take a class anytime without having to drive to a gym or studio. Just walk downstairs to your home treadmill and choose a class fitting your schedule and preferences. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.
Detailed Metrics Tracking
The treadmill monitors your performance stats in real-time, and you can track progress over time. Metrics like speed, incline, distance, pace, heart rate, and calories help optimize workouts.
Huge Variety
With a seemingly endless library of class lengths, intensities, trainer styles, music genres, and scenic runs, you’ll never get bored. You can find the perfect class to fit your ever-changing needs.
Motivation
Whether it’s the trainer’s encouragement, trying to set a new personal record, or competing on the performance leaderboard, Peloton classes push you harder than solo workouts. The motivation gets results.
Low Impact Option
For those short on space, you can use Peloton’s app to stream classes on your phone/tablet while using any treadmill brand. You don’t necessarily need their equipment.
Combine these perks with the convenience of working out at home, and it’s easy to see the appeal of the Peloton treadmill experience. Now let’s look at how to choose the right Peloton-ready model for your needs.
Key Features to Look For in a Peloton Treadmill
Peloton offers premium treadmill models seamlessly integrated with their workout platform. But you can also use any treadmill that comes with certain key features to get the most out of Peloton’s streaming classes:
Integrated Touchscreen
Having a large HD touchscreen mounted on the treadmill is ideal. This lets you easily view classes and your performance metrics in real-time without relying on a separate tablet or phone.
Cushioned Deck
Look for ample cushioning built into the treadmill deck. This provides essential shock absorption to reduce stress on your joints during long runs.
Powerful Motor
A motor with at least 2.5 HP will give you the needed speed and incline capabilities for intense interval training or hilly trail runs.
Spacious Running Surface
Aim for a belt width of at least 20″ and length of 55″ or greater to accommodate running, walking, or sprints comfortably.
Advanced Running Belt
The belt material should provide plenty of traction and use a multi-ply, durable construction to withstand miles of use.
Shock Absorption
Supplementary shocks in the handlebars or side rails help cushion impact for less jarring on knees and joints.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Look for handles with built-in heart rate sensors or Bluetooth connectivity to wireless chest straps to monitor workout intensity.
Portability
Having transport wheels makes it easy to move the treadmill around your home if needed. Folding models can save space when stored.
Audio System
Quality speakers immerse you fully into the music and trainer’s directions during fast-paced bootcamp classes.
Accounting for these features will ensure your treadmill provides the best experience for Peloton’s high-energy classes. Next let’s look at some top Peloton treadmill options.
The Best Peloton Treadmills Models
Here are three great Peloton treadmill models to consider:
Peloton Tread
This is Peloton’s premium integrated treadmill offering a massive 24” HD touchscreen and wide running surface. An impressively powerful motor, integrated floor shocks, and 60-day risk free trial make this a top choice.
Key Features:
- 24” HD touchscreen
- 59” long x 22” wide belt
- 3HP motor
- Integrated shock absorption
- 0-12.5% incline range
Pros:
- Immersive big screen display
- Cushioned shock absorption
- Powerful performance
- Large running space
Cons:
- Expensive $2,845 price
- Weighs 455 lbs
Peloton Tread+
The Tread+ is Peloton’s high-end model with a slat belt design for more cushioning. The 23.8” screen, wireless Bluetooth heart rate monitor, and powerful sound system provide an extra immersive experience.
Key Features:
- 23.8” HD touchscreen
- 59” long x 20” wide slat belt
- 2.4HP motor
- Bluetooth heart rate monitoring
- Powerful 40W sound system
Pros:
- Slat belt cushioning
- Heart rate tracking included
- Crisp audio quality
- Spacious running area
Cons:
- Extremely heavy at 485 lbs
- Steep $4,295 price tag
Peloton Guide
Prefer to use your existing treadmill? The Guide simply adds Peloton’s 32” HD touchscreen to provide the full class experience. Use with any brand treadmill.
Key Features:
- 32” HD touchscreen
- Mounts onto most treadmills
- Integrated stereo speakers
- Front-facing camera for form feedback
- Works with iOS and Android
Pros:
- Most affordable Peloton option
- Works with any treadmill brand
- Large HD touchscreen display
- Camera feedback helpful for form
Cons:
- Existing treadmill required
- No performance tracking
- Smaller screen than Tread models
Any of these Peloton treadmill options will take your home cardio to the next level by combining interactive, motivating classes with high performance running.
FAQs About Peloton Treadmills
Do I need a Peloton treadmill to take Peloton classes?
No, you can take their classes using the Peloton app on any phone, tablet, smart TV or with the Peloton Guide attached to your existing treadmill. But an integrated Peloton treadmill optimizes the experience.
How much space should I have available for a Peloton treadmill?
Plan on having at least 6 feet wide by 9 feet long available space for comfortable clearance around a Peloton treadmill. The equipment itself has a smaller footprint but you’ll want space to safely mount, run, and dismount.
Can I easily move the Peloton around my house?
The standard Peloton Tread has front mounted wheels making it possible to roll to different locations. The heavier Tread+ does not have wheels and would be difficult to relocate often.
What devices can I use to stream Peloton classes?
You can use the Peloton app on any iOS or Android mobile device. Or cast/Airplay classes from your phone to a smart TV or other compatible screen. Using a tablet or TV frees you from having to hold your phone during workouts.
How do Peloton treadmills compare to other commercial models?
Peloton treadmills offer similar performance and features to other commercial-grade models from NordicTrack, ProForm, Sole and others. Peloton stands out by seamlessly integrating the interactive workout platform.
Conclusion
Peloton has become a top choice for home cardio workouts by combining motivating, studio-style classes with fully-featured treadmills. The immersive experience keeps your training focused and challenging.
If considering a Peloton treadmill, be sure to evaluate the workout surface, cushioning, motor power, shock absorption, and integrated technology that suits your training needs. Models like the Peloton Tread and Tread+ optimize the experience with their large HD screens and full performance tracking.
Or those with an existing quality treadmill can simply add Peloton’s streaming classes through their app or the standalone Guide touchscreen. However you choose to access it, Peloton delivers engaging home cardio workouts that get results. So step up your home treadmill training today by tapping into Peloton’s on-demand fitness platform.