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There’s no better time to start than now. While that line may sound cliche, it also happens to be true. For big and heavy people, choosing the right treadmill can be difficult. Unlike lighter people, heavy people need to be extra careful when checking the weight capacity of a treadmill. For this reason, the best treadmills with 400 lb weight capacity are the right choice.

Having said that, there’s nothing to be ashamed about. The fact that you’re here right now is a big step in the right direction. In most cases, big guys and girls want to choose a good high-capacity walking treadmill that allows them to work their way up. As you progress, you’ll be able to break into a light jog. And the best part is that as you lose weight, you’ll never need to replace your treadmill.

The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the best treadmills with the highest weight capacities. The models in this guide will allow you to start slowly at your own pace and exercise in comfort.

Top 5 Treadmills for Heavy People

Product Description
#1) 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill
  • Motor: 4.0 HP
  • Running Belt Dimensions: 22″ W x 62″ L
  • Speed: .5 – 12 mph
  • Max User Weight: 400 lbs
  • Dimensions: 84″ x 35.5″ x 58″ (LxWxH)
  • Weight: 366 lbs
  • Warranty: Lifetime Motor & Frame, 10-Year Parts
#2) Bowflex T22
  • Motor: 4.0 HP
  • Running Belt Dimensions: 22″ W x 60″ L
  • Speed: 0 – 12 mph
  • Max User Weight: 400 lbs
  • Dimensions: 85″ x 39.6″ x 70″ (LxWxH)
  • Weight: 336 lbs
  • Warranty: 15-Year Motor & Frame, 5-Year Parts
#3) Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill
  • Motor: 4.0 HP
  • Running Belt Dimensions: 22″ W x 60″ L
  • Speed: .5 – 12 mph
  • Max User Weight: 400 lbs
  • Dimensions: 82″ x 36″ x 56″ (LxWxH)
  • Weight: 434 lbs
  • Warranty: 7-Year Motor & Frame, 2-Year Electrical
#4) Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna Heavy Duty Manual Treadmill w/ Incline
  • Motor: Non-Motorized
  • Running Belt Dimensions: 17.75″ W x 51″ L
  • Speed: Manual w/ 8 Resistance Levels
  • Max User Weight: 440 lbs
  • Dimensions: 55″ x 30.5″ x 57″ (LxWxH)
  • Weight: 165.3 lbs
  • Warranty: 5-Year Frame, 180-Day Parts
#5) Sole F85 Folding Treadmill
  • Motor: 4.0 HP
  • Running Belt Dimensions: 22″ W x 60″ L
  • Speed: .5 – 12 mph
  • Max User Weight: 400 lbs
  • Dimensions: 82″ x 37″ x 66″ (LxWxH)
  • Weight: 308 lbs
  • Warranty: Lifetime Motor & Frame, 5-Year Parts

How to Choose a High Weight Capacity Treadmill

Below, I summarize the important features to consider when shopping for a high-capacity treadmill:

  • Weight Capacity – The most important factor to consider is weight capacity. Weight capacity is the weight that the treadmill has been tested to withstand. In other words, a 400 lb person is suitable for a treadmill with a 400 lb weight capacity. However, people who are over 400 lbs will want to look for higher capacities, such as the 440 lb capacity offered by the Sunny Health & Fitness manual treadmill.
  • Running Surface – The running surface dimensions are also important to consider. For treadmills in this class, big & tall people want to focus on the width and length of the running surface. For instance, people who are tall and heavy will need extra room for longer strides. Because of this, most of the treadmills in this guide have wide 22″ surfaces and long 60″ lengths.
  • Treadmill Type – There are three main types of treadmills in this article. Those are non-folding, folding, and manual. For people who want to save space, a folding treadmill is a good choice. For those with enough space, it’s best to stick with a non-folding treadmill since high-capacity treadmills tend to be heavier.
  • Shock Absorption – All good high-capacity treadmills offer ample shock absorption. Manufacturers are aware that heavy users need more shock absorption to protect their knees and joints. The manufacturers in this article are some of the best in the world, meaning they don’t cut corners on their designs.
  • Motor Power – Most of the best high weight capacity treadmills feature 4.0 HP (horsepower) motors. A more powerful motor will ensure that you get the most out of your new treadmill without overloading it.
  • Warranty – Warranties are important for heavy users to consider to ensure that they don’t go over the stated weight tolerances. Be sure to match the treadmill to your needs to keep the warranty intact. Otherwise, misuse could void the warranty.

Overall, those are the most important points to consider for heavy users.

Reviews: Best Treadmills With 400 LB Weight Capacity

In the following sections, I share reviews of each treadmill from the table above.

#1) 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill

It’s hard to go wrong when choosing a piece of 3G Cardio equipment. Of the treadmills in this guide, the Elite Runner is the best overall. For starters, the 22″ x 62″ running surface is the largest to accommodate big & tall people. Next, the Ortho Flex Shock suspension system is second to none. Expect a comfortable experience that’s easy on your joints when you use this machine.

Third, the overall weight of the machine tells you that it’s a substantial piece of home cardio equipment. The only treadmill that’s heavier in this article is the Life Fitness model, which we’ll review later. Beyond its basic specs, the Elite Runner brings an elite workout experience to the table with motorized incline capabilities and built-in programs.

You’ll have no trouble working your way up the ladder with the pre-programmed courses and one-touch manual operation. Several final highlights are the integrated speakers, cooling fans, and smartphone connection that allows you to enjoy your favorite entertainment while you work out. Finally, the lifetime warranty on both the motor & frame provides complete assurance.

Pros

  • Orthopedic suspension system to cushion foot strikes
  • The largest running surface
  • Motorized incline up to 15%
  • Built-in cooling fans and speakers
  • Excellent customer service marks
  • Lifetime Warranty on Motor & Frame

Cons

  • Cooldown must be done manually
  • The speaker quality could be better
  • The console is minimal compared to other options
  • Cupholders should have a better shape

#2) Bowflex T22

Another trustworthy brand in the home exercise equipment space is none other than Bowflex. Currently, Bowflex offers two main models, and the T22 is the better choice for heavy users. At first glance, it’s easy to see that the T22 is a substantial piece of workout equipment with an attractive design. Comparatively, the console on the T22 outshines what the Elite Runner offers.

On the T22, you’ll find an HD touchscreen. Clearly, the T22 is a good choice for people who want to subscribe to guided workouts. Presently, Bowflex encourages new owners to sign up for the JRNY experience. The good thing is that Bowflex provides a 1-year JRNY membership for free to new owners, so you’ll get the chance to see if the JRNY experience is worth the price of admission.

Next, this machine offers Bluetooth connectivity for smart devices and heart rate monitors, making it more modern than competing models. A handful of final considerations are the Comfort Tech deck cushioning, SoftDrop folding system, extended handlebar grip, and the convenient speed & incline knobs. All in all, the T22 is one of the most feature-rich treadmills with a 400 lb weight capacity on the market.

Pros

  • Watch your favorite shows or participate in trainer-led workouts with the HD touchscreen
  • Up to a 20% incline and -5% decline
  • Comfort Tech deck technology for softer landings
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 1-year JRNY membership included
  • Folding system to save space and reduce the footprint by 40%

Cons

  • The ongoing cost of the JRNY membership if you decide to continue after the first year
  • Customer service could be better
  • Requires assembly

#3) Life Fitness Club Series+ Treadmill

Do you want a true gym-quality treadmill for home use? If the answer is yes, then the Life Fitness Club Series is for you. Typically, popular gyms across the country stock Life Fitness equipment, so you may have seen it before. Of the treadmills in this guide, the Club Series is the most heavy-duty of the bunch. All it takes is a glance at its weight of 434 lbs to know that.

Having said that, this certainly isn’t a treadmill that you’ll be folding up. In other words, make sure you have a planned space for it with enough clearance before you buy it. Firstly, you’ll notice that the handrails on this treadmill are big and comfortable to hold. You’ll find that walking on this treadmill while holding the rails is easier than with other models.

Additionally, the Club Series+ features extra open space around the console to ensure there’s no interference and more comfort overall. After those considerations, the FlexDeck shock absorption system matches what the brands above offer to ensure the longevity of the product. All in all, the only real drawback is that the Life Fitness warranty terms aren’t quite as long as competing brands.

Pros

  • A true club-quality treadmill for home use
  • Superior stability
  • The FlexDeck offers great shock absorption
  • Plenty of space for big guys and heavy users
  • Touchscreen controls

Cons

  • The warranty isn’t as long as competitors
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Non-folding and heavy

#4) Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna Heavy Duty Manual Treadmill w/ Incline

Now if you don’t want to break the bank, the 770 Asuna model is a good budget-friendly 400 lb weight capacity treadmill. In reality, the max weight capacity is 440 lbs, and it’s one of the highest you’ll find offered by any treadmill. However, keep in mind that this is a non-motorized treadmill that allows you to move at your own pace.

The advantage of using this treadmill is that it’s great for walking. As you progress, you’ll be able to push it faster with your own force. In total, there are eight resistance levels to ensure that you’ll always be able to challenge yourself. Next, one important factor to consider is the running surface.

Comparatively, the running surface on the 7700 Asuna is smaller than the other models in this guide. Be sure to consider your own measurements to compare against the overall dimensions of the treadmill along with the running surface. Lastly, it’s important to note that this treadmill does not sit completely flat. Instead, it adjusts between a 10 and 14º incline.

Pros

  • More affordable than other high-capacity treadmills
  • The manual design allows you to walk at your own pace
  • Eight resistance levels to push yourself as your progress
  • It folds up for easier storage
  • Large non-slip handlebars
  • Solid construction
  • Highest weight capacity of 440 lbs

Cons

  • It does not go completely flat
  • No console
  • Better for walking than jogging and running

#5) Sole F85 Folding Treadmill

For 400 lb people, Sole Fitness is one of the premium providers of high-capacity treadmills. Currently, Sole offers several models with 400 lb weight capacities, including the F85, TT8, and S77. Of those models, the F85 is the best for home use since it does fold. Although you may prefer the TT8 since it’s commercial-grade quality, but it does cost more than the F85.

Overall, the F85 is the perfect blend of modern features. Firstly, the modern console features a 10.1″ LCD touch panel with phone or tablet mirroring, a tablet holder, and built-in Bluetooth speakers. Also, you may prefer that there’s no need to sign up for a membership to get full functionality from the console.

One thing to keep in mind is that the handrails are shorter, which provides more space to move, yet it limits how much room you have if you prefer to hold the handrails while you walk. Regarding comfort, the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck has been shown to reduce joint impact by 40%. Ultimately, the Sole F85 is a great choice for heavy people who desire a modern treadmill.

Pros

  • Quiet and smooth operation
  • Shock absorption that’s shown to reduce joint impact by 40%
  • A large 10.1″ touchscreen
  • It folds up for easier storage
  • 15 incline levels
  • Lifetime Motor & Frame warranty

Cons

  • A known issue with the speakers making noise
  • The console may seem overly complicated
  • Some lag during speed changes

Bottom Line

When shopping for the best treadmills with 400 lb weight capacity, it’s best to stick with well-known brands. Why? Because you want to choose brands that have reliable warranties and customer service. Brands that have been in business for decades know how to build a substantial treadmill that will reliably support your weight.

Also, several of the brands in this guide offer lifetime warranties on their equipment. This is one of the most important factors that should go into your buying decision. After that, take some time to imagine the features you can and can’t live without. In the end, you’ll be sure to land on the right machine for your home.