The best treadmills, tested and reviewed by a 5-time marathoner and running coach, tell me about this news in (https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-treadmill)

This guide from CNN Underscored evaluates home treadmills based on real-world testing conducted by a running coach and experienced marathoner. The review emphasizes build quality, deck cushioning, motor responsiveness, and user experience across different price points and fitness goals.

Key highlights from the tested roundup:

• Best Overall: Peloton Tread Priced at the high end, it stands out for its sturdy 290-pound frame, sleek aesthetics, and powerful 3.0 HP motor that accelerates smoothly up to 12.5 mph. Its defining feature is the large 24-inch HD touchscreen paired with Peloton’s library of live and on-demand classes, scenic runs, and instructor-led training.

• Best for Serious Runners: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 A top-tier choice for distance training and tempo work. It features integrated iFit technology, which automatically adjusts incline and decline to mimic outdoor elevation changes. The cushioned deck helps reduce joint impact over long training blocks.

• Best Value / Budget Pick: Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill A compact, entry-level machine designed for walkers and light joggers. While it skips high-end touchscreens and subscription integration, it offers essential tracking, auto-incline, and a space-saving folding design at a fraction of the cost.

• Best Heavy-Duty: BowFlex Treadmill 10 Built with high stability and a 400-pound weight capacity, making it a solid option for users who want commercial-grade durability and substantial deck space without paying full gym-grade prices.

• Best Compact: Echelon Stride-6 Engineered for smaller living spaces and home apartments, featuring an ultra-slim folding mechanism that stows away easily while still providing capable motor performance and connected training sessions.

Testing Criteria & Advice: The reviewer highlights that choosing the right treadmill comes down to four primary factors:

1. Belt Dimensions: Runners need at least a 60-inch deck length to accommodate a full running stride, whereas walkers can manage with shorter decks.

2. Motor Capacity: Consistent running requires at least a 3.0 continuous horsepower (CHP) motor to prevent motor burnout over long sessions.

3. Cushioning and Stability: Adequate shock absorption is critical for injury prevention, especially during marathon training mileage.

4. Connectivity vs. Subscription Costs: High-end models with built-in screens usually require monthly recurring memberships (like iFit or Peloton) to unlock their full feature set.