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How Long Do Treadmills Last? Here’s Our Guide

Treadmills are a great way to get in your cardio while at home, eliminating one excuse you might have to not get in a workout. But, how long will they last? How long can you expect them to last in the event that you’ve had one for a while? And, what are some signs that will tell you it’s time to finally put that treadmill to bed?

Similar to buying a car, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is which treadmill to buy. Buying the wrong treadmill can result in countless hours of wasted energy, only to end up with an expensive piece of equipment that no longer works. The best way to avoid this is to know which features are worth paying more for, and which are just a gimmick. For example, like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

The Lifespan of a Treadmill

The lifespan of a treadmill is not as long as you think. If you take care of your treadmill, you will be able to use it for many years. There are a few things you will need to do to keep your treadmill running in top-notch condition. It is also important to learn how to properly use your treadmill to ensure it can continue to provide you with years of enjoyment.

You may be asking yourself what the life expectancy of a treadmill is, and it’s a good question with a different answer depending on who you ask.

Treadmill manufacturers typically tout a 10 to 15-year lifespan, while fitness experts often say the life expectancy is between five and seven years.

Finding the Perfect Treadmill: Factors to Consider

The right treadmill can be a great investment for your health and fitness. However, choosing the right one for you can be a little difficult because there are so many options out there. What makes things even more confusing is that they are found in every price range, so it’s hard to know what to look for. The truth is that deciding which treadmill to buy isn’t as simple as it might seem.

The best treadmill for you will depend on many things. How much do you want to spend? How often will you be using it? What is your fitness level? What are your goals? Do you want a treadmill that can fold up and be stored away? Do you want a treadmill that connects to your computer? These are all important questions.

Home Treadmill Cost

When it comes to gym equipment, treadmills are one of the least expensive pieces of machinery. The average cost of a treadmill is around $600, but you can find models that are priced as low as $200 and some that go as high as $1500. When it comes to treadmills, the price is usually an indication of quality.

The cheaper models are usually light and stiff, which is fine if you only plan to use your treadmill occasionally. But if you plan to use your treadmill every day and get a good workout while you’re at it, you’ll want to invest in a treadmill that is more durable.

The cost of a home treadmill will depend upon the brand and model that you purchase. For example, if you purchase Nautilus, NordicTrack, or ProForm, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000. Home treadmills by Precor, Atlantis, and Horizon Fitness can cost between $1,500 and $3,500. In-home treadmills by Life Fitness, Sole, and Bodyguard can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.

Maintain it

Treadmills are a great addition to any home gym, but only if you maintain them regularly. If you don’t, the treadmill will not last as long as it could, and you could wind up paying more than you would have to had you maintained it properly. 

Keeping your treadmill in good working condition is important to lengthen its lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

The frequency of treadmill maintenance depends on a number of factors, such as how often you use the machine, how old it is, and how much you lubricate it.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: lubricate the treadmill every couple of months, or before heavy usage (e.g., if you’re going to run 5 miles on it, lubricate it right before you do, and again afterwards).

The problem is, there’s no surefire formula for how often you need to lubricate the treadmill. How often you need to lubricate depends on how hard you use your treadmill. Generally speaking, the more you use the treadmill, the more frequently you’ll need to lubricate it.

When Should I Replace My Treadmill?

America’s love affair with the treadmill is undeniable. For many of us, the idea of running outside is downright terrifying; we like the predictability of our treadmills, the built-in training programs, and the cushioned surfaces beneath our feet.

But what’s the right shelf life for your treadmill? What should you look for when you’re thinking about replacing your old treadmill? Before you accept the intimidating price tag on a shiny new model, take a few minutes to consider these questions.

Buying a treadmill is a popular choice for cardio enthusiasts and people looking to maintain their fitness in places where access to a gym is limited. Since treadmills are a necessity for those who want the best exercise experience, it is also popular to buy a new treadmill every two to three years.

However, the lifespan of a treadmill is typically eight to ten years, but this lifespan is only true if proper care is taken.

As a treadmill owner, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is when do you replace a treadmill. Although it is tempting to replace your treadmill every year due to the advances in treadmill technology, you may find that there is no need to do so if you know what to look for.

While there are no hard and fast rules on when to replace a treadmill, there are some signs that indicate when it is time to replace your treadmill.

Last Words

Of course, the lifespan of a treadmill depends on how the treadmill is used. Most treadmills are designed to be used 3-4 times a week for about 30 minutes. However, the lifespan can be decreased if it is used frequently and for longer periods of time.

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Randy Lucas

Randy here - Fitness enthusiast and avid runner - besides running I also love playing with my two German Shepherds Peter and Bruce - oh and I love cooking. I am the Webmaster over at FitnessBoxy.com where I ramble about all things fitness in an effort to make the world a healthier place.