They say timing is everything, and when it comes to buying a treadmill, the saying holds true if you’re looking for the best value for your hard-earned money.
If you’re a savvy consumer (and if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are), you probably already know that being strategic when purchasing home gym equipment — or anything with a hefty price tag — can maximize your savings.
So how do you get a great deal on the best treadmills and when is the best time of year for treadmill buying?
Continue reading as we break down the most shopped common sales of the year, how to find the deals, and consider different types of treadmills to determine which type meets your needs.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Treadmill?
Fortunately for consumers, there isn’t just one time of the year to buy exercise equipment at a discount. With the expansive market and thousands of retailers vying for your dollars, there are plenty of opportunities to get the best price on fitness equipment.
Amazon Prime Day
Is there anything you can’t get on Amazon these days—especially with Amazon Prime Day’s fitness deals? Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, hosts an exclusive two-day event for their Prime members that offers massive discounts on anything your heart could desire.
And if your heart desires a home treadmill, you’ll be happy to know that in 2023, the retailer offered up to 53 percent off certain treadmill models. While Amazon might not offer every brand or model available, there are options for the best budget treadmills, folding treadmills, and even high-end brands like NordicTrack.
Not a Prime member? Don’t rule it out just yet. Your savings from Amazon’s Prime Deals could cover the cost of the $139 yearly membership and give you all the benefits of a Prime membership for the whole year.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday
There’s no doubt that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of America’s favorite shopping days with a combined revenue of nearly $22 billion spent in 2023. (1)
Many consumers use these shopping days to stock up on gifts with the holidays around the corner. With so many consumers shopping, retailers often get creative with their offerings to entice potential buyers.
This is a great time of the year to take advantage of the Black Friday treadmill deals — on top of the initial savings — such as free shipping, additional gifts, and extended trial offers for extras like the iFit fitness platform on brands like NordicTrack and Proform.
Around the New Year
Newly obtained holiday cash, extra holiday pounds, and New Year’s fitness deals, we mean resolutions, can create a perfect storm for buying a treadmill, and retailers are keen on this.
This common time of the year to buy exercise equipment can mean big savings for the consumer as all the retailers look to clear out inventory on fitness machines and take advantage of all the newly dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
Some of the best home fitness equipment deals can be found around the New Year due to the sheer demand from consumers and competition in the market.
Other Holidays
If you missed the boat on the New Year’s deals, don’t fret. Generally, holidays are a good time to look for deals on home exercise equipment. Just think of all the vehicle and furniture advertisements centered around holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Retailers know that these holidays might mean time off of work — hence, a good time to grab the attention of someone looking to buy a big investment item.
Tips for Rooting Out Treadmill Deals
Finding a quality treadmill for your home gym at the best price takes a little research and diligence. If a good deal is out there, how will you find it in the vast sea of marketing murkiness? Here are some tips to stay informed on the market’s top picks and treadmill deals.
[Related: Best Treadmills Under $500]
Tip 1: Sign Up for Price Alerts
Maybe you’ve had your eye on a new model and already know it’s “the one” or have a handful of models you’re considering. In this case, sign up for price alerts through the brand’s newsletter to inform you of any potential deals.
If they have an upcoming promo, their newsletter recipients are usually the first to know.
Tip 2: Look for Promo Codes and Coupons
Get your Google on and search for promo codes and online coupons for treadmills. Websites such as RetailMeNot collect promo and coupon codes from online retailers that frequently offer free shipping or a percentage off.
Tip 3: Check Multiple Retailers
Especially if you’re considering a high-end treadmill, the cost can vary significantly from retailer to retailer. Retailers like Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Walmart may all offer the same treadmill at different prices based on the individual deals the companies have made with the retailers. Shop around!
Tip 4: Consider Used, Refurbished, or Open-Box Options
Unless you’re dead set on a new model, you can potentially score a great deal on home gym equipment by considering a gently used or open-box exercise machine.
Gym closures during the pandemic sent sales of exercise bikes, treadmills, and other home gym equipment through the roof. Now that gyms are back to normal operation, used fitness equipment can usually be found on websites such as places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
Suppose you want the reassurance that the used item has been restored to quality standards (which can’t really be guaranteed on a marketplace like Facebook or Craiglist). In that case, you might want to consider a refurbished model from the manufacturer that offers a warranty and free returns.
Items returned to the retailers from the consumer after the box has been opened are referred to as open-box items. The retailer will inspect and test the item to ensure it’s still up to quality standards. Once inspected, the basically-new item can be marked down at a discounted price.
How to Choose the Best Treadmill For You
The best treadmill for you is subjective and directly related to your individual needs. There are resources like treadmill reviews and consumer reports to gauge the quality of a treadmill but just because a treadmill is quality doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto explains that finding “the one” isn’t a shot in the dark. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs–your Goldilocks–will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications,” she says.
Determining your fitness goals, space accommodations, and budget will also help you choose the best treadmill for your needs.
“In a perfect world, you’d find a treadmill that satisfies all of the above requirements at a reasonable price, but that’s just not realistic. Instead, look for something within your defined budget that satisfies your top four to five priorities,” says Capritto.
[Related: Best Commercial Treadmills]
Know the Different Types of Treadmills
Knowing the different types of treadmills and what they’re designed to help you achieve can help you make an informed decision on which type might work best for you.
Here are some types of treadmills to consider:
| Treadmill Type | Average Price Range | Description |
| Manual | $200-$800 (with the exception of high-end curved models like the Assault AirRunner) | Relies on user effort rather than a motor to propel the walking belt. Users can expect to burn more calories than a motorized treadmill. |
| Motorized | $500-$3000+ | Relies on an electric motor to propel the walking belt. It can be equipped with mechanical and technological features. |
| Folding | $250-$2000+ | Can be folded upright to save space. This is convenient for small homes or apartment living. |
| Curved | $2000-$8000+ | A concave running platform that mimics real-life running. It’s user-powered (manual) and ideal for athletes and runners. |
| Desk | $100-$500 | A small walking pad for under your desk. Ideal for burning calories while working or for those with no time for exercise. |
Articulate Your Fitness Goals
Before buying your new home treadmill, determine your fitness goals so that you can align them with your new fitness equipment. Whether you’re training for a marathon or want to walk before work in the mornings, there’s likely a model designed to help you achieve your goal.
Measure Your Space
Shipping, unloading, maneuvering, and setting up a treadmill is no small feat. Be sure you measure your space and compare it with the dimensions of your potential treadmill before you make your purchase. Knowing where to position your treadmill in your home before you buy it can make the process much easier.
Pin Down Your Budget
Knowing what you can afford is crucial for choosing the right treadmill. Thankfully, many companies offer financing or monthly payment options to alleviate the burden of coming up with the cost upfront. If you don’t have the capital saved to purchase the equipment outright, determine what you can afford as a monthly payment.
Final Word
Being a savvy treadmill shopper can save you money and in some cases, add some extra perks to sweeten the deal. Fitness equipment isn’t cheap so knowing the right time to buy can help you get the most for your money.
Look for additional strategies like signing up for price alerts, using coupon codes, checking prices at multiple retailers, and considering a used or open-box treadmill to maximize your savings.
Educating yourself on the different types of treadmills can help you align your purchase with your fitness goals, stay within budget, and find a treadmill that works with your available space.
Best Time to Buy a Treadmill FAQs
What time of year are treadmills cheapest?
Deals on treadmills can be found throughout the year around major holidays however, most major retailers offer their big sales around the New Year to capitalize on New Year’s resolutions and to clear out inventory. Most major retailers also have special promotions on Black Friday and Cyber Monday as consumers gear up for the holiday season.
Is January a good time to buy a treadmill?
January is a great time to look for treadmill deals. Retailers know that potential consumers have fitness on their minds and resolutions to go after. January is also a time for inventory clearouts to make room for new models.
What is the life expectancy of a treadmill?
The life expectancy of a treadmill will vary depending on factors such as the model, maintenance upkeep, environment, frequency of use, and the type of workouts it’s used for. You can expect a treadmill to last between 5-12 years if maintained properly.
References
- Holiday Season Retail E-Commerce Revenue in the United States from 2019 to 2023, by Online Shopping Day. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
