Most treadmills will come with a stated weight limit on their specifications, this weight range should be above your current weight so as you will able to use the treadmill without any injuries or breaking the machine.
Typically, a lower-end treadmill should be able to hold around 200-250 pounds of weight, however, sturdier higher-end models might even be able to hold up to 300 pounds. This weight capacity should not be exceeded as it can cause damage to your machine.
So as you can figure out what treadmill is right for your weight, and if there are alternatives to treadmills for heavier people, we have put together a short article below that will give you the information you need.
Well, yes, but only to a degree, for example, if you weigh 300lbs and you stand on a 250lb capacity treadmill, all will likely be fine, however when you run on it you might start to see some issues such as the belt slipping or the treadmill being excessively noisy.
On the other spectrum, if your treadmill has a stated weight capacity of 200lbs to 300lbs and you use it weighing at 290, you might find your machine breaks down after several months of use. This is because when these treadmills are weight tested it is often only for a small duration of time by a heavy user, it does not take in to account how the treadmill will hold up after repeated use from a heavier user.
So, if you weigh near the stated weight limit of a treadmill, its best to look for a higher-end model which has a larger weight range so as you can save money in the long run and feel more comfortable knowing that your machine will support you when exercising.
Rather than focus on the weight capacity of the treadmill which is often very inaccurate, we recommend looking at several other factors as well as this capacity to determine if your treadmill is or is not designed for heavier people in mind.
If you are of heavier weight then you are likely looking to get fitter by using a treadmill or maybe shed a few pounds if you have found a high-quality treadmill with the right weight capacity for you.
Follow our tips below to lose some weight with your new treadmill.
If you can’t find a treadmill that is right for you, then you might want to consider trying some alternative workouts which can support your weight, we have listed the best exercises to do below.
Swimming is a great workout for heavier people as it is not weight-bearing like walking or running, it also works your lower body as well as your upper body.
Having 80% less weight in the water also helps you experience less pain when working out and helps stretch your muscles for better flexibility.
If you are looking to lose weight with swimming you will need to incorporate it into your daily routine three times a week to start with then eventually five times a week when you have built up some more strength.
We have listed out some other tips below to consider if you are looking to lose weight with swimming.
If you are a heavier person and you don’t like swimming, then a recumbent bike is also a form of non-weight bearing exercise you can try which will help you burn some calories while feeling supported.
These bikes in particular are great for people who are a little bit bigger as they have a backrest and a large seat, you can find some heavy-duty versions of these machines that can support a weight of up to 400lbs.
Losing weight with a recumbent bike might be a little bit harder as the bike doesn’t burn as many calories as other pieces of fitness equipment do, we have listed out some tips below to help you out.
Another great low impact exercise to try is yoga, this form of exercise is much less strenuous than others and is a great way to ease yourself back into exercise if you haven’t worked out in a long time. There is no weight limit for yoga and anyone can give it their best shot if you are a beginner.
As we said, yoga is not the best exercise to choose for burning calories but can be a great way to ease you back into moving your body and reduce stress.
If you have decided you want to try and lose some weight with yoga then we have listed out a couple of our best tricks below to help you get the most out of your sessions.
Heavy-duty cross trainers are designed to provide a low impact cardio alternative for heavier people and can typically support a weight of up to 400lbs.
These cross trainers are easy on your joints and can burn more calories than yoga or walking would, making it a good option if you have the money to invest in one and want to push yourself.
Losing weight with a cross trainer is very achievable and can nearly burn as many calories as a treadmill can while giving you a full-body workout, as your arms with be working with handles too as you pedal on the machine.
Lifting weights is a very underrated way of training your muscles and burning extra calories if you are looking to lose weight, many people assume you can only do cardio to burn calories, however weight lifting is great too.
That’s right if you are looking for another low-impact way to get your body moving then why not try some trampolining. Most trampolines can support a 300lb – 500lb weight range.
Not only is this exercise quite easy, but also super fun and a great way to sneak cardio into your daily life without having to feel as if you are doing it!
Our last alternative workout which is free, doesn’t have a weight capacity and is easy, is walking! Try walking for an hour each day outside and you will see the benefits in your body quickly.
Walking isn’t too stressful on your body too and can be done by anyone of any size.
Why are professional exercise machines better for heavier people?
Professional gym machines will have a sturdier build with a larger weight capacity as they are designed to be used by a wider variety of people and need to be strong.
What is the average weight capacity of a treadmill?
The average weight capacity of a treadmill tends to be 300lbs for consumer models.
How can I make my treadmill last longer?
Perform the proper maintenance, make sure that your treadmill is of the right size and use it correctly, always buy a treadmill with a warranty too.
To conclude, if you find you are too heavy for a treadmill, try looking at professional ones as they have a more generous weight range, you can also try some of our alternative exercise options below if you are looking to lose weight.
