Are treadmills good for marathon training?

By / May 21st, 2021 / There are currently 0 comments

The 2021 London Marathon is upon us meaning countless hours of training, running, and preparing for the big race day.

With weather being so uncertain, there are advantages of owning a treadmill for marathon training as you can always train regardless of the weather conditions. But can a treadmill prepare you adequately for the race?

Can you train for a marathon on a treadmill?

It’s a very big yes! Almost every runner utilizes a treadmill at some point during their marathon training. While running outdoors can improve your stability due to variations in terrain, treadmill training will certainly help you meet your cardiovascular training goals and force you to sustain speed and performance levels while taking the pressure off your joints. Experts generally recommend incorporating treadmill running to no more than 40% of your overall training plan and 60% training outside.

Marathon training treadmill

There isn’t a better treadmill on a market than a commercial grade, gym quality heavy duty machine, the one you’ll find in your local gym. Made from heavy duty materials, commercial treadmills are built to last and are extremely sturdy when you sprint.

What is a good inexpensive treadmill?

Although, brand new commercial treadmills cost more, it’s the wise investment over the long-term. If you don’t plan to spend thousands of pounds on a treadmill, you may consider a used one instead. 

How do I find a good used treadmill?

Consider buying a used treadmill from a reputable supplier who provides service, installation, warranty, and other perks that comes with the machine. 

Is it worth buying a used treadmill?

Even in used condition, these machines are built to last so you will get an immense machine for a fraction of the cost.

Best used treadmills to buy

The leading commercial manufacturers in the industry are Life Fitness, Technogym, Precor and Matrix. We’ve outlined the best used models from each make below.

Technogym Excite Run 700i

With the most natural running experience, it is made to take a beating, it is incredibly durable, versatile and is a perfect marathon training treadmill. 

Reasons to buy:

  • Extremely durable and reliable
  • Driven by a strong motor
  • Long life balance deck
  • Natural run feel
  • Generous running base
  • A superb top speed of 25km/h
  • Speed adjusters on each side (speed & incline)
  • Impressive 15%  incline
  • LED screen with a wide and varied selection of workout programs 

You will find Technogym treadmills at hotels, spas, rehabilitation centres, professional sport facilities, leisure clubs and fitness centres. Fully serviced, tested, and professionally cleaned, this piece of equipment is one of the best treadmills for home use from our used commercial range. 

Customer review:

“Thanks to FitKit UK for the brilliant service and fast delivery on the treadmill for MTK Performance Centre.” – Ben Davidson – British boxing trainer

Precor TRM 885 with P80 Console

One of the top-line and best-selling commercial treadmills by Precor, this is an incredible and reliable machine. It is quiet, efficient, and delivers an excellent result. 

Reasons to buy:

  • Delivers excellent performance
  • Incline up to 15%
  • Decline -3%
  • A superb top speed of 25.5km/h
  • LCD touch screen console
  • Ground Effects® (GFX) impact control system
  • Integrated Footplant Technology™ (IFT)
  • 26 pre-set exercise programs
  • Very strong and efficient motor

Precor TRM 835 with LED console

Designed for comfort, performance, and reliability, the Precor TRM 835 is well built and durable treadmill that will last years and years. Offering both incline and decline features, this treadmill is perfect for working multiple muscle groups and simulating varying terrain. 

Reasons to buy:

  • Incline up to 15%
  • Decline -3%
  • Top speed 25.5kph
  • Motor 4.0 HP
  • Integrated Footplant Technology™ (IFT)
  • Ground Effects® (GFX) impact control system

Matrix T5X Treadmill V3

Matrix cardio equipment is known for its reliability, durability, low maintenance and budget friendly equipment. 

Reasons to buy:

  • Budget solution
  • Durability
  • Performance
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ultimate Deck Cushioning System
  • Max user weight 182kg (28st 6lbs)

Life Fitness 95T Elevation Series Discover SE3 treadmill ex-demo

95T is the top of the range model from the hugely popular Elevation Series, which is Life Fitness’ most advanced series of commercial cardio equipment. 

Serious runners will appreciate the spacious deck system, 4.0 HP continuous duty motor (8 HP Peak Duty) and top speed of 24km.

As for the Discovery SE3 console, there are thousands of entertainment options that will engage any interest. Some of the apps include Netflix, YouTube, BBC, TV, WiFi and Bluetooth.

This treadmill is in ex-demo condition and has been previously used as display model and due to the very little usage remains in a fantastic condition. Brand new these treadmills cost over £13,000.

Reasons to buy:

  • Discover SE3 touch screen console with thousands of entertainment options 
  • Captivating experience, TV, WIFI, Bluetooth, Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, BBC
  • Flex Deck Shock Absorption System: 8 Lifespring shock absorbers
  • Max User weight 400 lbs (181 kg)
  • Solid Frame
  • Sleek as new condition

Best brand-new treadmills to buy

Life Fitness Platinum Club Series Treadmill with SE3 HD Console

This fantastic treadmill is one of the premiere treadmills in the industry. For those serious runners, this treadmill includes a powerful 4.0 HP motor, 15% incline and 23 km top speed, FlexDeck® Shock Absorption System, intuitive interactive console and wide running surface.

As soon as you step on this treadmill the quality of the materials used is evident – built to last. The Platinum Club Series treadmill is extremely high performing with a sleek design.

Reasons to buy:

  • Incline 15%
  • Manufacturer’s warranty 3 years on parts and labour
  • Lifetime warranty on frame
  • Motor 4.0 HP
  • FlexDeck® Shock Absorption System
  • SE3 HD touch screen console
  • WIFI and Bluetooth
  • Built on virtual courses

Life Fitness Integrity Series Treadmill with Discover SE3 HD console

This luxury Integrity series treadmill is one of the best heavy duty and high performing commercial treadmills used by the most popular health clubs across the country. 

SE3 HD console is loaded with diverse and entertaining workout programs and can boost the motivation with seamless smartphone connectivity. 

Reasons to buy:

  • Incline 15%
  • Speed 23 km/h
  • 21-inch LCS touch screen 
  • Wide running surface
  • FlexDeck® Shock Absorption System
  • Eight incredibly durable Lifespring™ shock absorbers deliver consistent cushioning

The Life Fitness, Technogym, Precor and Matrix brands have a good reputation for making good quality, durable equipment that lasts for years without any problems. These treadmills are used by some of the most elite gyms across the world and from the price perspective that used treadmills have to offer, it’s certainly unbeatable.

Treadmill Marathon training schedule 

Back in 2019, we were proud to support Will and Max in their NYC race, we’ve collected the best marathon training tips and advice from them, click here to see more, or click here for a detailed training plan.

Happy marathon training!

To discuss in more details, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01455245720 or email sales@fitkituk.com

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