It’s not that hard to find exercise equipment, there are tons of options. However, finding good high capacity exercise equipment (400-500 lb) is a totally different story. Your options are more limited, and for big people, picking the right heavy-duty machine is even more important.
We will cover here the best 400 to 500 lb capacity exercise equipment that you can get in 2023.
Whether you are looking for an exercise bike with a 450 lb capacity, or a 500 lb capacity treadmill or elliptical, we picked the best heavy duty machine each category.
If you’re big, you’ll want to choose a cardio machine that would support not only your weight but one that would also feel comfortable to use for long workouts.
That is why merely looking at the specs of a machine under “maximum user weight” doesn’t mean much. You also want the workout to feel comfortable. Who wants to have their butt hurt on an uncomfortable bike seat? No one.
So we made sure that all the exercise bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals that we recommend here have at least these two things in common. First they have sturdy frame, and are stable enough to support a heavy person. Second, they feel comfortable even for long workouts.
Our 8 Best Ellipticals, Treadmills and Exercise Bikes
Equipment | Type | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Sole E95 & E98 | Elliptical | 400 lb |
PysioStep RXT-1000 | Elliptical | 500 lb |
PhysioMax TBT-1000 | Exercise Bike | 500 lb |
Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS | Exercise Bike | 400 lb |
Sole F85 | Treadmill | 400 lb |
Exerpeutic TF1000 | Treadmill | 400 lb |
Sole TT9 Treadmill | Treadmill | 450 lb |
HCI PhysioMill | Treadmill | 500 lb |
Best 400 lb Capacity Elliptical
- Very smooth motion
- Sturdy even at maximum capacity
- Ergonomics for big people
PysioStep RXT-1000 Recumbent Elliptical
Best 500 lb Elliptical Trainer
- Super comfortable seat with back support
- Easy to get on to even for a heavy person
- Full body low strain workout
PhysioMax TBT-1000 Exercise Bike
Best 500 lb Exercise Bike
- Swivel seat makes easy to get on to
- Lower & upper body workout
- Adjustable to fit all body types
Budget Pick 400 lb Capacity Exercise Bike
- Compact, light & foldable
- Stable even at max user weight
- Adjustable for short & tall people
Best 400 lb Capacity Treadmill
- Wide running surface
- Good shock absorption
- Folds for easy storage
Exerpeutic TF1000 Walking Treadmill
Budget Pick 400 lb Capacity Treadmill
- Reliable even after years of heavy duty use
- Long handles makes it safe for big guys & gals
- Small increments of speed
Best 450 lb Capacity Treadmill
- Sturdy as a rock even at high speed
- Adjustable incline and decline levels
- Powerful engine & spacious running surface
Best 500 lb Capacity Treadmill
- Commercial grade mechanics
- Ideally designed for the morbidly obese
- Excellent features for people with mobility issues and rehab
HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY ELLIPTICALS
The first machine that comes to mind for most people when they think low-impact exercise for a heavy person is the elliptical trainer.
Sole E95 and E98 Elliptical Trainers (400 lb)
Best 400 lb Capacity Elliptical
The Sole E95 and E98 elliptical trainers are similar standing elliptical machines that come with a lot of bells and whistles.
We decided to review the E95 and E98 since they share much in common. We will mention their differences later on.
Both of these machines are built with heavy people in mind, having a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds. That’s great to hear and isn’t trivial as most elliptical trainers max at 325 or 350lb capacity.
Here are some of the things we love about these ellipticals:
- 20-inch stride – The stride is nice and long, even for tall users. The incline capability of this trainer also means that you can extend the stride up to 22 inches. It shows Sole didn’t just think about the weight capacity but also about tall people.
- Luxury pedals – The pedals are minutely adjustable to as many as 10 different positions. This means you can keep trying new micro-changes until your feet are happy. We love it. The more possible adjustments a machine has, the more likely it is to fit your body type. On top of this, the pedals are covered in thick cushioning designed to carry the weight of heavy users.
- Multi-grip handles – The handles are cushioned with a non-slip grip. They come in the same weird D-shape as the RXT-1000 recumbent trainer (reviewed above) that helps make sure you find the perfect grip and avoid inflaming your wrists.
- Adjustable incline – Both the E95 and the E98 come with multiple levels of incline. This lets you fight through thicker gravity on days when you’re feeling adventurous while also giving you the option of a lighter workout session when your energy is low.
- Adjustable resistance – Besides the incline, you can also adjust the difficulty of the stride motion. The tension is achieved using a dual-wheel design, which makes for a smoother movement and fewer jolts to your joints.
- Convenient resistance and incline buttons – The buttons to change both the resistance and incline levels are located right on the multi-grip handles. This lets you read your body in the middle of your workout and adjust the machine accordingly without breaking your stride.
- 10-inch LCD screen – This display is only of the largest we’ve seen in an elliptical, and it’s easy to read too. It provides all the necessary workout information and even a few apps that can make your workout more fun.
- Giant buttons – The buttons right below the screen are clearly marked and designed for big fingers.
- Smartphone connectivity – The Sole can connect to your phone via Bluetooth to transfer the details of your workout from the trainer directly to your smartphone.
The included Bluetooth speakers can play music off your phone without any additional equipment or cables. - Can fit narrow places – The floor footprint measures 82 inches long and 31 inches wide. It is long but narrower than many others. If your extra space is limited, you may find it easier to make space for a thin rectangular object than a bulky square, so this can be a plus for most.
- Smooth Smooth Smooth – The Sole E95 and E98 have buttery smooth motion. If you’d ever used a cheap elliptical, you would know what we mean, and you will appreciate Sole’s ellipticals.
- Sturdy even at the maximum 400 lb capacity – On paper, many machines can list a high weight capacity of 350, 400 pounds, or even beyond. However, that doesn’t really guarantee anything besides not breaking apart. What you would want is also for the machine to feel solid and stable during intense exercise. That’s where the Sole does a great job better than other ellipticals. The Sole feels sturdy and solid even when taken to their capacity limits, all while hardly producing mechanical noise.
CONS
- Might feel too easy – If you have very strong legs, you may find the resistance too easy even at the highest setting, especially on the E95.
- Low-quality extras – We feel like the Bluetooth speakers, built-in fan, USB ports, and heart rate sensors are not of super high quality. We think Sole concentrated more on the mechanics and ergonomics of the machine rather than the extras.
- Low-tech screen – Although the display is large, it is not a touch screen. Options must be set with physical buttons on the panel.
- Too tall for some – If you have a low ceiling or are exceptionally tall, you may want to break out your measuring tape and do a double-check. That is true for all ellipticals, but especially if you set the Sole fo maximum incline level. At the maximum level of incline, the pedals can move to as high as 24 inches off the floor. This may cause you posture problems if you are, for instance, over six feet tall and have an eight-foot tall ceiling.
Differences between Sole E95 and E98 Ellipticals
Sole E95
Sole E98
Both are fantastic 400 lb capacity ellipticals, but the E98 has a few improvements over the E95. Here they are:
- Flywheel weight – The E95’s flywheel weighs 27 pounds, and the E98’s weighs 32 pounds. A heavier flywheel spins more efficiently and provides a quieter, smoother movement. Both machines have heavier-than-average flywheels, but the E98 has a slight edge in performance.
- Pedal design – The E98 comes with articulating pedals. They are designed to pivot in tandem with the elliptical motion in a way that closely mimics it. This has the effect of keeping all your joints in alignment as you trace the ellipse with your feet. It helps to reduce strain to your feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
- Resistance type – The E95 uses ECB resistance, and the E98 uses EMS. Both of these are designed around a magnetic current that increases drag without friction, which means both machines have smooth motion during exercise. However, the EMS resistance that the E98 uses has a slightly improved design, though we couldn’t notice the difference between the two.
OUR CONCLUSION
We love Sole machines, which is why we picked both of their ellipticals as well as their treadmill as our top picks for high capacity machines. It’s true Sole’s machine in general are not among the cheapest but they are built like tanks and can get some prolong abuse without breaking down.
Should you buy the E95, E98 or E35?
The E98 is considerably more expensive than the E95, expect to pay a few hundred dollars more for the E98. Do the slightly heavier flywheel, comfier pedals, and possibly smoother resistance worth the higher price of the E98?
We say if you have deep pockets and you are confident you’ll actually use it, then, by all means, go for the E98, it’s the best elliptical for the money.
But if you find such a spend already difficult than don’t stretch your budget, go for the E95. It’s a great machine that can get the job done without breaking the bank.
We said this review is about the E95 and E98, but we’ll also briefly mention here the No products found.. It has almost the same features of its big brothers, albeit with a lower weight capacity of 375 pounds and is not as robust.
PysioStep RXT-1000 Elliptical (500 lb)
Best 500 lb Capacity Elliptical
The PhysioStep RXT-1000 is the attempt by HCI Fitness to create a 500 lb capacity exercise equipment. Did they succeed? You bet!
PhysioStep RXT-1000 is a sturdy recumbent elliptical trainer. If you are unfamiliar with the term “recumbent elliptical trainer”, let me explain. This is just like an elliptical trainer with one exception, you exercise in a comfortable seated position, rather than standing as you would on a regular elliptical cross-trainer.
HCI Fitness is a household name in high capacity and heavy-duty exercise equipment. Their machines are frequently used in clinics for weight loss for the morbidly obese, for people with mobility issues, and for rehab purposes.
As you would expect from a high-grade machine that can easily support someone up to 500 pounds, this machine weighs over 300 lbs and isn’t cheap.
Designed for heavy users, the RXT-1000 comes loaded with features that make exercising safer and more comfortable for anyone, but specifically for big men and women.
Here are some of the features we like:
- Big comfy seat with contoured back support – Are you a big guy or gal, you’d be pleased to know the seat itself is 15 inches wide and 11 inches deep. It adjusts along a diagonal path that simultaneously gives you more legroom the taller you set it. You can also adjust the angle of the backrest to your liking.
- Giant footplate and heel cup – Bigger people tend to have bigger feet. This is fully accounted for in the RXT-1000. The footplate also comes with a non-slip diamond plate texture to keep you steady and balanced while you exercise.
- Low step-over – The PhysioStep’s step-over area is conveniently close to the ground. It is placed next to a large handlebar to help make mounting as easy as possible.
- Large LCD display – The screen area is nine inches across. It is brightly lit and color-coded, which makes it intuitive and easy to read even if you forget your glasses.
- Full-body workout – The handles and peddles move in tandem. This allows you to decide whether your arms, legs, or both do the heavy lifting.
- Smooth motion – The RXT-1000’s elliptical motion feels more fluid and has less give than other machines in its class. This helps to lessen the impact on your joints as much as possible.
- Multiple grip options – The weird-looking handles help out here too with micro-fit adjustability and a contoured D-shaped design. The D-shape gives you plenty of angles to make sure you find the perfect grip and avoid activating your carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sixteen levels of resistance – It uses ECB (Eddy Current Resistance), which makes for a smooth motion. Difficulty ranges from very easy to hard, so it fits users of all levels. This resistance is frictionless, so the machine is quiet. You can read or watch TV while you exercise, without nagging you or bothering people around you. Resistance is changed using the LCD display, and the computer can store up to two different users with separate preferences and settings.
- The machine is self-powered – You don’t have to find a wall plug to connect it to. Because of the machine’s big footprint, it may already be a challenge to find a space to dedicate to it. So not having to find a nearby electrical outlet nearby is a good thing. Fortunately, the machine is equipped with a set of wheels that make moving it around a bit easier.
CONS
There isn’t much not to like about the RXT-1000 recumbent elliptical. Still, if we’re nitpicking, then there are a couple of things we can point out:
- The handlebars may feel a bit too wide for people with very short arms. But it can get used to that it shouldn’t be an issue for most.
- At 48 inches long by 32 inches wide, this isn’t the smallest machine in the world, so just measure your area and make sure you have enough space for it.
OUR CONCLUSION
If you are a big guy or gal, the RXT-1000 shouldn’t let you down. HCI Fitness is well known for making high-end cardio equipment with ergonomics that fit small and big guys alike.
While we love traditional elliptical trainers, the fact that you work out on the RXT-1000 in a seated position (and its seat is spacious and comfy) is a considerable plus, particularly for heavy users.
Best Elliptical with 500 lb Capacity
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY EXERCISE BIKES
PhysioMax TBT-1000 Recumbent Exercise Bike (500 lb)
Best 500 lb Exercise Bike
The PhysioMax TBT-1000 by HCI Fitness is a recumbent exercise bike that is actually much more than a standard exercise bike. There’s a reason why HCI Fitness calls the TBT-1000 a Total Body Trainer, it has two sets of revolving cranks, one for your legs and one for your arms.
This bike is one of the most adjustable pieces of exercise equipment we’ve seen. Just about every moving part can be tweaked in multiple directions. Some parts can even be removed entirely. This is great news for any user, let alone heavy people.
Besides helping to accommodate users of all shapes and sizes, this extreme adjustability also caters to senior users or people with various disabilities who want to improve their fitness level.
It has a footprint here of about 60 inches long by 25 inches wide and weighs 320 lb. It’s the heaviest machine we review here. When you purchase the machine, you can and should add professional installation so you don’t need to worry about carrying it around. The extra weight of the machine makes sure it absolutely rock solid even during rigorous exercise.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT HCI FITNESS
Not everyone have heard about HCI, and that’s because they only make high end exercise equipment for home gyms and commercial gyms.
HCI in is one of the top manufacturers of high weight capacity cardio machines. So it’s no coincidence that two of their machines made their way as our top recommendations. First, the PysioStep RXT-1000 as the best recumbent elliptical, and now the PhysioMax TBT-1000 as the best recumbent exercise bike.
Here are some of the features we like:
- Heavy duty – The TBT-1000 has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. This is also reflected in its spacious dimensions, which ensure a safe, comfortable workout no matter what size you are.
- Upper and lower body workout – The handles and pedals move independently. This makes it easier to isolate specific muscle groups. We prefer this design to cranks that move together because you can use just one set without worrying about the other set spinning into you.
- Walk-through design – The step-over here is as minimal as possible to avoid any kind of tripping hazard. The lowest part of the machine is right in the middle area and is only a couple of inches off the ground.
- Wide swivel seat – The heavily-cushioned seat is 20 inches wide. It sits on a swivel that allows you to mount from the side of the machine then swing the seat around to start pedaling. It is, of course, adjustable in every imaginable direction.
- Good Back support – The reclining back is contoured for maximum comfort. You can customize the angle of recline.
- Wheelchair compatible – If necessary, you can slide the seat backwards and completely detach it from the machine. This allows you to roll a wheelchair in place instead. It also lets you work out from any of your favorite chairs if the included one doesn’t suit you.
- Adjustable handles – The handles swivel in a 360-degree motion separately from the cranks. You can try different settings until you find one that your wrists love, then lock it into place. The lengths of the cranks are also adjustable to fit longer or shorter arms.
- Adjustable upper arm – The entire upper half of the machine, the ‘arm,’ can be moved up and down to fit your height. Because the arm is heavy, this is done with the help of a hydraulic assist and a PhysioMax TBT-1000simple pop knob that makes it easier.
- Orthopedic pedals – The pedal surface and heel cup are large enough to let you work out in your shoes. This is especially handy if you are rehabbing from foot surgery and need to wear special medical shoes. The pedals come with sturdy Velcro straps that provide extra support and are easy to open and close.
- Easy-to-read screen – The color-coded display is nine inches across. It comes with large buttons and a soothing blue backlight.
- Very well-built – We don’t usually mention warranties here, but the fact that the TBT-1000 comes with a lifetime warranty on its frame says a lot about the quality. The steel parts are designed to take a lot of weight, and it seems the manufacturers are standing firmly behind their design. The mechanics and electronics have a shorter warranty of three years.
- Sixteen difficulty levels – The resistance is also bi-directional, which means you can pedal forward and backward with either set of cranks. This helps you work out even more muscle groups, biceps as well as triceps, for instance. It also lets you change things up if pedaling in one direction puts unwanted stress on certain joints.
OUR CONCLUSION
The PhysioMax TBT-1000 is an outstanding piece of exercise equipment, there is no question about it, but all this quality and design comes with a high price tag.
We say high price tag, but high is, of course, relative. For the average person looking to buy exercise equipment for home use, the PhysioMax TBT-1000 might be too expensive.
But honestly, when you realize the ingenuity and amount of effort HCI put into this machine, and you appreciate its features, you realize it’s not that expensive for what you get.
There’s a lot of much less capable home gym equipment on the market that cost as much as the PhysioMax TBT-1000, yet doesn’t have any of its customizable features, especially for the obese, and for people with mobility issues.
Consider the TBT-1000 if you really need the very high weight capacity or want to make precise adjustments so it would perfectly fit your unique body type and biomechanics.
Best Elliptical with 500 lb Capacity
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS Exercise Bike (400 lb)
Budget Pick 400 lb Capacity Exercise Bike
The Gold 500 XLS from Exerpeutic is one of the tiniest heavy-duty exercise bikes on the market. With a maximum capacity of 400 pounds, yet the bike itself weighs only 51 pounds.
We specifically appreciate these features:
- Very compact and folding – The Gold 500 XLS has a floor footprint of 39 by 48 inches, As if that is not already so light and small, remarkably, you can even fold it to half of its size. We find it amazing that an exercise bike so small and light is able to support 400 pounds users, that is quite a feat.
- Highly-durable steel frame – The reason such a small exercise bike can take so much weight, is the strength of its frame, and how your weight spreads evenly over its frame. Exerpeutic also uses more steel in its frame, further contributing to its stability. Even though this bike may look “innocent”, make no mistake, it can take a high-intensity beating over a long time before showing wear signs of wear.
- No wobble – The bike comes with stabilizers on its underbelly that you can adjust to keep your pedaling as smooth as a snail.
- Fits tall and short users – You can adjust the frame and seat to accommodate users from five feet to six and a half feet tall.
CONS
Considering the ridiculously low price of the Gold 500 XLS compared to other exercise bikes, there isn’t much not to like.
One thing worth mentioning is that some may find the seat more comfortable with some extra padding.
Although the seat is almost 15 inches wide, it may start to feel uncomfortable during long workouts. If you do, buying a cheap foam seat cover will solve the problem.
OUR CONCLUSION
You’d be hard-pressed to find a stronger exercise bike with nearly as much weight capacity for the same price.
There isn’t much not to like about the Gold 500 XLS. It’s cheap, compact, and can support big people surprisingly well.
If you are on a tight budget, weigh 400 lb or less, and want to get fit and lose weight, you should seriously consider the Exerpeutic Gold 500 XLS exercise bike.
If you are a large person with limited floor space, this exercise bike has a devoted following of people like you who strongly vouch for it.
We are not the only ones who appreciate the Gold 500 XLS, checking Amazon you can find hundreds of positive reviews about the Gold 500 XLS and most of them are five-star reviews.
Low Cost 400 lb Exercise Bike
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.HIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY TREADMILLS
Sole F85 Treadmill (400 lb)
Best 400 lb Capacity Treadmill
The F85 is Sole’s high-end treadmill, and compared to all 400 lb capacity treadmills, we think the F85 should be at the top of your list.
The machine itself weighs nearly 300 pounds, but it’s foldable, so it doesn’t take up much space when unused
Here are some of the features we like:
- Cushioned running surface – The deck is made from a flexible material that many users confirm has helped to reduce their joint pain while running. The manufacturers say it provides 40% less impact than running on asphalt. The extra shock absorption also helps to reduce noise.
- Wide running surface – At 22 inches across, this treadmill is a bit wider than most treadmills (most treadmills have a 18-20 inches wide treadbelt). The wide running surface is to be able to accommodate all kinds of body types.
- Fold and roll – Although the F85 is heavy, once you get it up the stairs, it’s simpler to move around than you would think. It can automatically fold and unfold with one pull of a lever. It also has a set of rollers underneath that make it easy to transport over flat surfaces.
- Adjustable speed and incline – If you like to customize your workouts, you’ll be happy to know that the F85 has incremental speed settings that go from 0.5 to 12 miles per hour. There are also 30 levels of incline that top out at a slope of 15%.
OUR CONCLUSION
If you’re on the heavier side, and are looking for a treadmill that allows you to push yourself hard, you won’t find a better 400 pounds capacity treadmill than the Sole F85.
Best Treadmill with 400 lb Capacity
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.Exerpeutic TF1000 Walking Treadmill (400 lb)
Budget Pick 400 lb Capacity Treadmill
The TF1000 is an electric treadmill with a 400-pound weight capacity. This is a slow treadmill made for walking only, up to 4 miles per hour (6.5 km per hour).
It’s a very simple treadmill that weighs only 120 pounds, is folding, and comes with two gentle incline settings.
It’s the most affordable 400 lb walking treadmill that we can recommend without hesitation.
Designed with the elderly and infirm in mind, the TF1000 is a safe machine with long handles and a low step-up. But even if you are in your prime, you won’t be disappointed with this treadmill.
Starting at only 0.4 miles per hour, the TF1000 has a maximum speed of four miles per hour (6.5 km/h). If your body has very specific limits, you’ll be happy to know that you can increase or decrease the speed by increments of 0.1 miles per hour.
Here are some of the reasons we like it:
- Reinforced folding frame – This treadmill folds vertically into an end result that looks kind of like a sandwich balanced on its side. In spite of its folding capability, the frame is reinforced to make sure it can take a lot of weight, as verified by many users in their reviews.
- Can turn into a cheap treadmill desk – This requires some modification but is relatively easy, and many people have converted their TF1000 into a walking desk treadmill.
- Long handles – At about 18 inches long, the safety handles are almost double the size of regular treadmill handles. This feature is especially important for big people and for other users concerned about security. It’s also great if you have converted your treadmill into a walking desk, and need to reach the handlebars over your walking desk.
- Low step-up – The lowest part of this machine is at the rear and is only about three inches above the ground.
- Smooth stop – The TF1000 comes to a slow halt when you stop it. If you are elderly, you won’t need to worry about your stability even when you’re tired after a long workout.
- Track record of reliability – The TF1000 is a very popular treadmill that has and has been in the market for a while. That’s an advantage because it shows it stood the test of time. No one can test a machine over time better than actual users. Judging by the numerous positive reviews, many people report very little wear even after many years of daily use.
OUR CONCLUSION
If going outside for a walk is inconvenient for you, or you’d rather watch your favorite TV series while walking, this treadmill may be all you need. There is no other 400 lb walking treadmill that we can recommend more than the Exerpeutic TF1000.
Exerpeutic TF1000 Walking Treadmill
Low Cost Pick 400 lb Treadmill
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.Sole TT9 Treadmill (450 lb)
Best 450 lb Capacity Treadmill
The TT9 is Sole’s heaviest-duty treadmill. With a 450-pound maximum capacity, it can take more weight than any of our other recommended treadmills.
Unlike the Sole F85, though, this machine doesn’t fold up. If you have enough extra space that you don’t need a foldable treadmill, you’ll probably be happier with the TT9.
- Extremely durable – It’s true the F85 (reviewed earlier) is one sturdy beast, but Sole made more reinforcements to the fame of the TT9. They ditched the foldability feature of the F85. This makes the TT9 have a higher maximum user weight than the F85 model has (450 vs. 400 lb, respectively).
- Incline and decline – Where most other treadmills on the market only go up, the TT9 also goes down. Besides its 15 levels of incline, it also has six levels of decline. Now that’s refreshing, and a feature you hardly see in treadmills. This is one of only two machines on our list with a decline capability. Running at a downward angle exercises slightly different muscle groups than running uphill or on a level surface.
CONS
- Heavy – This machine weighs 425 pounds out of the box. It’s one of the most massive home treadmills around. It does arrive in multiple boxes. However, you’ll still need some onetime help setting it up, though we always advise choosing the assembly add-on during checkout.
- No console instructions – The manual doesn’t contain much information on how to use the console, though it is self-explanatory. Even if you’re good at figuring things out for yourself, it may take some experimentation.
OUR CONCLUSION
If you need the 450 lb maximum user capacity, the Sole TT9 is an awesome treadmill and one we are comfortable recommending. Do keep in mind this model doesn’t fold, so once positioned at your home or garage gym, forget about moving it.
If you need a folding treadmill and can do with a 400 lb max capacity, the Sole F85 fits the bill.
Exerpeutic TF1000 Walking Treadmill
Best Treadmill with 450 lb Capacity
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.HCI PhysioMill (500 lb)
Best 500 lb Capacity Treadmill
We’ll begin by saying this certainly isn’t a treadmill for everyone.
The PhysioMill treadmill by HCI Fitness is a commercial-grade model, and the only treadmill we’ve reviewed with a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. It is also one of the biggest treadmills that we’ve seen.
HCI Fitness specializes in high capacity exercise equipment, and the PhysioMill is designed with the morbidly obese user in mind as well as for rehab purposes.
With extra safety features and tiny speed increments, it caters specifically to users who are elderly, disabled or in physical therapy of some kind.
With very few bells and whistles, the PhysioMill is a professional machine made for careful users. It is highly customizable to make sure that fitness enthusiasts with special needs can find exactly the right settings.
Big. With a floor footprint of 80 by 40 inches, this trainer is probably too big for many people. It is also quite heavy, weighing about 350 pounds.
Here are some of the PhysioMill’s features that will appeal especially for big people and for with mobility issues.
- Long full-length handlebars – The PhysioMill comes with two sets of handrails, one higher and one lower. Both of them run the entire length of the machine. If you don’t trust your own stability while exercising, you’ll have something to hold on to throughout your run. They also act as safety barriers, making it impossible to fall off the side of the treadmill.
- Easy mount – The rear step-up is about six inches high. The handrails curve gently toward the ground like a swimming pool ladder to make it easier to brace yourself while climbing on.
- True zero starting speed – Designed to start and stop with no jolts, the motor is powerful but also gentle.
- Walking and running – Where most treadmill motors specialize in one or the other, this machine can go both very slow and quite fast. It comes with a hi-torque 4HP motor that can grind out speeds anywhere from 0.1 miles per hour to 12 miles per hour without wearing down.
- Small speed increments – If you’ve even been in injury rehab, you’ll know the importance of slowly and safely increasing the intensity of your exercise. The PhysioMill allows you to adjust your speed in increments of 0.1 miles per hour, so that you can truly get a little better every day.
- Long belt – At 63 inches long, the PhysioMill’s running surface is about a third longer than most treadmills. Along with the full-length handrails, this helps make sure there is as little danger of falling off as possible. If you’re taller than average, it can also give you plenty of room to find your stride.
- Handheld remote control – This treadmill comes with a remote control that can stop and start the belt from a distance. Besides being a handy safety feature, it’s also useful in rehabilitation to give your therapist full control over the exercise session.
- Two-way belt – The PhysioMill’s belt goes forward and backward. This is useful whether you need the reverse movement for therapeutic purposes or you simply like walking backwards. It also allows for a decline running surface, as we’ll see in the next bullet point.
- Incline and decline – This machine has an adjustable incline that can go up to 15% with the touch of a button. The bi-directional belt also lets you turn the incline into a decline for therapy or to cool off.
- Shock absorption – The belt is made from special padded material. As you would expect from a treadmill that is meant to accommodate people up to 500 pounds, the shock absorption helps to minimize the impact on your joints
OUR CONCLUSION
The PhysioMill is the most expensive machine in this roundup.
It’s a unique treadmill, no other treadmill can support 500 lb users as well as this one, plus have such great safety features.
However, most people don’t need the extra safety and customizability. If you don’t really need these features, we suggest you check any of the other 400-450 lbs treadmills we picked in this article.
Best 500 lb Capacity Treadmill
Our Rating โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ 5/5
No products found.THE ANSWER IS
THE BEST MACHINE IS THE ONE YOU’LL ACTUALLY USE
BUT LET ME EXPLAIN
Forget about which exercise or machine burns the most fat. The number one factor is which machine you’ll enjoy using and the exercise you’ll sustain doing.
Pick an exercise machine that you can fall in love with. If you feel head over heels about exercise bikes, ignore everything we’ve said about the other two machines and buy a bike! The more you love your exercise program, the longer you’ll stick with it, and the healthier you’ll be.
If a treadmill can theoretically burn more fat, is it really useful if you hate running on a treadmill? You’ll buy a treadmill only to stop using it shortly after. On the other hand, maybe you enjoy working out in a seated position leaving your hands free to use your tablet or phone? In that case, buy a recumbent elliptical. Because you are more likely to use it without quitting and lose more weight in the long run.
3 EXERCISE TIPS FOR BIG MEN AND WOMEN
TIP 1 – START SMALL
Never begin with trying to run a marathon. Although stretch targets may be good for salesmen, they’re terrible for life goals.
Give yourself a target that is hard to miss. If that means using your elliptical for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, that’s fine. If it means walking on your treadmill to your favorite song every night before showering, go for it.
At the beginning, the point is not to build your body, it’s to build your habit. Come back to this article and read our next tip once you’re on a roll.
TIP 2 – BUILD SLOWLY
Welcome back! Now that you’re in the exercise groove, the next goal is to improve. Don’t panic, though, you are going to improve, but you are going to is slowly and steady.
Once you’re a 10-minute elliptical star, try going up to 12 minutes. Once you get used to your pre-shower walk, try increasing the speed by 0.5 miles per hour.
Listen to your body. Let your body tell you when it’s time for something incrementally more challenging.
TIP 3 – REWARD YOURSELF
You can set three kinds of goals โ short-term, medium, and long-term. Reward yourself appropriately when you meet them. Not by eating bad food, but maybe by buying yourself something nice, perhaps it’s that new jacket, that new gadget or that new smartphone wanted.
Try to find rewards that match the difficulty of each goal. Daily goals deserve smaller rewards than monthly goals. Once you meet your yearly goal, give yourself a hearty reward that reflects all the hard work you’ve put in.
Reward yourself with things that won’t do long-term damage. Instead of eating a Snickers bar, try a relaxing rose petal bath with your favorite scented candle. Perhaps go to an expensive SPA and give yourself your body a day of relaxation. Rather than giving yourself a week off working out after sticking to it for a month, promise yourself that you’ll go to an exciting movie premiere at the end of the month.
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