The treadmill is arguably the most well-known piece of cardio equipment ever, and it endures for a reason! Regular treadmill workouts can keep the pounds off, tone the muscles, and raise your cardiovascular fitness.
What's more, it can be achieved from the comfort of home. We have reviewed the range of treadmills from True Fitness to figure out the pros, cons, and benefits of each model. Keep reading for everything you need to know about True Fitness Treadmills for home or gym use!
True Fitness Treadmills Compared
Image | Model | Max Speed | Incline | Workout Programs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
True Performance PS300 | 12 Mph | 15% Range | 9 | ||
True Performance PS100 | 12 Mph | 15% Range | 9 | ||
No products found. | True M50 | 12 Mph | 15% Range | 7 | |
True Fitness M30 | 12 Mph | 15% Range | 7 | ||
True ES900 | 12 Mph | Range -3% to 15% | 34 |
True Fitness Treadmill Types & Series
M Series:
The most affordable True Fitness treadmill range, with two models (M30 and M50). The M50 is designed for troubled knees and joints, with an orthopedic belt. They both have 12 preset workout plans, 15% max. Incline, and 12mph max. Speed. An excellent choice for homes with limited space, and runners who want the basics plus a little extra.
PS Series:
Their most popular series. Each model features a max 15% incline, 5-12mph speed, sturdy frame, and wide running surface. The PS100 is the most simple True Fitness treadmill for home, with only speed, incline, distance, and heart rate (great for beginners, walkers, or light joggers). The PS300 has a different belt, designed for troubled knees. The PS825 is the most comprehensive, with 40 preset workouts, and a TV & smartphone compatible console (and a much higher price tag, suitable for serious runners).
Z Series:
The two models in the Z series are the Z5.0 and Z5.4, both with higher price tags than the M and PS series. They are compact enough for home use, with a 7-inch LCD screen, 12 preset workouts, and a 12% max. Incline
ES Series:
The ES series has one model, the ES900. This is the most expensive home treadmill from True Fitness, with 2 console options (9 inches or 16 inches), soft deck, Bluetooth compatibility, lifetime warranty, quiet operation, and at least 22 preset workouts. This is ideal for very serious runners who need a full indoor training apparatus for comprehensive training.
5 Best True Fitness Treadmills Reviewed
1. True Performance PS300
Best Treadmill for Knees and Joints
Speed Range/ Incline % | 12 Mph/ 15% Range |
Weight Capacity | 350 Lbs. |
Motor Size | 3 HP |
Workout Programs | 9 |
Dimensions | 79” L x 32.9” W x 57” H |
Warranty | Frame - lifetime, motor - 30 years, parts - 7 years, labor - 1 year |
First up, the PS300, a treadmill designed for at-home usage. This is a reasonably expensive treadmill intended for multiple users, as you can create up to 4 profiles and save your stats and self-created programs. There are some excellent programs such as 5k training, 10k training, half marathon, and walk/run intervals.
However, there are only 9 programs, so if you're looking for screeds of options, look for something like the ES900. For a more comprehensive workout routine, you can sign up for Zwift for virtual routes and programs. You'll find a very generous 60 x 21" running surface, 12MPH max speed, and 15% incline.
The 8.5” LCD console is easy to use, well laid out, and "quick keys" for fast and straightforward operations. One of the standout features of the PS300 is the True Soft System and Orthopedic Belt, which has been created for minimal impact on the knees and joints. The True Soft System is designed for a smooth, non-jarring stride which is soft on impact, but firm for push-off for a seamless running experience. The Orthopedic Belt steps it up another notch and offers even more support for the joints.
The joint-saving features plus the wide choice of exercise levels make this the perfect treadmill for the whole family. Older family members with troubled joints can exercise safely, beginners can walk or be guided to a 5K goal, and steady runners can train for their first half marathon. To track your stats, you can use the GymTrackr App, which is compatible with True Fitness machines. The lifetime warranty and super sturdy construction mean the PS300 can stand up to all of these vigorous actions.
Pros
Cons
2. True Performance PS100
Value for Money Option
Speed Range/ Incline % | 12 Mph/ 15% Range |
Weight Capacity | 350 Lbs. |
Motor Size | 3 HP |
Workout Programs | 9 |
Dimensions | 79” L x 32.6” W x 57” H |
Warranty | Frame - lifetime, motor - 30 years, parts - 5 years, labor - 1 year |
The PS100 is very similar to the PS300, with precisely the same dimensions, running surface size, and footprint. There is a slight difference in machine weight (the PS100 is lighter), and the parts have a 5-year warranty as opposed to 7 years.
What’s more, while it does have the True Soft System, it doesn'thave the orthopedic belt which the PS300 has. As a result, the PS100 is slightly cheaper (without taking sales or discounts into account), making it the best value for the money treadmill.
Like the PS300, the PS100 can accommodate 4 user profiles, is compatible with Zwift, and has the same 9 preset programs. It has the same 8.5-inch console, the same speed and incline levels (12MPH and 15%), and the HRC Cruise Control heart rate system, which features on all True Fitness treadmills. There are some nice little extras such as drink bottle holders and a dedicated area for your phone. The PS100 would be ideal for you if you need something a little more affordable than the M and ES ranges and need a handful of workout options to keep things varied.
Pros
Cons
3. True M50
No products found.
Best Compact True Fitness Treadmill
Speed Range/ Incline % | 12 Mph/ 15% Range |
Weight Capacity | 300 Lbs. |
Motor Size | 3 HP |
Workout Programs | 7 |
Dimensions | 74” L x 29.5” W x 54” H |
Warranty | Frame - lifetime, motor - 30 years, parts - 5 years, labor - 1 year |
At number three, we have the M50 treadmill by True Fitness. The M range is the most compact treadmill range by True Fitness, with a smaller footprint than the PS and ES ranges. Note that the smaller frame means that the maximum user weight is 50 pounds less than the PS ranges, at 300 pounds.
The console is simple, with a small screen, and quick-touch buttons. Nothing fancy, just the basic stats (calories, the time elapsed, distance, heart rate), program selection, and manual speed and incline buttons. The M50 has a small handful of preset workouts, including "glute buster" and "leg shaper." You can also simply use the manual controls to adjust your speed and incline for a customized workout as you go, or program up to 2 self-made exercises.
The M50 doesn't feature the True Soft System that the PS and ES ranges have, but it does have the orthopedic belt for reduced impact on the joints. It also has the HRC Cruise Control feature, which adjusts the speed and incline to keep your heart rate at your chosen level. This would be a good choice for you if you have limited space at home, you’re happy with a few preset programs but don’t require many, and you require a sturdy treadmill with a great warranty.
Pros
Cons
4. True Fitness M30
Best Affordable Treadmill for Home
Speed Range/ Incline % | 12 Mph/ 15% Range | |
Weight Capacity | 300 Lbs. | |
Motor Size | 3 HP | |
Workout Programs | 7 | |
Dimensions | 74” L x 29.5” W x 54” H | |
Warranty |
|
The True Fitness M30 is very similar to the M50, with the exact same footprint, incline, speed, max. User weight, warranty, and the same 7 preset programs. The console has simple, clearly-labeled buttons for adjusting speed, incline, program, HRC mode, start, and stop. The small LCD monitor shows you the time elapsed, calories burned, heart rate, and distance.
The key difference between the M30 and M50 is the running belt. The M30 does not feature the orthopedic belt, (the M50 does). As a result, the M30 is slightly cheaper than the M50, so it’s the best affordable treadmill for home. Just like every other model on the list, the M30 features True HRC Cruise Control, which adjusts the speed and incline to keep your heart rate at a chosen level.
The M30 would be ideal for people who are set on getting a True Fitness treadmill for home use but want the cheapest option available. It's great for walkers, joggers, runners, and people with minimal space at home. If you want something with all the bells and whistles, try the ES900, or for a larger deck space, try something from the PS range.
Pros
Cons
5. True ES900
Best Commercial-Grade Treadmill
Speed Range/ Incline % | 12 Mph/ Range -3 to 15% |
Weight Capacity | 400 Lbs. |
Motor Size | 4 HP |
Workout Programs | 34 |
Dimensions | 82 L x 34 W x 60.37 H |
Warranty | Frame - lifetime motor - lifetime labor - 2 years 9-inch console - 3 years 16-inch console - 10 years |
Last but not least, the ES900, a vastly more expensive commercial-grade model. Not only does it take a significant leap in price (almost triple the cost of the M range), but it takes a jump in features. It also has a higher horsepower (4), a larger construction, larger running surface (60” x 22”), and higher weight capacity (400lbs).
The ES900 comes with a choice of two consoles, a 9-inch, and a 16-inch, both with touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities. The 16-inch console has 43 preset programs, and the 9-inch has 28. The consoles can be connected to fitness apps such as Wahoo, Zwift, or GymTrakr. The 16-inch console offers the whole package, allowing you to watch media, and “travel” well-known running tracks and locations around the world with the Outside Interactive and RunSocial apps.
The ES900 has the True Soft System for a reduced-shock landing, but it also has the True Soft Select. This means that you can actually adjust and customize the running track firmness. As well as the usual 15% incline, this model offers a 3% decline. Like all True Fitness treadmills, the ES900 has a durable construction and a lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, so you’re covered should there be any issues.
The ES900 is ideal for someone with a very large budget, but a life-long dedication to at-home training. It would suit someone who uses the treadmill as their primary exercise apparatus and would benefit from the luxury features such as virtual running tracks and adjustable track firmness.
Pros
Cons
Comparisons to Other Treadmill Brands
How to Setup & Use a True Fitness Treadmill
from unboxing to the first session
- 1Find a flat, stable surface for your treadmill, next to a power outlet so you can plug it in easily. Make sure there’s enough room around the sides and back of the treadmill for easy and safe mounting and dismounting.
- 2Follow the instructions in the provided manual for your chosen treadmill to connect the console
Safety tips for using your TrueFitness treadmill
- 1Make sure the safety key is in place
- 2Use the handles when mounting the treadmill.
- 3Make sure the treadmill belt is completely still before disembarking the treadmill.
- 4Use the instant off button at any point if you feel faint, dizzy, or as though you're losing your footing.
- 5Warm-up and cool down to avoid muscle strain
- 6Unplug the treadmill before cleaning or maintaining
- 7Always dry off the belt if water is spilled (or you’ve had a particularly sweaty workout), to avoid slipping.
- 8If you're too tired to use the proper form without slouching or dragging your feet, slow down to a walk or complete the workout.
Care & Maintenance of True Fitness Treadmills
One of the best ways to maintain your treadmill is to lubricate regularly. Use the True Fitness TRUE Lube every 3-6 months. Here's how to do it:
- 1Find the adjustment bolts at the end of the treadmill, and loosen them
- 2Lift up the belt and reach the lubricant into the center of the deck
- 3Lay the belt down again and make sure it is centered and properly aligned
- 4Tighten the bolts
- 5Walk on the treadmill for a minute or two, as this will disperse the lubricant
To maintain your at-home treadmill for durability and excellent operation, you need these essential items:
Common Treadmill Issues & How To Deal With Them
People also Ask (FAQs)
What is the history of the True Fitness brand?
True Fitness has been around since 1981(founded by Frank Trulaske) but started from the TRUE Sports company, founded in 1979 with one single treadmill. Interestingly, True Fitness is responsible for the removable safety key found on most treadmills (they created this in 1987). In the early 90s, they created their Soft System to reduce the impact on the knees and joints. The True Fitness headquarters is in the USA. (St. Louis, Missouri).
How much does a True Fitness treadmill weigh?
It depends on the model, but True Fitness treadmills range from 308 lbs/140 kgs to 428kg/194lbs in weight.
Where is the best place to buy True Fitness treadmills & replacement parts?
Check out Amazon for a wide range of True Fitness treadmills and replacement parts.
What is the best True Fitness Treadmill workout routine?
When first starting, try a walk/jog interval. Walk for 1 minute, jog for 30 seconds, and repeat. Choose a walking speed that keeps your heart pumping but can be sustained with good, strong form. Choose a jogging speed that gets your heart rate up but can be maintained for at least 10 intervals. Try increasing the incline by a few percents, as this will increase your cardio workout as well as toning the lower body muscles.
How do I contact True Fitness customer service in case of machine failure and repairs?
There is a fill-out form on the website, but it's often best to call the company to get the process rolling faster and to get information instantly if it is urgent. To order parts or discuss your warranty, call 800-883-8783. To discuss returns or replacement parts, you can email returns@truefitness.com.
Conclusion
True Fitness offers gym-quality treadmills for home use, with commercial-grade materials and excellent durability. There's a range of prices to suit varied budgets and a variety of features to suit anyone from a beginner to a pro.
True Fitness is the brand to turn to for excellent warranties and sturdy constructions, as opposed to flashy extras. In saying that, the ES900 offers the bells and whistles a dedicated at-home runner would look for, from virtual tracks to an adjustable belt firmness. For something more budget-friendly, durable, and reliable, the M range (M30 and M50) is ideal.