Choosing the right treadmill involves many specs, but one often overlooked is the belt size. If you’re setting up a home gym, you might be wondering what is the best width for a treadmill. The answer isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on your body, your stride, and how you plan to use the machine.
Getting the width wrong can make your runs feel cramped and unsafe. Getting it right means comfortable, natural strides every time. Let’s look at how to pick the perfect treadmill width for your needs.
What Is The Best Width For A Treadmill
Most home treadmills have belts between 18 and 22 inches wide. For many people, a 20-inch width is considered the best starting point. It offers a good balance of space, comfort, and cost, suiting everything from walking to steady jogging.
However, the “best” width is truly the one that matches your gait. A too-narrow belt can cause you to shorten your stride or step on the frame, which is a common cause of falls.
Standard Treadmill Width Categories
Treadmill belts generally fall into three main width categories. Each serves a different type of user.
- Narrow (16″ – 18″): These are compact, budget-friendly models. They’re okay for very casual walking but are not recommended for running. Your stride will feel restricted.
- Medium (20″ – 22″): This is the sweet spot for most home users. A 20 or 22 inch belt comfortably fits walking, jogging, and running for people of average size and stride.
- Wide (22″ and above): Belts 22 inches or wider are ideal for serious runners, taller users, or those with a broad shoulder stance. Many commercial gym treadmills are 22 inches wide for this reason.
How Your Body and Workout Style Decide the Width
Your physical size and fitness goals are the biggest factors. Don’t just guess—use these points to decide.
- Your Height & Stride Length: Taller people naturally have a longer stride. A narrow belt forces you to run with an unnatural, short gait, which can lead to injury over time. If you’re over 6 feet, strongly consider a 22-inch width or more.
- Your Running Style: Do you swing your arms wide? Do your feet land closer to the edges of the belt? If so, you need extra wiggle room. Observing your foot placement on the ground during a normal run can give you clues.
- Primary Use (Walk, Jog, Run, Sprint): Walking requires less width than running. For walkers, an 18-inch belt might suffice. For consistent running or interval training, start at 20 inches and go wider if possible.
Why Belt Length Matters Too
Width doesn’t work alone. Belt length is its crucial partner. A long stride needs a long belt to match. A good rule is that your belt should be at least 12 inches longer than your stride.
For most adults, a 55-inch long belt is a minimum for running. 60 inches or more is better for tall runners. Always check both dimentions—width and length—together.
Measuring Your Space Correctly
Before you buy, you must measure your room. The treadmill’s total width is much bigger than just the belt. You need to account for the side rails and frame.
- Find the Overall Machine Width: In the product specs, look for “Overall Width” or “Dimensions.” This includes the frame. A treadmill with a 20-inch belt might have a 34-inch overall width.
- Add Safety & Access Space: Leave at least 2-3 feet of clear space on each side and 6-8 feet behind the treadmill. This is for safety in case of a fall and for easy mounting/dismounting.
- Check Doorways & Paths: Ensure you can actually get the treadmill into the room. Measure your hallway widths and door frames.
Special Considerations for Different Users
Some situations call for specific attention to treadmill width.
- For Walking Only: If you are a dedicated walker and space is tight, an 18-inch width can work. But if budget and space allow, opting for a 20-inch model provides more comfort and stability, especially if you use incline settings.
- For Running & Training: Runners should not go below 20 inches. A 22-inch width is preferable as it allows for natural arm swing and foot placement during faster paces or side-to-side movement drills.
- For Shared Use: If multiple people in your household will use the treadmill, size it for the tallest person or the one with the widest gait. It’s better to have a machine that’s slightly too big for one person than too small for another.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing
Steer clear of these errors to avoid buyer’s remorse.
- Prioritizing Price Over Fit: The cheapest treadmills often have the narrowest belts. Saving money isn’t worth it if the machine is unusable or unsafe for your stride.
- Ignoring the Frame: Remember, the belt is inside the frame. Two treadmills with the same belt width can have very different overall footprints. Always check the full dimensions.
- Forgetting Future Goals: Are you planning to start running eventually? Buying a walker’s treadmill now means you’ll need to replace it later. Think about your fitness trajectory.
Testing Treadmill Width Before You Buy
If you can, try before you buy. Here’s how to test effectively.
- Visit a Store: Go to a fitness equipment store. Wear your normal workout shoes.
- Simulate Your Workout: Don’t just stand on it. Walk, jog, or run at your typical pace. Notice where your feet land.
- Check Your Comfort: Do you feel like you have to hold your arms in? Are you nervous about stepping on the side rails? If so, the belt is too narrow.
If you can’t test in person, read detailed user reviews. Look for comments from people with a similar height and workout style to yours. They often mention if the belt feels cramped.
FAQ: Treadmill Width Questions Answered
Is a 20-inch treadmill belt wide enough?
For the majority of people, yes. A 20-inch treadmill belt is wide enough for comfortable walking and running. It’s the standard for a reason and suits most average-sized adults.
What is a good width for a treadmill for walking?
A good treadmill width for walking is at least 18 inches. However, for a more stable and future-proof choice, a 20-inch width is recommended, especially if you use any incline settings.
How wide are commercial treadmill belts?
Commercial treadmills in gyms typically have belts that are 22 inches wide or more. This accommodates a wide variety of users, from beginners to elite athletes, and allows for intense training sessions safely.
Can a treadmill be too wide?
For home use, a very wide belt (over 22 inches) is usually unnecessary unless you are a very large-framed individual or do specific agility drills. The main downside is it takes up more floor space and often costs significently more.
Does belt width affect motor size?
Not directly. The motor power (measured in CHP) is more related to belt length, user weight, and workout intensity. However, wider belts are often paired with more powerful motors on higher-end models designed for serious runners.
Final Tips for Making Your Decision
Choosing the right width is a balance. Here’s a final checklist.
- Match width to your most intense planned workout, not just your starting point.
- When in doubt between two sizes, choose the wider belt. You’ll appreciate the extra space.
- Never sacrifice safe clearance around the machine for a larger treadmill. Space is a hard limit.
- Remember that a quality treadmill is a long-term investment. Picking the correct size ensures you’ll use it for years to come.
Taking the time to understand your needs will lead you to the perfect fit. A properly sized treadmill makes exercise more enjoyable and much safer, helping you stick with your fitness goals.