The Peloton Treadmill is said to be one of the best treadmills on the market. I was about to buy one to replace my super old Proform tread, but unfortunately, the Tread+ was recalled and sales of the new Tread were paused due to safety issues.
Peloton recently started selling the Tread again after the recall! While the Tread+ still remains on hold due to the safety issues, the Tread is now available to order in the US. In this blog post we'll go over the differences between the Tread and Tread+, and everything you need to know about Peloton treadmills and classes.
Table of Contents
- What is the Peloton Treadmill?
- What's the Difference Between the Tread and Tread+?
- Tread+ Specs
- What is a Slat Belt?
- How Much is a Peloton Treadmill?
- Membership Info
- Treadmill Classes
- Treadmill Instructors
- Treadmill Recall
- How to Buy the Peloton Treadmill
- Can I Do Treadmill Classes Outside?
- Peloton Alternatives
- How to Get Started Running on a Treadmill
- How to Safely Use a Treadmill
- How to Take a Peloton Treadmill Class on a Non-Peloton Treadmill
- Final Thoughts
- Comments
What is the Peloton Treadmill?
The Peloton Treadmill is a state-of-the-art home fitness machine that connects to your WiFi network and allows you to stream live classes or on-demand rides from the comfort of your own home.
You can even interact with instructors and other members in real-time as you're working out through the interactive screen on the top of the treadmill. The Peloton treadmill was first released in January 2015.
Recently, Peloton announced a new version of the treadmill that they would call the Tread, and the original treadmill would now be known as the Peloton Tread+. The new Tread was expected to go on sale in May 2021 but has been delayed due to a safety recall. As of August 30, 2021 sales of the Tread have resumed in the US and Canada! Timing is still TBD on when the Tread+ will be released again, but it is sounding like it won't be until mid to late 2022. I spoke to Peloton support and they did confirm that the Tread+ will not be available in 2021.
What's the Difference Between the Tread and Tread+?
What exactly is the difference between the Tread and the Tread+? Here are the specs of each of the treadmills:
Tread Specs
- Traditional running belt
- 59" of running space
- 23.8” HD touchscreen
- 68” L x 33” W x 62” H dimensions
- Speeds from 0 to 12.5 mph
- Incline from 0 to 12.5% grade
- Adjustable control knobs
Tread+ Specs
- Shock-absorbing slat belt
- 67" of running space
- 32” HD touchscreen
- 72.5” L x 36.5” W x 72” H dimensions
- Speeds from 0 to 12.5 mph
- Incline from 0 to 15% grade
- Adjustable control knobs
Generally, the largest difference between the Tread and Tread+ is that the Tread is a smaller version and doesn't have a slat belt. Both treadmills have similar speed and incline options, as well as both do offer the ability to do free mode (where you manually power the treadmill - it's a tough workout!)
What is a Slat Belt?
A slat belt is a name for the type of running belt of the treadmill. It's made from rubber and has tiny ridges that are intended to mimic the feel of running outdoors.
The Tread+ shock-absorbing slat belt is designed to give you a more comfortable run by reducing impact, especially over longer periods of time. Instead of a regular belt, the Peloton Tread+ has "slats" that make running more comfortable.
When I first tried a slat belt treadmill I was skeptical if it would actually be that much different than running on a regular treadmill. After about a minute of running, I was so impressed with the slat belts. They really were more comfortable on my knees and it did mimic running outdoors.
Related Post: Peloton Walking Class Guide
How Much is a Peloton Treadmill?
The price of the Peloton Tread is $2,495 or $64/month if financed through Affirm and the Peloton Tread+ costs $4,295 or $111/month through Affirm.
Related Post: My Experience Financing with Affirm
Peloton also offers bundles that include accessories like heart rate monitors, dumbells, headphones, and more.
Membership Info
With the Peloton treadmill, you're required to purchase the All-Access Monthly Peloton Membership for $39/month. The membership does include unlimited profiles so members of your house could each have their own profile for free.
If you don't have a Peloton treadmill and still want to have access to the treadmill content, you can become a digital member and stream the workouts through the app. Peloton digital memberships cost $12.99 and include 1 profile.
Both of these memberships give you access to all live and on-demand classes.
If you're a military member, healthcare worker or educator you may actually qualify for a discount on the monthly membership. Contact Peloton before subscribing to check to see if a discount is available!
Related Post: Peloton All Access Membership vs Digital: What's the Difference?
Treadmill Classes
There are a wide variety of classes and programs available for the treadmill! A few of the current classes include:
Running Skills
There are 6 older classes that fall under the Running Skills category. They're beginner-level classes that teach the foundation and terminology used in running training. Some examples of the classes are Form, Skips, Striders, and Free Mode.
Warm Up/Cool Down
Warm-Up and Cool Down Runs are short workouts the can help you warm-up or cool down. These can range from 5 to 10 minutes in length.
Music
Music-themed classes are classes that center around a certain type of music. These workouts can range from 10-60 minutes and are for all levels.
Speed
Speed Runs are generally tempo runs or hill runs that are designed to help you improve your speed. These runs can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
Theme
Themed Runs are runs that have different themes like live DJs, mood runs, celebration runs and holiday runs. These are generally fun runs and are great for all levels.
Endurance
Endurance runs include progression, recovery, and endurance runs. These runs are for all levels and range from 10-60 minutes.
Intervals
Heart Rate Zone
These are older runs that I don't think they still make but are still available on demand. These focus on your heart rate zone and have you run based on what zone you're in, instead of paces.
Related Post: Best Heart Rate Monitors for Peloton
There are also walk classes and Bootcamp classes available.
Treadmill Instructors
Currently, the treadmill instructors are:
- Jess Sims
- Matt Wilpers
- Jess King
- Olivia Amato
- Adrian Williams
- Andy Speer
- Chase Tucker
- Matty Maggiacomo
- Becs Gentry
- Rebecca Kennedy
- Robin Arzon
- Selena Samuela
- Daniel McKenna
- Kirsten Ferguson
- Marcel Dinkins
Treadmill Recall
Update: Peloton has announced they will begin selling the new Peloton treadmill on August 30, 2021! The Tread+ release date is still TBD but hopefully, this means it will be soon.
In May 2021 the Peloton Tread+ was recalled due to a safety issue and sales of the new Tread were paused. Peloton has offered Tread+ owners the option to return their Treads through November 2022 for a full refund or they can keep their current treadmill.
To address the safety issue, Peloton recently released a software update to lock the tread after a few seconds of not using it (unless you're in a class). Click here. for more information on the recall and how the company is handling it.
How to Buy the Peloton Treadmill
The new Peloton treadmill was announced to go back on sale beginning August 30, 2021. The new treadmill was redesigned to address some safety issues, including issues with the monitor. To purchase the new treadmill, you can do so on Peloton's website here. The new treadmill should also begin showing up in the showrooms as well if you want to try it out before you purchase.
At this time there's no date yet on when the Tread+ will be released again.
Related Post: My Peloton Bike Delivery Experience
Can I Do Treadmill Classes Outside?
Technically treadmill classes can be taken outside, but I wouldn't recommend it since they have content that's created specifically for the outdoors.
The big difference between the Outdoor runs and Treadmill runs is that the Outdoor runs will use GPS so your distance can be tracked (and counted towards monthly challenges), as well as the instructors will tell you when you're ½ way through so you'll know when the turnaround. The outdoor runs also guide you with perceived exertion instead of calling out a pace.
Related Post: Everything You Need to Know About Peloton Outdoors
Peloton Alternatives
If you're looking for a treadmill now and don't want to wait until sales resume, here are some alternatives to Peloton treadmills:
NordicTrack Treadmill
NordicTrack 2450
4.0 CHP drive system
Featuring the 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus motor, this system is made with a self-cooling system and reduces vibration, so it runs longer and stronger.
22" x 60" tread belt
Get a quieter workout. This two-ply belt is stretch-resistant and built with a WhisperQuiet™ design that reduces the noise and friction of each step on the deck.
FlexSelect™ cushioning
Switch between a suspension that offers more cushioning and a surface that feels like the road.
SpaceSaver® design
Fold up your treadmill using the SpaceSaver® design with EasyLift™ assist to maximize your storage space. Plus, use the integrated accessory tray to store your remote, towel or other items.
2.5" roller
Dynamically balanced to reduce stress on your tread belt, the 2.5" precision-machined roller gives the treadmill a smooth, quiet and long-lasting performance.
1-year iFit® Coach™ subscription
Get personalized workout recommendations, take virtual studio classes, and go on global excursions in the comfort of your own home. You'll enter in your fitness level and goals, and your iFit Coach will do the rest.
14" smart HD touch screen
Explore the world from your treadmill with iFit®, and watch your workout progress on the touch screen.
Bowflex Treadmill
Bowflex Treadmill 22
Streaming Entertainment
Watch your Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video accounts on the 22" console while you work out (Streaming service provider subscriptions not included. JRNY™ Membership required to access streaming service provider apps on console.)
Explore the World
Explore the world and discover 50+ global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed
Unique Workout Programs
100+ unique workout programs with unlimited profiles (JRNY® Membership required).
Incline Training
-5% to 20% motorized decline/incline with extended handlebar grips for high incline work out
Built-In Motivation
The slim, comfortable Bluetooth® enabled heart rate armband continuously monitors heart rate to help you stay within your target zone, while Bluetooth® speakers surround you with sound.
Proform Carbon T10
ProForm Carbon T10
10” Smart HD Touchscreen
Follow personal trainers through beautiful destinations right on your console with the 10-inch touchscreen. With the swipe of a finger, you can also access all of your workout stats so you can keep an eye on your progress.
Self-Cooling 2.75 CHP Mach Z™ Motor
Whether you want to run, jog, or walk, this self-cooling 2.75 CHP Mach Z™ motor maintains its smooth feel and low volume no matter what speed you’re moving at. You can climb any hill and sprint without worrying about durability.
20” x 55” Tread Belt
With a 55-inch deck, you’ll have room to walk, jog, and run without feeling confined and the 20-inch width gives you plenty of elbow room as you work out. To ensure our treadmills are top quality, we test each belt for one million cycles at double the user weight before release.
QuickSpeed® Buttons for Speed and Incline Adjustments
Adjust the speed and incline of your workout in an instant. Located right on the console, QuickSpeed® buttons make it easy to adjust your intensity.
0 – 10 MPH Speed
Whether you want to sprint or walk, this machine can go all the way from 0 to 10 miles per hour. The built-in efficiency booster lets you run every day without using excessive amounts of electricity.
0 – 12% Incline
Use incline training to build your stamina and condition your legs with the Carbon T10, which lets you move between 0 and 12 percent incline.
ISO Flex™ Cushioning
Every treadmill we release is equipped with ISO Flex™ cushioning throughout the deck area. So as you walk, jog, or run, you’ll have a softer landing surface for every step. This means you can get in longer workouts with faster recovery times.
1.9” Balanced Rollers
We know that a quality product is all about the details, which is why we’ve built this treadmill with 1.9-inch precision-machined, balanced, non-flex rollers. These medium-sized rollers decrease tension, which keeps wear and tear to a minimum.
How to Get Started Running on a Treadmill
If you're new to treadmills, which can be intimidating at first, here's a few tips on how to get started:
- Wear the correct shoes – Running shoes are best for running on a treadmill but any type of flat-soled shoe should work. I recommend having a separate pair of running shoes just for the treadmill.
- Start out Slow - Try a warm up run and shorter run (or a run/walk) to get a feel for the equipment and running.
- Have Water and a Towel Nearby - Keep water and a towel nearby so you can quickly grab during your workout.
How to Safely Use a Treadmill
To safely use a treadmill:
- Make sure the belt is locked in place before stepping onto it.
- Be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers like kids, pets, or other distractions in the home.
- Turn off and remove the safety key when not using the treadmill. If you can lock the door to the treadmill/ home gym that would be even better!
How to Take a Peloton Treadmill Class on a Non-Peloton Treadmill
Taking a class on a non-Peloton treadmill is super easy - this is actually what I currently do! You can stream the workouts through your phone, tablet, or computer and follow along on your treadmill.
If you have a bike membership (a.k.a All Access Membership) this is included in your current subscription, but if you don't you'll need a digital membership to access the content.
I've been using my iPhone to stream the running workouts and am really impressed that despite not having a Peloton tread, I can still see my metrics by syncing my Apple Watch to my iPhone. I don't have access to the leaderboard or output, but I can see my heart rate and distance on the screen and on my watch.
The only downside to working out with a non-Peloton tread is that not all treadmills have free mode, so during workouts that use free mode you'll have to adjust the workout by changing your speed and incline manually to make the workout harder.
Final Thoughts
I've been doing outdoor runs for a while and it's nice to have the indoor option when I want. Peloton's treadmill content is great for keeping me in shape and on track when I do indoor workouts. If you're in the market for a new treadmill, I highly recommend checking out the Peloton treadmill when sales resume.
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