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True Fitness Treadmill Reviews

★★★★★ 4.7 out of 5
  • American-made, club-grade treadmills with best-in-class deck cushioning
  • Compact design ideal for smaller spaces
  • Various console configurations as opposed to one option
  • Solid frame, motor and parts warranties
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Brand Facts

  • Price range ~$3,499–$6,999 (residential, direct from TRUE)
  • Best for Serious runners and multi-user homes wanting commercial-grade, low-impact cushioning
  • Models reviewed 5
  • Motor 3.0–4.0 HP (Performance models 3.0 HP)
  • Running surface 60" long x 20"–22" wide; Soft System orthopedic belt on select models
  • Speed / Incline 0.5–12 mph; 0–15% incline
  • Warranty 25-yr frame, 25-yr motor, 5–10-yr parts, 3-yr console, 1-yr labor (residential)

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Soft System orthopedic deck is widely rated among the best belt-and-deck cushioning in the business — easy on knees and joints
  • Commercial-grade, robotically welded steel frames; quiet, reliable, built to log heavy mileage
  • No subscription required — onboard workouts and incline/speed run fully on the console
  • Long warranties (25-yr frame and motor on current residential models) backed by a strong service reputation
  • American-made in Missouri by the largest privately-held US fitness manufacturer

Cons

  • Premium pricing — costs more than most home brands, and reviewers note entry models can be out-valued by rivals like Life Fitness
  • Non-folding, large footprint — these are gym-style machines, not space-savers
  • Consoles are utilitarian; less interactive/touchscreen content than iFit- or JRNY-style competitors

TRUE treadmills are one of the most well-regarded brands in the higher end exercise equipment category. They are known for high quality, well-designed, compact treadmills, bikes and ellipticals, and are sold at specialty retailers as well as online on the company site and sites like Amazon.

Although not quite as popular as Life Fitness, Matrix and Precor, TRUE holds their own in the commercial grade category, with solid machines incorporating the latest technology and focused on providing the best possible workout for walkers, joggers and runners alike.

The Current TRUE Treadmill Lineup

There are currently 8 models to choose from in TRUE's catalog, under four different categories: M Series, Performance Series, Z Series and the top of the line 950 Series.

M Series

The TRUE M Series consists of the popular base M30 treadmill as well as the up-level M50.

These more affordable models feature 3.0 HP motors, solid construction, 15% incline capability, 9 built in workout programs, 300 lb. max weight capacities and 7" LCD displays. The M50 has all of the features of the M30, plus a higher end belt.

Performance Series

Moving up in the lineup you find the Performance 100, 300 and 800, all with more built in workout programs and larger displays than the M Series, plus workout tracking capability that's not available on the entry level treadmills.

The Performance 800 takes it up another notch with even more workouts, a more powerful motor and a 9" touch screen console.

Z Series

The Z 5.0 and Z 5.4 are more commercial grade than the M and Performance Series treadmills, with a higher maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs. The Z 5.4 has a wider belt than the Z 5.0, better for users looking for more room to spread out.

Excel Series

There's only one Excel model, the TRUE 950. It's the top of the line model with a powerful 4.0 CHP motor, incline and decline, and two console options.

If you're looking for the best and you have the budget for it, the 950 is hard to beat, combining all of the best features and capabilities of the other three TRUE treadmill series.

Below you will find reviews of the most popular models. Scroll down to learn more about TRUE treadmills and how to find the best deals.

Current Models

Are TRUE treadmills worth buying?

TRUE Fitness treadmills have received numerous awards over the years for their attention to detail and design innovation.

The company is known for their space-friendly cardio machines, heart-centric programming and the natural feel and low impact motion of their treadmills and elliptical trainers.

As such, they have become quite popular, and although they don't sell as many treadmills as Life Fitness and Precor, they hold their own in the residential market.

Prices range from $1,699 for the M30 up to $6,000 + for the Excel 900, so there are treadmills that are more affordable and others that are out of range for most people.

We think that the TRUE treadmills are definitely worth considering, but compare them to offerings from Life Fitness, Matrix and Precor before you buy. One of those might have more of what you're looking for.

TRUE Treadmill Buying Tips

1. You can buy them at high-end retailers or on the company website, but also check them out on Amazon as you can often find some great deals, as well as free shipping and you can read the TRUE treadmill reviews which tend to be more unbiased than those found on the site itself.

2. Only the very high end models come with touch screens and Bluetooth capability. Most of the treadmills do not have all of the bells and whistles...they are just extremely well made and designed for low impact and long-term use.

3. TRUE Fitness is known for their cushioning and heart rate monitoring. If these are two areas that appeal to you then TRUE treadmills are a very good option.

4. Only the top end Excel 900 has decline capability, although all of the others have 15% incline which is ideal for most users.

Frequently asked questions

Are TRUE Fitness treadmills worth the money?

For runners who care about joint comfort and longevity, yes. TRUE's Soft System orthopedic deck is consistently rated among the best cushioning available, and the commercial-grade build and long 25-year frame and motor warranties justify the premium for heavy or multi-user homes — though budget shoppers can find more features per dollar elsewhere.

Is TRUE Fitness still in business?

Yes. TRUE Fitness (TRUE Fitness Technology) has built equipment since 1979/1981 and is the largest privately-held fitness equipment manufacturer in the US, still designing and building treadmills at its St. Louis-area headquarters in Missouri.

Do TRUE treadmills fold up to save space?

No. TRUE's residential treadmills use fixed, club-grade frames rather than folding decks, so plan for a permanent footprint in exchange for the sturdier, quieter ride.

Do you need a subscription to use a TRUE treadmill?

No. TRUE machines run all their onboard workouts and speed/incline controls without any paid membership; select models add optional app connectivity (such as the GymTrakr app) if you want it.

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