Why I Switched to the Peloton Tread+
I’ve always been a treadmill runner. Between Atlanta’s humidity and a busy weekday schedule, I log five treadmill runs a week and often cover double-digit mileage indoors.
For over ten years, I trained on a Precor — a true workhorse of a home treadmill. I bought it when my wife was pregnant with our first child, back when Midwest winters made indoor running essential. That Precor carried me through thousands of miles, patched together through breakdowns and worn parts. Eventually, it reached the end of its life: it would only increase in speed and incline, and the only way to slow down was to unplug it.
When it came time to replace it, I knew I needed something durable. Precor had shifted its focus toward commercial treadmills and, interestingly, had acquired Peloton. We already had a Peloton Bike at home and were longtime fans of the Peloton app. I’d used the app on my old Precor for years, following workouts with instructors like Becs Gentry, one of my favorites.
Peloton offers two models: the Tread and the Tread+. The Tread+ is significantly more expensive but also larger, more advanced, and features a rubber slatted belt instead of a traditional one. Since my treadmill gets heavy use, I saw it as a long-term investment and made the upgrade.
After a few months and more than 500 miles of easy runs, intervals, tempos, and long runs up to 13 miles, here’s what stands out.
Build and Design
The Tread+ looks and feels like a machine built for runners, not just home exercisers. The first thing you notice is the rubber slatted belt. Traditional belts can feel flat or harsh after an hour, but the slatted design is smooth, cushioned, and whisper-quiet. There’s no rhythmic bang with every footstrike, even at marathon pace.
It’s a large treadmill—tall and solid, with a heavy base that stays stable at any speed. The build quality elevates the look of a home gym. It’s sleek, matte, and professional, more like a boutique fitness studio than home equipment.
Performance and Running Experience
1. The Run Itself
The Tread+ delivers the best indoor running experience I’ve had. The slatted belt provides just the right amount of give—soft enough to protect the legs but firm enough to maintain speed and form. It feels closer to running outdoors than any treadmill I’ve used.
2. Speed and Incline Control
The rotating knobs for speed and incline are ingenious. No more tapping tiny buttons mid-run. A simple roll of the knob smoothly increases or decreases pace or incline, making it fast and intuitive to hit interval or hill targets. And unlike my old Precor, you can actually slow down and descend—no unplugging required.
3. Accuracy
I compared mileage against my Garmin watch and outdoor benchmarks. The pace and distance match almost perfectly, with only minimal variation. For data-driven runners, that’s a big deal.
Comfort and Cushioning
Long runs are where the Tread+ really shines. I’ve logged two-hour runs without fatigue or joint discomfort. The slatted surface absorbs impact beautifully, and the wide deck provides room for a natural stride. The motor is powerful but quiet, which makes it easy to focus on form or listen to a podcast.
The Peloton Ecosystem
Having been part of the Peloton community for years through the bike, I already loved the class library. The Tread+ brings that experience to another level.
The 32-inch HD screen is stunning—sharp, bright, and immersive. I’ll rotate between tempo sessions with Becs Gentry and endurance runs with Matt Wilpers. On days I want to zone out, I use the classic treadmill screen that displays only metrics. Or I switch to Peloton Entertainment to watch Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube directly from the console.
Beyond running, I’ve started using more of Peloton’s stretching, core, and meditation classes. It’s a complete ecosystem—one login, one platform—for training, recovery, and mindfulness.
Noise and Footprint
Compared with my old Precor, the Peloton Tread+ is noticeably quieter. I can run early in the morning without waking the house. The footprint is compact lengthwise but does require a bit of ceiling clearance due to its height. Setup was straightforward, and once assembled, the treadmill feels solid and built to last.
Who It’s For
The Tread+ is designed for committed runners who train indoors regularly and want a serious training tool, not a casual fitness device. It’s ideal for:
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Runners logging 20+ miles per week indoors where a treadmill is an important tool in weekly training
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Long-run treadmill runners needing reliable cushioning
- Runners building a complete at-home training setup with strength and recovery sessions integrated
It’s not the cheapest treadmill, but it feels like it’s built for the next decade of running.
Final Verdict
After months on the Peloton Tread+, I’m completely satisfied with the choice and the investment.
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The slatted rubber belt feels natural and quiet.
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The knob controls make pacing effortless.
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The cinematic screen and Peloton platform turn solo training into an immersive experience.
It’s easy to use, accurate, and durable—a rare combination in home treadmills. Whether you’re doing easy recovery miles, threshold workouts, or long runs, the Tread+ keeps up. It makes treadmill running feel inspiring again.
For runners serious about year-round training, this is the treadmill I’d buy again tomorrow.
