If you’re a home gym owner looking for a convenient, fun way to upgrade your cardio workouts, investing in one of the best treadmills is never a bad idea. Sure, you can always go walk or run outside, but if you live in an area with bad weather or don’t have access to safe running trails, a treadmill is a great choice.
While most treadmills can handle the basics well enough, allowing you to walk, jog, or run, there are a few standout options, like the Aviron Podium, that truly elevate the entire experience. The treadmill itself is powerful, comfortable to use, and packed with some really unique software features.
In this Aviron Podium Treadmill review, I’ll explain why this is one of the best options for those who typically hate cardio, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home gym.
Our Aviron Podium Treadmill Review, Summarized
The Aviron Podium treadmill is a powerful machine that offers speeds up to 14 miles per hour, with a maximum incline of 18%. In addition to above-average speed and incline settings, it features a unique, immersive gamified workout experience that can help you truly look forward to your next workout. It earns 5 out of 5 stars for its dynamic programming.
How We Test Treadmills
Treadmills can be quite bulky, and many people have limited space in their home gyms. It’s important to consider the footprint and portability of a given treadmill, especially with such a massive size gap between smaller walking pads and traditional home treadmills.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, one or two people should be able to easily move the treadmill around. We rate compact machines higher if they take up less space or can fold, while larger, heavier machines that are difficult to move may receive scores under 3.
This category analyzes how comfortable it is to use a given treadmill and is based on the belt size, length, and any cushioning. To earn a 3 out of 5, we want to see a minimum deck size of 55 inches long by 18 inches wide, a single-ply belt measuring 0.8 to 1.1 millimeters thick, and at least some degree of built-in cushioning.
Our dynamic programming score is based on the workouts that come with a treadmill, which can range from built-in workouts on the console, to streaming workouts, scenic runs, and even interactive games. We give 3-out-of-5-star ratings to treadmills with at least a handful of built-in workouts you can easily access from the console or an app, while higher scores go to those with better virtual workouts or instructor-led classes.
Each of our treadmill reviews is based on extensive, hands-on testing from our team of experts. We carefully test every aspect of a given treadmill, including the speed and incline settings, cushioning, how easily the controls work, and more. After thorough testing through multiple workouts, we use our treadmill testing methodology to rate each treadmill on a scale of 1 to 5 for a variety of categories, like durability, conveniences, value, and more.
Our team of expert testers includes certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, nutrition coaches, CrossFit enthusiasts, triathletes, and even an Olympian. We’ve tested over 80 of the most popular treadmills on the market, and we regularly test as many new treadmills as we can get our hands (and feet) on.
The Aviron Podium Treadmill pairs serious running specs—including a 14-MPH top speed, 18% incline, and roomy deck—with a deep library of interactive entertainment. We like that it folds despite its performance-focused build, but at 284 pounds, this is still a big, heavy machine that requires a decent chunk of space.
What to Know Before You Buy
- It’s expensive, but the Podium treadmill offers impressive speed and incline options, making it a good fit for advanced runners.
- The software is some of the best we’ve tested, offering plenty of classes, streaming media options, and gamified workouts to make your treadmill workouts enjoyable.
- At 284 pounds, it’s quite heavy, but our tester found it easy to move on standard gym flooring thanks to the built-in wheels. However, she noted that moving it on carpet may be more difficult.
Is the Aviron Podium Treadmill Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a new treadmill, this one is well worth considering, but it’s not cheap. While it may not be the best fit for everyone, we think the right person will love this machine. Here’s who we think should consider buying the Podium, and who should avoid it.
If you’re intrigued and think the Podium treadmill may be a good fit, keep reading. We’re about to get into the key features and specs, as well as our detailed testing and scoring breakdown.
Aviron Podium Treadmill: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $3,249-$4,049 (varies based on screen size) |
| Dimensions | 80″ L x 37″ W x 66″ H |
| Running Belt | 60” L x 22” W |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Step-Up Height | Not disclosed |
| Product Weight | 284 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Speed Range | 0-14 mph |
| Incline/Decline Range | 0-18% |
| Motor | 4.5 CHP |
| Display & Programming | 16”, 22”, or 27” touchscreen; classes, streaming services, virtual workouts, interactive games |
| Warranty | 20 years (if you buy directly from Aviron and maintain your membership) |
Experience Using the Aviron Podium Treadmill
We’ve used plenty of treadmills, including a few other options from Aviron, and as with all treadmills we test, we pushed this one to its limits. Our product tester, Pete Nastasi, CNC, CPT, walked, ran, tried the games, and moved the treadmill around our testing center, simulating what it’s like to own this machine.
The Podium is a commercial-grade treadmill with a powerful 4.5 CHP brushless motor capable of reaching speeds up to 14 miles per hour. It’s also got fantastic built-in cushioning and plenty of conveniences that make it enjoyable to use. Along with the more compact Justice Treadmill and the upgraded Summit Treadmill, the Podium is one of Aviron’s three new models.
However, the standout feature you’ll want to pay attention to is Aviron’s virtual gaming world. Rather than logging your miles while watching a video, you can take advantage of interactive workout games that can help you look forward to your next workout. If you’ve struggled to stay consistent in the past, there’s a good chance Aviron will have you eagerly reaching for your treadmill running shoes and hopping on the belt for your next workout before you know it.
“You can definitely feel that you’re exercising, but your attention shifts away from the workout clock and toward what is happening in the game,” our expert tester, Demetre Nelson (Tree), told me. “That is probably the best way I can describe the experience: it feels more like being on the playground than being on a treadmill. When I change my effort and immediately see something happen in the game, it gives me a reason to push a little harder or try again.”
RELATED: HIIT Treadmill Workout
“This would fit in an apartment, but it’s more practical in a home where you can keep it in one location. Once it’s folded up you can tip it towards you, which allows you to move it using the wheels.”
– GGR Expert Product Tester
Aviron Podium Treadmill Rating
Footprint and Portability
For footprint and portability, the Podium treadmill earns 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is no small machine, but it features a powerful motor that’s as strong as most commercial machines, so we don’t mind if it takes up a bit of space.
The treadmill dimensions are 80″ L x 37″ W x 66″ H, but it can fold to 49″ L x 37″ W x 68″ H. That’s still a bit bulky, but it helps save some space if you need the extra room for off-treadmill workouts.
However, it weighs 284 pounds, so don’t expect to be moving it around on a regular basis.
“It’s fairly heavy, but I was able to move it pretty easily using the wheels on standard gym flooring,” our tester told me. “If you had it in a room with thick carpet, it would likely be a bit more difficult to move.”
If you need something smaller, you can check out our Aviron Justice Treadmill Review, which looks at one of the other new Aviron machines that shares similar virtual workout features.
Delivery and Setup
For delivery and setup, we give this treadmill another 3.5-out-of-5-star rating. The assembly isn’t too complicated, but as you’d expect with any large, bulky treadmill, it’s heavy, and maneuvering the large box around your home may be difficult.
According to Aviron, it arrives 80% assembled and takes under an hour to finish the setup. If that sounds like too much, you can also opt for White Glove Delivery if you want them to set it up for you, and don’t mind spending an extra $299.
Our tester confirmed that it’s easy to set up, saying, “This treadmill does need to be plugged in to use, but it has a SafeLift pneumatic assist system that lowers the base of the treadmill back down to the floor nice and slowly without needing any manual assistance.”
Durability
With a sturdy frame and powerful 4.5 CHP motor, this treadmill is built like a tank and earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for durability. It offers impressive speed and incline capabilities for your incline treadmill workouts, yet still has enough cushioning to feel comfortable in use.
“This is a very sturdy treadmill, and I didn’t notice any wobbling or shaking at any point when using this treadmill,” says Pete Nastasi, CNC, CPT. “This includes when I was walking on the steep 18% incline, or running at my top speed. The listed weight limit is 350 pounds and Aviron says this is suitable for users up to 6’7″.”
Customizations
While the Podium doesn’t have the absolute highest incline we’ve seen, it’s close, and we give it 4.5 out of 5 stars for customizations. Whether you want to run, walk, or sprint at a variety of incline settings, this will get the job done.
It’s also easy to use, says Pete, who told me, “There’s also a center-mounted control panel on the treadmill that you can customize with three different speed shortcuts, which is nice for warming up, jogging, and running.”
The 0 to 18% incline range is better than most treadmills, which is important, as walking on an incline has been shown1 to increase energy expenditure, so you burn more calories. It can also help increase muscle activation in the legs.
We docked half a point because there’s no decline setting, but aside from that, this is an excellent machine if you want great customizations and training options. If you prefer to have decline options and a steep incline up to 42%, the Aviron Summit Treadmill is the upgraded model, featuring powerful incline capabilities, hiking handles, and eight XL shock absorbers. However, it’s not WalkDesk compatible.
Adjustability and Ergonomics
For adjustability and ergonomics, the Podium scores quite well yet again and earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s spacious and comfortable, with a good weight capacity and a long enough running belt to accommodate most users.
“I’m 6’2″ and weigh around 200 pounds,” says Pete. “The treadmill’s running deck is 22 inches wide by 60 inches long and I never felt like I was going to fall off the back, or accidentally step on the side of the deck.”
Aviron’s CloudStride deck also provides plenty of cushion, and Pete told me it feels nice and cushioned, even when running.
Another callout is the belt acceleration. Essentially, this is how fast the belt accelerates when you change the speed. The faster acceleration of 0.75 miles per hour is ideal for advanced runners, while the slower acceleration of 0.5 miles per hour is better suited for beginners.
“The belt’s acceleration speed lets you make speed changes more gradual or more aggressive, depending on how you like to train, “ Pete said. “I didn’t feel much of a difference between them, but I can see the faster belt acceleration being useful for HIIT workouts where you’re changing your pace often.”
Tech Capabilities
Technology and software are where Aviron really shines, and the Podium treadmill earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.
You can choose from three different sizes (16, 22, or 27 inches) for their HD touchscreens. We tested the 27-inch display. Pete said, “The display looked great and sounded great, and the built-in speakers got very loud—you can hear the workout/entertainment over your footsteps, even while running.”
He also noted that the touchscreen is very bright and responsive, and pivots up and down so you can adjust your viewing angle. However, you can’t swivel it left or right for off-treadmill workouts. We were also impressed that some of the virtual workouts can automatically adjust the incline of your treadmill, giving you a hands-free training experience.
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“I couldn’t figure out how to tell which classes automatically adjust the settings or not,” Pete told me. “But if the class does require manual adjustment, the center control console does give you three customizable speed shortcuts.”
Since it wasn’t clear to us which classes automatically adjust the incline, we reached out to Aviron’s support team. They told us, “Workouts in our Power Plays, Guided Workouts, and Virtual Destinations offer automatic incline adjustments on all of our treadmills.”
The Podium also has built-in heart-rate sensors, Bluetooth compatibility, and built-in WiFi to access Aviron World, which we’ll cover later. In addition, you can find streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, and more.
Conveniences
If you want to be comfortable while you train, Aviron’s conveniences make that possible. The Podium earns 4.5 out of 5 stars, as it comes with some great features we enjoyed using. It’s got just about everything you’d need to have all your stuff within easy reach.
“This treadmill comes with two water bottle holders, a USB-C charging port, and a wireless charging station for your cellphone,” Pete told me. “It also has a built-in fan with three speed settings. There isn’t really a media shelf that you can use to prop your phone up and view it while running, but you really wouldn’t need to do that with this treadmill, since you have the huge touchscreen in front of you that has access to the different workouts, games, and streaming services.”
The Podium is also compatible with Aviron WalkDesk, an attachment that allows you to use your treadmill as a walking desk to get in your steps while you work. At the time of writing, the WalkDesk has a suggested price of $149, but is discounted to $119.
RELATED: Best Under-Desk Treadmill
Dynamic Programming
Now we’ve come to dynamic programming, which is probably Aviron’s biggest selling point, and the reason it earns 5 out of 5 stars for this category. If you’re looking for a nearly endless amount of things to do, whether that’s enjoying a virtual workout game, exploring scenic routes, or simply watching your favorite show, Aviron has you covered.
“I’m pretty sure everyone can find something they would enjoy, from guided workouts and classes (HIIT, cardio, strength training, stretching), to scenic destination runs, games, races, and off-treadmill workouts like strength, yoga, and core,” Pete explained.
Tree, another expert tester, noted that the virtual games are among the Podium’s best features, and he’s spent plenty of time enjoying them.
“I’ve played three games so far, including Brick Breaker and one that reminds me a lot of Halo, and they’ve been surprisingly fun,” he said. “What makes them different from simply watching something while you exercise is that your effort actually affects what happens on the screen. Changing your speed and incline can influence the game and give you another way to chase points or improve your score. With Aviron’s games, what I’m doing becomes part of the entertainment.”
Value
This treadmill isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with features and earns 4 out of 5 stars for value. It starts at $3,249 for the 16-inch screen, and the price goes up to $3,649 for the 22-inch screen and $4,049 for the 27-inch screen.
It’s also worth noting that the virtual programs, one of the main selling points, require a membership that’s not exactly cheap.
“To get access to all of the programming, you do need to purchase a membership,” Pete explained to me. “The pricing comes out to $34 a month when billed monthly and $29 a month when billed annually. Aviron also offers a $2,499 one-time perpetual membership, which is a pretty cool option, but it does mean you’re committing to using Aviron products for a long time.”
You can still use the treadmill without a membership and see your workout metrics in real-time, but if that’s all you’re looking for, there are plenty of more affordable options on the market.
Customer Experience
Aviron offers financing through Affirm for qualified buyers, and the Podium treadmill is HSA/FSA eligible to help you save even more money. It offers a generous 20-year warranty, but we docked half a point because the warranty is a little misleading unless you dig into the terms and conditions.
You have to buy the treadmill directly from Aviron, but you also have to maintain the initial recurring membership. If you cancel your membership, the warranty reverts to standard 10-year frame and motor coverage with 1 year of coverage for the other parts.
That’s still a solid warranty. Just know that the 20-year warranty shown on the site is only for those who never stop paying for a monthly membership.
There’s also a 30-day risk-free home trial that allows you to return your treadmill within the first 30 days, as long as it’s your first Aviron treadmill purchase.
Customer Reviews
The Podium treadmill currently has a 4.7 out of 5 average review score on the Aviron website, but it’s unclear how many of those are actually for this treadmill. The website shows reviews for all Aviron products, not just the Podium. Additionally, most of the reviews are for the Aviron Strong Go Rower, which we’ve also covered in an in-depth review.
We dug through the reviews and couldn’t find any for the Podium treadmill; otherwise, we’d share them here. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on customer reviews in the upcoming months.
Aviron Podium Treadmill Vs
With so many smart treadmills on the market offering integrated streaming classes and virtual workouts, let’s see how the Podium compares to a few other popular options.
For those looking for a high-powered motor with a steep incline, the NordicTrack X24 Treadmill is a great choice. It doesn’t have the built-in games, but it does have a 24-inch touchscreen. It also offers one of the most impressive incline and decline ranges we’ve seen—it can be used with a 6% decline all the way up to a 40% incline.
Read our full NordicTrack X24 Treadmill Review to learn more.
On the other hand, if you want to streamline things and just need a durable, strong treadmill that’ll handle all of your running needs without any bells and whistles, we love the Sole F63. It’s very durable, can be stored in your garage without voiding the warranty, and at the time of writing, it only costs $1,199. The display is very basic, but it’s a great option for those on a budget.
You can see our full breakdown in our Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
|  |  | |
| Aviron Podium Treadmill | NordicTrack X24 Treadmill | Sole F63 Treadmill | |
Rating | |||
| Speed Range | 14 MPH top speed | 0 to 12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph |
| Incline Range | Up to 18% | -6% – 40% | 0-15% |
| Deck Size | |||
| Foldable? | — | ||
| Programs | iFIT | Sole+ app (must use your own device) | |
| Display | 16″, 22″, or 27″ HD touchscreen | 24″ pivoting touchscreen | 6.5″ backlit LCD |
| Warranty | 20-year limited warranty | Lifetime treadmill motor warranty | Lifetime frame & motor warranty |
Final Verdict of Our Aviron Podium Treadmill Review
If you like virtual workouts, live classes, and interactive games, it’s hard to beat the Aviron Podium Treadmill. It has excellent software and immersive gaming to keep you coming back over and over, and the treadmill itself is very durable, with a powerful 4.5 CHP motor and high weight capacity.
It’s expensive, but if it fits your budget, we think the Podium is worthy of a spot in nearly any home gym.
- The Podium offers above-average speed and incline settings, and many of the virtual classes can automatically adjust that incline for you.
- It’s covered by a 20-year warranty, but you’ll need to maintain an active subscription the entire time.
- Aviron says this will work well for users up to 6’7”, and it has a 350-pound weight capacity, which means it can accommodate a wide range of users.
Aviron Podium Treadmill: FAQs
Are Aviron treadmills good?
Yes, Aviron treadmills are well-constructed, come with generous warranty coverage, and feature some of the best virtual workouts on the market. Aviron focuses heavily on virtual gaming, which can make your workouts fun and engaging.
Which treadmill is better, Peloton or Aviron?
Both Peloton and Aviron make excellent treadmills focused on streaming entertainment. Both offer streaming classes, virtual workouts, scenic runs, and games. However, Peloton focuses more heavily on live studio classes, while Aviron excels at interactive workout games. We’d recommend Peloton for someone who prefers the workout studio environment, and Aviron for those who want interactive games.
How much does an Aviron treadmill cost?
Pricing may vary throughout the year during seasonal sales, but you’ll typically see Aviron treadmills ranging from $2,599 to $4,799, and financing options are available for qualified buyers.
References
- Kim, J., Lee, H. J., Lee, S. H., Lee, J., Chang, W. H., Ryu, G. H., & Kim, Y. H. (2021). Correlation between cardiopulmonary metabolic energy cost and lower-limb muscle activity during inclined treadmill gait in older adults. BMC geriatrics, 21(1), 469. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02401-9
