Upgraded Reebok GT40Z Treadmill Review

Reebok, one of the best-known and trusted brands in the sports industry, has consistently delivered reliable and competitively priced cardio machines over the years. Among their recent offerings, we had the opportunity to review the Reebok GT40z treadmill. Here’s what we found… 

Assembling the GT40z is just about as straightforward as it gets, making this model a good choice even for those with zero handy skills. With the machine already partially assembled in the box, it’s a case of just unfolding it, locking things into position with a few bolts and washers, and connecting the console. That’s it. Done. Dusted. The treadmill is ready to use. No additional assistance or expertise is required, making assembly for this model a particularly hassle-free experience. A very good way to start things and we love it when things are this easy! 

Once fully assembled, the GT40z looks very neat and tidy with a predominantly black colourway that features splashes of red without being overpowering. Reebok has gone for a minimalist approach, resulting in a relatively compact model with a footprint of 168 x 77cm (66″ x 30″). This makes it suitable for various settings including living rooms, as it can fit into spaces where other treadmills may not and won’t dominate a room making it a lot more ‘“liveable” than a lot of other running machines. Like most home-use models, the GT40z can be folded, further reducing its footprint to just 103cm x 77cm (40.5″ x 30″) which helps to really squeeze the most out of the space you’ve got. 

The GT40z is equipped with a healthy-sized 2.0 horsepower motor, which should be plenty enough for all but the most demanding of home environments. And, with an improved maximum speed of 18kph (11mph) and wider running belt vs its predecessor, there’s plenty here to keep even already fit runners challenged. This is an improvement from the original GT40, which capped at 10mph, and had a smaller deck. Unless you’re an advanced runner looking for intense competition-level speed, the GT40z offers plenty enough of a challenge to make you break a sweat. The motor operates quietly and without fuss, even at higher speed and incline levels, giving reassurance about its durability and longevity.

The 45cm x 130cm (18″ x 51″) running area, while generally considered slimline, still offers ample space for most runners to get a comfortable running experience. If you’re tall, standing over 6ft, you might find the deck slightly short at higher speeds, nevertheless, the treadmill allows for a good bit of movement and readjustment, ensuring a pleasant running experience even during extended workouts. There are 12 levels of incline, with the maximum setting providing a challenging workout for power walking and jogging. The quick transition between incline levels, aided by the one-touch quick access keys, makes the GT40z a reasonably good choice for interval training too.

Reebok has chosen to fit its Air Motion cushioning technology under the deck, utilising rubber blocks of varying softness and stiffness. The front blocks provide maximum absorption upon landing, while the back blocks offer optimal resistance for a solid push-off. This innovative system ensures a comfortable and joint-friendly running experience while still providing a nice solid launch pad and it feels pretty darn good, especially for a running machine at this price point.

Real-time training data, including speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, incline, and body fat, is displayed on a clear and easy-to-read LCD panel. The information is clearly presented and logically organised and the screen allows for focused viewing, enabling instant access to specific data without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the display features a centralised virtual running track display, reminiscent of a classic design often found on gym machines. This inclusion adds a nostalgic touch to the overall user experience and is one that many runners will enjoy.

With an impressive 43 preset workouts (manual mode, 36 pre-set programmes, 3 user-defined, 3 target and body fat mode), the GT40z offers an extensive range of training options. The manual mode allows for an immediate start and straightforward running while the scalable preset workouts can be adjusted for increased difficulty, accommodating your fitness levels as your fitness improves. These workouts are well-designed and cater to various objectives such as weight loss and cardiovascular conditioning. In addition to the extensive range of onboard workouts, the GT40z also comes with a Bluetooth module that enables the connection of a tablet or smartphone. This provides interactive training options via a number of 3rd party apps and services such as KinoMap and Zwift, which really opens up a lot of training options that many runners will really appreciate. 

Heart rate measurement is via hand-pulse sensors only as there’s no built-in wireless receiver which is a bit of a shame, though it’s clear that Reebok has focussed on delivering a good running experience and training options first and foremost, and given the price point of this model, it’s understandable that Reebok has had to do a bit of picking and choosing. While we always prefer chest belts, this isn’t a deal-breaker by any means as given the rest of the specs on this machine, the running experience it delivers, and the number of training options on offer here, the lack of a wireless heart rate receiver is something we’re prepared to forgive.  

Other features include a dual water bottle holder, Bluetooth dongle, tablet holder, cooling fan to help keep your body temperature down during workouts, leg levellers that are more important than one might think, and last but not least, an integrated speaker system with a 3.5mm input socket and included audio cable.

Finally, the Reebok GT40z comes with a very healthy 10 years frame, 10 years motor, 2 years labour, 2 years parts warranty for peace of mind.