As someone who has run on dozens of treadmills for nearly 800 miles this year, I can mostly tell you what to expect from a run on a ‘mill. The main differences usually fall in the margins — size of the deck, cushioning underfoot, size of screens, and relative stability. With the Aviron Victory gamified treadmill, this is not the case. This is the first treadmill I’ve tested this year where I was genuinely surprised by the features.
As you can imagine, the amount of miles I spend on treadmills can get kind of boring. While I’m pretty good at focusing on my run and enjoying whatever entertainment I’m using, there’s really only so much true crime one can ingest before it gets dull. This is where Aviron’s Victory treadmill stands out. It’s a gamified treadmill that levels up your running experience. It’s kitted out with a 22-inch high definition touch screen that displays a variety of arcade games that you play and control via your run.
Take the old-school game Breakout, for example. The way you speed or slow the puck across the screen is through increasing your speed and incline or decreasing your speed and incline. It is a similar mechanism for the majority of the games built into the console. Not only that, but there is an online component that features virtual races, competitive scoreboards, training centers, and more. With its innovative gaming and competitive approach, the Aviron Victory transforms monotonous workouts into engaging adventures, making it such a cool piece of fitness equipment.
Pros
- Motivating gamified workouts and interactive content keep users engaged
- 22” HD touch screen supports streaming and immersive experiences
- High 400 lb weight capacity
- 3.5 CHP motor with a top speed of 12.5 mph and up to 12% incline for versatile training
- Low 4” step-up height for safety and accessibility
- 10-year warranty on the frame and drive motor
Cons
- Paid subscription to access most interactive and gamified features
- Display can shake at higher running speeds
- Heavier and less compact than some folding competitors
- Lacks decline settings found on similarly-priced treadmills
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 77” L x 33” W x 62” H |
|---|---|
| Treadmill Weight | 242 lb |
| Display Screen Size/Type | 22" HD Touchscreen |
| Subscription Required? | Yes (for full access to games, classes, and streaming; 1-month free trial, then ongoing membership) |
| Max Speed/Incline | Up to 12.5 mph (20 km/h), Incline 0–12% |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years on drive motor, commercial-grade build |
The Basics
What you notice first is just how low to the ground this treadmill is. You barely need to step up at all, and that gives you an instant feeling of safety—almost like the treadmill is inviting you on board, not daring you to climb aboard. This isn’t just good for people like me who tend to run until they’re wiggle-legged, but also for shorter runners, and for seniors who want to exercise but have limited ability when it comes to stepping up and down. It also has generously-sized, strong handlebars to help you get on and off the treadmill with ease.
Once you start your run, you’ll notice that the Aviron Victory Treadmill features a “Cloud Stride” deck with six shock absorbers, delivering a cushy, but not too padded running surface that feels comfortable even during longer training sessions. It’s not whisper-quiet, but the oversized commercial-grade rollers ensure a smooth and quieter ride.
However, with a running surface of 57-inches long by 20.5-inches wide, the deck is a bit shorter and narrower than those of some other premium treadmills—especially considering the gamified, immersive workouts that might have you glancing at the screen instead of your feet. If you get caught up in a game or streaming content, it’s easy to drift toward the motor cover or rails, so a little extra space would make the experience better for distraction-prone runners.
As for the games, it's basically the 90's movie theater arcade of treadmills. The games aren't sophisticated, but they're fun—think quick reflexes, bright graphics, and a nice little bit of competition to keep you moving when you’d otherwise be tempted to slow down.
Whether you’re dodging obstacles, chasing high scores, or racing digital rivals, the treadmill’s library of over 1,000 games and challenges keeps things fresh and fun. I do wish it had more “I’m getting chased” style games. I want the makers of Zombies! Run! and Aviron to team up for something truly diabolical. They totally have the ability to make you go “splat” on the screen, and they should use it.
As it stands—or walks—you can go solo, battle friends and family, and even compete against pro athletes in their “Pros vs Joes” series of competitions. There are lane-based interval games, time machine races where you try to beat your past self, and community competitions where you can take down all your frenemies from college soccer. If you want something more chill, scenic runs and guided programs are preloaded into the machine. It’s also a good way to work your brain out of the harried pace of your training while you cool down.
The Run Itself
Running on the Aviron Victory Treadmill feels refreshingly close to pounding the pavement, but with a bit more give—think “road runner with sneakers” rather than the ultra-plush bounce you get from treadmills like those from Horizon. The “Cloud Stride” cushioning lands right in the middle: firmer than many home treadmills, yet soft enough to take the edge off your joints, especially during longer or faster runs. The deck feels stable even at the highest incline, and the treadmill’s solid build means you don’t get that wobbly, top-heavy sensation when you’re pushing the pace or climbing hills.
Controlling your workout is a mostly digital affair. Everything—speed, incline, and even the games—is managed through either rocker toggles on the console or the large touchscreen. There are no dedicated manual speed or incline buttons, which might frustrate runners who like the tactile feel of quick-access controls. While speeding up is smooth and relatively seamless, slowing down does have a slight lag, so you’ll want to plan your transitions a second ahead.
It also has a noticeable “tick” when you get past certain speeds as you come down. My husband didn’t notice it, but I certainly did. The incline changes are quiet and steady, but at steeper grades, managing the games can become a bit tricky—your attention is split between the action on screen and keeping your footing, which adds a fun challenge but also a bit of risk if you’re a clumsy ape like I am.
Given the treadmill’s gamified focus, a few thoughtful touches would make the experience even better. A red guideline down the center of the deck, like the one on the Bowflex T9, would help you stay on the deck when you’re caught up in a heated race or dodging digital obstacles. And, as the sweat starts to pour, you’ll quickly realize the Victory desperately needs a built-in fan—especially for those longer, high-intensity sessions. Still, the overall experience is a lot of fun, and the unique blend of cushioning, performance, and tech mak`es each run feel like more than just another workout.
Who Is It For
The Aviron Victory Treadmill is a fab fit for new runners and anyone who finds traditional workouts a bit of a bore. Its low 4-inch step-up height means you barely have to lift your foot to get started, making it especially welcoming for seniors or anyone concerned about balance and safety. For reluctant runners who need that extra push, the treadmill’s huge library of games, competitions, and streaming options transforms exercise from a chore into something you might actually look forward to.
It’s also a great choice for people like me who crave a little novelty in their miles. When you’re tired of the same old routine, the Aviron’s mix of immersive content, interactive leaderboards, and ever-changing challenges keeps things fresh and engaging. Whether you’re just starting out, need something to hold your attention, or simply want to spice up your daily run, the Victory Treadmill offers a smart, safe, and seriously fun way to log your workouts.
Who Should Avoid
The Aviron Victory Treadmill isn’t the best choice for hardcore runners who thrive on a no-frills, focused routine. If you’re someone who just wants the basics—reliable speed, incline, and a sturdy deck without all the extra entertainment, games, and subscription requirements, this treadmill is likely too pricey and packed with features you’ll never use. Tall runners may also want to look elsewhere; while it accommodates users up to 6-feet tall, the 57- by 20.5-inch deck is on the shorter and narrower side for those with a long stride, especially during faster workouts or sprints.
It’s also not a good choice for anyone with limited space or who needs to move their equipment often. At 242 pounds and with a footprint of 77- by 33 inches, the Victory is heavy and not designed to be portable—once you set it up, it’s pretty much staying put. If you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly, compact, or easily movable treadmill, this one is overkill. Fun overkill, but overkill.
The Wrap Up
If you’re ready to turn your daily run into a high-score arcade classic, a Netflix binge, or a race against your past self, the Aviron Victory Treadmill is your ticket to a run that’s anything but boring. It’s safe, sturdy, and loaded with techy twists that make the miles more fun. Just be warned: once you’ve gamified your treadmill experience and streamed your favorite shows mid-stride, you may be spoiled for life.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
