Best Folding Treadmill - For Small Space
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Looking to be more active at home with a treadmill but don’t have the space?
The best folding treadmill can be a great way to squeeze in a cardio workout while also being a huge space saver. Foldable treadmills (or under-desk treadmills) are ideal for small spaces because they can easily be stored away versus ellipticals and exercise bikes.
Buyers Guide For Buying The Best Folding Treadmill
Doctors say that the importance of getting active can’t be overstated enough.
A compact folding treadmill, especially when paired with a standing desk, can be one of the best ways to boost the amount of time you spend walking during the week.
What to Look for When Buying a Folding Treadmill?
The most important consideration when buying a folding treadmill is to ask yourself how you’ll be using the treadmill. Your ultimate purpose will help define all the other considerations for these treadmills.
Ask yourself:
- Are you getting back into a fitness routine and just need an easy-to-use treadmill for walking or slow jogging?
- Are you mainly looking for a super-compact treadmill to pair with your standing desk?
- Do you need a treadmill for some serious running, such as an alternative for inclement weather or dark mornings while training for a race?
- Is saving space your primary consideration or are the features of the machine more important?
Some important considerations to help choose a folding treadmill for a small space are:
Speed Settings
The maximum speed of the treadmill will dictate what kind of workouts you can do. Some compact folding treadmills are small and sleek, but top out at just 3 mph. For most people, 3 mph is at the high end of average walking speed. You may want a machine that goes up to 5 mph if you're looking to do some brisk power.
Size
Keep in mind that folding treadmills come in a range of sizes, and they may fold down completely or stand upright when not in use.
Be sure to measure your space, and check the dimensions of the treadmill on the product listing. You’ll want to know both the dimensions of the treadmill when it’s fully set up, and when it’s folded to make sure it’s a good fit for both spaces.
If you are looking for a treadmill to regularly store in a small space like under a bed or the closet, check that the treadmill has wheels so you’ll be able to easily roll it in and out of storage.
Weight Capacity
Many folding treadmills have relatively low maximum weight limitations, so be sure to check that the treadmill can accommodate your weight. Treadmills typically have weight limits between 200 and 300 pounds.
Incline Settings
The basic features to look at with folding treadmills are the maximum speed and incline capabilities, whether the incline is automatic, and what sort of safety features are attached.
Price Range
Price is an important aspect when choosing the best folding treadmill. It is important to note that you get what you pay for, so it can be worth it to spend a bit more upfront to get features that you might need in the future.
How to run safely on a folding treadmill
Whether you’re running on a regular treadmill or a folding treadmill, safety is important. Below, our experts highlight some things you can do to make sure you’re using your treadmill as safely as possible.
- Maintain a realistic pace. “Pulling a hamstring is a big concern when you have the treadmill going too fast for you,” Moxham explained.
- Wear shoes. The friction from the treadmill belt can get hot from friction and slippery — wearing shoes can protect your feet and give you some added traction. He also suggested switching between running shoes if you run every single day since the foam that most running shoes are made of “takes time to bounce back.”
- Keep the treadmill away from the wall. “If you were to fall off, you don’t want to be hitting a wall and then [ending up in] an endless tumbling cycle if that belt is going and going and going,”.
- Run outside when you can. When time and weather constraints aren’t limiting you to the treadmill, Dunn said it’s usually better to run outside. “Your gait on the treadmill is a little different than when you’re outside on natural terrain,” she noted.
The Best Folding Treadmills To Shop
The experts we spoke to said that a good folding treadmill should allow up to 7 mph for the average runner. They also noted that the front bar should be located toward the front of the treadmill so it isn’t in the way of the belt when you’re running.
With this in mind, the personal trainers and running coaches we spoke to recommended their favorite folding treadmills across various price points.
For each treadmill, we listed some notable specs, including the maximum speed, weight limit, deck size, and incline and decline settings (if there are any).
Our Picks
XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill
Specifications
- Dimensions: 77.2"D x 35.5"W x 56.1"H
- Item Weight: 213.9 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Max Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
- Max Weight: 350 lb
- Maximum Horsepower: 3HP
- Display Type: 6.5" Blue Backlit LCD
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Deck: 60” x 20”
Why We Love It
The XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill is perfect for any fitness enthusiast. With a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, remote control, and app control, this treadmill has everything you need to stay motivated during your workout.
The high-performance speaker ensures that you can always enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise, while the non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt ensures a comfortable and safe workout.
The quiet motor provides ample power for even the most intense workouts, making this treadmill perfect for anyone who wants to get fit and have fun doing it.
What You Should Know
XTERRA Fitness TRX3500 Folding Treadmill is a great choice for people who are looking for an easy-to-use and easy-to-store treadmill.
It is a very popular model because it is affordable and it has all of the features that people are looking for in a treadmill. It has a tight folding mechanism which makes it easy to move the bar up and down.
It also has a walking and jogging function for home or office use. It is also a great choice for those who want to get a cardio workout. This treadmill can be used for walking or jogging.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Desk not included
- The treadmill console might be hard to see under your desk
- The remote has limited features and might not be easy to use
- A decent size deck makes it easier to walk or jog
Sole Fitness F80 Folding Treadmill
Specifications
- Dimensions: 82” x 37” x 57”
- Item Weight: 278 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Max Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
- Max Weight: 375 lb
- Maximum Horsepower: 3.5 HP
- Display Type: LCD
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Deck: 60” x 22”
Why We Love It
The Sole F80 Folding Treadmill is perfect for any kind of workout. With a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, remote control, and app control, this treadmill has everything you need to stay motivated during your workout.
The high-performance speaker ensures that you can always enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise, while the non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt ensures a comfortable and safe workout. Six standard programs, two custom programs, and two heart programs; cooling fans and MP3-compatible sound system; 7.5-inch LCD workout display make it a great machine.
The powerful motor provides ample power for even the most intense workouts, making this treadmill perfect for anyone who wants to get fit and have fun doing it.
What You Should Know
Sole F80 Folding Treadmill gives you a great cardio workout. It's one of the best treadmills you can buy for the price.
It is a very popular model because it is very affordable and it has all of the features that people are looking for in a treadmill. It has a tight folding mechanism which makes it easy to move the bar up and down.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Comes with 5 year warranty on electronics, a Lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and deck, and 2 year warranty on labor
- Suitable for heavy people who are serious about workouts
- Heavy machine with a high-quality build but a bit hard to move
Echelon Stride Treadmill
Specifications
- Dimensions: 69.29 x 30.98 x 49.17
- Item Weight: 179 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Max Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
- Max Weight: 300 lb
- Maximum Horsepower: 3 HP
- Display Type: LCD
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Deck: 20" x 55"
Why We Love It
The Echelon Stride Treadmill is perfect for any fitness enthusiast. With a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, remote control, and app control, this treadmill has everything you need to stay motivated during your workout.
The high-performance speaker ensures that you can always enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise, while the non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt ensures a comfortable and safe workout.
The powerful 2.25HP quiet motor provides ample power for even the most intense workouts, making this treadmill perfect for anyone who wants to get fit and have fun doing it.
What You Should Know
Echelon Stride Treadmill is a great choice for people who are looking for an easy-to-use and easy-to-store treadmill.
It is a very popular model because it is very affordable and it has all of the features that people are looking for in a treadmill. It has a tight folding mechanism which makes it easy to move the bar up and down.
The cord is also very short, so it is easy to carry around with you. It also has a walking and jogging function for home or office use.
Some points to consider before buying this treadmill
- Decent motor HP
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Great Folding Levels
- Solid Speed Offering
- Integrated heart rate sensors in handlebars
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Specifications
- Dimensions: 27"D x 49"W x 42"H
- Item Weight: 84 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Max Speed: 8 Miles per Hour
- Max Weight: 265 lb
- Maximum Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Display Type: LED
- Power Source: Electric
- Deck: 40 x 16"
Why We Love It
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is perfect for any fitness enthusiast. With a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, remote control, and app control, this treadmill has everything you need to stay motivated during your workout.
The high-performance speaker ensures that you can always enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise, while the non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt ensures a comfortable and safe workout.
The powerful 2.25HP quiet motor provides ample power for even the most intense workouts, making this treadmill perfect for anyone who wants to get fit and have fun doing it.
What You Should Know
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a great budget, easy-to-use, and easy-to-store treadmill.
It is a very popular model because it is very affordable and it has all of the features that people are looking for in a treadmill. It has a tight folding mechanism which makes it easy to move the bar up and down.
It also has a walking and jogging function for home or office use.
Some points to consider before buying this treadmill
- Maximum speed is 3 mph which is not enough for serious workouts
- Come with multiple folding levels
- Non-slip running belt for a safe and comfortable workout
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Specifications
- Dimensions: 63.4"D x 28.75"W x 51.4"H
- Item Weight: 108 Pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel,
- Max Speed: 10 Miles per Hour
- Max Weight: 250 lb
- Maximum Horsepower: 2.25 HP
- Display Type: LCD
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Deck: 50” x 16"
Why We Love It
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is perfect for any fitness enthusiast. With a Bluetooth speaker, phone holder, remote control, and app control, this treadmill has everything you need to stay motivated during your workout.
The high-performance speaker ensures that you can always enjoy your favorite tunes while you exercise, while the non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt ensures a comfortable and safe workout.
The powerful 2.25HP quiet motor provides ample power for even the most intense workouts, making this treadmill perfect for anyone who wants to get fit and have fun doing it.
What You Should Know
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is a great choice for people who are looking for an easy-to-use and easy-to-store treadmill.
It is a very popular model because it is very affordable and it has all of the features that people are looking for in a treadmill. It has a tight folding mechanism which makes it easy to move the bar up and down.
The cord is also very short, so it is easy to carry around with you. It also has a walking and jogging function for home or office use.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Great Folding Levels
- Solid Speed Offering
- 3 Incline Ranges
Best Folding Treadmills FAQs
It can be hard to know which treadmill is best for you based on your preferences and features. With all the different brands, options, and varieties on the market it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. We have a comprehensive buyer's guide including frequently asked questions to help you choose the best treadmill for your needs. This guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the best treadmill for you.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about treadmills.
Q: What Is A Folding Treadmill?
Answer: A folding treadmill is a piece of home fitness equipment that allows you to walk or run indoors. It typically has a motor that propels the belt forward, and you control the speed and incline manually.
Folding treadmills are designed to be compact so they can be easily stored away when not in use. They are also designed to be very durable for long-term use.
Q: Which is the best foldable treadmill?
Answer: There isn't one single treadmill that is considered to be the best foldable treadmill, as different people have different needs and preferences.
If you're looking for something durable and well-built, see our recommendation above for a good choice. It's one of the more expensive options on this list, but it's also one of the most reliable.
Q: Is folding the treadmill worth it?
Answer: One of the primary benefits of a folding treadmill is that it saves on storage space. People can fold the treadmill up and store it away when it is not in use, which may particularly benefit those living in smaller properties. Foldable models often have wheels on the bottom, making it easier to move them around.
Q: How much is a decent treadmill?
Answer: A quality treadmill should be durable and meet basic industry standards such as a weight capacity of 275 pounds, a 60-inch deck size for runners, speeds up to 10 MPH, and a good warranty. The average cost for a decent treadmill is around $1,000.
Q: Are folding treadmills sturdy?
Answer: Folding treadmills are exactly what they sound like. However, because they are so compact, they are less sturdy than a regular treadmill and may not be able to support the more strenuous workouts you might be used to. None of the options we recommend can support more than 300 pounds of weight, either.
Q: How many HP should a treadmill be?
Answer: For runners and sprinters, 3.0 horsepower of continuous duty is recommended. For joggers, the constant duty should have at least 2.5 horsepower. Lastly, for walkers, 2.0 horsepower is enough on continuous duty.
Q: What should I look for in a compact treadmill?
Answer: Look for treadmills that have an easy fold/unfold feature using hydraulics. This is an element that you need to try in person. If you can only shop online, read the reviews and post questions to real-life users for how easy they are to fold.
Q: How heavy is a foldable treadmill?
Answer: A foldable treadmill typically weighs more than 50 pounds. This weight can vary depending on the specific model, but it's a good estimate for most foldable treadmills.
Foldable treadmills are a great option if you're short on space since they can be easily folded up and stored away when not in use. Plus, they're generally much cheaper than traditional treadmills, making them a budget-friendly option as well.
If you're looking for a quality foldable treadmill that will last for years to come, I'd recommend checking out the Treadmill Doctor folding treadmill line. They offer a variety of different models to choose from, all of which are built with high-quality materials and construction.
Q: Are treadmills good for weight loss?
Answer: Yes, treadmills are good for weight loss. They're one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment because they're easy to use and can help you burn a lot of calories.
If you're looking to lose weight, try to use the treadmill for at least 30 minutes each day. You can increase the intensity by increasing your speed or incline, or by adding periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to your workout. Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if you're sweating a lot. And lastly, always consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
Q: Do treadmills use a lot of electricity?
Answer: Treadmills are, by far, the most popular machines in the club, but they're also the most prodigious consumers of energy. On average, a treadmill uses between 600 and 700 watts of energy per hour, with some models using up to 1 or 2 kilowatts per hour.
Q: What time of year do treadmills go on sale?
Answer: The best time of year to buy a treadmill is generally during the summer when most people are focused on getting in shape for the beach season. However, treadmill sales can crop up at any time, so it's always worth checking online and in-store.
When shopping for a treadmill, be sure to consider your needs and budget. Some things to keep in mind include the size of the treadmill, its features, how heavy it is, and whether or not it folds up for easy storage.
Key Takeaways
So, there you have it. You now have all the information you need to decide if a folding treadmill is the best investment for your health and productivity. Remember, by burning more calories throughout the day, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity and heart disease. And, if you’re currently struggling with neck or upper back pain, using a folding treadmill may be an excellent way to alleviate those symptoms. Ultimately, only you can decide if this piece of office fitness equipment is right for you. But we hope that after reading this article, you feel confident enough to make an informed decision.