Walking is one of the simplest, low-impact workouts for people looking to stay fit and lose weight. Treadmills for walking allow you to take a “walk” from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re using the treadmill for rigorous uphill walks or leisure strolls, a walking treadmill is a safe and effective way to keep fit. You can walk any distance with a walking treadmill, regardless of the weather.
However, some treadmills can be huge, and not everyone owns a home gym. Fortunately, folding treadmills for walking are conveniently sized, fold up easily, and have tons of features to support user satisfaction.
Below, I’ve reviewed the 5 best folding treadmills that can fit any space, are easy to move, and won’t put pressure on your joints.
What is a Treadmill?
A treadmill is a stationary exercise machine with a running or walking belt designed for cardio exercise. Most treadmills come with a range of speed and incline settings, making them ideal pieces of fitness equipment for individuals of different fitness levels. Some treadmills feature LCD touchscreens and Bluetooth that allow you to enjoy training programs designed to improve your workout efficiency.
Types of Treadmills
Manual Treadmills
Manual treadmills are a lighter and more affordable option that doesn’t use electricity. These treadmills are more straightforward than electric ones but have few features apart from handrails and a treadmill belt. Manual treadmills are safer and good for home use because they stop moving once you stop walking or running.
Most manual treadmills are foldable, so if you live in a small room or need a treadmill that’s easy to store, this is a great choice.
Motorized Treadmills
Motorized treadmills rely on electricity and have more automatic power settings than manual ones. They offer a range of inclines and speeds; these treadmills also come with LCD displays, which you can use to stream video and enhance your workouts. They are usually larger than manual treadmills.
Commercial Treadmills
These treadmills come with built-in continuous horsepower to use in a commercial gym setting. They come with an interactive digital screen, heart rate monitors, motor incline setting, and cushioned running deck. Although they are mostly used in commercial gyms, they also fit in home gyms.
Medical Treadmills
Medical treadmills are anti-gravity or zero-gravity treadmills that allow you to run or walk at a lower percentage of body weight. They are most used for preventative rehabilitation.
Hybrid Treadmills
These treadmills are known for durability and are more expensive than other types. They come with the benefits of an elliptical machine and a treadmill.
Benefits of a Treadmill
Whether you want to stay fit or you’re a runner, a treadmill offers tons of benefits, including:
Helping Your Body Feel Better
Aerobic workouts, like walking or running on a treadmill, make you feel better. It helps in weight loss, makes your heart stronger, and lowers blood pressure.
Reduced Impact for Runners
Outdoor running can lead to knee, back, and ankle problems over time. Treadmills prevent this by having cushioned running decks for shock absorption.
Improved Mental Health
Aerobic exercises release endorphins naturally produced chemical compounds that enhance your mood. If you end your workouts in a good mood, this will increase your motivation, helping you stick to your routine.
Build Muscles and Bone Density
Working out on a treadmill improves core strength and leg muscles. It also boosts your heart health and prevents osteoporosis by helping your body build strong bones through low-impact exercises.
Folding Treadmill for Walking Buying Guide
When purchasing a folding treadmill, you have to consider some aspects to ensure that your purchase is worth every penny and is durable. For the best folding treadmill for walking, here is a breakdown of what you need to be keen on:
Ease of Use
Your favorite folding treadmill should come with safe and easy-to-use features. The best folding treadmill for walking should have easy-to-use buttons, a well-positioned screen or shelf for a phone or tablet, and clear and easy-to-change settings.
Horsepower
If your treadmill will be used regularly, you will want to be keen on horsepower. The stronger the motor, the greater the max speed. You won’t get the best out of your treadmill if you get the wrong motor. The right motor will be durable and will not break down when you’re working out. For daily workout sessions, look for a treadmill with at least a 1.5-horsepower motor.
Construction Quality and Durability
A folding treadmill for walking should be durable and sturdy enough to withstand your weight and support the joints and knees. Also, go for a treadmill that comes with an extended warranty.
Treadmill Heavy Weight Capacity
When buying a folding treadmill, you should consider its weight capacity. You should check the capacity of the treadmill in relation to your weight. You don’t want a treadmill that won’t support your weight.
Easy to Use
You’ll enjoy your workouts if you invest in an easy-to-use treadmill. You should look at the controls to determine if they are easy to manage and shift. The frame should be lightweight but strong enough to withstand the weight of different users.
Ease of installation
Most treadmills have easy installation instructions. If you want to install it by yourself, it may take two hours at most. However, you can call a professional to install it for you at a low price.
Workout Programs
People buy treadmills to get motivated and keep fit. No want wants a treadmill that’s boring to work on. You need one with multiple workout programs that will keep you motivated when working out.
Your Budget
The amount of cash you’re willing to spend will determine the folding treadmill you get at the end of the day since the market has the last say. High-quality folding treadmills have a higher price, but you can get a quality folding treadmill for walking at an affordable price.
Best Folding Treadmill for Walking Reviews
ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill
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If you’re limited in space and are looking for a convenient treadmill for walking, this is a good bet. The ProForm City L6 Folding Treadmill is a great machine for those living in tight spaces and comes at a great price with lots of bells and whistles. This treadmill comes with a free one-year iFit Membership subscription. It has an easy fold frame and boasts a 250-pound maximum weight capacity. It has an 18”x47” running deck that’s perfect for small spaces and is powered by a 1.6CHP motor with speeds of up to 8mph. What’s more, this treadmill is Bluetooth-enabled and has a built-in tablet holder.
Features
- Compact SpaceSaver Design
- ProShox Deck Cushioning
- 5-inch high-contrast display
- Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
- Highly cushioned deck
- Great value for the price
- 10-year warranty on the frame
Cons
- Smaller motor
LifeSpan TR800-DT5 Treadmill Desk
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Although you need a treadmill that can fit under your desk, bed, or closet, it’s advisable to choose one that has a desk itself. If you’re looking for a folding treadmill that is foldable and has a desk, the LifeSpan TR800-DT5 Treadmill Desk is an incredible machine for walking. This treadmill measures 65 inches in length and can be adjusted from 33.5 to 52.5 inches in height. This unit also has an integrated console and armrest. Additionally, the LifeSpan TR800-DT5 is powered by a 2.0HP motor that can go up to 4.0mph.
Features
- Internal cable management system
- Onboard Intell-Step Technology
- 45-inch deck length
- Bluetooth-ready console
Pros
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Wirelessly sync your data
- Compact design
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Only 4mph speed
LifeSpan Fitness TR800 Portable Walking Under Desk Treadmill
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This foldable treadmill for walking is a dream come true for most fitness enthusiasts looking for a convenient machine to place under one’s desks while working in an office or home. The LifeSpan Fitness TR800 Portable Walking Under Desk Treadmill is sturdy enough to take with you for long trips, thanks to its small and compact design. This treadmill requires no assembly, so users can use it straight out of the box. It has a red LED display that’s easy to read and shows the calories burned, distance traveled, belt speed, and step count.
Features
- 45-inch deck length
- 2HP Continuous Duty DC motor
- LED display
- High-quality steel frame
Pros
- It requires low maintenance
- Easy-to-read display
- No assembly needed
- Convenient size
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to other options
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
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The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is designed for light joggers and walkers since it comes with a lower max speed and a shorter belt. It is well-built and easy to fold and store away, making it ideal for those with a small space. It has a simple LCD console that allows you to track time, calories, and pulse, while preset keys allow quick speed changes. Although it’s not a high-end treadmill, this treadmill has great value and has multiple programs to suit your fitness level.
Features
- 2.25HP motor
- 3 levels of manual incline
- 12 preset workout programs
- XTRASoft cushioned deck technology
- 16”x50” belt
Pros
- Easy to fold and store
- Built with comfort and performance in mind
- Affordable
Cons
- Short surface deck
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill with Dual Display
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The Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill with Dual Display is loved by most fitness enthusiasts for many reasons. Apart from its ease of use and portability, this treadmill comes fully assembled straight out of the box. It has a sturdy and durable steel frame and a built-in quiet motor with a non-slip belt with excellent shock absorption. Additionally, it has a phone holder and a built-in Bluetooth speaker that you can connect to your phone for impressive sounds.
Features
- 40-inch deck length
- 2.25HP motor
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers
- 40”x16” running deck
Pros
- Powerful and quiet motor
- No assembly needed
- Easy to store
- Suitable for home and office use
Cons
- Short power cable
- Count accuracy seems off
FAQs
Is walking on a treadmill as good as walking?
There is no definite answer to this. If you’re walking, the fitness benefits and calorie-burning are about the same whether you walk outdoors or on a treadmill. The way your knees and hip joints move is very similar as well. This means that the risk of injury is equal.
Conclusion
All the folding treadmills reviewed above are some of the best treadmills for walking available in the market right now. Don’t fall for a low-quality treadmill brand by choosing blindly. Pick one from above and take your fitness to the next level.