Creating an effective home gym isn’t very easy when tight on space. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible- all you need is the right space-saving treadmill for home. Treadmills can be very expensive, and although they’ve long been a gym staple, a tight apartment or full house is not ideal for loud, bulky treadmills.
Fortunately, folding treadmills are the latest innovation in-home gym, and they are what you need if you’re limited in space. If you’re looking for a compact and convenient folding treadmill for small spaces, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the best folding treadmills for small spaces that will help you achieve your fitness goals in no time.
Types of Treadmills
Manual Treadmill
A manual treadmill uses a belt and rollers propelled by your own effort. Since the belt doesn’t move on its own, you will be setting your own tempo, which isn’t ideal if you lack motivation. These treadmills are cheaper than other types and have cheaper components, so they aren’t very durable.
Motorized Treadmills
This type of treadmill is designed to help you set the pace you want in your workouts. Most motorized treadmills allow you to adjust the incline you’re running on.
Commercial Treadmills
These are commercial or semi-commercial treadmills found in most gyms. They are equipped with high-end features but are very expensive.
Compact Treadmills
These treadmills can be used at home, where space is a key factor to keep in mind. They have the same features as motorized treadmills, but they are foldable for easy storage when not in use.
Benefits of Folding Treadmill for Small Space
Ease of Transport
Assume you obtain a treadmill and decide to move it from one place to the other. Moving it can be stressful enough, but things can get tricky and irritating when you add a huge machine to the mix. If you have a foldable variety, you won’t have issues moving it.
Easy Cleaning
When you buy a treadmill and place it in a certain location, you may not consider cleaning the space beneath the device. It will be challenging to move a non-foldable treadmill. However, if you go for a foldable option, cleaning it will be a breeze. All you need is to fold the treadmill and clean the space below it.
Consumes Less Space
The main reason why most people don’t buy treadmills for their homes is the lack of room. Fortunately, this is now a thing of the past. There are some foldable options that can fit in small spaces. These foldable treadmills have a difference over others when it comes to the space they occupy.
Foldable Treadmills for Small Spaces Buying Guide
Choosing a folding treadmill for small spaces is no easy feat. It needs a lot of research and thought. It entails more than ordering from an online store or just picking a treadmill from a shelf. When choosing the best foldable treadmill for your home, there are some factors that you need to consider.
These factors include:
Running Area
The best treadmills have a large running belt to accommodate long strides and sprinters runners. Generally, the running area should be at least 48″ long. If you’re a tall guy, you need at least a 48″ long deck. Since these foldable machines are for home use, their length won’t be a problem.
Size
Before making the final decision, you need to determine where you want to place your treadmill and the space you have. You should have at least 4 to 6 inches of the available area behind the machine. Then, look for a foldable treadmill that fits in your space.
Speed
Inclines and faster speeds are important in a treadmill, especially if you want to run faster. Foldable treadmills come with a customizable angle of up to 15 percent and a top speed of between 10 and 12 mph.
Stability
One of the most crucial criteria for determining whether or not to buy a certain folding treadmill is its stability. You should look for one that allows you to run for long hours without losing stability. If you want something that will save on space without sacrificing sturdiness, you have to pay more for a sturdy treadmill.
Maximum Weight Capacity
You should ensure that your favorite folding treadmill should sustain your weight. Although a treadmill can support the advertised weight, it may wear down or rattle when exposed to heavyweight. To be on the safe side, you should subtract 50 pounds from the indicated maximum weight.
Treadmill Belt Length
For maximum comfort, the treadmill belt must be long enough to suit even the tall guys. If you’re a tall guy, you should choose a treadmill with at least a 55″ belt. Always choose one that has a perfect balance between the belt and its compact size.
Durability
The maximum capacity of a treadmill is directly linked to its longevity. You should go for a treadmill with a large weight capacity so that your exercises won’t be restricted. When you purchase a treadmill, you need to test its limits personally.
Best Folding Treadmill for Small Spaces Reviews
NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
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The NordicTrack T Series Treadmill is among the best and most affordable folding treadmills for small spaces. This treadmill has a 20”x55” wide running deck that can hold up to 286 pounds. This compact treadmill comes with a 10-inch HD touchscreen that allows you to control several devices from your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth connectivity.
It comes with an option to choose between outdoor and indoor routes, which are equally enjoyable with jogging, walking tours, and walk-run classes available. This treadmill is a great choice for beginners and professionals, thanks to the 20 built-in workout programs.
Features
- 10% incline controls
- Folding SpaceSaver design
- FlexSelect Cushioning
- SMART-Response motor
- 20”x55” treadmill belt
Pros
- Quick response controls
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable deck cushion settings
- High definition display
Cons
- No built-in fan
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
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The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill comes with a compact design and a large jogging/walking/running surface that can withstand up to 250 lbs maximum weight capacity. It’s powered by a powerful 2.25 HP motor that offers a smooth and quiet running experience with up to 10mph speeds.
This folding treadmill has 12 preset workout programs and 3 manual incline settings to help you achieve your fitness goals. Additionally, it has a console to provide the necessary workout information and a cushioned deck to absorb impact when working out.
Features
- 2.25HP motor
- 3 levels of manual incline
- 12 preset programs
- XTRASoft cushioned deck technology
- 16”x50” belt
Pros
- Large running deck
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not great for fast runs
Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
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This treadmill is designed to help you achieve your fitness goals despite having small spaces in your apartment or home. The Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill features a user-friendly console that has nine built-in workout programs. It has a large LCD that shows you the distance covered, the time elapsed, calories burned, speed, and pulse rate.
The treadmill has convenient smartphones and bottle holders. It also has a compact and foldable design that makes it easy to store. Additionally, it has a soft drop system and an easy folding mechanism to help you unfold the treadmill safely.
Features
- 3 levels of manual incline
- 220lb weight capacity
- Soft drop hydraulic mechanism
- Transportation wheels
- 9 built-in workout programs
Pros
- Compact and foldable design
- Built-in speakers
- Convenient bottle and smartphone holder
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- The running belt is a bit jerky
Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
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This treadmill is a favorite choice for most gym enthusiasts because of its ease and portability. It has a sturdy and durable frame and is powered by a quiet, built-in motor. The best thing about this treadmill is that it comes completely installed straight out of the box and has a non-slip belt with shock absorption.
The Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill also comes with sturdy handles for stability and a phone holder for your smartphone, and you can easily connect your phone to the treadmill’s built-in Bluetooth speaker for an immersive sound experience.
Features
- 40”x16” running area
- 265lbs weight capacity
- 2.23 HP ultra-quiet motor
- 5-layer non-slip and shock-absorbing running belt
Pros
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Wear resistance surface
- Shock absorbing layer
- Powerful motor
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
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This smart treadmill is designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill is equipped with cutting-edge innovation that keeps you focused and engaged when working out. It has a large backlit LCD that shows distance, time, speed, incline, calories, and heart rate.
With this treadmill, you can answer calls and listen to music thanks to the integrated mic, speakers, Bluetooth, and MP3 interface. What’s more, this treadmill has auto-incline fast buttons for access to up to 12 different incline levels.
Features
- 12 levels of automatic incline
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity
- Soft drop system
- 12 workout programs
Pros
- Highly portable and foldable
- Soft Drop technology
- Space saver design
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Hard to assemble
FAQs
Are Folding Treadmills Worth it?
Yes. Folding treadmills are a great addition to any home. Most rooms in modest apartments aren’t that big in terms of width and length. However, the ceiling height is enough to store the treadmill upward. It’s easy to transport and store a folding treadmill.
Are Folding Treadmills as Sturdy as Non-Folding Treadmills?
Folding treadmills are designed for smaller spaces. The deck is easy to fold after a workout. Although folding treadmills need you to compromise motor power, instability, and features, most are equally sturdy and come with the same features as non-folding treadmills.
How Much Can Folding Treadmills Incline?
Most folding treadmills come with inclines of up to 12%, and some have declines of up to 5%. However, others don’t have any incline adjustments at all.
How can I fold my treadmill down?
This will vary from brand to brand so the first thing you should do is check the instruction manual for specifics. Some treadmills fold vertically and others horizontally. To maximize the chance of getting the best fit for you, think about where you want to stash your treadmill, in a closet or under some furniture. Also, many of the best models come with technology baked in to simplify the folding process. In all the models we look at today, we comment on the ease of folding so you can make the best decision.
Surely folding treadmills are too weak and flimsy for serious athletes?
Far from it. You can buy cheaper and lighter budget models that certainly won’t stand up to use by a competitive athlete in training. That said, the majority of the costlier treadmills on our list today are robust enough that you could pop them in a commercial gym so they’ll certainly do the trick at home.
Conclusion
Folding treadmills are a great way to keep fit in the comfort of your home. However, with so many products in the market, it’s easy to pick a low-quality product that won’t meet your fitness requirements. Before making the final decision, ensure you evaluate mobility, pricing, available features, and training choices.