Top Best Small Treadmill: all you need to know
Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces
Before getting into our list of the best small treadmill models, let’s take a look at a few things that are good to keep in mind. Namely, why would you want to buy a treadmill, small or otherwise, in the first place?
When trying to figure out how best to get active, a number of things can get in your way. Time is usually the biggest factor for most people. One of the most common reasons for not being able to get some more exercise has to do with the busy lives that so many people live.
By most measures, the second most common reasoning for not being able to get more active is the associated cost. And we’re not just talking about the financial burden of a gym membership.
Just the idea of heading out to a gym – filled with what we all presume are fit and motivated people – can seem both daunting and mentally taxing. Therefore having a treadmill for small spaces could very well be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Check out our list of the best small treadmill models available right now.
Best Small Treadmills: Best Seller
When considering a compact treadmill, your best bet would be to aim for something easy to move. Now, this may come as a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised! Finding the best compact folding treadmill isn’t always easy.
For example, a foldable model would be the best small treadmill for apartment exercise. But, it’s also worth keeping in mind that this type of treadmill also usually comes with decreased performance. This would make sense seeing as how smaller builds mean smaller motors.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, these are our picks for the best small treadmills to fit in small spaces.
LifeSpan TR800-DT3
This portable treadmill is an example of what we mentioned above. It serves as one of the best models to get for your apartment thanks to its folding build. This is for sure one of the best folding treadmill for small space. What you’ll also be happy to hear is that the performance factor isn’t hindered by size in this instance. The TR800 comes with a 2 horsepower motor that meets pretty much all of your exercising needs.
The folding mechanism is manual and fairly quiet as well. That way, you can put it away without making too much of a ruckus! The TR800 also comes equipped with several trainer programs. Your options range from those focusing on weight loss to heart rate and sports training settings.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
Another foldable model, this option from NordicTrack is one of the best small treadmill designs available. The digital goodies are irresistible here. The advanced interface allows you to easily change your incline angle via OneTouch technology. Thanks to that, it’s easier to target specific muscle groups during your workout.
A series of 20 workout options are available here, each designed by a certified personal trainer. While you’re at it, plug in your phone and work out to a tracklist of motivational background music. For more on the tech front, this model is also compatible with iFit via its display.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9
The Cadence G 5.9i is as compact as treadmills get. This design comes with a number of space-saving elements, including lighter parallel bars and handles. It weighs in at under 300 pounds. For a treadmill that is supposed to pack quite the punch in terms of performance, that is relatively light.
And yet, there are some drawbacks. The incline comes in a 2-position setting, limiting your muscle-targeting options a tad bit. But, that’s just about the only notable con among the list of pros.
As with the other models, the Cadence G 5.9 comes with a host of workout programs that are all put together by certified personal trainers. Finally, supporting each of your steps is a setup of Comfort Gel cushioning.
Portable Folding Treadmill
This electric model is one of the best small treadmills for anyone looking for a little something extra. Sure, the workouts are designed to help you reach your personal goals. But, this model also comes with LED lighting to add some personality to your run, jog, or walk. As you make progress through your selected program, the LED lights change to reflect how you’re doing.
This additional design element is a lovely piece of user engagement. It also keeps you focused without actually talking to you or anything – conversational treadmills are a bit of an acquired taste, after all!
XTERRA Fitness TR150
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is built much like some of the other best small treadmill designs. But, it comes with some notable bonuses. The most noticeable for taller users is the machine’s surface. Specifically, it comes with dimensions of 16″ x 50″. This will help ease the minds of those of us that have longer strides.
Other notable features include a large LCD display screen, measuring at 5″. Additionally, the motor on this machine runs at speeds up to 10 mph. The TR150 is also specifically designed for durability as a home exercise machine. The relatively lightweight, foldable frame is easy to stow away.
As a handy note of engagement design, the handrails come with pulse sensor grips. These, as the brand puts it, “keep you in your training zone.”
AW Treadmill
This model comes straight out of the AW archives, bringing plenty of features with it. For starters, the frame is put together using heavy-duty steel. This way, even your more strenuous workouts will not stress the overall construction.
The foldable design on this small treadmill also comes with a set of wheels. This makes it easier to fold and simply roll into a convenient resting place. As an added bonus, we also see two bottle holders right by the display.
Speaking of which, this model’s LCD screen shows a wealth of information. As you might expect, measures like calories and distance/ time are included. But, you also get to see what heart rate you’re operating at. As a safety measure, an emergency stop key helps you out in case of a fall or similar emergencies.
Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill
This compact treadmill from Sunny Health and Fitness is yet another great choice. It sports a fairly powerful motor and even comes with a host of convenient add-ons. Firstly, let’s take a look at the motor. It clocks out at a peak of 2.20 horsepower. Essentially, this translates to a top speed of 9mph. It doesn’t pack quite the same punch as, say, the AW 1100W. But, it’s sure to get your pulse racing.
If speed on a flat surface is too easy for you, a three-setting incline feature provides a challenge. The included nine workout programs will also help in that effort. For the convenience we were talking about, look at the handrails. There, you’ll find controls for speed as well as start/stop functions.
Merax Electric Folding Treadmill
This Mera electric model is a contender for the title of best compact treadmill for seniors. This doesn’t go without some considerable features to back it up! To be sure, a powerful motor is nice to have on your treadmill. In fact, the best small treadmill models almost always have solid speed capabilities.
However, when you’re a bit older and are simply looking for a light workout, speed is often irrelevant. To that end, this treadmill’s 6.2mph top speed makes a lot of sense.
The running belt is also rather impressive. Its PVC blend material helps to dampen the sound of each step. This is aided by a 4-layer track construction that helps to absorb the running sounds.
Goplus Folding Treadmill
This Goplus is our pick for the best compact treadmill for jogging. It’s loaded with both standard and extra features.
Running workouts can be quite intense. They require considerable focus and expend a lot of energy. In contrast, jogging can be a relaxing alternative. Jogging requires a slower pace. Consequently, you’re allowed more time to think and de-stress. This is one of the reasons why jogging is lauded for its ability to reduce anxiety.
This Goplus model makes for a great option for joggers. The high-quality steel frame makes this treadmill sturdy for longer, lower pace workouts. The phone/ tablet holder is designed to facilitate watching a movie or listening to music while you sweat.
GoPlus Treadmill
The GoPlus Treadmill is another example of the best small treadmill models for seniors. Its advanced options are a testament to that. Unlike our previous example in this category, this treadmill comes with some power. Namely, the brand’s signature deck design is all about preservation. It’s called the Flex Whisper Deck and is shown to reduce the impact on your joints by as much as 40%. This percentage is in comparison to running on the pavement, which can be brutal on your joints.
Even the heart-rate monitor comes with some senior-specific features. Aside from telling you how hard your heart is working at any moment, it goes a step beyond. The monitor on this treadmill also recommends a particular heart rate/ pace for you based on your age.
Though technically a compact model, this treadmill is among our heavier options on this list. Still, it’s advanced enough that it’s nonetheless worth a look.
Exerpeutic TF1000
The TF1000 is another part of this list that differs a bit from the rest. It may come across as a bit lacking in terms of actual power. But, it nonetheless makes up for this lack thanks to the considerate design.
To be clear, this treadmill is meant more as a walking model. The motor is rather understated, coming in at just 1.5 horsepower. This translates to 4 miles per hour in increments of 0.1 mph. This makes it the perfect machine for anyone looking to have a casual-to-medium intensity stroll.
The big advantages of this model are going to be its supportive build for a wide range of people. The deck is 20 inches wide. The included handrails are in an extra long construction, measuring 18 inches. What’s more, this low-intensity treadmill can support up to 400 lbs of weight.
Weslo Treadmill G 5.9
Another example of minimalist design, Weslo hits us with a low-key beauty. The brand has been known for providing a wealth of designs, leading to some of the best small treadmill builds.
As with our aforementioned basic model, the Cardiostride comes with no electric power. The workout is powered manually, allowing you to run or jog your way to new personal bests without the aid of a motorized track.
The Cardostride also comes with your standard safety features, highlighted by a magnetic stop key. The weight capacity checks in at about 250lbs.
The concept of a manual treadmill may come across as a bit strange to some people. However, it does come with a bit more work capacity – the lack of a motor means you’re in charge of keeping up the pace. Additionally, it makes for a noticeably lighter frame, making it easier to store.
If nothing else, manual treadmills are a solid option for any minimalist looking to get a workout.
About the best small treadmills: remember, it’s about taste and preference
For good measure, let’s throw in a key factor: being stuck indoors is another reason why people don’t exercise as much. In many parts of the world, the weather can often be unpredictable. Rainstorms, snowstorms, and even more extreme examples often keep people from getting outside and getting active.
Of course, there is no shortage of solutions to each of these issues. For example, you can forgo the gym membership altogether and focus on indoor exercises. A great way to do that is, you guessed it, buying a treadmill. Treadmills are the most commonly used machines in just about any gyms you go to.
Having one in your home means that you’ll be more easily able to get the workout you’re looking for – without the challenges of a crowded gym!
The market today is flooded with options in terms of at-home workout alternatives. More and more people are opting to avoid gyms altogether. Consequently, the demand is forcing supply to increase every year.
This means that some of the best small treadmill designs will be more widely available with time. Still, you’ll want to make sure you inform yourself before going out and spending the money.
More importantly, get to know yourself a bit. Are your joints a bit weak? Do you have longer-than-average strides? Is your apartment considerably small? All of this goes into your final decision!
Check out our list of the top sneakers for the treadmill available now.