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Treadmills have been a staple of the exercise industry for many years. If you’ve ever seen one in a gym, you may be under the impression that they are primarily large and bulky machines that could never fit in small spaces, such as an apartment or home gym. Fortunately, home treadmills are commonly a fraction of the size of the commercial treadmills you normally find in gyms. While treadmills for home are generally smaller, those who are limited by space may find those a little too bulky as well.
We have looked at some of the best treadmills that can work in small spaces, apartments, or personal gyms. These treadmills are lightweight, relatively easy to move and store, and can often be folded to better make use of space. While they may not be as feature-rich as a commercial treadmill, these compact treadmills offer some of the best performance and value you’ll find.
During our research, we determined that the best of the bunch is the Sunny Health and Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex treadmill. It offers an excellent combination of performance and features. In fact, it is the only model of those we chose that also includes an automatic incline option. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, the MaxKare folding treadmill may be exactly what you are looking for.
Sunny Asuna |
XTERRA TR150 |
Goplus |
UREVO | |
| Honors | Best in Class | Best Value | ||
| The Good | Low profile, well-made, and quiet. Plenty of features and comfortable workout. Simple to move and has a small footprint. | Popular entry level treadmill with easy to use design. High max weight capacity. Plenty of value and a good max speed. Very quiet. | Sleek styling. Sturdy during workout without much noise. Straightforward design makes it easy to use. Display stays anchored in place well. Easy assembly and quick setup. | Good value for budget treadmill. Easy to put together and provides plenty of workout room. Sturdy and solid while in use. |
| The Bad | Small motor for a higher end treadmill. Should have a pause button for convenience. | Must be lubricated frequently to maintain low noise levels. Incline is relatively weak. Needs automatic power off feature. | Some parts (cup holders) appear to be cheaply made. The running belt is not intended for those with long strides. Manual is less than helpful. | At times, the belt can be noisy, but it isn't too terribly loud. To fold down the treadmill, there are 4 wingnuts that needs to be loosened. Only takes a minute or two, but could be better. |
| Overall | Commercial quality treadmill that can be used at home. Very well made and should last a long time. Comfortable workout and almost everything you would want to workout in a small living area. | One of the better low-cost treadmills. Has a lot to offer at a reduced price. Missing a couple convenience features, but has above average quality and works well in small spaces. | A mid-grade treadmill that offers a good balance of price and quality. May not be the best, but it won’t cost thousands either. Some minor issues, but provides a versatile and sturdy workout. | A strong option for those looking for a cost-effective treadmill solution. Only a few problems when using in a smaller area/home. Provides a good workout and is built to last. |
| Our Rating | 8.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The ASUNA 7750 offers those living in small spaces an opportunity to experience a solid workout without the worries of going to the gym. If you don’t have much room, but are looking for a treadmill that is easily stored, simple to use, and offers solid workmanship, the ASUNA SpaceFlex folding treadmill may be just for you.
Featuring a low-profile design, this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is lightweight and easily moved around the apartment or home gym using the transportation wheels. The treadmill is easily folded and stored, either flat or upright, to give you plenty of room after your workout. Furthermore, as most of us that live in smaller areas can attest, a loud treadmill simply isn’t an option. The Asuna does a very good job at operating quietly while you run or jog.
This is a straightforward and simple treadmill to use. While there are plenty of convenience features such as speakers, pulse sensors, or the performance monitor, this model is more intended for those who just like to get on and start going. While it has a smaller motor, it doesn’t seem to affect performance as the incline and speed (up to 8 MPH) is plenty to work up a sweat. The controls are easy to access and the speakers work well as you listen to your favorite tunes.
The ASUNA 7750 SpaceFlex folding treadmill by Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the better treadmills you will find that offers good performance, even in a compact design. The treadmill feels solid, although it has a lightweight build. While there are a few minor issues, such as no pause button, this treadmill comes close to offering commercial-level quality (albeit with fewer features) at a greatly reduced price. If you live in an apartment or other small area, it’s hard to find a more versatile treadmill than the ASUNA SpaceFlex.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 treadmill is one of the more popular budget treadmills currently available. It offers a variety of features that exceed what would normally be expected from a treadmill under $500. It is lightweight, easily folded for storage, and dead simple to get started. It features a comparatively quiet workout that is quiet enough to allow you to watch television and not disturb your neighbors if you live in an apartment. One note about the noise, to keep the machine running smoothly, ensure it stays well-lubricated.
Featuring pulse grips on the handrails, a 5” LCD display, and speed settings on the console, you have everything you need to get started right away. After a quick setup time, you can be running in no time flat. The features are limited when compared to more expensive models, but the simple nature of the XTERRA TR150 lend itself to quick workouts. Fewer gadgets and other distractions ensures you are focused on your workout.
A 2.25 HP motor allows the treadmill to run up to 10 MPH, which is a good speed for a budget model treadmill. The XTERRA fitness treadmill also includes a manual incline and a 16” wide running surface to give you that “elbow room” we sometimes need. The manual incline is not particularly useful as it only inclines up to 2 degrees and must be manually adjusted. But, as a budget treadmill, you can’t expect the same features normally found in much more expensive machines.
The XTERRA TR150 folding treadmill is popular for a reason! It offers an exceptionally low price point and gives users a no-nonsense workout experience that works well in apartments or other small areas. Perfect for a home gym, this treadmill is lightweight enough to move when necessary or fold up and store for convenience. While there are some problems, allowances must be made for the cost savings.
The Goplus Electric treadmill is a mid-grade compact treadmill intended to provide a solid workout in small areas. Featuring a small 17” x 47” running belt, this Goplus treadmill offers a stable and comfortable walk or run. It has many features you want in your treadmill, but not too many to be distracting. The 2.25 HP motor can support up to 7.5 MPH running speed while the treadmill is rated at up to 250 lbs. max weight capacity for enhanced versatility.
Like many treadmills in this price range, the Goplus incline treadmill has an LCD display (5”) to show various aspects of your workout such as time, distance, and calories burned. The manual incline works up to an impressive 15% level, which is plenty to help you burn additional calories and maintain fitness. Furthermore, a safety key and emergency stop button are included to enhance safety as you work out.
Overall, the Goplus folding treadmill works well in small spaces, but may be unsuitable for larger body types. While it can support a high maximum weight, taller users may experience problems due to the length of the rubber belt. Besides, that there are a few minor issues, but it is a solid piece of exercise equipment that is simple and quick to assemble. The intuitive controls and no-frills nature of the treadmill make it a popular choice for those that don’t need all the features a commercial treadmill would offer. As far as mid-grade treadmills go, this offers a good balance of craftsmanship, features, and comfort, without costing too much.
The Urevo 2.5HP Compact Folding Treadmill is well-designed and built to last. It’s easy to fold up and store away, perfect for those who have limited space. Tuck it under your bed, set it up in the corner of a room when not in use, and take it out when you’re ready to get fit! Treadmills are often bulky, but this one is compact and perfect for walking or jogging. Besides being well-designed, the treadmill is also well-built. The motor is strong enough to support individuals in the heavier weight range, with speeds of 0.5-7.5 mph, so that you can run for hours with ease. It feels sturdy when in use and doesn’t shake or wobble even at the highest speeds.
One of the common problems with inexpensive treadmills is that they are not built to support heavy people. The Urevo 2.5HP Compact Folding Treadmill, however, can handle up to 260lbs. The treadmill comes with 12 built-in workout programs designed to keep you motivated and improve your fitness level. It simulates most natural terrains, from flat land to steep slopes, so you can enjoy your treadmill workout while feeling like you’re actually outside. The LCD displays information such as time, speed, distance, and calories burned so you can easily keep track of how far you’ve progressed towards your fitness goals.
With 2.5 HP, this treadmill not only offers variable speeds and fitness tracking but also comes beneficial for runners as well because it has an extra-wide 16.5″ tread belt to give you more space for apparent reasons. The larger “surface area” is perfect for running, ensuring greater stability and less chance of tripping up. Additionally, it includes six off nonslip mats, which are great to give yourself some comfort when running or jogging on the treadmill – especially if you’re not used to working out yet. This will help prevent injuries and prevent the belt from moving too much to give you maximum stability.
If you’re looking for a treadmill that is easy to store away, looks great, and provides ample features for your fitness routine, then the Urevo 2.5HP Compact Folding Treadmill is the way to go! While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it is a great, sleek treadmill that provides the necessary features for a great price.
The MaxKare folding treadmill is a budget model treadmill specifically designed for those with little space to spare. The small footprint allows owners to position this equipment in a variety of areas while leaving plenty of room. Furthermore, the simple folding ability allows it to be easily folded and stored to further maximize square footage. Transportation wheels are included that make the treadmill trivial to push out of the way when done working out.
This MaxKare treadmill features a 2.5 HP motor that offers enough power to run up to 8.5 MPH at 3 different incline levels. While it would be nice to have automatic incline leveling, this is a budget treadmill, so some features may be less than more expensive models offer. The LCD display shows speed, the current program, mileage, heart rate, and more information concerning your workout. As with most of these devices, the heart rate monitor works…barely. If you want a more accurate reading, it is suggested to purchase a separate heart rate monitor for accurate results.
The treadmill does well on most surfaces and does not wobble or shift as you work out. A wide belt area gives users plenty of space to walk or run. The length is somewhat short, as it is rated at a maximum height of 6.2 inches for the users. Long striders may have issues with the short exercise area.
Overall, this is a well-made budget treadmill. While the MaxKare foldable treadmill may not offer all the features most expensive treadmills do, it does a good job at providing a strong workout. The small footprint, strong motor, and sturdy nature of this piece of exercise equipment make it a good value buy. It has a relatively quiet operation and will ensure you can make room, if needed, after you finish your workouts.
The right compact treadmill helps you lose weight and improve your overall health and well-being over time. It helps incorporate fitness into your daily life and enjoy working out from your own home regardless of the weather condition. A compact treadmill has a smaller footprint than the standard treadmill. With so many varieties of compact treadmills on the market today, choosing the best product may not be easy. There are many features to look for when shopping for the best compact treadmill for your home gym. This article provides information on what you should look for when investing in a compact treadmill.
Workout SpaceThe first thing to consider is how much space you have in your home to accommodate the treadmill. Measure the floor space you plan to put your treadmill on. A compact treadmill is ideal for apartments and smaller homes that don’t have extra space. If you are planning to buy a folding treadmill, measure the space where you want to store the equipment. The required running space plays a crucial role when determining the workout space. The size of the belt helps you have an idea about the workout space in your home. For example, a 20-inch wide belt is ideal for walking and a 22-inch wide belt for running.
Make sure you opt for a treadmill with a motorized motor to reduce the strain on your joints. In a motorized treadmill, the belt will move with the help of the motor. The horsepower delivered by the drive motor will affect the quality of your treadmill and how your workout will feel. It can be difficult to figure out horsepower and motor specifications, especially for first-time buyers. In fact, you should look for a treadmill with a motor with at least 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). On the other hand, if you plan to run on the treadmill, you should look for a motor with 2.5 or 3.0 CHP. You may require a more powerful motor depending on your weight.
A well-cushioned deck is able to absorb the force of your step, which is important to protect your joints and ligaments from damage. This is very important if you plan to use the treadmill a lot. On the other hand, you should also use the correct running techniques to reduce injury to joints and ligaments. Different manufacturers have their own unique type of suspension/cushioning system.
Compact treadmills are designed to tolerate different loads. Exceeding the maximum user weight of the machine will cause serious damage to the user as well as the treadmill. Machines with a higher maximum user weight will usually cost more. Depending on your body weight and usage schedule, you should opt for the correct product on the market.
InclineThe incline feature helps add intensity to your workout by providing a “hill” to increase the efficiency of your workout program. A motorized or power incline feature allows you to vary the incline while exercising. There are also treadmills where you should adjust the incline manually. But you should stop the workout to make such adjustments. The latest compact treadmills have hill programs where the incline levels mimic a series of hills and valleys. It could be one of the best ways to reach your peak performance level. In fact, you should look for an incline level of at least 12% to have a challenging workout.
The safety key is very important. You should use the safety key each time you step on the treadmill. Simply attach the safety key clip to your clothes, and the treadmill will immediately stop if you suddenly slip or have to stop the machine in a hurry. You should also keep the safety key out of reach of small children when the machine is not in use.
Compact treadmills come with heart rate sensors to monitor your heart rate while working out. The sensors should be in a position where you can reach them easily and they don’t impede your movement while you are exercising.
Listen to the treadmill while it operates in the shop to determine if the noise level is a problem to you. If the noise is going to be an issue for you and your family, you should opt for another machine with low noise.
If you want detailed feedback on your workout and its intensity, you should look for a compact treadmill with a detailed information console or screen. The console should show you the distance covered, time spend walking or running, calories burned, and more. Pricier models have color touchscreen displays while inexpensive models have black and white touchscreen displays. You can choose between different workout programs from the console.
Q: What are the best compact treadmill brands on the market today?
A: There are numerous compact treadmill brands out there. Some of the most popular machine brands include ProForm, NordicTrack, Sole, and Horizon.
Q: How much does a good treadmill cost?
A: Treadmill prices can usually range between $500 – $2000+. The most popular treadmills on the market are at the $1500+ price point. But you can always get a good deal by shopping around before purchasing the machine.
Q: What should I look for when buying a compact Treadmill?
A: There are many factors to look for when purchasing a compact treadmill. A few factors to look for are your budget, space in your home, and your workout goals. If you are tight on space, a compact treadmill with a folding feature is your best bet. You also should look for important features such as the motor capacity of the machine, incline settings, weight capacity, workout programs, deck suspension/cushioning, and more.
