You already know that adding a run, jog, or walk to your workout routine can help you maintain a healthy weight and increase your bones and muscles’ strength.
However, with winter bearing down with all its icy might, you may be feeling less inclined to head outdoors just to do your cardio.
This is where the cornerstone of every gym comes into play, the almighty treadmill. But not every house or apartment has the space to accommodate the average treadmill.
Luckily, you can keep your workout going steady in small spaces with a compact treadmill, the best alternative to traditional treadmills you’re already familiar with from your local gym.
If you want to know more about the best compact treadmills, keep on reading until the end of the article to find out which compact treadmill is perfect for your space and your workout.
Top 5 Best Compact Treadmills
1. AW 1.5HP Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine Gym Fitness
Product Description
The 1.5HP Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine Gym Fitness Compact Treadmill has a folded footprint (LxWxD) of 59″ x 30 3/8″ x 7 5/8″ (150 x 77.2 x 19.4 cm) and is suitable for users up to 200 lbs or 100kg.
This treadmill uses a sleek, foldable handrail to achieve a slim profile of 55 1/2″ x 30 1/2″ x 46 7/8″ (141 x 77.4 x 119 cm) while not in use, and a 1100W rechargeable battery for up to 20,000 hours of use.
The 1.5HP Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine Gym Fitness Compact Treadmill weighs in at 65.9 lbs (29.9kg), comes with a one-year quality assurance warranty. and is capable of speeds from 0.5 to 5 mph (0.8 to 8 km/h). (6, 7)
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Easy folding frame and wheels for quick storage and set up
- Pro: Preprogrammed with 12 training programs and customizable intensities
- Pro: Comes with remote control and safety key clip for simple and safe operation while you walk and run
- Pro: LCD display shows calories, speed, distance, time, and step count
- Con: 1.5HP motor is relatively low power, so it’s not suitable for long-term use for running
- Con: Doesn’t have traditional hand grips that most users are accustomed to
2. Electric Folding Treadmill Compact Walking Running Machine For Home Office Use
Product Description
The Electric Folding Treadmill Compact Walking Running Machine For Home Office Use takes up a space of 53.9″ x 25″ x 39.4″ (137 x 63.5 x 100 cm) when fully assembled, 50″ x 25″ x 8.3″ (127 x 36.5 x 21 cm) when folded, and is powered by a 1.5HP motor.
Safe for runners and walkers up to 220 lbs, this compact treadmill comes preprogrammed with 12 workout programs and five layers of shock-absorbing and anti-skid running belts.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Can be used in manual or automatic modes
- Pro: LCD Screen display shows calories burned, distance, speed, and time
- Pro: Tablet and phone media holder for safe usage while you workout
- Con: 1.5HP motor is relatively low power, so it’s not suitable for long-term use for running
- Con: 120v/60Hz Battery cannot be recharged and must be replaced
3. Compact Folding Treadmill Running Motorized Machine Speakers Fitness Black
Product Description
Capable of speeds ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 mph (0.8 – 12 KM/H), the Compact Folding Treadmill Running Motorized Machine Speakers Fitness Black delivers seamless transitions between running, walking, and jogging.
When fully assembled, the compact treadmill stands at 50.5″ x 23.7″ x 45″ (128.3 x 60.2 x 114.3 cm) and, when folded, has a footprint of 26.5” x 23.7” x 49” (67.3 x 60.2 x 124.5 cm).
The Compact Folding Treadmill Running Motorized Machine Speakers Fitness Black is suitable for users up to 240 lbs and comes standard with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Streamlined frame design and transport wheels allows for quick folding and quicker storage
- Pro: Power through 12 pre-installed training programs and three levels of manual incline
- Pro: Measures your time, speed, distance, pulse rate, and calories while you workout
- Pro: Dual speakers and an audio auxiliary port so you can enjoy music or videos while you walk and run
- Con: Plastic panel interface is rather chunky and may be difficult to navigate when in use
- Con: Assembly is required, so you’ll have to put it together yourself before you can workout
4. Compact Easy Folding Treadmill Motorized Running Jogging Machine+Audio Speakers
Product Description
Featuring a large running surface of 20.6″ x 43″ (52.3 x 109 CM), the Compact Easy Folding Treadmill Motorized Running Jogging Machine+Audio Speakers uses a 4-layer running belt to ensure that your workout is smooth the whole way through while preventing wear and tear on the machine itself.
Because of its high-grade steel frame, this compact treadmill can support users weighing up to 240 lbs, despite weighing less than 75lbs on its own.
When folded, the Compact Easy Folding Treadmill Motorized Running Jogging Machine+Audio Speakers only takes up a space of 26.5” x 23.7” x 50” (67.3 x 60.2 x 127 CM) and it takes up 52” x 23.7” x 46.5” (132 x 60.2 x 118.1 CM ) when in use.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Hydraulic folding system makes for easy storage and lets you pick right back up where you left off when you’re ready again
- Pro: Large LCD Display shows you your speed, time, distance, heart rate, and calories burned
- Pro: Cycle through 3 adjustable incline options and 12 preprogrammed workout routines
- Pro: Running belt is composed of four layers, a PVC diamond tread outer layer, 2 mesh layers, and a PVC layer for shock absorption
- Pro: Comes with 1-year limited warranty with the option to purchase additional coverage
- Con: 1.5HP motor is relatively low power, so it’s not suitable for long-term use for running
- Con: Even when folded, this is one of the larger compact treadmill models that we’ve covered
5. 1.5HP Motorized Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine Fitness Gym
Product Description
The 1.5HP Motorized Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine Fitness Gym can reach speeds between 0.5 and 6 mph or 0.8 Km/h to 9.66 Km/h.
Even with 5 layers of anti-skid and shock-absorbing running belts, this compact treadmill only takes up 50” x 25” x 0.8” (127 x 63.5 x 2.1 CM) when folded and 53.9” x 25” x 8.3” (137 x 63.5 x 10 CM) when in use.
Plus, it also comes equipped with a convenient media shelf to hold your phone and tablet while you workout.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Can be used in manual mode or automatic mode
- Pro: Comes with a safety key that can immediately shut down the machine to prevent injury
- Pro: LED Touch screen displays calories burned, speed, distance, and time
- Pro: 12 Preinstalled workout programs and 3 countdown modes of time
- Pro: Free shipping worldwide, and is delivered from New Jersey, United States
- Con: 1.5HP motor is relatively low power, so it’s not suitable for long-term use for running
Buying Guide: Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces
Before you invest your money into a new compact treadmill for your in-home gym, here’s a basic overview of everything you need to know to look for before you buy.
Later, when we get into the specifics of individual models and versions of compact treadmills, try to keep this information in mind to help you decide what you want out of your machine.
1. Size
First, you’ll have to measure the space you plan to use and store your compact treadmill in to ensure that the treadmill you chose will fit in your home.
While the average treadmill comes in at around 64 inches long (a little over 5 feet) and 28 inches wide (a bit more than 2.5 feet) when fully assembled, compact treadmills are foldable and often portable.
Below, we’ll list the specifications of each individual model fully assembled, as well as the folded dimensions.
2. Weight
Depending on a variety of factors, such as whether you choose an industrial-sized or compact treadmill or whether you prefer manual or electric powered, the treadmill you choose can vary in weight.
The smaller and more compact the machine is, the more likely it is to weigh less. If you plan on putting your treadmill in storage between uses, then the weight is significant when considering how much effort you’ll have to expend to transport your treadmill.
3. Belt Length
For the grand majority of treadmills, the wider and longer the belt length, the more you can expect to pay for the machine.
Generally, treadmill belts that are 18 inches or wider are considered suitable for walking, whereas if you plan to use your treadmill for running, you should look for a treadmill belt with a minimum width of at least 20 inches.
4. Stability
When you’re running or walking on your compact treadmill, the frame should maintain its stability without any shaking, swaying, or bouncing. Additionally, a truly stable treadmill should be able to remain stable despite regular intensive use.
5. Warranty
One of the most important aspects of your compact treadmill is its warranty, as with any large purchase.
Depending on what type of compact treadmill you buy and where you decided to purchase it from, it may come with a manufacturer’s and/or a retailer’s warranty. Some stores may also offer extra coverage for your treadmill upon request from third-party insurers.
Take the time to read through any warranties you do receive as a part of your purchase so that you can be fully aware of how the coverage works, and be sure to register it if need be.
6. Motor / Horsepower
The horsepower of your treadmill is measured in one of two ways: peak duty horsepower or continuous duty horsepower.
Peak duty horsepower measures the highest power potential of your treadmill’s motor. Conversely, the CPH or continuous duty horsepower measures the power potential for steady use without slowing down or burning out.
According to the American Council on Exercise, for a user weighing 180 pounds, the ideal motor for most treadmills is 2.0 CPH; however, you may need more horsepower to accommodate larger and faster users and users under 180 pounds, who plan to use their treadmill primarily for walking, would be better suited to a smaller 1.5 CPH motor.
7. Safety and Other Features
Although every treadmill is different, there are a few common safety features to be on the lookout for in your compact treadmill. Furthermore, some compact treadmills also come with pre-programmed or programmable workouts, pulsometers, blood-oxygen sensors, calorie counters, timers, and other digital displays and controls.
Many treadmills come with child safety features like plastic keys or automatic turn-off features that can offer parents peace of mind with small kids.
As with most gym equipment, compact treadmills have a maximum weight rating. To prevent serious injury or harm to yourself, you should never use a piece of fitness equipment that you are too heavy or too light to use.
For runners, you’ll want a treadmill with 2.25-inch rollers or larger to prevent overheating and keep your run smooth. If you plan on using your treadmill exclusively for walking, though, a treadmill with 1.75-inch rollers or larger should be adequate.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Now that we’ve gone over five compact treadmills in detail, we can use the general knowledge we went over previously in this article to make an informed decision on which treadmills on the market would be right for you.
Considering safety, size, weight, stability, and the multitude of other factors we’ve discussed, the 1.5HP Motorized Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine Fitness Gym is one of the top compact treadmills on our list for most users.
The 1.5HP Motorized Compact Folding Electric Treadmill Running Machine Fitness Gym combines affordability with performance to provide you with a workout you can depend on, rain or shine.
If you like this article, you may also be interested in this article on The 7 Best Budget Treadmills. And, don’t forget to check out Dumbbellsreview.com for more in-depth product reviews and blog posts about everything fitness.
