Did you know that the treadmill was first released in 1918 to serve as a form of punishment for prisoners in English prisons? Even though it was outlawed in the 19th century, it did make a resurgence for the purpose of exercising in the middle of the 20th century.
Treadmills today are a great source of exercise, and a preferred choice for millions of fitness enthusiasts across the world, most notably because it puts less stress on the body compared to walking or running on flat or rough surfaces outdoors.
Quick tip: Compact treadmills are perfect for indoor warm ups, and if you’re planning on setting up a small home gym, make sure you check out the recommended equipment list for home gyms.
This piece of gym equipment is also a great addition or a must have for your home gym, as long you buy the right one. But given that space in your home can be limited to accommodate any type of large fitness equipment, buying one of the best treadmills for small spaces only makes sense. So, without further ado, here are 3 best compact treadmills available today, and a short treadmill buying guide to help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Folding Treadmill with 17″ Wide Tread Belt
MaxKare Folding Treadmill
Great foldable treadmill for those weighing 220 lbs and less, and it easily folds down when it isn’t used.
What we like: So, what’s better than the best compact treadmill for small spaces? The MaxKare Folding Treadmill – a foldable treadmill that comes with almost all the bells and whistles, starting with a large, blue backlight LCD display and 15 preset training programs to meet varying exercise needs. The LCD of this compact treadmill displays several different functions and modes including program, mileage, real-time speed, heart rate, time and calories.
The MaxKare Folding Treadmill measures 53.39” x 26.18” x 45.95”, and 28.47” x 26.18” x 46.42” when folded, making it easy to put away when not in use. It is a perfect choice for those who weigh less than 220 lbs and are between 4.6ft -6.2ft in height, and is powered by a robust copper motor, which allows you to adjust the speed between 0.5 to 8.5 MPH and also provides a whisper-quiet running experience.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a 17-inch-long superior quality multilayer tread belt, and a best-in-class anti-shock system, which provides a top-notch running experience and offers great protection for your knees. The MaxKare Folding Treadmill is a little heavy at roughly 90 lbs, but on a brighter note is easy to move around with its integrated transportation wheels.
Specifications:
- LCD display and 15 preset programs
- 53.39” x 26.18” x 45.95”, and 28.47” x 26.18” x 46.42” (folded)
- Weighs 91 lbs and comes with wheels
2. This Compact Treadmill Folds up for Vertical Storage
Aceshin Treadmill
Compact treadmill saves space by folding 90 degrees for easy vertical storage.
What we like: Coming in at the #2 position on this list of best compact treadmill for small spaces is none other than the Aceshin Treadmill, and for several reasons. For starters, it can be ordered in a choice of five exciting colors including silver and orange, making it easy to match your overall décor.
Adding to this, it is appointed with an LCD console display, which allows to control several functions including distance, time, calories and your heart rate. Speaking of heart rate, the Aceshin Treadmill is embedded with a wireless pulse sensor, which determine your heart rate when your thumb is placed on the handrail integrated pulse sensor.
The Aceshin Treadmill boasts a space-saver and foldable design, and is equipped with wheels for easy transportation. In terms of numbers, it measures 49.21 x 23.58 x 42.13 inches and 47.25 x 23.58 x 9.45 inches when folded, and can comfortably hold up to 220 lbs/100 kgs maximum weight.
The treadmill is easy to maintain with its easy self-lubrication feature, which dispenses the liquid automatically for optimal speed. But that’s not all – the Aceshin foldable Treadmill is powered by a low noise motor, and comes with an auto-stop safety feature to stop it in its tracks in an event of an emergency.
Specifications:
- 49.21 x 23.58 x 42.13” and 47.25 x 23.58 x 9.45” (folded)
- LCD console display
- 5 colors available
3. This Treadmill Folds Flat for Storage Under Bed
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
This well designed treadmill folds completely flat and fits underneath most bed frames.
This list of the best compact treadmills for small spaces wouldn’t be completed without mentioning the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, most notably because it features two modes to meet your varying exercise needs. It can serve as an under the desk treadmill with its riser raised at a speed between 1-4 kms/h and as a conventional running treadmill with its handrail raises for a running speed of 1-12 kms/h.
Adding to its long list of features is its ultra-quiet 2.25HP motor, which allows you to run without disturbing others. Further, it showcases a durable and durable steel frame construction, and features a shock absorption system for great comfort and safety. The 2-in-1 treadmill by Goplus is equipped with a 7-layer non-slip textured running belt, a rather large 40″ x16″ running area, and a clear LED display that indicates speed, time, distance and calories among others.
One of the unique features of the Goplus foldable treadmill is its ability to connect with your phone via Bluetooth, which allows you to listen to your tunes while running. Additionally, this treadmill comes with a remote control to adjust its speed and stop when needed, and an onsite phone holder to watch videos of chat while exercising. It measures 49”x 27”x 42 inches and 52”x 27”x 5 inches when folded, and is backed by a 1-year warranty against any manufacturer defects.
Specifications:
- 49”x 27”x 42” and 52”x 27”x 5” (folded)
- 1-year warranty
- Bluetooth connectivity
Best Compact Treadmill Buying Guide
Size – there are two sizes you need to pay attention to – the treadmill when opened to ensure it fits in your space and when folded so that’s it’s easy to put away.
Workout programs – some treadmills come with preset exercise programs, making them a great choice for novice users.
Heart rate monitor – buying a treadmill with a heart rate monitor is great if you’d like to check on your heart rate while running.
Motor – this is the component that powers the treadmill and dictates its noise level, so look for a power motor that emits little or no noise.
Wheels – if you’re going to be moving the treadmill across places, buy a machine that comes with wheels.
Display – most if not all of the best compact treadmills come with a display that indicates several different functions, modes and metrics such as heart rate and calories burnt.
Running belt – a non-slip running belt makes running safer and comfortable.