You have decided it is finally time to get back into shape. Over time, you’ve realized the last thing you want to do is head over to your gym and run on a treadmill that has been used many times over that day. Usually, it is still covered in someone else’s sweat (Nasty!).
Then you think to yourself, “Why don’t I just get a treadmill for the house?”. The only problem is you have limited space. The last thing you want to do is have a treadmill engulf your entire spare bedroom or sit on the side of your once formal living room. Or, maybe you live in an apartment and just don’t have ample space?
The foldable treadmill solves all of these problems. It is great for small spaces and fits right in your closet or garage. No more hanging your clothes on the treadmill in the middle of your bedroom (you know who you are).
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What is a Foldable Treadmill?
A foldable treadmill is a compact treadmill that really gives you the ultimate bang for your buck. It allows you to store your equipment out of sight. While saving you money in the long run by not having to pay the monthly gym membership. It is especially great for runners who like to get outside in the summer, but do not have the same luxury in the winter months. They don’t have to look at a treadmill in the middle of a room all summer. They can just fold it up and use it when needed.
We compile hundreds of reviews and product tests to select the best folding treadmills on our list. Let’s get into the best folding treadmills that fold up for small spaces!
Our Pick – XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Why We Love It?
The XTERRA Fitness TR 150 exceeded our expectations. This folding treadmill has an extra soft cushioned deck which saves your joints from wear and tear. It features a quiet 2.25 horsepower motor and boasts a 16” X 50” running deck that will fit all sizes. The motor can reach speeds up to 10 MPH to accommodate all fitness levels.
The treadmill folds up with ease and features a set of wheels so that you can store your treadmill anywhere you see fit. This makes it great for small spaces.
The manual incline has 3 settings for you to choose from. I like to experiment with different incline settings when I want to mix up my treadmill workout.
The 5” LCD screen ensures that you can maintain a visual on all your running metrics. The TR150 can track your pulse, calories, distance, speed, and time. You can pre-set your workouts, so there is no need to fumble around to find your favorite treadmill settings. The hand pulse grips will track your pulse so you can stay in the perfect fat-burning zone.
What are the Pros?
- Great folding design with transport wheels
- Easy to assemble
- Will track your fitness statistics on the 5” LCD Screen
- Can reach up to 10 MPH and accommodates all fitness levels
- Has an XTRA soft cushioned deck
- Accessory and tablet holder built-in
What are the Cons?
- Manual Incline is less appealing that automatic
Who is it Best For?
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is great for all fitness levels. It has all the features most people need to get in the workout they desire.
Budget Pick – Confidence Power Plus 600W Folding Treadmill
Why We Love It
If you are looking for a budget folding treadmill, then look no further than the Confidence Power Plus 600W Folding Treadmill. One of my favorite benefits of the Power Plus by confidence is that it folds flat, so you can fit under a bed. This is my preferred place to store a treadmill when you have limited space.
This folding treadmill holds up to 250 pounds and is a great budget choice for any fitness level. It doesn’t have as many features as other options, but that for not hold it back from being effective. To put it simply, the Confidence Power Plus gets the job done without breaking the bank.
What are the Pros?
- Easily fits under a bed
- Great bang for your buck
- Can hold up to 250 lbs
- LCD screen to keep track of your stats
- Monitor speed, time, calories, and distance
What are the Cons?
- Less features than other options
Who is it Best For?
This treadmill is great for anyone who has limited space and their budget in mind.
Premium Choice – NordicTrack T Series Treadmill (6.5S & 6.5Si Models)
Why We Love It
The NordicTrack T series is our premium pick for folding treadmills. It has all the bells and whistles and can withstand intense workouts. It can reach up to 10 MPH, which is great for HIIT training, and has a 350-pound weight capacity. This treadmill is sturdy, there’s no shaking or delay when you run. It maintains a smooth speed that feels effortless.
It has a 0-10 automatic incline so you can mix up your workouts. For example, you can select a hill workout and the incline will automatically move up and down as if you were walking through the hills.
The Nordic Track T boasts FlexSelect cushioning to ensure you do not have the wear and tear on your joints and knees. The FlexSelect really gives it a smooth feel when running or walking. The easy lift assist is great when folding up and storing in small spaces.
One of the best things about Nordic Track is they have interactive personal training to go along with their equipment. The iFIT subscription we found was a great tool and had a “workout class” feel from the comfort of your home. It does have an additional cost (180 per year or $15 a month) but really gives you a fun challenging workout.
What are the Key Features
- Folds vertically to save space
- The most features of any treadmill on our list
- Has FlexSelect cushioning for an extremely smooth ride
- Automatic incline to mix up your workouts
- 300-pound capacity
- Quiet powerful motor
- 25-year motor warranty and lifetime frame warranty
Runner-Up – Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill Series
Why We Love It
The Weslo Cadence Treadmill is another great option. It folds vertically for storage in a closet or garage. The Weslo Cadence features comfort cell cushioning with an extra layer of cushion for impact absorption. The Weslo Cadence is a great entry-level folding treadmill. It has two manual incline positions with 6 different workout options to choose from.
What are the Pros?
- Folds up for small spaces
- Covers all the basic bells and whistles
- Has 6 workout options
- Features two incline positions
- Comfort cushioning will protect joints
- The LCD display will track all your fitness metrics
What are the Cons?
- Has a narrow belt
- Manual Incline less appealing if you are used to an automatic
Who is it Best For?
This is a great entry-level treadmill for anyone looking to shed some pounds.
SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Exercise Machine
Why We Love It
The SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Exercise Machine is a great simple folding treadmill. It has a compact design that is great for apartments and bedrooms. When you want to use the treadmill, the soft drop technology allows the deck to gently lower itself to the floor the soft drop hydraulic mechanism assures safe, hands-free unfolding.
It pairs with any Bluetooth device so that you can play the music of your choice and stay motivated to keep exercising.
This treadmill is great for anyone who wants to get a great workout with a steady intensity. This is the ideal folding treadmill for walkers and joggers alike.
What are the Pros?
- Pairs to Your Device via Bluetooth
- Will read out your running stats as you workout
- Compact Form-Fitting Design for Any Room in the House
- Can fold up easily
- Adjustable Speed Settings
- Simple Electric Motorized Plug-in Design
- Used for Walking Jogging Running Exercise Training
- Soft drop when lowering the treadmill
- Tablet/device Holder
What are the Cons?
- No Incline
What to Look For in a Treadmill
When looking at treadmills, there are a number of factors that you need to include in your research. Make sure to factor every person in your household who will use the treadmill.
They include:
- Space
- Goals
- Size
Space
Folding treadmills are great when you have limited space. Make sure to take into account the type of folding treadmill, where it will fit in your home, and how heavy it is. I recommend measuring the area you plan to store your treadmill with a tape measure. Then look at the specs on the treadmill. They will show you the length, width, and height.
Goals
Your fitness goals matter when selecting the right folding treadmill for you. Will you be walking, jogging, or running? Each type of fitness activity may lead you to a different treadmill selection. I prefer to do sprints and longer runs on the treadmill, so I need something that’s heavy-duty. Others may just want to use their treadmill to walk, so they would need less power.
Size
I’m a bigger guy, with a longer stride, and I’ve been on treadmills where I can’t run full comfortably. This is because some treadmills are shorter than others. Additionally, most treadmills have weight limits. These capacities are always listed on the folding treadmill key features. Be sure to check the weight limits before selecting your treadmill.
What are the Different Types of Folding Treadmills?
There are two types of treadmills that fold up. There are some that fold flat. These are great to fit under beds or sofas. The second variation is the vertical folding treadmills. Vertical folding treadmills are great to store in closets and the garage. Or, just fold it up in a room to save space.
Where should I store my folding treadmill when I don’t have much space?
If you are like me and limited on space, then there are 3 areas that you can store your treadmill that folds up. They are:
- Under your bed or sofa (for treadmills that fold flat such as the confidence power plus)
- In a closet (for treadmills that fold vertically)
- In your garage or spare room (For treadmills that fold vertically)
Under the Bed
When storing a treadmill under your bed, it is best to read the product manual to ensure that the treadmill is going to fit. The last thing you want to do is try jamming a treadmill under your bed looking like one of those late-night infomercials
In the Closet
To store a treadmill in your closet, you are going to need to clear out some space. First, start by reading the product manual and find the length X Width X Height. Then, measure the space you have in your closet with a tape measure. The best folding treadmill for your closet is usually the vertical folding treadmill as it only takes vertical space.
In your Garage
Storing your folding treadmill in your garage can be done with a vertical folding treadmill or a flat-folding treadmill. Once you find the Length X Width X Height, use your tape measure to ensure the space you have selected will fit when folded.
What is a great treadmill workout for fat loss?
Here is my go-to treadmill workout when I only have 30 minutes or less!
Warm-Up:
- Minutes 1-3: Start with a walking pace
- Minutes 3-7: Slowly begin to jog for a fill warm-up
The Fat Burn Zone:
- Minute 7-8: Speed up to a run (you should breathe heavy)
- Minute 8-9: Slow down to an easy jog or walk
- Minute 9-10: Speed up to a run (you should breathe heavy)
- Minute 10-11 Slow down to a jog or walk
- Minute 11-12: Speed up to a run (you should breathe heavy)
- Minute 12-13: Slow down to a walk or jog
- Minute 13-14: Speed up to a run (you should breathe heavy)
- Minute 14-20: Jog at a steady pace
High Intensity:
- Minute 20-25: 30-second full sprint 30 Second walk
Cool Down:
- Minute 25-30: Walk
Conclusion
A treadmill can be one of the best fitness decisions you ever make. When you have a small space, it may seem like you can’t house a treadmill. Having a treadmill that folds up eliminates that problem once and for all. If you take into account all of the factors we mentioned, I know you will make the right choice.
