Best Compact Treadmills – Introduction
What are the best compact treadmills for small spaces and home use in 2021?
While weightlifting should be a big part of your workout routine, cardio is important too.
Cardio works your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
It’s good for your cardiovascular fitness, general health and can help you manage or lose weight as well.
Granted, cardio WON’T do much for your strength, but that’s why you need to lift weights too.
When it comes to cardio, most people should try to accumulate about 150 minutes a week, or five 30-minute sessions. (NASM)
This might sound like a lot, but it’s actually very manageable.
You don’t even need to go to the gym to do a cardio workout, so it’s usually easy to slot into your weekly schedule.
There are lots of different cardio activities, and some of the best include:
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Elliptical
- Rowing
- Walking
- Rucking
- Jogging
- Running
- Jumping rope
- Jumping jacks
Of all the cardio activities available, walking, jogging, and running are amongst the best.
You can do them almost anywhere and anytime, and they don’t require much in the way of specialist equipment or athletic skills.
All you really need is a pair of suitable shoes and somewhere to work out.
They’re also very scalable and can be adapted to suit most fitness levels.
On the downside, walking, jogging, or running outdoors is not always pleasant or safe.
You’ll have to contend with uneven pavements, traffic, and ever-changing weather.
Also, running outdoors on hard roads can be tough on your joints.
The good news is that you can enjoy all the benefits of walking, jogging, and running in the comfort of your home by using a treadmill.
Compact Treadmills 101
A treadmill is a bit like a hamster wheel for humans! It’s an endless belt driven by a motor that passes under your feet.
All you need to do is match your walking or running speed to that of the belt, allowing you to run in place.
Initially, using a treadmill can feel a little odd, but it will become more natural within a workout or two.
You can control your speed very precisely, and the display monitor will tell you how long you’ve been exercising, as well as your speed, distance, and calories burned.
Some treadmills also have built-in training programs to follow, and many have adjustable levels of incline to simulate running uphill.
However, the main advantage of treadmills compared to exercising outdoors is that they have a flexible running platform or deck, which takes some of the impact out of your workout.
When you run, your feet hit the ground with about eight times your body weight.
That’s a lot of stress if you weigh 120lbs but could be very uncomfortable if you tip the scales at 200lbs plus.
Using a treadmill is more joint-friendly than exercising outdoors, and that’s good news for your joints.
If treadmills have a downside, it is that they tend to be very big and heavy.
That’s okay if you’ve got a spacious garage gym, but it could be a problem if your workout space is also your office or spare room.
The good news is that there are compact treadmills designed specifically for home use.
They work the same as the commercial models you’ll find in most gyms but take up a lot less space.
Pros and Cons of Compact Treadmills
Not sure if a compact treadmill is right for you? Compare these pros and cons to help you decide!
Pros:
#1. Small footprint
As their name suggests, compact treadmills are much smaller than their commercial counterparts.
If you want a treadmill but don’t have the space for a full-sized model, compact treadmills are the way to go.
#2. Foldable design
As well as being smaller, most compact treadmills for small spaces fold up, so they take up less space during storage.
The running deck folds vertically to free up floor space for your deadlift workouts!
#3. Joint friendly
Even with good-quality running shoes, outdoor workouts can be punishing for your joints.
The flexible deck on treadmills helps lower the impact, making your workout a little easier on your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back.
#4. Motivating
Most treadmills have a detailed display monitor so you can see how your workout is progressing and compare your performance from one session to the next.
This can be very motivating, and you’re bound to enjoy seeing your fitness levels improve.
#5. Safer workouts
Exercising at home means you don’t have to worry about unpleasant weather (too hot, too cold, or too wet) or watch out for traffic, pedestrians, or an uneven running surface.
All of this means you have fewer excuses to skip your workout.
#6. Versatile
You can use a compact treadmill for lots of different workouts.
Your options include walking, jogging, running, interval training, and circuit training.
Treadmill workouts never need to be boring. Also, most machines have built-in programs to follow.
#7. Cost-effective
While buying a compact treadmill might seem like a big investment, it could actually save you money in the long run.
Working out at home means no ongoing gym subscriptions to pay, which are charged whether you use the gym or not.
Plus, other family members can use your treadmill, making it an even better investment.
#8. Convenience
Work out whenever you want with your own personal compact treadmill.
There is no need to wait for the gym to open or waste your valuable time driving to and from the gym to work out.
Your treadmill is available to use 24/7/365 days a year, and you don’t have to leave your home to use it.
Cons:
While having a home treadmill is mostly beneficial, there are a few drawbacks to consider too, for example:
#1. Noise
Even the best treadmills can be quite loud.
They have big motors, and your feet striking the running deck can be noisy too.
This shouldn’t be a problem if you have a house or are going to put your treadmill in your garage.
However, if you live in an apartment, you may find that a treadmill is too noisy.
#2. Size
The best folding treadmills for small spaces are still quite big.
Make extra sure that your treadmill will fit in your workout space and won’t stop you from doing the other exercises in your training plan.
#3. Impact
Walking on a treadmill is a low-impact activity.
However, jogging and running are high-impact activities.
Treadmill running decks flex, so they absorb some of the shock of landing, but even the best won’t eliminate it completely.
Therefore, if you are very overweight or have painful joints, you might be better off using a non-impact rower, bike, or elliptical.
#4. Top speed
Some compact treadmills don’t go as fast as commercial machines because they have smaller motors.
If you are an avid runner, make sure your treadmill goes fast enough to challenge you.
Otherwise, you may become frustrated with being unable to run at your normal speed.
#5. User weight
Compact treadmills may have a lower weight capacity than commercial machines.
Make sure you aren’t too heavy for your compact treadmill; otherwise, you could damage the motor or find that it won’t run smoothly.
User weights typically vary from 250-350lbs.
Compact Treadmill Workouts
Most compact treadmills for small spaces have built-in programs to follow.
Once you’ve entered a few basic details, the treadmill will then speed up, slow down, and may even adjust the incline to deliver an enjoyable but effective workout.
This may even be linked to your heart rate if your machine has pulse telemetry or heart rate monitor handgrips.
But you don’t need to rely on your treadmill to plan your training.
Here are five workouts you can do on your new compact treadmill.
1. 5k time trial
5k is a very realistic distance to walk or run.
It’s far enough to present a challenge, but not so long that it’s overly daunting or that you’ll need months of training to complete it.
5k is just over three miles.
See how long it takes you to walk, jog or run this distance, and try and cover it a little faster next time.
2. Run, squats, and push-ups
This workout combines running with a couple of simple bodyweight exercises to deliver a full-body workout that burns lots of calories and tones your major muscles.
Do 4-6 circuits of the following:
- Run a quarter of a mile (402 meters)
- Do 30 bodyweight squats
- Do 20 push-ups
- Rest 60 seconds
Adjust the distance you run and the number of squats and push-ups based on your fitness level.
3. Distance pyramid
If the idea of running long distances is daunting, this is the workout for you.
It takes 5k and breaks it down into more manageable chunks.
Best of all, the distances get shorter as the workout progresses, and you start to get tired.
- Run 1.25 miles (2,000 meters)
- Rest 2 minutes
- Run .9 miles (1,500 meters)
- Rest 1.5 minutes
- Run .6 miles (1000 meters)
- Rest 1 minute
- Run .3 miles (500 meters)
4. Slow-medium-fast aka Fartlek Training
Fartlek is a Swedish word that means ‘speed play’ and can help improve your aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
In 1930, Swedish Coach and Olympian Gösta Holmér developed the Fartlek form of training for the Swedish Cross-Country running team.
It has been used by exercise physiologists ever since.
Don’t just work out at the same speed; mix things up with this slow-medium-fast program.
Please note that the speeds listed are examples only.
Adjust your workout according to your fitness levels.
Repeat the following sequence 5-10 times to total 15-30 minutes.
- 3 mph (walk) at 1-minute slow speed
- 5 mph (jog) at 1-minute medium speed
- 7 mph (run) at 1-minute fast speed
5. Hill climb
You don’t have to go faster to make your compact treadmill workout harder; you can increase the incline instead.
For this workout, get yourself to a comfortable speed and then, every minute, increase the angle by one increment.
When you reach the top incline setting or feel tired, simply reduce the incline by one increment every minute until you are back on the horizontal level.
Try not to hold onto the handrail.
Instead, lean into the hill and pump your arms for a better workout.
The 7 Best Foldable Treadmills for Small Spaces
Not sure which compact treadmill to choose? Here are seven of the best models currently available!
#1. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 is a lightweight, folding compact treadmill that’s ideal for small workout spaces.
It’s one of the most affordable treadmills but still boasts a maximum speed of 9MPH and a digital display monitor.
Pros:
- Folding, space-saving design with hydraulic-assisted raising and lowering
- 2.2 horsepower motor
- 9 workout programs
- LCD display monitor showing speed, time, distance, calories, and pulse
- Built-in device and bottle holder
- Pulse sensor handgrips
- Easy access controls on handrails
- Shock-absorbing running deck
- Emergency stop clip
- Transportation wheels
Cons:
- The incline must be altered manually
- Maximum user weight only 220lbs
- A small running deck which may not be suitable for taller, longer-legged users
- No Bluetooth connectivity
#2. NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Si Treadmill
NordicTrack is a well-known and respected sports equipment manufacturer specializing in home-use cardio equipment.
The T Series 6.5 Si Treadmill is compact and easy to use but still robust and powerful enough for serious workouts.
Pros:
- Folding, space-saving design with power assist
- 3 horsepower motor
- Top speed 10mph
- 0-10% incline
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Customizable shock-absorbing deck
- Maximum user weight 300lbs
- Built-in sound system
- Pulse sensors on handrails
- 20 pre-programmed workouts
- Tablet/media shelf and water bottle holder
- 30-day iFIT online training subscription
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Ongoing iFIT membership costs $180 per year
#3. Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Folding Treadmill
Compact treadmills don’t come much lighter than this 115-pound model.
However, while it IS lightweight and compact, the Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill still has an impressive top speed and is rated for heavier users.
This small treadmill is an excellent option for home exercisers looking for an affordable price.
Pros:
- Top speed 10mph
- 2.25 horsepower motor
- Folding space-saving design
- Weight capacity 275lbs
- LCD display screen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Built-in tablet and water bottle holder
- The flexible, shock-absorbing running deck
- 30-day iFIT online training subscription
Cons:
- Two-position manual incline settings
- No built-in programs to follow
- Ongoing iFIT membership costs $180 per year
#4. Horizon T101 Treadmill Series
The big disadvantage with most compact treadmills is their size.
Some are a little too small for running comfortably.
This folding T101 Treadmill from Horizon Fitness isn’t as big as a commercial treadmill, but it does feature a larger than average running deck for users who like to stretch out and run with a longer stride.
Pros:
- 10mph top speed
- 2.5 horsepower motor
- Very quiet motor
- Foldable with hydraulic assist
- Maximum user weight 275lbs
- 10 incline settings
- 3-zone variable response cushioning for comfort and running efficiency
- Bluetooth enabled with a USB charging port
- Built-in sound system
- Cooling fan
- Built-in phone/tablet and water bottle rack
- Built to last
Cons:
- Quite expensive
#5. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black
Treadmills can be expensive, and you get what you pay for.
But, apparently, nobody told XTERRA that, and they’ve gone right ahead and made a budget-friendly compact TR150 Folding Treadmill loaded with great features usually only found on more expensive models.
Pros:
- 2.25 horsepower motor
- 10mph top speed
- Maximum user weight 250lbs
- Folding space-saving design
- 12 pre-programmed workouts
- LCD console with built-in speakers
- Pulse sensors on handrails
- Cushioned running deck
Cons:
- 3 manual incline settings
- Small display screen
- Small running deck
#6. Bowflex Treadmill T7
Bowflex makes commercial-quality exercise equipment for home use.
This Bowflex T7 is a large compact treadmill that looks and operates just like the one you’d find in a gym.
But, it still folds and isn’t as expensive as a full commercial product.
This is a serious machine for serious home workouts!
Pros:
- Top speed 12mph
- 0-15% motorized incline
- Maximum user weight 350lbs
- Folding design with power assist
- Large touchscreen full-color display
- Heart rate sensors on handrails
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Large, cushioned deck for joint-friendly workouts
- Built-in media shelf and water bottle holders
- Built-in sound system
- Stream music and movies via the 7” display console – subscriptions may be required
- Built-in adaptive workouts with scenic displays
- Wireless heart rate monitor chest strap included
Cons:
- Heavy – 280lbs
- Quite expensive
#7. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Model + 1 Year iFit Trainer Membership
While many compact treadmills cannot compete with larger, commercial treadmills for speed, power, or features, some premium models can.
This Commercial 1750 Model Treadmill from fitness experts NordicTrack is basically a heavy-duty commercial treadmill that also folds upright for easy storage.
If you want a gym-like treadmill but still need to save space, this is the product to choose from.
Pros:
- 3.75 horsepower motor
- Top speed 12mph
- 12 motorized incline settings
- 50 pre-programmed workout programs
- 10-inch full-color touchscreen display
- Maximum user weight 350lbs
- Large, cushioned running deck
- Built-in heart rate sensors on handrails
- Foldable space-saving design with hydraulic assist
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lots of storage cubbies for water bottles, keys, phone, tablet, etc.
- Cooling fan
- 1-yr iFIT membership included
Cons:
- Heavy – 350lbs
- Quite expensive
Best Compact Treadmills for Small Spaces – Wrapping Up
From $300 to $2,000, whatever your budget, there is a compact treadmill that’s right for you.
Each one is small enough to fit into a spare room or office and will help you walk, jog, or run your way to fitness, health, and weight loss.
While the functions vary from one machine to the next, and some are more technologically advanced than others, ultimately, each one means you can work out in the comfort and safety of your own home.
How do you choose the best compact treadmill for your home?
Start with your budget and work back from there.
Then look for any must-have features.
Using a process of elimination, whatever is left when you’ve discarded the rest is probably the best model for you.
Then, once your treadmill is installed in your home gym, all that’s left for you to do is get to work!
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Rich is a NASM-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer), an