12 Best Folding Treadmills in 2024

Treadmills form a key part of any home gym setup, allowing you to exercise indoors using a moving running belt to mimic the movements used in a traditional outdoor setting.

However, treadmills can take up a lot of space especially when not in use. Folding treadmills provide the perfect solution for smaller gym spaces, offering convenient storage options and a range of versatile uses.

We’ve compared our 12 best folding treadmills below, considering the most important points before giving our top pick. Our handy buyer’s guide explains the benefits of fold up treadmills, drawbacks, and what to look for when purchasing.

For this article, our team of certified personal trainers and professional athletes meticulously evaluated 36 folding treadmills. We based our assessments on 6 key criteria, and from this in-depth analysis, we’ve identified the top 12 products for our list.

Our comprehensive testing process involved a total of 500 hours, during which we tested most of these products and also reviewed hundreds of online user reviews. We continually update our list and encourage you to share your experiences in the comments section.

Top 12 Best Folding Treadmills Reviewed

1. NordicTrack New Exp 7i Treadmill – Best Overall
2. ProForm City L6 Treadmill – Runner-up
3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7632 Treadmill – With Fixed Incline
4. NordicTrack New Commercial 1250 – Premium Pick
5. GoPlus Treadmill – Budget Pick
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Treadpad – Best Foldable Walking Pad
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill
8. UREVO Under Desk Treadmill – 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
9. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill – With Manual Walking Mode
10. UREVO Folding Treadmill – Best Lightweight
11. XTERRA Fitness TR Treadmill
12. SereneLife Treadmill

The table represents a quick summary of the folding treadmill reviews described below. Each treadmill has been compared and given a total score according to the main points.

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Portability	Folding	Interactive Features	Value for Money
NordicTrack 7i	59.5	10	10	9.5	10	10	10
ProForm	59	9.5	9.5	10	10	10	10
SH&F SF-T7632	58.5	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5	10
NordicTrack 1250	58.5	10	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5
GoPlus	58	9.5	9.5	10	10	9	10
SH&F Treadpad	57.5	9.5	9.5	10	10	9	9.5
SH&F Smart	57.5	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5	9
UREVO Under Desk	57	9	9.5	10	10	9	9.5
SH&F Manual	56.5	9	9	10	10	8.5	10
UREVO Folding	56	8.5	9	10	10	9	9.5
XTERRA	56	8.5	9	10	10	9.5	9
SereneLife	55.5	8.5	8.5	10	10	9.5	9

Founded in 1975, NordicTrack was one of the first brands to offer space-saving foldable treadmill designs, paving the way for other brands to follow. The brand aims to produce high-quality cardio equipment that uses innovative design features at affordable price points.

The NordicTrack New Exp 7i Is our best foldable treadmill that stands out from the crowd due to its overall functionality and running experience.

The EXP 7i is part of the NordicTrack mid-level folding treadmill range, using a hydraulic folding mechanism that allows the large 55” L x 20” W running deck to fold upwards toward the monitor. The frame is on the heavier side at 220 pounds which shouldn’t be too much of an issue with the hydraulic assist and transport wheels under the deck.

In terms of functionality, this is where the EXP 7i really shines. The 2.6 CHP motor supports belt speeds from 0-10 mph with incline options from 0-12% that can be automatically adjusted on the front console.

The commercial tread belt features Runner’s Flex cushioning to reduce possible joint issues when running and improve overall comfort. It can also support 300 pounds of added user weight which is the biggest out of all our folding treadmill choices.

At the front of the treadmill, the console features a 7” pivoting HD touchscreen with integrated speakers at each side. Aesthetically the console looks great, with quick-press speed and incline buttons on either side of the screen and an emergency stop button just below the integrated device shelf.

NordicTrack offers an immersive workout experience, with integrated iFit technology which gives you access to thousands of on-demand and trainer-led workouts offering possible benefits to running performance and mood.

The auto adjust feature changes the belt speed and incline percentage at the direction of your trainer which is great if you prefer on-demand feedback from your home that can help to improve your running performance.

With access to interactive leaderboards allowing you to compete against other people, the iFit app is designed to offer social support and improve the exercise experience.

Alongside this, you have access to Bluetooth headphones, heart rate connectivity, and Google Maps workout technology so you can run wherever you like.

Founded in 1977, ProForm looks to provide high-quality home cardio equipment which includes their range of entry-level, mid-level, and high-level treadmills. They believe that you should live life to the fullest, using a healthy lifestyle as part of a balanced approach.

ProForm offers a wide variety of treadmill designs, with the City L6 as part of their entry-level folding range. It combines a simple user-friendly design with an innovative folding system to make it the perfect treadmill option for first-time gym users with smaller home gym spaces.

Compared to traditional treadmill folding systems that fold upwards, the City L6 uses an innovative design with the frame and monitor folding flat to the treadmill deck. To operate the folding mechanism, use the easy-press button at the side of the frame and slide the treadmill under a desk or table when not in use.

This combined with the compact 70.25" L x 29" W x 44.5" frame size makes the City L6 the perfect choice for those who want a convenient exercise option around the house.

Under the 47" L x 18" W running deck, ProForm uses its patented ProShox cushioning to combat possible joint pain and improve runner comfort. The L6 frame is constructed from alloy steel weighing 125 pounds and supporting up to 250 pounds of user weight.

At the front, the 5" LCD console is easy to navigate using the quick-press buttons on either side allowing changes in speed from 0-8 mph. An integrated device holder allows you to place a tablet or phone so you can follow your favorite workout or use the free 30-day iFit app which gives you access to thousands of trainer-led workouts.

With the iFit membership, the auto-adjust feature gives you feedback as you exercise with the trainer able to adjust your speed, incline, and resistance level as you run to improve running efficiency and performance.

Founded in 2002, Sunny Health & Fitness believes that a healthy lifestyle should be accessible to everyone at home and in the gym. They are widely recognized as an affordable health and fitness equipment brand, with their cardio range offering fantastic value for money.

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7632 folding treadmill is a space-saving cardio machine featuring a compact 49.5” L x 26.5” W x 47” H frame design. It uses a fixed incline setting of 11.9% making it a good option if you prefer to exercise on an incline to improve performance. It's our best folding treadmill for small spaces with a fixed incline level.

The 44.5” L x 14” W running deck has been designed to sit on top of the motor housing which is what creates the incline level. This also gives you more space if you have a longer stride pattern.

The deck folds upwards to measure just 16” L X 26.5” W X 51” H using a black knob situated at the side of the running belt and clicks into place. The transportation wheels allow you to move the 74.5-pound frame around to different areas in the house or store it away when not in use.

The belt uses shock absorption software to limit impact injuries and support speeds ranging from 0.5-7 mph. The frame can support up to 220 pounds of user weight which should cater to the vast majority of users.

At the front, the backlit LCD display shows your distance, speed, and calories burned. The console features a simple design, with a few quick-press buttons and an emergency stop clip situated underneath.

If you’re looking for the best folding treadmill for running with a premium feel, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 ticks all the boxes. It comes at a higher price point compared to our other choice but offers more functionality.

The highly immersive running experience may offer performance benefits. It’s our premium pick choice treadmill that folds up.

What makes the NordicTrack 1250 stand out is the added functionality you get with the extra cost as it’s a folding treadmill with incline and decline options.

The larger 60” L x 20” W running deck offers incline settings up to 12% and unlike any of my other choices can decline to -3%. Alongside this, the more powerful 3.0 CHP motor supports a larger speed range from 0-12 mph and operates quietly with an integrated auto breeze fan.

The 78.5” L x 35.6” W x 64.7” H treadmill frame is on the heavier side at 281 pounds but uses an Easy Lift hydraulic assist system that takes the hard work out. It supports 300 pounds of max user weight which is enough to accommodate heavier athletes.

Another stand-out feature is the 10” tilt and pivot HD touchscreen located in the middle of the front console giving you a large workout display.

With premium audio speakers and Google Maps workout technology giving you access to different workout environments, NordicTrack has designed the 1250 to offer a truly immersive workout experience. The quick touch controls at each side of the screen allow you to change your incline percentage and belt speed with buttons numbered 1-12.

NordicTrack includes a free 30-day iFit trial with each treadmill purchase, giving you access to thousands of trainer-led workouts that use auto-adjust technology to change your speed and incline levels as you exercise.

GoPlus prides itself on using a professional design team that focuses on product development according to consumer feedback. They listen to customer feedback and produce innovative treadmill designs that offer great value for money.

The GoPlus collapsible treadmill is our budget pick, offering excellent value for money with many of the same fold away treadmill features seen on its more expensive counterparts.

It uses an innovative 2-in-1 design, allowing it to be used as a flat walking deck with no rail and a traditional treadmill with the rail placed in the normal running position. In folded flat mode, the 39.3” L x 16” W running deck can operate from 0.6-2.5 mph.

With the rails raised up, the deck can reach up to 7.5 mph using the 2.25 CHP motor. The different mode options allow you to customize the treadmill design according to each workout and the storage options you have available.

The lightweight 69.5-pound frame measures 52.5" L x 29" W x 44.5" H and supports up to 265 pounds of max user weight which is similar to it’s more expensive counterparts. When folded, the frame measures 55” H x 29” W x 5” D.

Under the running deck, GoPlus uses a five-layer design which provides shock absorption, sound insulation, and water resistance. The rubber stabilizers stop the deck from moving around and protect your home gym floor from scratches and scuffs.

The monitor is integrated into the running deck, with a remote control allowing you to change the workout settings without having to alter your running position. The LED displays time, speed, distance, and calories. Other added features include Bluetooth speakers, smart workout APP control, and a device holder located on the rails.

The Sunny Health and Fitness Treadpad is a walking machine that's controlled by your footsteps. It’s our best folding treadmill for walking with a range of added features. Sensors on the treadpad allow you to maintain slow, medium, and fast speeds depending on where you move.

Like the GoPlus treadmill, the Sunny Health and Fitness treadpad also uses an innovative 2-in-1 design allowing it to be used in walking or running mode. When used as a flat treadpad without handles, the belt has a speed range of 0.5-3.7 mph catering to walking paces. With the rails extended upwards, the treadpad can reach speeds of up to 6 mph.

Connecting to the Sunny Health and Fitness app whilst using the treadpad provides feedback including distance, time, speed, calories, and steps. This can also be seen on the integrated LED screen at the front of the belt.

A stand-out feature of the treadpad is the smart reminder software that reminds you when the running belt needs lubricating. This helps to extend the lifespan by ensuring you keep a regular maintenance schedule.

When in running mode, the treadmill measures 53.5” L x 25” W x 45.3” H. When folded down into walking mode, it is slightly larger at 56.8” L x 26.7” W x 7.1” H but allows you to slide the tread pad under a table at home or desk at work to improve productivity alongside physical activity.

The treadmill features 15 automatic incline levels ranging from 0-12% that can be adjusted via the quick-press buttons located on the safety rails or by using the front console.

The treadmill uses smart technology meaning it's designed to be used alongside the Sunny Health and Fitness workout app. Once connected via Bluetooth, follow along to trainer-led workouts and use your mobile device to view your performance metrics in real-time. 

The frame measures 63” L x 26.2” W x 50.2” H and folds upwards, with the 48.4” L x 15.7” W running deck clicking into place. When folded up, it measures just 36.8” L x 26.2” W x 56.9” H providing you with plenty of storage options.

When bringing the belt back to the floor, the soft drop technology slowly lowers the deck allowing you to simply pull the knob and watch it go back down.

At the front console, the LCD display tracks your speed, time, distance, and calories burned. The built-in pulse sensors allow you to monitor heart rate, with the quick press speed and incline buttons located just above.

Founded in 2020, UREVO strives to make high-quality, durable fitness equipment that takes up less of your home gym space and is easy to use. They want fitness to be accessible to all regardless of ability level and workout preferences.

The UREVO treadmill is our top pick 2-in-1 under-desk model that can be used as a walking pad and running machine depending on the mode you use. The walking mode allows speeds from 0.6-3.8 mph whilst the running mode goes up to 7.6 mph when the rails are in the upright position.

At the side of the 42.5” L x 17” W running belt, the toggle knob allows the rails to fold down within seconds to switch between modes or store the treadmill under a desk or table. At 57.2 pounds, the lightweight frame can be easily moved around using the transportation wheels underneath.

When in running mode, the treadmill measures 53.1” L x 26.4" D x 4.7" H and has a max weight capacity of 265 lbs. The belt features a 5-layer design with a soft silica gel support column to reduce impact when exercising.

To control the belt speed, use the remote control provided or push the buttons located on the rail next to the handy device holder. The LED display tracks speed, calories, time, and distance as you exercise.

If you’re worried about putting the treadmill together, the UREVO under-desk treadmill comes ready-made with no assembly required.

The Sunny Health and Fitness manual treadmill uses a simple walking concept that provides a great beginner-friendly cardio workout that's easy to perform. Instead of a powered motor, weighted flywheels push against the running deck as you use your legs to push offering a different workout stimulus with no electricity required.

The compact treadmill frame measures just 49" W x 23" D x 50" H and folds upwards via the black knob at the side of the 42" L x 13" W running deck. When folded, the treadmill measures 20” L x 23” W x 50” H making it suitable for most home storage spaces.

With built-in transportation wheels and a 46.7-pound frame weight, the Sunny Health and Fitness manual treadmill is easy to move around once folded.

The soft foam hand grips help to maintain balance as you walk along at the fixed 13.5% incline level. Floor stabilizers help to keep the treadmill stable and protect your home gym floor from potential damage.

The small LCD monitor at the front of the frame measures distance, time, speed, and calories burned. The scan mode provides you with feedback as you keep walking.

The UREVO folding treadmill is our top pick lightweight model, weighing just 49.5 pounds. Combined with the transportation wheels and easy-fold mechanism that folds the rails down to the belt, the UREVO treadmill is extremely portable. Despite its lightweight design, it still has a decent weight capacity of 265 pounds.

The 39.5” L x 16” W running deck operates quietly using a 2.25 CHP motor that supports a speed range from 0.6-6.2 mph. The deck has a slight incline at 1% which is fixed meaning no incline functionality is offered.

When fully operational, the treadmill measures 48” L x 23.6” W x 40.6” H giving it a compact feel. To fold the treadmill flat, toggle the switch on the side of the belt and wheel the deck under a storage space using the transportation wheels.

At the front of the treadmill, the adjustable LCD monitor tracks time, distance, speed, and calories. UREVO has given you 12 built-in HIIT workout programs that may offer benefits in sprint performance.

To choose a program, use the quick-press buttons next to the LCD display. Underneath the monitor, the emergency stop clip provides extra running safety alongside the small handrails.

Founded in 2009, XTERRA Fitness is a well-known brand providing home cardio equipment and workout accessories. They aim to make cardio equipment that offers excellent value for money and features innovative designs.

The XTERRA Fitness TR treadmill is another entry-level model with a user-friendly design featuring easy-to-navigate controls making it great for beginners looking for a space-saving cardio machine option.

At the side of the treadmill, the easy-press black knob allows the deck to fold upwards to measure 28.5" L x 28.75" W x 61" H. This provides convenient storage options but care should be taken when folding and unfolding due to the lack of a hydraulic lifting system.

The TR 150 treadmill includes some great added features to improve the overall workout experience. The built-in handrails use pulse sensors allowing you to monitor your heart rate whilst working out and run according to different heart rate zones to for example elicit potential benefits in maximum oxygen uptake.

The rails also improve overall safety, providing a place to grip whilst you get used to the running stride.

Other convenience features include a water bottle holder at the side of the monitor and a book storage space if you want to read whilst exercising. The water bottle holder is a convenient add-on providing an easy way to access a hydration solution when training.

The wider 50" L x 16" W running deck uses XTERRA’S XTRAsoft cushioning which provides shock absorption as you run. The treadmill frame measures 63.4" L x 28.75" W x 51.4" H and despite weighing just 97 pounds can support an impressive 250 pounds of user weight.

 In terms of workout options, the 2.25 CHP motor supports speeds from 0.5-10 mph. The treadmill deck has three manual incline options that can be adjusted by moving the black incline lever under the deck.

At the front of the frame, the 5" LCD display measures distance, time, speed, and calories. On either side of the LCD, you can choose from 12 pre-set workout programs numbered P1-P12. An emergency stop button is included in the middle as an added safety feature.

SereneLife offers reliable cardio equipment which includes their line of affordable at-home treadmills. Their motto is ‘innovative products just for you.

The SereneLife SL26 folding treadmill uses a lightweight foldable frame design making it really easy to pick up and move around. It weighs 59 pounds making it one of the lightest treadmills out of my top 12 choices. Despite the lightweight design, it supports up to 265 pounds of user weight.

The SL26 can be folded away using the push button at the side of the deck to measure just 21.65" L x 24.4" W x 46.4" H. Once folded, the built-in transport wheels make it easy to wheel around the home to store away or place in a new exercise spot.

SereneLife has designed the SL26 with a hydraulic folding system that moves the deck up and down meaning you don’t have to worry about it crashing to the floor or having to fold the treadmill deck away. The hydraulic system does the hard work for you.

In terms of frame dimensions, the SL26 measures 46.4" L x 21.65" W x 24.4" H when in operational mode and has a 39.3" L x 15.7" W running desk. Whilst this is on the smaller side, it should be enough to accommodate normal users.

The running desk has four manual adjustment settings from 0-4% that must be changed by moving the red incline lever underneath. The 1.0 CHP motor supports deck speeds from 0.6-6 mph which is enough to support walking and light jogging.

At the front of the treadmill, the center console allows you to change the speed and offers 12 preset workout programs. The 3" LCD screen displays speed, distance, time, and calories.

The SL26 is Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to link your favorite workout app or use the speakers to connect your favorite workout music from a phone or tablet that can be placed on the device shelf above to improve running performance.

Benefits of Folding Treadmills

Folding treadmills offer a host of physical and mental benefits which makes them a good option compared to conventional treadmill designs and normal outdoor running. If you’re looking for a space-saving cardio machine offering a range of versatile uses, here are the main benefits in more detail:

✅ Space Saving

The foldable designs allow you to save valuable gym space when you don't need to use the treadmill or need the space for something else. Some designs allow you to fold the deck upwards towards the frame whilst others collapse down so the whole unit can slide under a desk or table at home.

Foldable treadmills use a range of compact designs and folding mechanisms allowing you to pick a suitable choice that caters to smaller home gym spaces.

Our expert Sergii Putsov commented further on this specific folding treadmill benefit, saying:

“When considering a treadmill, make sure it’s sturdy and has a smooth and durable folding mechanism. It is very important to save space without sacrificing on quality”.

✅ Ease of Use

Whatever your workout goals are, folding treadmills allow you to use them from the convenience of your own living room, home gym, at work, or any room with a table or desk in. Home-based exercise may have a number of health benefits including in patients with chronic disease.

The foldable designs combined with transport wheels and lighter frames make them readily accessible and easy to store away when not needed. Compared to traditional designs, folding treadmills can be used anywhere providing a convenient cardio option.

✅ Treadmill Functionality  

Despite featuring lightweight frames that can be folded away, many folding treadmills offer excellent functionality with shock absorption software, big running decks, good speed ranges, and incline/ decline functionality.

They are able to cater to a range of different running styles with no issues. Others have built-in speakers, interactive workout programming, and pulse-sensing grips giving you many of the same features offered by traditional treadmills.

Foldable treadmills give you more versatility without sacrificing many of the functionality features that conventional treadmills offer.

✅ Interactive Programming 

A lot of foldable treadmills offer interactive programming features and subscriptions, allowing you to follow along with trainer-led workouts using weights, yoga, dance moves, and different running programs as other ways to improve health and performance.

✅ Easy to Maintain 

Compared to conventional models, folding treadmills are easier to clean as the decks can be lifted up or folded down. The space underneath can be cleaned by folding the treadmill and moving it to the side using the built-in transport wheels.

This helps to keep the treadmill maintained and improves its durability when used correctly.

Drawbacks of Folding Treadmills

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits, it’s worth mentioning the drawbacks so we can offer a totally impartial guide on what to expect when buying a folding treadmill.

❌Less Stable

Compared to conventional treadmills, folding ones tend to offer less stability. The built-in hinge mechanisms combined with the lightweight, compact frame designs make the treadmill extremely versatile and easy to use but will take away slightly from the overall stability. This may be especially apparent when performing vigorous exercise, with many folding treadmills designed for walking and jogging.

Most foldable treadmills can be used for normal exercise with no issues at all and feature rubber feet and wider deck designs to help combat this potential problem.

❌Lower Max Speeds 

Foldable treadmills offer decent speed ranges, with some motors going up to 3 CHP. If you’re a professional athlete or serious runner who’s looking to perform supramaximal exercise to improve running performance, a foldable treadmill probably won’t go fast enough for your type of training.

Most foldable treadmills can be easily used for different types of normal daily exercise routines meaning this shouldn’t cause a problem for the majority of recreational users.

❌Safety 

When folded up, care should be taken to ensure the hinge mechanism has fully clicked into place to prevent possible risks of injury to yourself or small animals and children.

Many folding treadmills have safety mechanisms that prevent the deck from falling when used correctly each time you fold it away. The safety features included on folding treadmills should be properly used to reduce the incidence of potential injuries with the moving treadmill belt.

Folding Treadmill Benefits	Folding Treadmill Drawbacks
Space saving designs	Less stable vs. Commercial options
Easy to operate	Lower max speeds
Convenient storage options	Possible safety Issues when storing
Built-in interactive programming	Fewer safety features vs. conventional treadmills
Easy to maintain

When to Buy a Folding Treadmill?

Specific situations warrant the use of a folding treadmill over a conventional one. Here are some of the reasons to buy a folding treadmill for home gym setups:

1. You Have Limited Home Gym Space

Folding treadmills offer the perfect design for people who have smaller gyms and need the space for other purposes when not using the treadmill. Folding treadmills feature compact designs, with the folding mechanisms making the treadmills easy to store away when not in use.

2. You Exercise in Different Places 

If you’re someone who enjoys the benefits of exercising at work or whilst doing other activities, foldable treadmills provide a perfect cardio option.

Folding treadmills featuring designs that fold flat to the floor allow you to exercise at work, in your living room, or near your dining table and then quickly store the treadmill away, saving time and providing a convenient exercise option.

Most folding treadmills feature carry handles, transport wheels, and lightweight frame designs making them easy to carry around to where you need them.

Our expert Jacek added further, saying:

“Folding treadmills are a good piece of equipment if you can’t do your road work outside and have limited space at home or in the garage. However, if you’re a heavier warrior be sure that the one you’re looking for has excellent quality and durability or it will break at high intensities”.

What to Look for When Choosing a Folding Treadmill?

Consider the factors below as the most important ones to focus on when choosing a suitable folding treadmill for your home gym space. The relative importance of each will depend on the space you have available and your individual workout goals. Consider these first before the points below.

1. Footprint

Most folding treadmills feature compact designs making them suitable for smaller gym spaces. If you have a smaller gym space or want to get the most out of your gym area, the treadmill footprint should be one of your main considerations.

Most manufacturers provide the length, width, and height of the treadmill in inches when fully functioning and folded up. Once you have these, you can check your home gym space and storage area if needed to see if the treadmill you want is suitable.

2. Portability

If you’re buying a folding treadmill, it’s likely that portability is a high priority. Consider things such as the frame weight, frame dimensions, and added transport features such as transportation wheels and built-in carry handles.

As all the treadmills we are talking about today are folding, check how easy the folding mechanism is to use and which way the treadmill folds. If you want something to store under your desk or table, make sure the deck folds downwards and not upwards towards itself.

3. Durability

Buying a folding treadmill may offer good value for money but it also represents a significant investment. You want the treadmill to last for several years without breaking down or needing huge replacement parts that stop you from running and cost extra money.

Check the overall construction quality of the treadmill to see what frame materials are used, how is the frame held together and how is it finished. If you plan to use the treadmill outside, a powder-coated frame helps to protect it against the environment.

4. Functionality

Consider what you actually want to use the treadmill for before you consider buying a suitable model. Decide your workout goals first and start by looking at the functions the treadmill can perform to see whether it's suitable for you.

The main things to check include the belt speed range and incline/ decline functionality. If you’re a beginner, it’s likely that a treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 CHP motor will be fine for your running speed. If you’re a competitive runner and want to exercise at faster speeds, you’ll need a 2.5+ CHP motor. If you regularly like to do hill work, make sure the treadmill deck has an incline feature that’s suited to the incline level you want to exercise at.

Other functionality features to look out for include water bottle holders, handles, and quick-press buttons.

Criterias	Folding Treadmills	Non-folding Treadmills
Space	Smaller footprints, Can occupy multiple spaces	Larger footprints
Storage	Vertical cupboard storage options, Under Desk/Table storage options	Not easy to store, May need to leave in the same place or cover if needed
Portability	Lightweight frame designs, Transportation	Heavy frame designs, Hard to move
Motor Size	Smaller motor sizes, Tend to be around 2 CHP with some higher at 3.0 CHP	Larger motor sizes of 3.0+ CHP supporting higher belt speeds
Safety	Some safety features Care needs to be taken when folding Easier to maintain	More safety features
Added Features	Interactive programming, Deck cushioning, Bluetooth functionality, Pulse Sensors, Touchscreens	Interactive programming, Deck cushioning, Bluetooth functionality, Pulse Sensors, Touchscreens
Deck Size	Most models use smaller belts, Some have longer belts to accommodate taller users	Larger belt sizes to accommodate all users
Weight Capacity	Smaller weight capacity which should accommodate normal use	Larger weight capacities for all users
Price	Budget options, Tend to offer better value for money in most situations	More expensive, Better suited to high-level athletes and commercial gym environments

5. Interactive Features 

Interactive features can totally change your workout experience, with some people enjoying a fully immersive workout with other online users whilst others prefer a simple jog or run with no added thrills.

Whatever your preference, social interaction when exercising can improve your interest in running and help with continuous exercise participation.

Some folding treadmills offer interactive programming, allowing you to follow along with trainer-led workouts and play games whilst you exercise.

Others may come with streaming services where you can compete against other riders and follow an interactive leaderboard as a running community. Visual feedback options may also provide improvements to walking and running performance.

Some brands include fitness apps with the treadmill purchase whilst others need to be purchased at an extra cost if you want to use it. Speakers also provide you with a more immersive workout experience whether you are following a workout or playing music through your phone.

Folding Treadmill Usage Tips

Folding treadmills are designed to be used with little training or knowledge. The tips below represent ways to use the treadmill more efficiently and extend the lifespan to get the most out of your folding treadmill.

1. Use the Safety Features

Built-in safety features are there to be used. Even if you don’t actually end up using them, it’s useful to familiarize yourself with the ones around you in case you need them.

Each folding treadmill will have slightly different safety features depending on the design. Emergency stop clips are included on almost all treadmill designs and should be used, especially at higher speeds. Safety rails provide support and also offer a way to rest if the belt speed starts to get too fast.

2. Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Wear and tear is normal as you use the folding treadmill and should be expected. However, folding treadmills are designed to be durable and offer multiple years of use but only when the correct maintenance is performed.

Clean the treadmill regularly, using a dry cloth to wipe and dust and dirt from the components. Also, make sure to clean any sweat following the exercise. Lubricate each moving part regularly to avoid repeated friction. Check the user manual to find out which parts of the treadmill require this.

3. Use the Correct Technique

Whilst it may seem obvious when you walk, jog, and run with no trouble, using a treadmill is quite different. Care should be taken to use the correct technique to prevent possible injury and improve running economy:

• Start by making sure the area around the folding treadmill is clear. This ensures you won’t hit anything if you fall off the treadmill or need to step down for a quick break
• Start the treadmill belt at a suitable warm-up speed first before you progress onto the actual workout. Straddle the belt then step on slowly before beginning the exercise motion
• Maintain an upright chest position with your head facing forward. Swing your arms side to side and try to avoid looking down.
• Never get off the folding treadmill when it’s still moving. Slowly decrease the belt speed and wait for it to stop first before getting off.

FAQ

Are Foldable Treadmills Worth It?

Foldable treadmills are compact running machines that provide comparable benefits to outdoor running. They can be conveniently stored away in a cupboard or under a table when not in use. They provide a versatile exercise option and offer excellent value for money when used correctly and safely.

What To Look For When Buying A Folding Treadmill?

Multiple factors should be considered before purchasing a folding treadmill. Start by measuring your home gym space and deciding what your workout goals are. Once you have these, look at the treadmill dimensions, portability features, functionality, and durability to decide the best treadmill for you.

Are Folding Treadmills Stable?

Folding treadmills are stable enough to support walking, jogging, and normal running without any issues. Design features such as wider runner decks and rubber feet have made folding treadmills much more stable as designs have continued to evolve.

If you’re a highly competitive athlete who can run at fast speeds for long periods of time, it might be worth considering a high-end commercial treadmill instead.

Conclusion

Folding treadmills provide a convenient space-saving cardio option that closely mimics overground running and offers a host of health benefits. The treadmills we’ve reviewed above feature a range of folding mechanisms and added features providing you with plenty of choices that cater to your home gym space and workout needs.

The NordicTrack New Exp 7i Treadmill is our top pick best portable treadmill. It features a large commercial tread belt that folds using a hydraulic lifting system and a 2.6 CHP motor that offers speeds from 0-10 mph and an incline up to 12%.

Have you used a folding treadmill before? What do you think of the foldable treadmill reviews above? Let’s discuss them in the comments below!

Also read:

• Best Treadmill Under $300
• Best Curved Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under 2000
• How Much Does a Treadmill Cost
• Best Cushioned Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Running Shoes
• Best Shoes for Treadmill Walking and Running
• Best Treadmill With TV Screen

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