Best Compact Treadmill with Reviews

Treadmills have always been one of the most popular home-office exercise equipment. In today’s increasingly space challenged society, compact and ergonomic has become the trend, be it in home furnishings, appliances, gadgets and equipment. Treadmills are no exception. Compact treadmills are specifically designed for users who wish to get a workout at home or at the office and yet do not have the floor space or the storage to accommodate traditional treadmills and other bulky equipment.

While compact treadmills are not as heavy-duty as their larger cousins, they are still able to provide you with your much needed exercise, albeit with limited features and at the fraction of the cost of its pricier cousins. There is proof that some good things do come in small packages.

The Ultimate Guide to the Buying the Best Compact Treadmill

There is quite a dizzying number of brands and models for small or compact treadmills available in the market that it can be quite difficult and intimidating to find the one that’s best suited to your needs and lifestyle. Below you will find a comparison chart, buying guide, things to look for and the best small treadmill reviews. Here are some of the top choices for small treadmills:

Name ImageWeight (lb) Dimensions Electric/ManualPrice Rating (/5)
LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Compact Treadmill 137 30.5 x 51.5 x 60.5" Electric $$$ 4.0
Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer 30 26.75 x 18.75 x 49.5" Manual $$ 3.5
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper 20 18 x 19 x 9" Manual $ 4.5
Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill 53 49 x 24 x 11" Electric $$$ 4.0
Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill 45 21.7 x 21.1 x 50.2" Manual $$ 4.0
Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill 115 64.5 x 29 x 55.5" Electric $$ 4.0
Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill 56 46.5 x 43.5 x 26" Manual $$ 3.5

Why Buy a Small Treadmill?

If you are like many people who wish to exercise at home but don’t have enough space for a traditional treadmill, wants to exercise but cannot afford gym memberships or pricey equipment or cannot yet decide to fully commit to a regular exercise regimen and just want to try an affordable way to exercise, then a compact treadmill may be just for you. These are also a great idea for people with back problems

Here are a few good reasons to invest in your own small machine:

  • They are really affordable. Compact treadmills are considered a good bargain in home exercise machines because of their affordable price. These small machines are often recommended as a beginner’s treadmill, especially for those who are still hesitant about investing quite a sum on traditional treadmills. Low price doesn’t necessarily equate to low quality. There are a lot of quality choices available for those who want to exercise and yet don’t have much to spend and really need a bargain.
  • They are compact. As their name implies, compact treadmills are designed to occupy very little space. They are lightweight, can easily be moved around or folded up and packed away for storage. Their small size means they are not able to have as many features as the traditional treadmill, but they do provide the same basic exercise as their larger cousins.
  • They can save you time and effort. Most people say they just don’t have the time to workout at the gym or jog around the block. A compact treadmill allows users to exercise at their convenience and in the comfort and safety of their home and office. Having your own machine saves you on the time and effort of having to go out to exercise. There are even some models small enough to fit under most office tables that you can actually do a few leg strides and pushes while doing other work.

How to Choose the Best Small Treadmill for You

Choosing the best compact treadmill does not need to be a stressful experience. Knowing a few things to consider and to look for can help you choose the perfect machine for your needs and lifestyle. Here are a few helpful tips to get you motivated:

1. Know what you need.

It is important to know what you need out of your small treadmill and how you plan to use it. Ask yourself important questions like, “where do I store it?”, “will I be moving it around?” or “where do I set it up to do my workout?”, etc. Knowing these things would allow you to consider the maximum dimensions your machine would need to be, as well as what other features you may want or require.

It is also very important to know your height and weight. Compact treadmills do have their limitations in terms of weight bearing capacity as well as length and width of their deck so make sure you choose a model that is built for your body type. Also consider whether you would want to have an electric model, or would a manual treadmill be best for you.

2. Compare accessories.

While it’s true that small compact treadmills don’t have as much features as their larger, traditional cousins, it doesn’t mean they don’t come with some bells and whistles. Choose models that offer value added features you may need to help you workout, like calorie counters and stride counters. Added features like plug-in jack for phones or music devices, or even internet connectivity may also help give you a better workout experience. The low cost of compact treadmills doesn’t always mean having to compromise on accessories and value added features.

3. Look for versatility.

Choose a model that’s versatile enough to allow variation and personalization on the intensity and resistance of your workout. While compact treadmills are not expected to have the same varying levels of difficulty as the traditional models, today’s small compact designs are able to offer features that vary the intensity and difficulty level of your workout. Look for brands that allow you to adjust incline, speed and resistance. Some electric models also have programmable sequences you may want or need. Remember that making the most efficient and optimal use of your compact treadmill is key to reaching your fitness goals and keeping you spot on in developing a good exercise habit.

4. Ensure quality.

Read up on product specifications and customer reviews to help you assess the quality of available compact treadmills. The internet is a rich resource filled with blogs, review specialists, work-out sites and online sellers that could help you assess product performance in everyday settings. Most sites allow you to post questions and interact with other product users. Forums like these can help you choose what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore your options. Learn to discern credible reviews from marketing gimmicks and always keep an open mind when assessing write-ups.

5. Check the Warranty.

Make sure you review and compare product warranty coverage. The manufacturers’ warranty is your protection against defective or damaged products. This is especially important when you’re having your product shipped to you rather than being picked up or bought from the store. A good warranty protects you from factory defects and shipping damages.

Also ask if replacement parts and accessories are available and sold separately and if the manufacturer accepts repairs or gives replacements in case you get a sub standard machine. Companies that offer lifetime warranties are worth looking into. Some manufacturers also offer special bargains and warranty coverage if you ask them for it.

Top 3 Small Treadmills

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper (4.5/5)

This top rated small treadmill is basically a portable elliptical machine that also allows you to adjust the resistance and difficulty level of your workout. It has a twist action feature that helps tone your thighs and butt and at the same time providing the cardiovascular burn of a treadmill workout. This compact also features exercise bands that let you work out your arms, chest, back and shoulders. The computer LCD display helps you monitor the number of calories you’ve burned, your rep count and your total count. Its durable and sturdy construction makes it a favorite among its users.

Check it out in action:

 

Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill (4/5)

The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 features six personal trainer workouts, a two-position incline and comfortable deck cushioning that reduces impact to your joints which makes for a safer and more enjoyable exercise session. The wide belt and sturdy deck allows for jogging and not just walking. Its easy to use controls and high quality performance has made it a popular recommendation for many satisfied users.

Check it out in action:

 

LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Compact Treadmill (4/5)

This favorite model was declared the 2010 Treadmill Doctor “Best Buy” Award Winner and the 2010 Fitness Professor “Best treadmill Under $ 1,000” Award winner. Its compact fold-away design makes it very easy to store and move around. With quick start speed and incline buttons, this compact allows you 3 different speed and incline programs for varying intensity and workout difficulty. The control console allows you to track your distance, speed and incline, as well as your time, steps and calories burned. The built-in speakers and headphone port is a favorite feature for many.

Check it out in action:

 

 

Small or compact treadmills can be the perfect exercise companion for those with limited living space and a tight budget. With the right attitude and a little diligence and research, you can get the most value for your hard-earned money with your very own compact treadmill.

If you are looking for something convenient but a bit bigger with more features, check out our folding treadmill reviews and portable treadmill reviews.

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