How to fold up a treadmill

Folding up a treadmill is actually fairly easy. Simply lift up the base of your treadmill belt by grabbing the end that’s furthest from your console and handlebars, and slide it toward your console until the belt locks in place upright. This method may vary from treadmill to treadmill, but you can expect the process to be generally similar to what we’ve described here.

Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills?

Yes, many folding treadmills are exactly as effective as regular treadmills. That’s because foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. Factors like incline and speed settings are much more important to consider. A speedy uphill climb is bound to be more challenging than a leisurely flat stroll—no matter what kind of machine you’re doing it on.

The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2023

The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2022 — Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Treadmills make a classic addition to any at-home fitness routine, with research even suggesting that running on a treadmill offers equal intensity as running outdoors. The only problem? Treadmills can be incredibly bulky—making them a tough add for small spaces. Thankfully, folding treadmills offer an easy way around this common problem.

Reviewed & Approved

The Goplus 2-in-1 Treadmill is our top pick because it's small and can be used under a desk when folded. If you prefer an incline, we recommend the affordable XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill.

When looking for a folding treadmill, check the specifics on how they fold. Some fold in half, and some fold completely flat. Depending on your lifestyle, space, and needs, characteristics to consider include dimensions, weight capacity, speed, and incline.

We researched dozens of folding treadmills and evaluated them for incline features, speed, price, and folding features. Each of the foldable treadmills chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

Based on our research, here are the best folding treadmills on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

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Best Value:

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill at Amazon

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Best with Classes:

NordicTrack T Series Treadmill at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Bowflex Treadmill 10 at Amazon

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Best for Beginners:

Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmill at Amazon

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Best High-Tech:

NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill at Nordictrack.com

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Best for Small Spaces:

Sunny SF-T1407M Manual Treadmill at Amazon

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Best for Incline:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Space-saving
Can be used under desk
Folds completely flat

Cons

Low maximum speed
No incline settings

The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is a solid folding treadmill that doubles as an under-desk option, which is why we chose it as our top pick. When unfolded, the treadmill looks like any other. Its non-slip treadmill belt will support you as you log a light walk or jog. But when folded, the treadmill is still completely usable—and since it’s flat, it makes a great under-desk option.

Though this 2-in-1 design offers plenty of flexibility and convenience, it does come with some downsides: The treadmill offers no incline settings and can only reach speeds up to 3 miles per hour. Still, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a small, home office-friendly treadmill.

Price at time of publication: $500

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 49 x 27 x 42 inches (52 x 27 x 5 inches when folded) | Weight Capacity: 265 pounds | Maximum Speed: 3 MPH | Incline: None}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

High maximum speed
Several incline settings
Cushioned treadmill belt

Cons

Incline has to be adjusted manually
Does not fold completely flat

The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is an affordable folding treadmill with settings you’d expect to find in a more expensive option, which is why we chose it as our best value pick. We like that the treadmill’s wide belt is cushioned for comfort and that its sturdy handlebars will help you stay stable as you work out.

If you want to up the intensity of your workouts, you can manually adjust the incline between three different settings or mechanically increase your speed up to 10 miles per hour. And you can take advantage of the treadmill’s 12 preset workout programs any time you’re craving a more guided workout.

Price at time of publication: $378

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 63.4 x 28.75 x 51.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: 3 levels (manual)}

4.2

Courtesy of Walmart

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review

Pros

High maximum incline
Comfortable treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Large
Does not fold completely flat

The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 Treadmill features a classic design that you can fold in half between uses. Whereas some folding treadmills feel lightweight and flimsy, we like that this one feels strong and sturdy. A wide belt offers a smooth and comfortable experience, and the treadmill can incline up to 10 percent for a more challenging workout.

If you really want to take your fitness routine to the next level, this treadmill comes with a 30-day free trial of an iFit membership. The membership gives you access to live and on-demand classes during which your instructor can actually increase your incline and speed remotely. In addition to completing workouts on the treadmill, the iFit membership includes full-body training, inviting you to complete a variety of cross-training workouts to work your legs, arms, and core.

Testing Notes: "We’re prone to shin splints and joint pain, but we didn’t experience any pain while running on the NordicTrack. There was just enough cushion and support to soften our landing without making the treadmill feel wobbly. If you’re looking for a basic treadmill without many bells and whistles, you’ll be happy with the NordicTrack T 6.5 S."

While the membership trial ends after 30 days, you can choose to continue your subscription for endless access to studio classes, trainer-led workouts, and more.

Price at time of publication: $649

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: Up to 10 percent}

Verywell Fit / Lindsay Boyers

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Cushioned treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible
Interactive training

Cons

Does not fold completely flat

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a high-tech treadmill that will keep your workouts challenging and engaging as you build strength. We love that the treadmill comes equipped with easy-to-adjust speed and incline knobs that make it simple to increase the intensity of your workouts as you run. And since the treadmill boasts an incline range of -5 to 15 percent, we like that you can choose whether you want to run downhill or climb uphill when you work out.

But the high-tech features don’t stop there. Pair your Bowflex Treadmill 10 with a JRNY membership, and you can access workout videos, virtual coaching, and adaptive workouts that get tougher as you get stronger.

Price at time of publication: $2,799

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 85 x 39.6 x 65.3 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -5 to 15 percent}

Dick's Sporting Goods

Pros

Cushioned treadmill belt
Quiet motor
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Large
Does not fold completely flat

The Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill is a classic folding treadmill that boasts all the features beginners need to get started, which is why we chose it as our top pick for beginners. For starters, the treadmill comes with an easy-to-use console that will let you adjust the intensity of your workouts any time you want to.

And since it can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour and inclines up to 10 percent, we like that it's easy to start slow and stay challenged over time.

We like that the treadmill’s belt also boasts three different padding zones—an impact zone, a transition zone, and a push-off zone—so it will provide cushioning and comfort in all the places your stride needs it most.

Price at time of publication: $1,000

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 73 x 33.5 x 55 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Maximum Speed: 10 MPH | Incline: Up to 10 percent}

Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods

Pros

Versatile incline range
Customizable treadmill belt
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Expensive
Does not fold completely flat

The NordicTrack T Series EXP 10i Treadmill is a splurge-worthy folding treadmill that’s loaded with high-tech features. When you step onto the treadmill, you’ll have the option to customize your treadmill belt. We love that you can choose between a cushioned, comfortable experience and one that more closely resembles the feel of road running—and that you can switch between the two any time you like.

The treadmill also boasts automatic incline and speed adjustment features, which will increase the intensity of your workouts as you build strength. Plus, if you pair your treadmill with an iFit membership, you can enable interactive personal training, which will allow personal trainers to control your workout settings for you as you run.

Price at time of publication: $1,499

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 79.9 x 35.08 x 59.25 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Maximum Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: -3 to 12 percent}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Easy-to-read LCD monitor

Cons

Fixed incline
Does not fold completely flat

The Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill is a great pick for those looking to log a solid workout in a small space. The folding treadmill is more compact than most, and since it weighs a mere 46.7 pounds, we like that it's easy to carry from room to room between workouts.

Since the treadmill is manual, it will put you in total control of the intensity of your workouts. Simply walk or run faster, and it will automatically adjust to your speed, and its fixed incline will ensure you stay challenged as you run. This manual design may be off-putting to some. But if you need something budget-friendly and space-efficient, it will likely be a worthy tradeoff.

Price at time of publication: $199

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 49 x 23 x 50 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds | Maximum Speed: N/a (manual) | Incline: Fixed (angle not specified)}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Solid speed range
Space-saving
Bluetooth-compatible

Cons

Does not fold completely flat

The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill is a mid-tier folding treadmill that’ll give you a serious incline range (from 0 to 12 percent). And since it lets you reach speeds up to 8 miles per hour, you can rest assured knowing the machine will keep you challenged for a while.

Though the treadmill is pretty compact, we like that it boasts a shock-absorbing treadmill belt that promises to keep you comfortable as you run. And we also like that its sturdy handlebars are there to keep you feeling stable and balanced as you explore the machine’s many incline and speed settings.

Price at time of publication: $529

_{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 64.5 x 28 x 50.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Maximum Speed: 8 MPH | Incline: 12 percent}

Final Verdict

For its two-in-one capabilities, the Goplus 2-in-1 Treadmill is our top overall choice. It's small, folds completely flat, and features a non-slip belt for walking or jogging. It's also ideal for those who need an under-desk option.

If you're looking for something with an incline, we recommend the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill because it's affordable and has a high maximum speed.

How We Selected the Best Folding Treadmills

After researching dozens of options from the most popular and trusted retailers, we chose the best folding treadmills based on a wide range of factors. First, we considered price and how flat each treadmill folded. We also examined the maximum speed and incline each machine offered.

Then, we looked at high-tech features like Bluetooth connectivity and any included workout classes. Finally, we noted any additional specifications, like whether the treadmill was manual or electric.

What to Look for in a Folding Treadmill

Dimensions

Folding treadmills are a popular pick for small spaces because they’re easy to store between workouts. But when unfolded, a folding treadmill can be about as big as a regular treadmill, so you’ll want to double-check a folding treadmill’s unfolded dimensions before buying.

Weight Capacity

Some treadmills can support more weight than others. When purchasing, you’ll want to make sure a treadmill is sturdy enough to support you and any extra weight you might be wearing or using while working out.

Maximum Speed

If you’re a fan of running, you’ll want to make sure your treadmill can pick up some serious speed. Many folding treadmills can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour—and some can reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour. But some others max out at 3 miles per hour, so you’ll want to consider a treadmill’s maximum speed (and whether it suits your needs) before buying.

Incline

If you love an uphill workout, you’ll likely want a treadmill with adjustable incline settings. Many folding treadmills offer inclines up to 12 percent, and some even offer declines (up to -5 percent). But some others offer no incline settings at all. Just consider the kinds of workouts you like to do, and make sure the machine you’re eyeing is capable of delivering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to fold up a treadmill

Folding up a treadmill is actually fairly easy. Simply lift up the base of your treadmill belt by grabbing the end that’s furthest from your console and handlebars, and slide it toward your console until the belt locks in place upright. This method may vary from treadmill to treadmill, but you can expect the process to be generally similar to what we’ve described here.
Are folding treadmills as effective as regular treadmills?

Yes, many folding treadmills are exactly as effective as regular treadmills. That’s because foldability has very little to do with a treadmill’s ability to deliver a good workout. Factors like incline and speed settings are much more important to consider. A speedy uphill climb is bound to be more challenging than a leisurely flat stroll—no matter what kind of machine you’re doing it on.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.