Best Compact Treadmills of 2023

Last Update: September 11, 2023

Not everyone has an entire room they can dedicate as a home gym. I know I don’t! Treadmills often require a lot of space, but for those of us who do not have enough to spare, compact treadmills are here to make sure all your walking and running needs are met. ‘Compact’ can mean a lot of different things to different people, so we have done our best to cover every category for every scenario. The treadmills below have a variety of methods of folding to keep your space as usable as possible when the treadmill is not in use. Whether you have half a room, a corner, or only under a bed to spare, this list has it all. Don’t think that compact treadmills are only for walking; there are plenty of compact options for running.

Here’s Our List Of The Best Compact Treadmills 2023

• Best Compact Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill
• Best Compact Folding Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill
• Best Small Treadmill For Home: Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best Incline Compact Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmilll
• Best Small Treadmill For Apartment: Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmil
• Best Compact Under Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill For Beginners: ProForm City L6 Treadmill

Best Compact Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill

The NordicTrack EXP 14i is a great pick for anyone wanting the perks of a full-sized treadmill, just slimmed down a bit with increased portability. The EXP 14i is the top treadmill from NordicTrack’s compact EXP series. Enjoy the best of training on a cushioned deck while guided by top trainers. The NordicTrack EXP 14i uses iFIT to deliver premium content compatible with all the treadmill’s smart features.

The EXP 14i uses a sleek and modern z-frame design for compact folding. The EXP 14i is a smaller, more discreet treadmill than treadmills found in the NordicTrack’s Commercial line. A 14-inch touchscreen creates a comfortable viewing experience while the spacious deck provides plenty of space for running. While this treadmill is not the smallest on this list, it is ideal for users looking for a treadmill that performs comparably to a larger treadmill with a reduced footprint. The EXP 14i can be transported on its two wheels and folded using hydraulic assistance. Its 20” x 55” inch running surface reduces the treadmill’s overall unfolded length by approximately eight inches compared to the NordicTrack Commercial 1250.

Runners don’t have to sacrifice their stability and comfort when running on the EXP 14i. This treadmill may have a smaller footprint and deck size than other treadmills, but it should still work well for most users. The smaller deck and 3.0 HP motor are best suited to runners training at moderate to low weekly mileage and keeping a slower pace. While the 14i can handle speeds up to 12 mph, some users may find they run out of room on the 55” belt when sprinting. The deck is softer than running outdoors and provides a moderate amount of cushioning.

The EXP 14i is equipped with iFIT, a premium training platform supported by NordicTrack treadmills. iFIT has thousands of classes for on and off the treadmill training. The 14-inch touchscreen tilts to reduce glare, so you can find the right angle to view trails filmed on all seven continents. The expert trainers guide you through workouts with motivating instructions and entertaining information about the route you are virtually running.

iFIT is more than just coaching videos. The treadmill’s speed will automatically adjust to the trainer’s recommendations. If you need to override the speed setting, iFIT will remember your feedback to create a better experience for the rest of the workout and future workouts, so you can perform workouts tailored to your fitness level. The incline (0 to 12%) will match the real-life terrain of the trail as closely as possible. These training capabilities just skim the surface of iFIT’s features.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack EXP 14i Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Folding Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill

The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill is a compact treadmill that utilizes an innovative folding design. The result is a smaller footprint that makes the Carbon T7 more practical for users with limited space. The ProForm Carbon T7 is a part of the ProForm Plus program that bundles together a cardio machine with a three-year membership to iFIT for the price of only the subscription service.

The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill folds manually, but it uses innovation to create a minimal footprint. The folding hinge is placed between the deck and the motor hood. Thus, the motor hood remains parallel to the floor but the entire running surface folds upward. The design keeps the treadmill compact in length and height. The Carbon T7 also weighs less than 200 lbs, so it is easier to roll on its two transport wheels than many other folding treadmills. The Carbon T7 is a great option for a room that can support a large treadmill when in use but needs a more compact treadmill footprint otherwise.

The Carbon T7 sports a speed range of 0 to 10 mph and an incline range of 0 to 10%. These ranges are a little reduced from the industry standard, but they better reflect the treadmill’s capacity. This treadmill has a 2.6 continuous horsepower motor, which is best for heavy walking use and light running. We like the Carbon T7 for users adding occasional running intervals to their walking routine or taking daily walks.

ProForm falls under the iFIT umbrella and offers fun training content on all their compatible smart treadmills and other cardio equipment. Typically, iFIT subscribers must purchase a machine and pay monthly or annually to keep their membership. With the ProForm Plus program, exercisers can bundle their machine and membership into one more affordable price. The cost is only that of the three-year iFIT family membership, so the treadmill is, essentially, free. With a membership, users can watch training videos from one of iFIT’s 180 coaches on the T7’s 7-inch touchscreen. Users can also access smart training content from their smart devices with the iFIT app for more workout opportunities.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Treadmill For Walking: Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 Treadmill is one of the best value treadmills. Though almost every treadmill is suitable for walking, it is this value that inspires us to pick the Horizon T101 as the Best Compact Treadmill for Walking. The T101 is budget-friendly but packed with features. The Horizon T101 is a folding treadmill with a small footprint.

The Horizon T101 is priced well below a thousand dollars, and it offers a lot for its low price. No ongoing subscription is required to use the T101, so it really is a great pick for shoppers on a budget. Horizon backs the T101 with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor, proving the treadmill’s value. A lifetime warranty is rare among much more expensive treadmills, so to find it on a treadmill as affordable as the T101 is impressive. The T101 has a 2.5 HP motor, which is great for daily walking use. The frame is not the sturdiest for running, but it is plenty supportive for walking. It also has a low step-up height for users with mobility restrictions. It weighs only 180 lbs for ease of movement. The T101 is compact and affordable.

The Horizon T101 has a simple console loaded with features. The T101 is part of the Go Series, which is designed for users who want to get to their workout as quickly as possible. Walkers can quickly start a manual workout, choose one of the built-in programs on the T101, or connect their smart device via Bluetooth for training with a third-party app. The T101 is all about freedom of training. The console provides a port for USB charging and an audio jack for another audio option. The speakers and fan are a little underpowered, but the overall quality of the console and its features offset this issue.

The T101 is great for walkers who do not want to be tied down to a specific training platform. Exercisers can train in manual mode and watch entertainment or listen to music on their device with the help of the large tablet rack. The low console height also makes the T101 a good choice for users who wish to place their treadmill in front of a TV.

If you would prefer to subscribe to a third-party training platform, the T101’s EasyDial controls support quick transitions in speed and incline so you stay on pace. The T101 has a speed range of 0 to 10 mph and an incline range of 0 to 10%. It also has some of the fastest speed and incline transitions further improving its ability to keep up with non-native content. The T101 is perfect for walkers looking for a compact treadmill with versatile training features.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon T101 Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Treadmill for Running: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill

The Echelon Stride takes the prize for Best Compact Treadmill for Running. It has a horizontal folding design that can be lifted for completely vertical storage. This treadmill can be stored in a closet, propped against a wall, or stashed behind a couch. The Echelon Stride is the perfect high-performance treadmill for the runner without a lot of space.

The Echelon Stride folds with the press of a lever. Instead of the deck folding up to the console, the console folds down to the deck for super compact storage. The folded height is a mere 10 inches. The Echelon stride could even be stored under a bed with high clearance. Store the Echelon Stride upright against a wall or inside a closet. The Stride is ready to go when you are but can be moved out of sight and out of mind when your sweat session is over.

The Echelon Stride has a 1.75 CHP DC motor, which is below the threshold we normally recommend for running. However, our testing of the treadmill and Echelon’s intended use for it leads us to trust it more for running. The Stride has a maximum speed of 12 mph and a maximum incline of 10%. Despite its compact design, the treadmill feels incredibly sturdy for high-intensity training. The Stride can support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. Echelon has truly cracked the code on designing a running treadmill with impressive storage options.

A membership to Echelon’s training platform is required for the Echelon Stride and must be purchased along with the treadmill. This requirement makes sense for runners looking for subscription training content, but it may not appeal to those looking for a compact running treadmill at an affordable price. The Stride does not have a touchscreen. The console connects to your smart device, so you can use your device in place of a screen when training with the Echelon app. Runners can train alongside Echelon trainers’ guided studio runs. There are regular live classes and tons of on-demand classes.

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Best Small Treadmill For Home: Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 is not the most compact treadmill, but it has a secret weapon: four transport wheels. The Sole F63 is our pick for the Best Small Treadmill for Home. Sole makes long-lasting products with great features. If you are searching for a compact treadmill because you need a treadmill you can move around often, the Sole F63 might solve your problem without sacrificing any specs or features.

The Sole F63 is a folding, running treadmill with a 20” by 60” deck. This treadmill has one of the largest footprints on this list, but it deserves its spot for its inclusion of four transport wheels. When it comes time to relocate a treadmill, we are always confused why so many brands stick to only two transport wheels. Having to tilt a treadmill to move it is difficult and sometimes impossible for users. Sole smartly includes four wheels, so you just have to push the F63. If you need a treadmill that can be moved from one space to another, the F63 might be a good option as long as there are no stairs in the way!

The F63 has an abundance of features. The console uses an LCD screen instead of a touchscreen, but it supports connectivity with your smart devices in a few different ways. First, the speakers are Bluetooth, so you can hear your audio over the motor and foot noise. There are two tablet racks for ease of viewing your tablet or phone. The F63 has a USB charging port so your device will stay powered for however long you decide to train. The F63 also has a limited integration with the Garmin Connect app, a popular watch brand among runners. You can combine your heart rate and treadmill data with Garmin or you can use the built-in EKG pulse grips on the handles. The F63 has great features at a great price.

The Sole F63 is a durable treadmill with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor. It is very sturdy, whether you are training at its 15% maximum incline or sprinting at its maximum speed of 12 mph. The deck is firmer than other treadmill decks. It creates a more road-like running experience. Runners who are training for road races will find that their paces and experience on the F63 translate better to their event than running on an overly cushioned treadmill. The F63 is a great choice for runners who need a portable folding treadmill.

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Best Incline Compact Treadmill: Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

Maximize your incline at a low cost and small footprint. The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill has a maximum incline of 15% for just under a thousand dollars. The Horizon 7.0 AT may take up considerable space when it is unfolded, but folded, it has a length of only 44 inches. The Horizon 7.0 AT is a great running treadmill with a spacious deck that minimizes your cost and space requirements.

If you dream of faraway mountains and conquering steep climbs but can’t allocate the space to an incline trainer like the NordicTrack X32i, the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill may be the answer. A 15% incline is still a substantial challenge, especially when running. Incline training is a great way to increase intensity without having to increase speed. The 3.0 HP motor can support running and regular use.

Horizon does not have a subscription platform of its own for treadmill training content. Instead, the brand promotes using third-party training services with their equipment. The QuickDial controls are intuitive to use. Users can scroll from one speed to another or use the interval keys to change speeds. The 7.0 AT has Bluetooth speakers, USB charging, and two tablet racks to make using your phone or tablet for training even easier. By not offering its own training platform, Horizon has allowed users to train with increased freedom.

The Horizon 7.0 AT has a lifetime warranty on its frame and motor. The deck is 20 inches by 60 inches with a step-up height of 8 ? inches. With a maximum speed of 12 mph, runners should have plenty of room to stretch out their strides. The console is simple and intuitive for users to navigate. There are LED windows and an LCD screen but no touchscreen. The media controls actually control your paired smart device, so you don’t have to reach out while exercising to change songs or pause the content. The Horizon 7.0 AT balances built-in features and support of third-party content.

Overall, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a compact folding treadmill with impressive abilities. Runners and walkers will enjoy a wide range of features without having to sacrifice too much space in their homes.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Here

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Best Compact Treadmill For Small Spaces: WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 Foldable Treadmill

The WalkingPad R2 Pro 2in1 is designed with users who have very little space for a treadmill. The deck folds in half and the console folds down to the deck for the most compact storage on this list. WalkingPad is known for its sleek and small designs. The 2in1 portion of the R2’s name describes its function as a walking and running treadmill! That’s right–this tiny treadmill has a maximum speed of 7.45 mph.

The WalkingPad R2 transforms from a neat little rectangle to a walking and running treadmill in just a few seconds. The deck folds in half, but the seam will not disrupt your exercise. The R2 can be stored horizontally or vertically, so you have options for storage. The R2 could fit in a closet, under a tall bed, or tucked in a corner. The treadmill only weighs 80 lbs so it can be rolled or carried. The black and anthracite design creates a sleek and modern look that won’t be too loud in any room.

The R2 is little, but it is also a surprisingly versatile cardio machine. It can be used as a walking treadmill with the console elevated to store your phone and add stability, or the console can be folded down to use the R2 as an under-desk treadmill. The console height is adjustable so you can place it at a comfortable height. To put the R2 in running mode, the console should be elevated. This console bar isn’t super strong, but it adds a little more security and allows you to use the safety key while you run. The R2’s small size limits the stride length it can support. Some users may not feel comfortable using the running mode or reaching its maximum speed, but it is nice that the R2 offers it.

The R2 has a couple of accessories. First, it comes with a remote for controlling its speed. The remote is very simple to use and prevents users from having to bend down or step off their machines to make adjustments. Even better, the R2 allows users to control the speed with their feet while the treadmill is in walking mode only. If you move forward on the belt, the treadmill speeds up. Step in the middle, and the speed will be maintained. Finally, if you move toward the back of the belt, the treadmill will slow down. For more training features, connect the WalkingPad R2 2in1 Foldable Treadmill to the KS Fit app. That’s a surprising amount of features for such a little treadmill.

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Best Small Treadmill For Apartment: Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmill

The Sunny Health & Fitness Interactive Slim Treadmill is a narrow folding treadmill. The console folds down to the deck for a height of under ten inches. This extremely compact folding style allows the Interactive Slim Treadmill to be stored in a variety of ways, including under-bed storage. Besides, its compact folding and small footprint, this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is also very affordable.

The Sunny Interactive Slim Treadmill a small treadmill at an affordable price. The treadmill comes in two different styles: fixed incline or auto incline. The fixed incline treadmill does not incline, as the name suggests. It is $100 cheaper than the auto incline treadmill and slightly more compact. Users looking for the most compact option should choose the fixed incline option if they can bear to go without an incline. The Auto Incline has 12 incline levels that reach a maximum incline of 12.27%. Other than the difference in cost, incline, and size, the two Interactive Slim Treadmills are very similar.

The speed range is 0.6 to 9.0 mph, giving users a decent amount of variability in their training. The motor is only 2.0 HP, so it will perform best as a walking treadmill. It is a brushless motor, which should make it quiet enough for apartment exercising. Consider placing a protective mat beneath the treadmill to protect your floor and minimize noise. The treadmill has quick speed buttons on its small console for adjusting your pace, and the Auto Incline treadmill has incline buttons as well.

Sunny Health & Fitness makes affordable treadmills. The brand sweetens the deal for consumers by providing free training content. The Interactive Slim treadmill has a device rack for viewing a phone or tablet. Downloading the Sunny Health & Fitness app provides users with treadmill training content and more. The app is really nice for being free. It also ties in a social aspect, so you can connect with other Sunny Health & Fitness customers. The Slim Interactive treadmill can pair with the app to store your workout history and display your workout metrics on the screen.

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Best Compact Under Desk Treadmill: LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill

The LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill has a shorter deck to keep the walkway clear at the office. The TR1000 is more compact than LifeSpan’s other under-desk treadmills with the same great features. This treadmill is a great addition to any standing desk to add a little more low-intensity exercise to the workday.

The LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp Under Desk Treadmill has a 20” by 44” belt. The overall footprint is only 58” x 28.5” x 7.25”. The treadmill does weigh 117 lbs, but it has two transport wheels for rolling the treadmill into place. LifeSpan recommends that the treadmill’s use not exceed 6 hours per day. The 2.25 HP motor is strong enough for high walking use. This treadmill does not support running. The maximum user weight is 350 lbs. The step-up height is 4.6 inches to the belt or 5.25 inches to the side rails. These side rails are narrow, so they may not adequately support the user’s entire foot.

The LifeSpan brand is set apart by two features: Intelli-Guard and Intelli-Step. Intelli-Guard shuts the treadmill off when the user leaves the deck for too long. This prevents accidents from occurring at home or in shared office spaces. The Intelli-Step counts every step you take with pretty good accuracy. This feature is great for users attempting to hit a daily step goal. When you are serious about your step goal, there are few things worse than your fitness tracker not counting your steps, because your arms have been typing instead of swinging!

The LifeSpan treadmill has retro and Omni-hub console options. The retro console is a wired option, whereas the omni-hub is wireless. These consoles can be set on top of the user’s desk for access to the speed controls and viewing metrics. The LifeSpan app is free and can be paired to the treadmill. This app also displays and records workout metrics for later viewing. The LifeSpan TR1000-GlowUp is the perfect addition to the office space even if you are tight on space.

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Best Compact Treadmill For Beginners: ProForm City L6 Treadmill

The ProForm City L6 Treadmill is a great entry point to the iFIT platform. It earns our award for Best Compact Treadmill for this service and for its very compact design. The City L6 has a simplistic console that pairs well with a smartphone or tablet. The City L6 folds down to the deck for horizontal storage. It can be stored in a corner, behind a couch, or even under a bed with high clearance. The ProForm City L6 is ideal as a walking treadmill but can handle faster speeds, too.

The City L6 folds down for horizontal storage. The deck has a small pedal on the side. To lift or lower the deck, press the pedal and lift. It can be a little awkward to get the console and uprights moving, at first, but it doesn’t take more than a few seconds for the treadmill to be ready to go. The City L6 is the most compact treadmill from ProForm, allowing you to store it out of sight when it is not in use. It has wheels to help it roll out of storage and into place. It weighs around 100 lbs, so it isn’t the easiest to pick up all the way. The City L6 stores conveniently and is a great choice for apartments or small rooms.

The ProForm City L6 is one is the most compact iFIT-enabled treadmill. It is the perfect entry point to this vast fitness class library. If you want a subscription and a treadmill but are on a budget, the City L6 saves you money and still allows you to train alongside the platform. iFIT has thousands of classes. Their treadmill classes are filmed around the world with top coaches giving you advice and sharing information about the routes you are virtually training on. There are series, which contain several workouts that build on one another. When the City L6 is folded away, you can continue the fun with strength training classes, yoga sessions, and more.

The iFIT platform must be accessed through the iFIT app on a smartphone or tablet since the City L6 does not have a touchscreen display. Once in the app, you can connect your treadmill for smart training. The City L6 does not incline, so you will miss out on hill training, but iFIT still offers auto control over the speed. The City L6 has a maximum speed of 8 mph, so trainers can increase your pace to match their recommendations within the L6’s allowable range.

Running on the City L6 is not as nice as on one of ProForm’s larger treadmills, but it is a good option for beginners, budget shoppers, or those with restricted spaces. Hitting that 8 mph maximum is a little faster than I feel comfortable going on a treadmill of this size. The deck is only 17.5” x 45”, so it may be better for petite runners or young runners (with supervision). Walking is perfectly fine! There is plenty of walking content available through iFIT, so if you feel more comfortable at a slower pace, you do not have to miss out on the training content.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm City L6 Treadmill Here

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What To Look For In A Compact Treadmill

What does compact mean to you?

Many people are looking for ‘compact’ treadmills. The tricky thing when compiling a list like this is to represent all types of compact treadmills. For some a compact treadmill may just mean a folding treadmill, while others want the smallest feasible treadmill. For many, ‘compact’ means something in the middle. Deciding how compact a treadmill needs to be to suit your needs is the first step in your process.

Should the treadmill work for running or only walking?

Compact treadmills and running treadmills may seem like two categories of this cardio machine that do not overlap, but that is not always the case. We have listed some very compact treadmills that make running possible, such as the ProForm City L6, the Echelon Stride, and the WalkingPad R2. However, if you do not need to run, you have more options. Having an upright console is ideal for running, but it may not be necessary for users just walking. Many compact treadmills have collapsible consoles that fold down to the deck. This design is great for those who need it, but you may be able to save even more space without it.

Content or No Content?

The deck is essential to a treadmill, but the console is not as necessary. Losing the console often means losing content. For this reason, you should consider whether you need a treadmill with a screen and onboard programs or a larger touchscreen display. If you are looking for an under-desk treadmill or prefer to walk without a planned workout, you may comfortably forgo having a console. Subscribing to a subscription platform can help you adhere to a workout program by making the workout more entertaining and adding an ongoing financial commitment. Either choice is great. Just make the right one for you, because though they are compact, these treadmills are not meant to sit in a closet forever!

Where will the treadmill be used, and where will it be stored?

One reason you might be searching for a compact treadmill is that you do not want it to be always visible in your living area. If you plan to store your treadmill away from where it will be used, consider how movable the treadmill is. Even if you can lift or roll the treadmill around, it may be something you grow tired of doing after some time. The lighter weight a treadmill is, the more practical it will be. Also, look for handles and wheels to make moving the treadmill easier.

Bottom Line – Best Compact Treadmills

Compact Treadmills provide cardio solutions for users who may not have the space or budget for larger treadmills. These treadmills come in a variety of categories, from compact folding treadmills to treadmills that fold twice into the size of a suitcase. Compact treadmills do not require users to sacrifice their ability to run or enjoy premium training content. The most important factor when choosing a compact treadmill is the space you can allocate to the treadmill. Whenever you are shopping for a treadmill, it is important to find the best balance between a treadmill that makes you excited to walk or run and fits your space and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are small treadmills worth it?

Small treadmills can absolutely be worth it! As with any purchase, it is important to make sure the treadmill is from a reputable brand. We have tested many small treadmills, and our favorite brands are WalkingPad, NordicTrack, Echelon, ProForm, and Horizon. We have a lot of our top picks highlighted on this list. Most small treadmills have weaker motors and lower weight capacities, so be mindful of that when making your choice. If you plan to use the treadmill daily for running, it may not last as long as a larger, more durable treadmill. However, small and compact treadmills can be great to supplement outdoor training or support low-mileage daily training.

What is the best small treadmill?

Our list points out treadmills we have chosen as the best in the named category, but the true best treadmill will be the one that works for you. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a treadmill with or without content, walking or running speeds, incline or no incline, etc. Our goal is to share how treadmills performed for us, so you can have a sense of how they might work for you.

Can you run on a compact treadmill?

Yes and no. There are plenty of compact treadmills that do support running, even if they fold flat or fold even smaller. The main two factors that determine if a treadmill is a running treadmill are its speed range (of course) and its motor strength. A low-powered treadmill can support running, but it may prematurely wear out the motor. Even if you can run on a compact treadmill, not all users will feel comfortable doing so. The risks are low since compact treadmills are really low to the ground, but runners with long strides may be in danger of running out of room. Consider your comfort when deciding on a small treadmill for running.

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