Best Folding Treadmills 2024 | Save Space and Stay on Pace

Last Update: November 18, 2024

Dumbbells, yoga mats, and foam rollers are easy to toss into the back of the closest and (hopefully not) forget about. Treadmills are a totally different story, as they take up quite a lot of room. If you can’t stand your workout routine always being the elephant in the room, you might be drawn to a folding treadmill.

When it comes to treadmills, a compact and foldable design is not synonymous with poor quality. These treadmills are durable and easy to store! Our experts chose the best folding treadmills for all spaces.

Here’s Our List Of The Best Folding Treadmills For 2024

• NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill
• Sole F80 Treadmill
• ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 Treadmill
• Horizon T101 Treadmill
• Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill
• Bowflex Treadmill 22
• NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill
• Sole F63 Treadmill
• WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill
• Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
• XTERRA WS200 Treadmill

Best Folding Treadmills 2024

NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill

The NordicTrack 1750 deserves the honor of being our best folding treadmill overall because it proves you don’t have to sacrifice features or functionality to save space. The 1750 has a premium look and feel. It won’t be an eyesore, folded or unfolded.

It is hard to tell whether you are running or gliding on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill. Its soft cushioning and HD touchscreen make the miles fly by for a truly unforgettable experience. Yet, you can almost forget about it when the treadmill is folded. With its sleek and angular design, the 1750 looks right at home in any modern space.

The 1750 pairs with iFIT, a great pairing with its 14” touchscreen display. The screen pivots so you can use iFIT’s classes to train on and off the treadmill. Their trainers are professional and motivating, leading you through hands-free walks and runs or easy-to-follow strength and yoga sessions.

Then, when your arms and legs are nice and tired, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill offers you a hand with Easy Lift Assist, a hydraulic system that helps you lift or lower your treadmill into place.

NordicTrack built this treadmill for performance. The NordicTrack 1750 has a good incline range of -3% to 12%. The ability to decline is not always found on a folding treadmill, so it is a nice bonus on the 1750. The speed range is the standard 0 to 12 mph. The 1750 has a 4.25 CHP motor and adjusts speed and incline very quickly.

The console is sturdy and doesn’t shake too much when you are running. The textured plastic arms and footrails feel supportive while stepping on and off the treadmill. Additionally, the belt length is great for running at 60”. I felt comfortable while using its full range of speed and incline.

The NordicTrack 1750 treadmill is one of the best. Its features rank highly in the home treadmill space, with great cushioning, screen size, and quality, and access to a top fitness platform, iFIT. In this treadmill, you will find an effective fan, speakers, and Bluetooth integration for a high-end experience. Folded or unfolded, the 1750 impresses.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill Here

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Sole F80 Treadmill

The Sole F80 caught our attention as one of the best folding treadmills. It has an impressive features list and is a great alternative to our top pick, the Nordic Track Commercial 1750, because it has a more road-like feel to the deck, whereas the 1750 might be overly cushioned for some runners.

The Sole F80 boasts a lifetime frame and motor warranty. I expect a solid and durable machine from Sole. The 22” x 60” running surface is becoming scarce in the home treadmill space, as many belts have slimmed down to 20” widths. The spacious belt of the Sole F80 makes this treadmill more comfortable for larger users, and the 350 lb weight capacity is far better than some of the more compact treadmills on this list. Easy Assist makes folding and unfolding the F80 a breeze through its hydraulics.

The F80 is built for walking and running. The large belt accommodates most stride lengths, while the 3.5 HP motor is sufficient for daily running or multi-user households. Whether you want to go fast or slow, steep or flat, the F80 has settings for you. The speed and incline ranges are 0 to 12 mph and 0 to 15%, respectively. Cooling fans provide a nice breeze to keep you from overheating even when you dial the speed and incline to their max.

Some treadmills feel wasted without an additional subscription, but the Sole F80 is no such machine. The F80 is compatible with Sole’s Studio fitness platform; however, it is not required to use most of the treadmill’s extensive features. If you prefer to train without a subscription, you can use the tablet rack to stream content over the Bluetooth speakers, pair a HR monitor, or use one of the many pre-programmed workouts. The F80 can accommodate an array of users and training styles.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F80 Treadmill Here

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ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 Treadmill

The ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 Treadmill is a great folding treadmill with subscription-based training. The 10” smart HD touchscreen delivers iFIT’s premium content, so you can enjoy its library packed with thousands of classes. When you are done, fold the treadmill up and keep the workout going from your smart device from iFIT’s app.

With a 3.0 CHP motor, the ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 is ready for your walks and runs. It has automatic speed and incline adjustments in iFIT classes. Over time, iFIT learns your fitness level so you can work out hands-free with automatic speed and incline adjustments. The 10” touchscreen lets you view iFIT’s library from the convenience of the treadmill’s console.

The ProForm Carbon Pro 2000’s picture quality is clear enough that I got my first taste of running the Boston Marathon by following along with iFIT trainer Tommy Rivs. I prepared myself for each hill and increase in pace by monitoring the program progress on the display. If only I could do that during a real race!

The hydraulic cylinder under the deck on the Carbon Pro 2000 assists in folding. Running and walking workouts pass by so quickly on this machine you will be folding it up before you know it! When you need it again, let the hydraulics lower the deck softly to the ground.

The ProForm Pro 2000 is ready for any workout. The touchscreen is easy to navigate, so you can get started on your next workout, queue up Spotify, stream Netflix, or peruse your past performances. Save space with the ProForm Pro 2000 without missing the premium content.

Read Our Full Review Of The ProForm Carbon Pro 2000 Treadmill Here

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Horizon T101 Treadmill

The Horizon T101 is one of the best folding treadmills for walkers. It is compact with decent motor power (2.5 HP). The frame and motor have a lifetime warranty, so you know the build is sufficient. While folded, the T101 loses 25” in length and gains only 3” in height!

The Horizon T101 Treadmill is part of Horizon’s Go series, designed as the name suggests, for you to “get on and go.” Horizon accomplishes this by keeping the high-tech features to a minimum. The simple user interface lets the Horizon T101 boot up faster than more high-tech models, so you don’t have to wait for your treadmill to be ready.

Despite its small profile, the T101 spoils you with features. It has a device rack for easy content viewing. This pairs with the QuickDial controls so you can scroll to your next speed or incline fast to keep up with instructor-led classes. There are two audio options–auxiliary cord input or Bluetooth. In my experience, Bluetooth provides more powerful sound, though it is a little lacking compared to other treadmills. If you are only walking, as I recommend on this treadmill, you should be able to hear the audio of your favorite training class just fine.

The T101 has an unfolded footprint of 71”x34”x57” and a folded footprint of 46”x34”x61”. This makes it one of the few treadmills I am taller than while it is folded! This treadmill’s compact size makes it a great candidate for placing in front of a TV. Most runners should be able to see clearly over the console.

If you need to relocate your treadmill, the T101 is lightweight but lacks a handle for transportation. This isn’t as much of an issue for folding and unfolding. There is a hydraulic arm for improved folding and unfolding.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon T101 Treadmill Here

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Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill

The Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill is one of the most versatile folding treadmills, as it folds flat for either vertical or horizontal storage. This unique folding design is perfect for walkers and runners who don’t have the space for a larger treadmill. Fortunately, you won’t miss out on speed or incline features to get this compact folding design.

The Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill is so compact you can move it out of sight and out of mind when you are not exercising. Because it can be stored upright or horizontally, the Echelon Stride can be tucked inside a closet, behind a couch, or propped against a wall. The Stride-6s’s console and uprights fold to the deck once unlocked.

The Echelon Stride-6s has a wide range of features for its size. It has a speed range of 0 to 12.4 mph and 12 incline levels. The motor is only 3.0 HP, so I remain skeptical of how well it handles this range. We typically look for 3.0 HP, at least, for running, but the Stride-6s should be able to handle both walking and running.

The Echelon premier membership is required for the Stride-6s. The classes are filmed in the studio. They usually have themed radio stations backing them. An Echelon membership also gives you access to nearly thirty third-party apps, like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. There is a virtual running game called Echelon Worlds. Echelon has a wide variety of training options.

The console packs a lot of features into a compact space. The essential metrics like speed and incline, and total time display on the treadmill’s console. There’s a fan to cool you during workouts and storage for all your necessities. The speed and incline adjust with rolling dials, which I really like compared to the traditional quick-adjust buttons found on most treadmills.

The Stride-6 doesn’t skimp on features for its compact folding frame.

Read Our Full Review Of The Echelon Stride-6s Treadmill Here

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Bowflex Treadmill 22

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is the obvious choice for the best folding treadmill with high incline, because it is unbeaten. It must be declined fully to fold, and the hinge is smartly between the motor hood and the belt to improve its compaction.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 loses almost half its length when folded and gains no height thanks to the hinge between the motor hood and the deck. This design choice has not compromised the Treadmill 22’s durability. It is built like a tank and surprises everyone who sees it in person that it is a folding treadmill. Bright red handles and a hydraulic arm make folding and unfolding the treadmill way easier than it looks.

I hesitate to use the word “compact” around the Treadmill 22. It doesn’t skimp on any features with its 22” touchscreen, spacious storage, and 22”x60” running surface. This treadmill needs a dedicated space. It nearly halves its footprint when folded, but don’t think you will be moving it regularly. It needs a place to stay permanently, or at least for the long term. The SoftDrop folding system makes folding and unfolding the treadmill easy, so don’t let the 336 lb weight scare you.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 stands out for more than just its striking red, black, and chrome aesthetic. It comes with one year free of the premium JRNY fitness platform. JRNY has over three thousand classes to choose from. These classes take place in and out of the studio, or if you want to be entertained, you can watch one of the integrated entertainment apps, like Netflix, HBO Max, or Disney+. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 gives you all the training options.

Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex Treadmill 22 Here

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NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill

The NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill inspires your future travel plans by bringing you fantastic picture quality as you train in countries around the globe. It’s truly a cinematic experience on the 2450. It’s NordicTrack’s top folding treadmill and one of our favorites.

The NordicTrack 2450 is a stride ahead of the rest of NordicTrack’s Commercial series lineup. If you are looking for a top-performing folding treadmill, this might be the one for you. It doesn’t top the Bowflex Treadmill 22’s incline range, but it checks most other boxes. It includes hydraulic-assisted folding to lower its reinforced deck to the ground softly.

The 2450 has a top speed of 14 mph and the most responsive motor we have ever tested. It is perfect for HIIT workouts, allowing runners to push their limits. The soft cushioning decreases the impact of every step. I like the 2450 for long runs, recovery days, and building speed. It’s a great daily training treadmill or a break from the pounding of training outdoors.

An iFIT membership gives walkers and runners access to guided training videos, entertainment apps, and a workout creator tool. iFIT films classes all over the world. You can tour trails and learn about distant places. You can watch Netflix or Prime Video while following a workout or listen to your favorite songs on Spotify all from the 24” touchscreen.

My favorite training feature on the 2450 is the ActivePulse technology that adjusts the speed of iFIT classes to keep you in the right heart rate zone. Just pair a compatible Bluetooth monitor and enable the feature.

The NordicTrack 2450 is a great folding treadmill for walkers and runners who want a high-quality performance and a beautiful display.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill Here

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Sole F63 Treadmill

The Sole F63 Treadmill has four wheels for easy transportation. It folds with Easy Assist Folding, which uses a hydraulic arm. The release lever enables the treadmill deck to be locked into place while folded but easily released for slow, automatic unfolding.

The F63 is the introductory treadmill to Sole’s sturdy and durable line. This treadmill is Sole’s most affordable and quite impressive considering its quality and features. It is built on a steel frame that comes with a lifetime warranty. The motor also comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring you of this treadmill’s robust construction.

It is no surprise that this solid build makes the F63 a large (267 lbs) treadmill, but its four transport wheels make pushing it across hard floors much easier. Keep in mind, we consider this our most portable full-sized folding treadmill. Many other models require you to tilt them back to move, which some users cannot do alone.

The F63 will appeal to a wide population of walkers and runners. The 3.0 HP motor accommodates moderate daily runs or infrequent, longer activities. Its 20” x 60” belt is spacious enough for most users’ stride lengths. The weight capacity is a nice 325 lbs. Users with mobility concerns will find the 8” step-up height easier to negotiate. All in all, the F63 has a lot to offer athletes and exercise enthusiasts.

Sole does not require a subscription. The Sole F63 is relatively low-tech. It is compatible with Sole’s simple Bluetooth app Sole+. From the app, it is incredibly easy to find your treadmill and pair. The app stores your workout data and exports it to a few third-party apps like Apple Health or Google Fit. You can view your workout metrics via your phone or tablet screen. Once you have completed workouts, you can return to the app to view your weekly statistics and workout history.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F63 Treadmill Here

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WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill

The WalkingPad X21 folds not once but twice. The WalkingPad X21 folds from a length of 55.9” to an astonishing 8.9”. The X21 can slide into a narrow space for compact upright storage. Its the walking and running treadmill that fits into spaces no other treadmill could.

The WalkingPad X21 Folding Treadmill folds in the middle of the deck and again to bring the entirety of the running surface beneath the slim console. The treadmill is approximately 82 lbs, making it light enough for some users to carry. If your search for a folding treadmill is motivated by the desire to have the most compact of them all, the X21 is it.

To unfold the treadmill, you press a lever and lower the deck to the ground. From there, unfold the running surface. I found it easy to fold and unfold. The belt runs smoothly. Though the crease between the separate segments of the running surface is noticeable underfoot, it does not interfere with the treadmill’s functionality. The X21 feels sturdy while walking.

The simplistic console displays a few metrics on the LED screen. The dial centerd on the console bar adjusts the speed from 0 to 7.45 mph, and pressing the dial/button starts the treadmill. The dial is not the most sensitive, which keeps improvest the safety of the X21, as you are less likely to go too fast too soon. As for the rest of the console, there is a small device rack for placing a phone or tablet, which feels secure while walking. A safety key is also attached to the console, which stops the treadmill quickly if pulled. The design is sleek and innovative.

The WalkingPad X21 Treadmill has a suitable belt length and motor power for walking. I would not feel supported running on this treadmill. The console is too shaky, and the deck size is a bit small. Yet, the step-up height makes this a great option for anyone with restricted mobility. The wheels are not the best, so moving the treadmill is easier if you drag or carry it. If 82 lbs is too heavy to lift, this treadmill works well propped against a wall and unfolded right from its upright storage position.

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Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

The Horizon 7.0 AT meets our 3.0 HP minimum requirement for running, making it one of the most affordable folding and running treadmills. It also has a 20” x 60” running deck. Get all these features rolled into one for a budget-friendly price in the Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill.

I will admit that subscription content has grown on me a bit, but at heart, I am a low-tech sort of runner. I like to run outdoors, so a good run, to me, is one where I have shoes and my legs moving. The 7.0 AT lets me do that in a small but sturdy package. I can hop on and go for a run, or if I am geeling more high-tech, I can load up my favorite fitness apps on my phone.

The Horizon 7.0 AT may not require subscription content, but it doesn’t preclude it. The device rack holds your smart device steady, while the QuickDial controls help you match your favorite trainer’s suggestions in seconds. The dials were intuitive and fun to use while I ran, making this one of my favorite speed/incline adjustment designs. The treadmill is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can stream fitness classes or entertainment. Don’t worry about your phone or tablet’s battery life; the 7.0 has USB charging.

When folded, the 7.0 AT shrinks from 76”x35”66” to 48”x35”x66”. That’s a nearly 40% reduction in footprint with no added height. Despite its low cost, the 7.0 AT is no basic folding treadmill. It has a maximum incline of 15%. It also accommodates running comfortably with its 20”x60” running surface. The Horizon 7.0 AT does not disappoint.

What this treadmill offers at an affordable price is unbelievable. The lifetime warranty on the motor and frame outclasses treadmills that cost thousands more. It is a treadmill I love for new runners and expert runners alike.

Read Our Full Review Of The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Here

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XTERRA WS200 Treadmill

The XTERRA WS200 is a compact treadmill that folds super compactly. It has excellent specs for its size and price. The WS200 is a great option for walkers or runners who are on a budget and have too little space for a large machine. The XTERRA WS200 also has training options that are quite impressive for its budget-friendly price.

The XTERRA WS200 has an ultra compact footprint of 62.7” L x 31” W x 6.2” H when folded. The folded height is so short that you could shove it right under a bed! When unfolded, it is 61.9 inches long and 45 inches high. The minimal console and uprights fold down around the edges of the treadmill. It also has transport wheels to help you roll it around. The treadmill weighs 118 lbs. The frame is covered by a lifetime warranty.

This slim treadmill has a motor strength of 2.5 HP, which is just a little shy of what we typically consider a running treadmill. It has a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour and a running deck length of 50 inches so some users may be able to run slowly. The deck is only 16 inches wide, so be cautious of this width. The WS200 has a maximum user weight capacity of 265 lbs, so it is better for petite users.

The WS200 gives you access to all of the workouts available on the XTERRA+ app. There are tons of training classes to guide your treadmill workout. This treadmill connects via Bluetooth to popular fitness apps for more training options. No subscription is required, and you do not have to pair to an app if you don’t want to.

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What To Look For In A Folding Treadmill

Space and Storage

There is quite a variety of folding treadmills, as can be seen in this list. If you are looking specifically for a folding treadmill, there is a good chance space is your main concern. The first step is determining how much room you can allocate to your treadmill.

After eliminating the treadmills that are too large for your space, consider if your treadmill will be stored where you plan to use it. If it will be stored somewhere else, a small and compact treadmill with good portability will be necessary. Once you have determined the space you can allocate to the treadmill while it is in use and while it is folded, you can start to look at other features.

A full-size running treadmill doesn’t have to take up too much space with a hydraulic-assisted folding deck.

Features

Not all treadmills are suited to running, just like not all treadmills decline or incline. Identify the features that are most important to you within your size requirements. If you have a very small area, keep in mind that you might not be able to find a treadmill with our recommended 3.0 HP motor for running. This is okay if you are only using it to run sporadically. Once you have compiled a list of treadmills that work for your type of activity is the time to consider supplementary features like content options, screen size, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.

Features are maximized on the Bowflex Treadmill 22, but it folds surprisingly compactly for its size.

Build Quality

Other considerations for folding treadmills include the safety features, the sturdiness of their build, and their warranties. If the treadmill lacks a console or has a flimsy one, it won’t help you in the case of a fall or instability. Assess your mobility needs to determine if a more stable deck and console are better for you.

Even small treadmills should be equipped with a safety key. The treadmill’s sturdiness also factors into the safety of your exercise routine. You won’t feel encouraged to run if the deck and console are wobbling, though the treadmill might feel suitable for walking. A one-year warranty on a treadmill is a red flag to watch for. If the manufacturer is unsure about their machine’s durability, you should be too.

The Sole F80’s frame and motor are covered with lifetime warranties.

Finding Space For A Folding Treadmill

Most importantly, a folding treadmill should fit your space. Where you use your treadmill does not have to be the same location you keep it. If you need a treadmill that folds flat for under-bed storage, can be propped against a wall, or shoved into a closet, this list has several recommendations, such as the WalkingPad X21 and the Echelon Stride. Larger folding treadmills offer more features and are great additions to exercise rooms or garage gyms, as they can be folded to leave more room for non-treadmill exercise.

The Horizon T101 is a small and compact treadmill that fits in a multi-purpose room easier than most.

Folding Mechanisms

Folding treadmills are convenient, but they present some obstacles. Not all folding treadmills have assisted folding, making them unsuitable for some users. Folding treadmills may be manual, hydraulic, or electric. With a manual treadmill, you must lift and lower the treadmill deck yourself. Hydraulic-assisted folding allows treadmill decks to lower on their own, but you must lift them with some assistance from the hydraulics.

Electric folding treadmills fold and unfold with the press of a button for a hands-free experience. These treadmills are typically the best for seniors or users with mobility concerns. Additionally, some treadmills are held in place by a pin and lock mechanism. This requires two hands for folding and unfolding the treadmill, which may not be feasible for all users.

The ProForm Pro 2000 uses a kick-release mechanism to unfold.

Bottom Line – Best Folding Treadmills

Folding treadmills can save you space–maybe even more than you thought before reading this list! Folding treadmills are quality machines that are suitable for most households. They can transform small spaces from living rooms to home gyms with the release of a lever. Folding treadmills can be as robust as their non-folding counterparts while minimizing their stored footprint. With the addition of soft lowering features, using a folding treadmill has never been easier.

How We Test Treadmills

Our treadmill testing consists of regular walking and running use just like any consumer would use a treadmill. This gives us the best idea of how a treadmill will perform for you. Then, we also closely inspect the construction materials, geometry, measurements, and more. We also measure the motor noise with a decibel reader, track motor’s speed in changing the incline and speed, and assess the ease of moving the machine. Our reviewers are experienced in treadmill use, so they are able to subjectively measure treadmill cushioning in a meaningful way. If it’s soft, bouncy, or firm, they will know it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are folding treadmills worth it?

Folding treadmills are suitable for most walkers and runners. The primary instance in which a non-folding treadmill would be advantageous is in a commercial setting. Gyms or personal training studios require non-folding treadmills due to the high volume of daily use. It is unlikely that you will hit this threshold in a single-family home, but it might be something to consider if you have many runners in your household.

A folding treadmill is only “worth it” if it meets your usage requirements. Many cheap folding treadmills from online retailers like Amazon may not be worth your money, as they simply won’t last long enough or are not powerful enough. There are fantastic folding treadmills at various price points, but what really matters is how it suits your needs.

Can you run on a folding treadmill?

Folding treadmills are absolutely suitable for running! Runners who plan to routinely train on a treadmill should look for a folding treadmill with a 3.0 HP motor or higher. I also recommend a belt length of 60” for accommodating most stride lengths. Petite users may find that 55” is sufficient. One thing to remember is that a treadmill’s speed range may not accurately reflect its capabilities, at least not on a regular basis. We find the motor size, deck size, and overall build quality more important than speed capability.

Are folding treadmills safe for seniors?

Folding treadmills can be safe for seniors, but treadmills can also be dangerous for any user. They are large, heavy pieces of equipment that need to be handled properly. Like any user, senior treadmill users should consider their physical abilities when selecting a treadmill. Choosing a machine that needs to be moved less often and has an electric folding function can improve the ease of use. Fortunately, many treadmills have hydraulic assistance for lowering, allowing the deck to lower to the floor softly. Raising these types of treadmill decks may be a little trickier for some users. When considering a treadmill, make sure you can handle it properly and ask for assistance when you need it.

What is the best brand of folding treadmill?

There are many treadmill brands, but we favor the brands we have covered in this list. These brands are NordicTrack, Sole, ProForm, Bowflex, Horizon, WalkingPad, and Echelon. In addition to these, we also like treadmills from LifeSpan. You can learn more about the treadmills we recommend by following one of the links below.