The beauty of having a treadmill in your apartment is you can run indoors no matter how bad the weather is outside.
However, selecting the perfect treadmill for your small apartment is easier said than done.
The market is flooded with treadmills of varying sizes, types and prices. Let’s take a look at how to sort through the many options and select the perfect treadmill for your apartment.
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How to Choose a Treadmill for Your Apartment
No two apartment treadmills are exactly the same. Though most of these treadmills are comparably diminutive, they each have their own pros and cons of note.
Check out the details of the many different apartment treadmills and you will find there are all sorts of factors to consider.
Space
The treadmill you select for your apartment should fit in your limited space, leaving some room to spare.
If you are cramped on space, consider opting for a folding treadmill that can be consolidated to open up more room when it is not in use.
Features
Treadmills have quickly advanced to the point that they have a bevy of bells and whistles.
Some apartment treadmills have heart rate monitors while others are highlighted by workout programs, cup holders, towel holders and other helpful subtleties.
In fact, some such treadmills are bare bones, meaning they are centered on providing a grueling workout session rather than facilitating a workout with a litany of fancy perks.
Budget
The cost of the treadmill is one of the most important factors. After all, treadmills are not cheap.
If you want a wide array of bells and whistles or a particularly large treadmill, be prepared to pay a pretty penny.
Establish your budget beforehand, stick to that budget and you won’t regret your purchase.
Level of Use
Are you the only one who will use the treadmill?
If so, you won’t need a particularly large treadmill or one renowned for durability and a litany of settings.
If several people will use the treadmill, its durability and features should be your top concern.
Power
Treadmills have varying levels of power. The power provided by the treadmill’s drive motor directly impacts the quality of the treadmill running experience.
If you plan on using the treadmill at a high frequency, a continuous duty horsepower of 2.5 to 3.0 CHP is ideal.
If you won’t use the treadmill with regularity, you will find a 1.5 CHP is ideal. CHP is short for continuous duty horsepower.
Furthermore, if you are particularly heavy, you will need a treadmill with ample horsepower.
Check the treadmill’s maximum weight rating before forking over your hard-earned money.
Compatibility With Wireless Internet and Apps
Some of today’s treadmills are capable of hopping onto the wireless internet in your apartment for connected use.
Some treadmills connect directly to exercise apps so you can track your performance directly from your smartphone.
If you are interested in such a high-tech workout, do your due diligence before committing to a specific apartment treadmill to ensure it connects with the apps you have in mind.
Stability
Be particularly mindful of the treadmill’s stability. If the treadmill you are interested in buying shakes as you run or walk, it is cause for concern.
The frame should be completely stable while the machine is in use.
Keep in mind a treadmill that shakes while running will prove noisy, possibly to the point that it disturbs those who live below or adjacent to your apartment.
Pre-loaded Workouts
You will be that much more likely to use your treadmill at a frequency that keeps you in elite shape if it contains pre-loaded workouts.
Sadly, some apartment treadmills only have a couple such pre-loaded workouts or no workouts at all.
The cream of the crop have 10+ such pre-loaded workouts for both running and walking, some of which are complete with displays featuring virtual scenery sure to keep you interested in the exercise session.
Incline
The treadmill you select should have an incline that increases all the way tup to 10% or higher.
Furthermore, it will prove helpful to have a built-in decline feature that simulates the conditions presented during outdoor running.
Cushioning
Does the running bed absorb the shock of your body weight?
Does the belt move as your feet land on the treadmill? If so, the cushioning is insufficient.
Manual Vs. Motorized
Treadmills of the manual variety require the user to power the belt. This type of treadmill moves as your feet move.
The downside to a manual treadmill is it requires you put forth considerable effort to get moving.
However, this variety of treadmill does not require a source of electricity and tends to be more affordable.
Manual treadmills typically lack the stability of motorized treadmills. Furthermore, the manual variety requires the user alter the incline.
If you are not interested in running, you should give serious consideration to a manual treadmill.
Alternatively, if you plan on running and want the treadmill to move on its own, opt for the motorized version.
Belt Size
If you plan on running more than walking while using your treadmill, opt for a belt size that is a minimum of 48 inches in length and 18 inches in width.
If you are more than 6 feet in height, the belt size should be a minimum of 52 inches for walking.
Furthermore, a person of this height will also require a 54 inch belt when running.
Top Small Apartment Treadmill Reviews
Here’s a quick look at our favorite options for small treadmills that easily fit in apartments and condos.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
This folding treadmill is convenient, reliable and loaded with features. And it’s the perfect size treadmill for small spaces.
Complete with nine workout programs, controls on the handrails and a soft drop system for easy unfolding/folding, this treadmill is nearly flawless.
The treadmill even has a holder for your phone or tablet.
When folded, the treadmill measures : 36L X 25.5W X 58H (inches). The treadmill’s running surface is 49L x 15.5W.
Pros:
- Foldable
- Nine workout programs
- Massive LCD shows speed, time, calories burned, distance and pulse
- Control start, stop and speed with handrail controls
- You can pause mid-workout with the pause function
Cons:
- Weight capacity is a mere 220 pounds
- Has the potential to crack near the handles
- Some users complain about the quality of the safety magnet
Takeaway: A well-rounded treadmill built to last and keep you in top-top shape.
2. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
This apartment treadmill relies on a Bluetooth connection to automatically adjust the incline and rate of speed.
Give this high-tech treadmill a try and you will agree it is well-constructed, complete with numerous features that keep you interested in running/walking and generally fun to use.
All in all, the unit measures 54” H x 36” W x 73.5” L.
Pros:
- Accommodates 300-pound runners
- 10-year warranty on the frame
- 1-month iFit membership included for live workouts from the comfort of your apartment
- One-touch incline control
- FlexSelect deck cushion safeguards the joints
- SMART-Response motor for optimal endurance, interval and speed training
- Large (20” x 55”) tread belt provides ample space for running
- Built with 2” speakers for music
- Foldable for compact storage
Cons:
- Some complain the iFit free trial causes a recurring $15 monthly charge unless you proactively cancel the membership
- Motor is not the strongest
- Your breaker might trip unless you have a dedicated 20 amp outlet
Takeaway: This is a well-constructed treadmill highlighted by a plethora of high-tech niceties that will keep you motivated to reach your fitness potential.
3. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
This treadmill features an expansive surface for running/walking, a sizable LCD display that you can read and use with ease.
It features a dozen preset programs for diverse workouts from the comfort of your apartment.
Hop on this beast, start running and you will be more than impressed with its performance.
Pros:
- Sizable 16” x 50” surface for running and walking
- Easy to read 5” LCD display
- LCD shows information ranging from speed to distance, time, pulse, calories and incline
- Speed range upwards of 10 miles per hour
- Folds/unfolds with ease
- A dozen preset workout programs
- Direct Access speed keys with preset settings for rapid control
- Handlebars have hand pulse sensors on the grips to keep you in your chosen training zone
- XTRASoft cushioning minimizes impact on the joints
- Quiet motor ensures you do not disturb tenants in neighboring apartments
Cons:
- Plastic side rails could be made better
- Some users complain random err codes pop up on the LCD after extensive use
- Belt does not remain properly aligned across posterity
- Heavy weight
- Some users insist this treadmill is easier to walk on than run on
Takeaway: Featuring a wide array of workout programs, three manual incline settings, direct access speed keys and plenty more tech niceties, this is clearly one of the better apartment treadmills on the market.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to exercise indoors, invest in an apartment treadmill and you will maximize your fitness potential.
Closely review the strengths and weaknesses of the treadmills detailed above, discuss the matter with your roommates or family members and you will be able to move forward in confidence, purchasing a treadmill that pleases everyone in your living space.
credit: Deposit Photos
