A Guide To Choosing Between Top Rated Folding Treadmills
The treadmill is a must have piece of exercise equipment for many newcomers. The motions and workout options don’t take users too far out of their comfort zone. It is a nice step up from walking and jogging, with some great data and features as a bonus.
Contents
- Check Out The Top 12 Best Rated Folding Treadmills
- 1.JLL S300:
- 2. V-fit Fit-Start:
- 3. Reebok ZR8 Treadmill:
- 4. PremierFit T100:
- 5. XM-PROIII TREADMILL:
- 6. JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill:
- 7. Roger Black Easy Fold:
- 8. Opti Motorised Folding Treadmill:
- 9. Bodyfit Folding Running Machine:
- 10. Branx Elite Runner Pro:
- 11.JTX Sprint 3:
- 12. Sportstech F37:
- Related Posts:
 | JLL S300 | Read Reviews |
 | V-fit Fit-Start | Read Reviews |
 | Reebok ZR8 | Read Reviews |
 | PremierFit T100 | Read Reviews |
 | XM-PROIII TREADMILL | Read Reviews |
 | JLL T350 | Read Reviews |
 | Roger Black Easy Fold | Read Reviews |
 | Opti Motorised Folding Treadmill | Check Price |
 | Bodyfit Folding Running Machine | Read Reviews |
 | Branx Elite Runner Pro | Read Reviews |
 | JTX SPRINT-3 | Read Reviews |
 | Sportstech F37 | Read Reviews |
The problem is that the best treadmills aren’t always built for at-home use. There are some bulky, high-end machines that require too much space and are difficult to store.
The solution here is to search for a more compact, portable model for apartment loving. That is where these top rated folding treadmills can help.
Check Out The Top 12 Best Rated Folding Treadmills
What should consumers look out for when searching for top rated folding treadmills?
The first thing to consider is the way that the machine folds, and the compact size created. Some fold flat for a slim shape that is easy to store. Others fold part way and are a little more awkward.
The choice here depends on your priorities. Is storage and ease of use in the apartment more of a priority than the workout? Or, are you happy with a partially folding model to get the best features from the belt and console?
Of course there is more to this machine than just the frame. The workout options are just as important. Remember that many of these folding machines are tailored to less experienced apartment users that might not want the full gym experience.
Some of the best flat folding treadmills to choose from.
1.JLL S300:
A folding frame doesn’t necessarily mean that the treadmill folds completely flat. Any running machine can be considered a folding model if there is some form of hinge and motion in the deck.
Some rise up considerably from the ground, with hydraulic lifts and compact dimensions. Others less so.
This JLL S300 does fold up, but there is little mention of the dimensions or the method in the specification. Instead, the spec focus on the other features retained, despite this being a foldable machine.
The running deck has a good size at 123 x 41cm and 16 point cushioning. The frame is strong and has a 120kg weight allowance.
There are also built-in wheels to roll the machine into place. As for the workout, there are 15 programs, a 16kmph top speed and 20 levels of incline. Some programs are customisable and there is additional connectivity via USB and mp3 for mobile entertainment.
2. V-fit Fit-Start:
This treadmill folds into a very slimline convenient shape because there is little to this model in regard to the frame and hardware.
When folded up it measures 45cm x 68cm x 130cm, which makes it one of the slimmest, most appealing models for those with limited space.
This small frame does mean that there is a lower weight allowance than with some other models at 100kg. This could be an issue for some newcomers. Yet, there is still the potential for a decent workout.
This machine uses a manual 3-pin assisted incline on the 1000 x 4000 mm running deck. It is simple but effective for those finding their feet with this sort of training.
There is only an 8kmph top speed, but there are 4 programmes to choose from and 6 functions on the LCD console. This, plus the safety key, make this a simple beginner’s model for apartment use.
3. Reebok ZR8 Treadmill:
Reebok treadmills always have a higher level of customer expectation because of brand association. People therefore assume they will get a great workout, even though this is sold as a “compact” treadmill. This is smaller than some other Reebok running machine, but not as compact as some of the models above.
Once again, the belt folds up to meet the console, which means there is still an angle and isn’t as convenient as the flat products above. The use of the soft drop mechanism does help to add to the appeal and ease of use.
Even so, there is a lot to love with this machine, and there are many other tough, helpful Reebok machines that don’t fold at all.
This is a nice midway point between the gym-ready machines and the apartment friendly ones. It has 24 programmes – one of the widest selections here – as well as a 16 kmph top speed, 15 incline levels and a strong cushioning system.
4. PremierFit T100:
Most of the models that don’t fold completely flat are like this because of the size and shape of the console. There is a compromise here between the compact shape in storage and the functions and data available for the workout.
Some of the more basic, flat folding machines above don’t have all the controls and quality of some professional machines.
This exercise machine is different because it has a large console area with the data display, easy to use controls and 2 water bottle holders. Those controls are on the console and the handlebars to make things even easier for users.
This sense of comfort and user-friendly features is important with this treadmill. This shows that the experience of the workout is still the priority here. Some folding treadmills can lead to limitations here. There is also a media shelf for a tablet, 12 built-in programmes, a 10kmph max speed and a 4% incline.
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5. XM-PROIII TREADMILL:
This is another machine where the frame is so simplistic that it is easy to fold the treadmill up into a slim, vertical profile for storage. Yet, while some machines may omit some features, and leave a less robust frame, this updated 2020 model has a lot going for it.
The first thing to look at here is obviously the workout on offer. This machine now comes with 12 built in programs – and one manual program – as well as some resistance bands to diversify the workout. This is something not seen with the other products on this list.
What makes this machine even more appealing to new users is the amount of comfort features that come with it.
There are built-in speakers for music, a towel rail, a drinks holder and heart rate sensors. This all means that this is a surprisingly complex package from a minimal, lightweight model.
6. JLL T350 Digital Folding Treadmill:
With this JLL model, the focus with the belt lies more in its angles and movements than the folding frame. This does fold up into a nice, stable size, but there are more important elements with the 16 point cushioning, 120kg weight allowance, and 20 incline levels.
The running area is average at 121 x 41 cm. In addition to those 20 incline levels, there are also 20 programmes for users to choose between.
This means that this machine is one of the more diverse of these top rated folding treadmill. This takes the machine beyond the most basic, entry-level options to something with room for real progression.
Three of these programmes are customisable, and all the data appears on a 5 inch LCD display. When we add in the Bluetooth connectivity and music system, there really is a lot going on here.
7. Roger Black Easy Fold:
The simple reason that many folding treadmills don’t fold completely flat is because of the console and shape of the frame. There is only so far that the belt can go in an upward motion to lie flat or completely vertical.
Some designers understand this and make sure that there is also movement in the frame and console to create that compact shape. This is the case with this Roger Black model. The deck is still strong and supportive, with the cushioning system and 120 x 41 cm size.
As this is a Roger Black branded model, there are high expectations on fitness and goal progression. Users can work through 14 programmes, 13 speed settings and adjust the incline.
All data appears on the console, which includes pulse data from the hand grips. Extra details like the auto stop safety system, speakers and fully assembled structure add to the overall appeal.
8. Opti Motorised Folding Treadmill:
This is one of many folding treadmills where the belt/deck raises up off the floor to meet the frame. This still creates and angle and a slightly awkward shape. It basically just allows users to put the machine in the corner of a home gym, rather than under a bed.
Even so, the mechanism is simple and there are plenty of other helpful elements to this system. Users can push themselves to meet their fitness goals thanks to the 12 user programmes, 12 kmph maximum speed and the three levels of incline. All the data appears on the simple console.
This means that there should be enough diversity for those looking to progress on a strong, reliable machine. That doesn’t mean that the experience is just about hard work. There is also a media shelf for a tablet, so users can listen to music or catch up on a box set.
9. Bodyfit Folding Running Machine:
This Bodyfit treadmill is another one that has an impressively slim profile when folding up. The deck meets up neatly with the curved frame that it is compact when stored, but also visually attractive when in use.
The company promotes this as a folding model for home or office use. This adds another benefit to these flat folding models. Office fitness machines are increasingly popular for improved activity levels.
There is also the sense with this machine that multiple office workers of different abilities could use this machine with ease. There are just enough programmes and settings to help users find the workout they need.
There are 3 distinct programmes and the option of speeds up to 10 kmph. Any data from the workout appears on a small console at the top of the frame. The added touch of the safety key finishes off the specification for new users.
Then there are some machines where the folding frame is lower down the priorities list in terms of features.
10. Branx Elite Runner Pro:
This Branx Fitness machine definitely looks a lot bigger and bulkier than many of the portable, compact machine above. In fact the deck is a little larger than some of the other treadmills here.
It measures 185 x 48 cm. This is important because it increases the stride length, and this is sold as the “Elite Runner Pro” model.
The idea, therefore, is that users can pick up the pace and intensity compared to some of the entry-level models. The 21 kmph top speed, 19 programmes and 22 incline levels definitely highlight that.
Even the console is a little larger with this model. The 5.5 LCD display offers great data on all the right aspects of the workout.
There is also a built-in USB port for mobile devices. There is the clear sense of a tougher machine. Yet, there is also a 10-point shock absorption system and a soft drop motion on the folding deck.
11.JTX Sprint 3:
The JTX Sprint 3 Treadmill was designed to be a user-friendly option that requires little thought or experience. There is a three-step assembly process and an intuitive 5’’ console for all the different settings and programmes.
This display is backlit for visibility and also provides a reading of important data. This includes information on the user’s heart rate, thanks to the pulse sensor in the handlebar.
All buttons are easy to find so there is no confusion in the middle of a session. Other user-friendly features include the folding system for storage and the safety key to shut the treadmill down in an emergency.
Despite this accessible feel, there are also plenty of features for a helpful workout. Users can switch between 40 different programmes as well as different speed and incline settings.
The highest speed is 16kmph and the steepest gradient is 12% for a decent challenge. Users can pick up the pace on the 129 by 46cm running deck. This belt has an 8 point shock system with CushionStep suspension to reduce the impact on joints.
Additional features of note here include the media shelf for a mobile device, the built-in cooling fan, and the 120kg user weight allowance.
12. Sportstech F37:
The Sportstech F37 Professional Treadmill has a strong focus on the quality of the deck for a better user experience. It all starts with the size. This is a 130 by 50 cm deck to provide a little more width and a good stride length.
That belt also has 5 layers with an 8 zone cushioning system for a low impact session and a lubrication system to keep it in top condition. From there, users then have the option to increase the speed and the incline as necessary for their session, or for effective HIIT.
There is a 15% gradient on the deck and a top speed of 20kmph to take user from walking into jogging and sprinting.
This treadmill is another Sportstech model that takes advantage of the Kinomap app. The large console has a 7.5’’ display for a clear view of training programmes and videos.
This includes the multiplayer game. Streaming is also available with a Smart TV. At the end of the session, users can take advantage of the quick fold mechanism and transport wheels to move the treadmill.
Additional features of note here include the quiet 7hp motor, the ventilation system to help with maintenance, and the emergency stop system.
Choosing the best folding treadmill for your home.
The final choice here depends on your ultimate goals and the workout you have envisioned. If you are looking for a high-end model with lots of extra comfort features and workout modes, those super-slim flat folding models might not be ideal.
Then there are those that just want something reliable and basic as a starting point. This is where there is a great compromise between function, intensity, design and portability.
You don’t have to give up all the great features of a gym-ready machine when choosing a top rated folding treadmill. There are many here that blend all these key areas together.
The best have a clever frame and folding parts that mean we can still enjoy variable inclines, cushioned decks, informative console and stability.
Whatever you need the most from this machine, take the time to compare specifications and sales photos for the best purchase.
