Designed to fold in half or be stored under furniture, a compact treadmill offers a less bulky alternative to traditional options. Typically smaller than 24 inches wide and 72 inches long, these sleek machines can transform any space into an instant running (or walking) track. Better yet, the small footprint makes storage a breeze. Most designs are slim enough to slip under a couch or bed when not in use. Otherwise, these compact treadmills easily fold in half for flat storage against the wall, which allows you to free up important floor space. Luckily, each design boasts its own unique features that makes it worth the investment, whether you prefer to walk or run. Most importantly, the cardio equipment accounts for your safety with a metal safety bar located under the rubber running deck and a safety stop lanyard—two additions often disregarded in many compact models. Best of all, the treadmill folds in half to create a slim 10-inch footprint, so it can be stored under the couch or against the wall. Of course, the sleek pick comes with a few drawbacks. Its max speed is less than 4 miles per hour, so you won’t be conquering sprints anytime soon. However, the compact pick is ideal to use when working from home, as it automatically adjusts speed based on your pace. Plus, the display screen is also located on a remote rather than the equipment, so you won’t need to worry about tucking it under a desk. Designed to last, the folding treadmill comes with a two-year warranty—but you won’t need it. The smart-response motor has cooling technology to prevent burnout. During the workday, the GoPlus pick can be used as an under-the-desk treadmill via the remote control. When you’re ready to pick up the pace, lift the handrail to enter running mode. Regardless of how you use the treadmill, you can connect with the brand’s Bluetooth app to track your mileage. But it’s not all about fancy features: The 55-inch running belt offers three cushioned zones—impact, transition, and push-off—which provide differing levels of support based on the phase of your stride. It also uses Quiet Drive motor technology to keep the operation as silent as possible, regardless of the speed selected. One caveat to keep in mind? While the remote control will unlock speeds up to 3.8 miles per hour, you’ll have to adjust directly on the base of the treadmill to go any higher. This safety feature prevents you from accidentally bumping up the speed in the middle of a work call, but it also makes sprints slightly inconvenient. Plus, the safety key and handrails guarantee you’ll feel safe strutting your stuff (while still tracking your heart rate). And when the workout’s over? The hydraulic folding system makes storage a breeze.
