{"id":154159,"date":"2025-09-23T00:34:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T00:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/154159\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T00:34:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T00:34:10","slug":"the-best-folding-treadmills-we-tested-nordictrack-horizon-fitness-xterra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/154159\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Folding Treadmills We Tested: NordicTrack, Horizon Fitness, Xterra"},"content":{"rendered":"

Claire Harmeyer<\/a>, a former senior shopping writer for PEOPLE, is now a contributing freelance writer and editor. She’s been running on treadmills at home and in studios like Orangetheory Fitness and Barry\u2019s Bootcamp for over five years.\n<\/p>\n

Finding the space for bulky equipment to build an at-home gym isn\u2019t feasible for everyone. But there\u2019s a simple solution that doesn\u2019t require an extra room in your house: the folding treadmill. This clever machine allows you to get your steps in whenever you want. Whether you\u2019re looking for a way to bank miles inside during the winter or you\u2019d like to multitask by walking while you work, the folding treadmill is here to make it happen.\n<\/p>\n

To find the best folding treadmill, our team of PEOPLE testers tried 26 options at home, walking and jogging at least four times per week during the trial period. Testers experimented with different speeds, inclines, and other features to determine the versatility, durability, and comfort of the machines. Participants tried out virtual features, like classes and synchronization with health-tracking apps, and reported back on the treadmill\u2019s connectivity performance. Other factors we considered were ease of assembly, ability to fold, and portability for storage purposes.\n<\/p>\n

Below, learn why these seven picks made the cut \u2014 and which ones are best for walking, running, and more.\n<\/p>\n

Our Stars <\/p>\n


\n\"XTERRA<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

One tester, who exercises five times per week, gave this Xterra folding treadmill a nearly perfect rating. She explained that it was \u201cextremely easy\u201d to set up on her own and to use all of the features like Bluetooth connectivity and saving workouts to her profile for quick access. She enjoyed seeing her weekly trends of time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate, so she could set tangible goals.\n<\/p>\n

Additional benefits include easily adjustable incline and speed, a smooth and \u201cvery quiet\u201d belt, and a \u201cvery durable\u201d frame that made our tester \u201cfeel safe.\u201d Plus, this treadmill folds up well and doesn\u2019t take up much space. According to our tester, this folding treadmill is \u201cperfect\u201d for \u201csomeone who is a beginner and not looking for something too fancy.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 10 miles per hour | Incline: 10 | Dimensions: 29 x 52 inches | Classes: Fitness App | Features: Heart rate monitor, foldable | Weight: 111 pounds\n<\/p>\n


\n\"LifePro<\/p>\n

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\n Credit: LifePro<\/p>\n

The Lifepro walking pad arrives fully assembled and is easy to fold and store in small spaces. Wheels allow for easy transportation around the house, and our tester deemed it \u201cvery compact.\u201d After spending 30 minutes five to six times a week on this walking pad, our tester felt \u201chealthier mentally and physically.\u201d The handlebar folds down, so users can roll the machine under their desk and walk while working, too.\n<\/p>\n

However, the machine\u2019s metrics for calories burned were inconsistent with other fitness trackers and the remote is glitchy. Plus, at 5-feet-6-inches tall, our tester felt like if they were any taller, it wouldn\u2019t be comfortable. \u201cI shortened my gait so that I wouldn’t fall off, and it took some getting used to,\u201d they explained.\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 3 miles per hour | Incline: 7 | Dimensions: 25 x 41 inches | Classes: Unlisted | Features: Foldable | Weight: 46 pounds\n<\/p>\n


\n\"NordicTrack<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Nordictrack<\/p>\n

Upon delivery by a team, the NordicTrack Folding Treadmill was set up in our tester\u2019s garage in under two hours. As a track and cross country runner, our tester has years of experience using treadmills, and now, thanks to this folding treadmill, having the ability to go for a run \u2014 no matter the weather \u2014 has made a \u201chuge impact on [their] life.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

They found so much to appreciate about this NordicTrack treadmill: the \u201chuge,\u201d easily readable display screen, the cooling fan, the \u201chigh-tech, sleek look,\u201d the light weight and folding ability, and the spacious storage solutions. \u201cI can fit my massive Hydroflask in the cup holder and my cell phone in the other, or a book or magazine on the rest,\u201d our tester explained. According to them, \u201cevery detail was carefully thought out and nothing was overlooked.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 14 miles per hour | Incline: 12 | Dimensions: 36 x 65 inches | Classes: iFit membership required | Features: Touchscreen, foldable | Weight: 332 pounds\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Credit: People<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Credit: People<\/p>\n


\n\"Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

Our tester deemed this BowFlex folding treadmill \u201cincredibly easy to use,\u201d even without reading the manual, and they appreciated how two wheels allowed for seamless repositioning, even on carpet. Key features that stood out were the \u201csmall but mighty\u201d fan, how quiet it was when adjusting the incline, the wide and long belt, and the amount of space for essentials like water, towels, and books.\n<\/p>\n

The \u201ccoached walk\u201d feature was fun and \u201cmade the time go by faster\u201d for our tester. The speed buttons were beneficial for quick changes instead of using arrows. The only issues our tester found were the emergency stop key being overly sensitive and trouble connecting to the Bluetooth feature, but this could have been user error.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 15 | Dimensions: 38 x 63 inches | Classes: JRNY app | Features: Heart rate monitor, foldable | Weight: 254 pounds\n<\/p>\n


\n\"Horizon<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

Our tester for the Horizon Fitness 7.0 Treadmill prefers outdoor running, but she was in the market for an at-home treadmill for winter workouts, as a new mom. This folding treadmill has all the features she wanted, like a fan, speakers, storage, stat tracking, and quick speed and incline responses. She was surprised by the \u201clag time\u201d for the belt to begin moving, and that there\u2019s no real \u201coff button,\u201d \u2014 instead, the machine eventually shuts itself down.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cFold-ability could not be easier,\u201d shared our tester. Simply lift the belt piece to fold and step on the pedal to unfold for a hands-free experience. She pointed out that this folding treadmill might not be the most \u201ccompact\u201d option for small spaces, but she loved \u201chow easy it is to use\u201d in general.\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 15 | Dimensions: 35 x 66 inches | Classes: Peloton, Daily Burn, Zwift, Nike | Features: Streaming services, foldable | Weight: 277 pounds\n<\/p>\n

People<\/p>\n


\n\"Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Amazon<\/p>\n

The Sunny Health & Fitness Strider Foldable Treadmill is \u201cvery straightforward\u201d to use and \u201csurprisingly sturdy for the price,\u201d according to our tester. She appreciated how quiet the machine was, the \u201cseamless\u201d smart connectivity, and how easy it was to store. On top of tracking the amount of calories burned, the machine also reads foot strikes, which our tester called \u201ca nice feature for more accurately recording speed [and] distance.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

If she could change one thing, our tester would add an incline feature to mimic outdoor conditions. Although she doesn\u2019t think this machine would hold up to \u201cthe rigors of someone who was training for serious distances,\u201d she absolutely recommends it for \u201ccasual, mid-distance runners looking to supplement their fitness,\u201d like herself and her husband, who is over 6 feet tall and can also comfortably run on this folding treadmill.\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 7.5 MPH | Incline: 0 | Dimensions: 32 x 44 inches | Classes: SunnyFit app | Features: Heart rate monitor, USB charging port,bluetooth pairing, foldable | Weight: 90 pounds\n<\/p>\n


\n\"Horizon<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n Credit: Horizon Fitness<\/p>\n

Our tester\u2019s experience with the Horizon Fitness 7.4 Smart Treadmill was seamless from start to finish. \u201cDelivery and setup took all of 20 minutes and they showed us how to use the treadmill,\u201d they explained. Bluetooth integration was \u201cseamless\u201d and the \u201cextra-long belt and smooth speeds made for very easy, comfortable running.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

They raved about the \u201cgenius\u201d speed controls, which are toggles on the arms of the machine, a feature they are \u201crather obsessed with.\u201d The belt accelerated, decelerated, and adjusted to incline \u201cquickly,\u201d \u201csmoothly,\u201d and \u201csoundlessly,\u201d an aspect that they deemed \u201cworth every penny.\u201d Additional perks include a powerful fan, \u201cvery loud\u201d speakers, ability to fold, and two areas to place belongings. The ledge includes non-slip covering, which our tester appreciated for keeping their tablet secure while running.\n<\/p>\n

Max Speed: 12 MPH | Incline: 15 | Dimensions: 37 x 63 inches | Classes: Unlisted | Features: Bluetooth pairing, foldable | Weight: 318 pounds\n<\/p>\n

How We Tested <\/p>\n

To find the best folding treadmill out there, PEOPLE testers tried 26 options in their homes, considering several key factors before rating their experience with the machine on a scale of one to five.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Testers observed the delivery process and ease of assembly, noting if white glove service was available. They examined how easily each treadmill folded for storage, and they put virtual features to the test, paying attention to the machine\u2019s connectivity performance during classes and while using health-tracking apps.\n<\/p>\n

Every participant walked and jogged on their folding treadmill at least four times a week, using various speeds and inclines to assess the machine\u2019s versatility, durability, and comfort during use. For walking pads, testers took into account whether it could fit under a standing desk and be used while working, too.\n<\/p>\n

Goes Well With <\/p>\n

While you\u2019re investing in a folding treadmill for your at-home workouts, consider adding more PEOPLE Tested-approved picks to your collection of running gear. Not only did these Saucony running shoes<\/a> and this Under Armour sports bra<\/a> earn our testers\u2019 seal of approval, but they\u2019ve also racked up thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. Plus, these Cozy Earth drawstring joggers<\/a> are comfortable on and off the treadmill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Claire Harmeyer, a former senior shopping writer for PEOPLE, is now a contributing freelance writer and editor. She’s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":154160,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[6647,102,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-154159","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-fitness","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom","12":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154159"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154159\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}