Muscle Insider
New member
In addition to being one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, the classic treadmill also tends to be one of the largest. When browsing the best treadmills on the market, you’re likely to stumble upon high-end machines weighing in at impressively heavy weights around 250 to 400 pounds. Despite the benefits of treadmills, that can be...
The post The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills for 2023, Expert-Tested appeared first on BarBend.
In addition to being one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, the classic treadmill also tends to be one of the largest. When browsing the best treadmills on the market, you’re likely to stumble upon high-end machines weighing in at impressively heavy weights around 250 to 400 pounds. Despite the benefits of treadmills, that can be a burden for those of us who value our floor space. Thankfully, there are plenty of (relatively) lightweight options on the market.
Investing in a treadmill is an investment in your health, with studies routinely showing how cardio exercise can help you improve your mood, manage your weight, and increase your cardiovascular function. (1) Our team has run thousands of miles on the top machines in the market, and here are our top picks for the best lightweight treadmills.
The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and BarBend’s expert tester. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing advice that’s safe and sound. However, before you start a new fitness routine, it’s best to consult your doctor.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Lightweight Treadmills
Our team at BarBend is filled with former D.1 athletes, marathon runners, and fitness fanatics who have tried and tested over 40 of the top treadmills, logging thousands of miles in an effort to give our honest reviews of the top products. We know treadmills, and we know how important it is to find the right machine for you and your space.
We built each treadmill straight from the box. We ran and walked our hearts out, tried out available programming, pushed each machine to its limit, and folded and picked up each machine to see how easy it would be for users at home to do the same. To clearly convey our testing methods, our team scored each machine from 1 (not great) to 5 (very nice!) in categories such as portability, conveniences, tech capabilities, and value. Here are a couple of areas we focused on when making our picks.
Weight
If you’re looking for a lightweight treadmill to support your movement goals, the actual weight of the machine is a key factor. Keeping this in mind, we made sure to only include treadmills that came in well below the 200- to 250-pound weight of the average mid-range treadmill. Depending on how light you want your treadmill to be, we’ve provided a wide range of options from as little as 46.7 pounds up to 180 pounds.
Small Spaces
If you’re searching for a lightweight treadmill, we assume it’s because you want a machine you can move around easily. And if you want to be able to move it around, we can also infer that you may be limited when it comes to floor space. As such, we looked for treadmills that had compact footprints between 8 and 16 square feet, and had folding capabilities with built-in transport wheels and handles so that users could scoot them out of the way when not in use.
Durability
While treadmills can weigh as much as 350 pounds (and sometimes more), lightweight options tend to span between 55 and 180 pounds. Because of this, we wanted to make sure that each machine we recommended felt sturdy and capable during use.
While many lightweight treadmills are considered budget buys, we wanted to make sure that the value of your purchase would provide some longevity. In general, though, it’s worth keeping in mind the plastic and aluminum builds you’ll find on most lightweight treadmills aren’t going to be as tough as heavy-duty components like steel. Because of this, they’re not as suited for intense running workouts as more high-end models. Many of the options on our list are best suited for walking and jogging, but there are some exceptions.
Best Lightweight Treadmill Overall: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The 180-pound Horizon T101 is a reliable and relatively lightweight treadmill that you can fold up and stow out of the way when not in use. With 10 levels of incline, deck cushioning, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour, this treadmill allows for walking and running at a variety of intensities. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5, with value scoring a 4.5 out of 5. We also find this to be one of the best treadmills under $1,000.
The T101 is well under the 200- to 250-pound average of most mid-range treadmills, though it’s much heavier than some of the more lightweight options on the market, which can come in as low as 50 pounds. Unlike those units, though, the T101 is suited for running workouts and can support users up to 300 pounds. The average weight limit for many of the lightweight treadmills we’ve tried comes out to around 220 to 265 pounds. Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.
Our tester unfolding the Horizon T101 Treadmill
Setup, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5. “Compared to most of the treadmills I’ve tried, this one is pretty easy to move around, plus it was the easiest setup I’ve ever experienced,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.
“At 180 pounds, it was easy for me to move from room to room with the built-in transport wheels. Plus, using the hydraulic folding system for folding and unfolding felt safe and simple.” The FeatherLight folding system helps protect your floors and any muscle strain, by assisting users lift and lower their decks.
This treadmill doesn’t provide much in the way of tech, but it does have an LCD screen with 6 pre-set programs: calorie, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and intervals. “The Bluetooth speakers and media stand let me watch Netflix while I jogged. But there isn’t an HD touchscreen or smart interactive programming,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5.
Also, the 2.25 HP motor is less powerful than what certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto recommends, “For running, you’ll need a more powerful motor with 2.75 to 4.0 CHP.” However, our tester said, “For someone looking for a quality treadmill for lots of walking and some jogging, I think this is a great option.”
Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.
Best Lightweight Under-Desk Treadmill: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
This flat treadmill easily fits under a desk and can slide under a bed or a couch when not in use. It has a maximum speed of 7.6 miles per hour, as well as silicone shock absorbers and two soft rubber pads to keep your joints healthy. Plus, it comes with a remote control that you can use to adjust your speed, so you don’t have to get off the treadmill to speed up or slow down.
Shop Amazon
Specs
Pros
Cons
Don’t give up on your health goals just because you’re trapped behind a desk all day long. The lightweight Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is, in our opinion, one of the best treadmills under $500. A hybrid machine, it can operate as both a traditional treadmill (with the handlebar up) and an under-desk unit (with the handlebar down). It measures just 5.1 inches in height with the handlebar down, and, at 55 pounds, it weighs roughly the same as a large bag of dog food. Footprint, portability, and setup scored a 5 out of 5.
The 2.5 HP motor can reach a top of speed of 7.6 miles per hour with the handlebar up, and up to 3.8 miles per hour with the handlebar down. Although this motor is less powerful than the CHP motors we like to recommend for running, we find it suitable for this unit, which is designed more for walking and light jogging. However, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 coach, did note the limitations of the 42.5-inch belt deck. “It was great for walking on, but when I tried to pick up the pace I almost fell off the treadmill because my stride was too long,” they said. Workout experience earned a 3 out of 5.
Our BarBend product tester lowering the handlebar on the UREVO 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill.
“I wouldn’t expect this treadmill to last for years, but at $359.99, you can’t be too upset since this is a budget treadmill,” noted our tester. “I am disappointed and wary of the plastic pieces where the buttons are. This feels cheap and as if they’ll break at some point.”
We were, however, impressed that this lightweight machine was capable of supporting users up to 265 pounds, which is on the high end of the average weight capacity for under-desk treadmills. Durability scored a 3 out of 5.
“If you’re looking for something simple to use while you’re at your desk, and that’s easy to move out of the way, you’ll be pleased with your purchase,” noted our tester. The folding capabilities paired with its 55-pound frame and built-in transport wheels make moving this thing around a breeze. “But don’t expect much more from this machine,” they said.
Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
With a powerful and quiet 2.25HP motor, this treadmill allows you to walk or jog when used as an under-desk machine, or run at up to 7.5 MPH when the handrails are raised.
Shop Amazon
Specs
Pros
Cons
The GoPlus 2-in-1 is one of the best folding treadmills we’ve tested. It weighs in at a reasonable 69.5 pounds and can fold completely flat for easy storage. This 2-in-1 treadmill allows users to pick up the pace to 7.5 miles per hour when the handlebars are up, or walk at speeds of up to 2.5 miles per hour with the handlebars folded down, making it a good fit for those at standing desks. Workout experience, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5.
It measures 44.5 inches high with the handlebars up, and shrinks to just 5 inches high when folded down, making it easy to store under beds or in closets.
The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill being folded flat.
When finished, simply tip the machine and roll it away with the built-in transport wheels. “This treadmill is really very small and compact,” said our tester. “It fits under my desk without a problem and the transport wheels are a huge help when I’m putting it away. However, the wheels are kind of small.”
When the treadmill is folded, you won’t have access to the handrail controls, but the included remote control makes it easy to adjust your speed. “At $299, this is a budget treadmill. And the 2.25 HP motor can struggle to work smoothly if I’m standing on the tread belt when I start everything up,” said our tester. Durability scored a 3 out of 5.
You won’t find impressive tech like a touchscreen or on-demand programming with this treadmill, but you will get a digital display with stats like calories burned, speed, distance, and duration.
We found that the 40-inch tread belt is fine for walking — we recommend a belt between 55 and 60 inches for running — but it was too short for our taller testers when upping the speed. “I can’t run on this treadmill, but I use it for a few hours during the work week and it meets my needs,” said our tester.
Best Lightweight Treadmill for Running: XTERRA Fitness TR150
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
This folding treadmill is powered by a quiet 2.25 HP motor, allowing for speeds up to 10 miles per hour. It features a 50-inch belt, three incline levels, and 250-pound maximum weight capacity.
Shop Amazon
Specs
Pros
The post The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills for 2023, Expert-Tested appeared first on BarBend.
In addition to being one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, the classic treadmill also tends to be one of the largest. When browsing the best treadmills on the market, you’re likely to stumble upon high-end machines weighing in at impressively heavy weights around 250 to 400 pounds. Despite the benefits of treadmills, that can be a burden for those of us who value our floor space. Thankfully, there are plenty of (relatively) lightweight options on the market.
Investing in a treadmill is an investment in your health, with studies routinely showing how cardio exercise can help you improve your mood, manage your weight, and increase your cardiovascular function. (1) Our team has run thousands of miles on the top machines in the market, and here are our top picks for the best lightweight treadmills.
The 6 Best Lightweight Treadmills
- Best Lightweight Treadmill Overall: Horizon T101
- Best Lightweight Under Desk Treadmill: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
- Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
- Best Lightweight Treadmill for Running: XTERRA Fitness TR150
- Best Lightweight Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
- Best Lightweight Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Manual Walking Treadmill
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and BarBend’s expert tester. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing advice that’s safe and sound. However, before you start a new fitness routine, it’s best to consult your doctor.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Lightweight Treadmills
Our team at BarBend is filled with former D.1 athletes, marathon runners, and fitness fanatics who have tried and tested over 40 of the top treadmills, logging thousands of miles in an effort to give our honest reviews of the top products. We know treadmills, and we know how important it is to find the right machine for you and your space.
We built each treadmill straight from the box. We ran and walked our hearts out, tried out available programming, pushed each machine to its limit, and folded and picked up each machine to see how easy it would be for users at home to do the same. To clearly convey our testing methods, our team scored each machine from 1 (not great) to 5 (very nice!) in categories such as portability, conveniences, tech capabilities, and value. Here are a couple of areas we focused on when making our picks.
Weight
If you’re looking for a lightweight treadmill to support your movement goals, the actual weight of the machine is a key factor. Keeping this in mind, we made sure to only include treadmills that came in well below the 200- to 250-pound weight of the average mid-range treadmill. Depending on how light you want your treadmill to be, we’ve provided a wide range of options from as little as 46.7 pounds up to 180 pounds.
Small Spaces
If you’re searching for a lightweight treadmill, we assume it’s because you want a machine you can move around easily. And if you want to be able to move it around, we can also infer that you may be limited when it comes to floor space. As such, we looked for treadmills that had compact footprints between 8 and 16 square feet, and had folding capabilities with built-in transport wheels and handles so that users could scoot them out of the way when not in use.
Durability
While treadmills can weigh as much as 350 pounds (and sometimes more), lightweight options tend to span between 55 and 180 pounds. Because of this, we wanted to make sure that each machine we recommended felt sturdy and capable during use.
While many lightweight treadmills are considered budget buys, we wanted to make sure that the value of your purchase would provide some longevity. In general, though, it’s worth keeping in mind the plastic and aluminum builds you’ll find on most lightweight treadmills aren’t going to be as tough as heavy-duty components like steel. Because of this, they’re not as suited for intense running workouts as more high-end models. Many of the options on our list are best suited for walking and jogging, but there are some exceptions.
Best Lightweight Treadmill Overall: Horizon T101
Horizon T101 Treadmill
Horizon T101 Treadmill
The T101 from Horizon has a solid mix of tech and running features. Whether you're looking for integrated bluetooth speakers, or a reliable motor to keep you moving, the T101 has something for everyone.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $699
- Weight: 180lbs
- Dimensions: 55” H x 70” L x 34” W
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- You’re getting an impressive 10-percent incline in a 180-pound frame.
- The FeatherLight hydraulic folding system helps you fold and unfold the deck safely.
- Its 300-pound weight capacity is between 35 and 80 pounds more than other lightweight treadmills we tested.
Cons
- Aside from Bluetooth speakers and some preset workouts, there’s not much tech to speak of on this treadmill
- The 2.25 horsepower motor is less powerful than CHP motors we tend to recommend for more heavy-duty treadmills.
The 180-pound Horizon T101 is a reliable and relatively lightweight treadmill that you can fold up and stow out of the way when not in use. With 10 levels of incline, deck cushioning, and a max speed of 10 miles per hour, this treadmill allows for walking and running at a variety of intensities. Delivery and setup scored a 5 out of 5, with value scoring a 4.5 out of 5. We also find this to be one of the best treadmills under $1,000.
The T101 is well under the 200- to 250-pound average of most mid-range treadmills, though it’s much heavier than some of the more lightweight options on the market, which can come in as low as 50 pounds. Unlike those units, though, the T101 is suited for running workouts and can support users up to 300 pounds. The average weight limit for many of the lightweight treadmills we’ve tried comes out to around 220 to 265 pounds. Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.
Setup, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5. “Compared to most of the treadmills I’ve tried, this one is pretty easy to move around, plus it was the easiest setup I’ve ever experienced,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer.
“At 180 pounds, it was easy for me to move from room to room with the built-in transport wheels. Plus, using the hydraulic folding system for folding and unfolding felt safe and simple.” The FeatherLight folding system helps protect your floors and any muscle strain, by assisting users lift and lower their decks.
This treadmill doesn’t provide much in the way of tech, but it does have an LCD screen with 6 pre-set programs: calorie, distance, fat burn, hill climb, and intervals. “The Bluetooth speakers and media stand let me watch Netflix while I jogged. But there isn’t an HD touchscreen or smart interactive programming,” said our tester. Tech capabilities scored a 2 out of 5.
Also, the 2.25 HP motor is less powerful than what certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto recommends, “For running, you’ll need a more powerful motor with 2.75 to 4.0 CHP.” However, our tester said, “For someone looking for a quality treadmill for lots of walking and some jogging, I think this is a great option.”
Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.
Best Lightweight Under-Desk Treadmill: Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill
UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
UREVO 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill
This flat treadmill easily fits under a desk and can slide under a bed or a couch when not in use. It has a maximum speed of 7.6 miles per hour, as well as silicone shock absorbers and two soft rubber pads to keep your joints healthy. Plus, it comes with a remote control that you can use to adjust your speed, so you don’t have to get off the treadmill to speed up or slow down.
Shop Amazon
Specs
- Price: $359.99
- Weight: 55lbs
- Dimensions: 53.1” L x 26.4” W x 5.1” H
- Max Speed: 7.6mph
- Weight Capacity: 265lbs
Pros
- At 55 pounds, about the same weight as a large bag of dog food, this machine is light enough to take from your home office to your office office.
- The 2-in-1 functionality means you can use this as an under-desk treadmill with the arms folded down, or as a traditional treadmill with the arms up.
- The 265-pound weight capacity is impressive for a machine only weighing 55 pounds.
Cons
- This treadmill is great for walking, but taller users may struggle with the 42.5-inch belt deck.
- The abundance of plastic components raises our concerns about its durability.
Don’t give up on your health goals just because you’re trapped behind a desk all day long. The lightweight Urevo 2-in-1 Under-Desk Treadmill is, in our opinion, one of the best treadmills under $500. A hybrid machine, it can operate as both a traditional treadmill (with the handlebar up) and an under-desk unit (with the handlebar down). It measures just 5.1 inches in height with the handlebar down, and, at 55 pounds, it weighs roughly the same as a large bag of dog food. Footprint, portability, and setup scored a 5 out of 5.
The 2.5 HP motor can reach a top of speed of 7.6 miles per hour with the handlebar up, and up to 3.8 miles per hour with the handlebar down. Although this motor is less powerful than the CHP motors we like to recommend for running, we find it suitable for this unit, which is designed more for walking and light jogging. However, our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 coach, did note the limitations of the 42.5-inch belt deck. “It was great for walking on, but when I tried to pick up the pace I almost fell off the treadmill because my stride was too long,” they said. Workout experience earned a 3 out of 5.
“I wouldn’t expect this treadmill to last for years, but at $359.99, you can’t be too upset since this is a budget treadmill,” noted our tester. “I am disappointed and wary of the plastic pieces where the buttons are. This feels cheap and as if they’ll break at some point.”
We were, however, impressed that this lightweight machine was capable of supporting users up to 265 pounds, which is on the high end of the average weight capacity for under-desk treadmills. Durability scored a 3 out of 5.
“If you’re looking for something simple to use while you’re at your desk, and that’s easy to move out of the way, you’ll be pleased with your purchase,” noted our tester. The folding capabilities paired with its 55-pound frame and built-in transport wheels make moving this thing around a breeze. “But don’t expect much more from this machine,” they said.
Best Lightweight Folding Treadmill: GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
With a powerful and quiet 2.25HP motor, this treadmill allows you to walk or jog when used as an under-desk machine, or run at up to 7.5 MPH when the handrails are raised.
Shop Amazon
Specs
- Price: $299
- Weight: 69.5lbs
- Dimensions: 44.5” H x 52.5” L x 29” W (unfolded); 5” H x 55” L x 29” W (folded)
- Max Speed: 7.5mph
- Weight Capacity: 265lbs
Pros
- This hybrid treadmill can be folded completely flat to aid with storage or fit under standing desks for an at-work workout.
- At 69 pounds and with transport wheels, this treadmill is light enough to move out of the way after your workout.
- Users can easily adjust their speed with the included remote control.
Cons
- The 40-inch running surface isn’t enough space for tall runners or those with long gaits.
- This treadmill has limited tech and the device holder isn’t large enough to hold most tablets.
- The 2.25 HP motor can struggle to start the deck when a user stands on top of it.
The GoPlus 2-in-1 is one of the best folding treadmills we’ve tested. It weighs in at a reasonable 69.5 pounds and can fold completely flat for easy storage. This 2-in-1 treadmill allows users to pick up the pace to 7.5 miles per hour when the handlebars are up, or walk at speeds of up to 2.5 miles per hour with the handlebars folded down, making it a good fit for those at standing desks. Workout experience, footprint, and portability scored a 4 out of 5.
It measures 44.5 inches high with the handlebars up, and shrinks to just 5 inches high when folded down, making it easy to store under beds or in closets.
When finished, simply tip the machine and roll it away with the built-in transport wheels. “This treadmill is really very small and compact,” said our tester. “It fits under my desk without a problem and the transport wheels are a huge help when I’m putting it away. However, the wheels are kind of small.”
When the treadmill is folded, you won’t have access to the handrail controls, but the included remote control makes it easy to adjust your speed. “At $299, this is a budget treadmill. And the 2.25 HP motor can struggle to work smoothly if I’m standing on the tread belt when I start everything up,” said our tester. Durability scored a 3 out of 5.
You won’t find impressive tech like a touchscreen or on-demand programming with this treadmill, but you will get a digital display with stats like calories burned, speed, distance, and duration.
We found that the 40-inch tread belt is fine for walking — we recommend a belt between 55 and 60 inches for running — but it was too short for our taller testers when upping the speed. “I can’t run on this treadmill, but I use it for a few hours during the work week and it meets my needs,” said our tester.
Best Lightweight Treadmill for Running: XTERRA Fitness TR150
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
This folding treadmill is powered by a quiet 2.25 HP motor, allowing for speeds up to 10 miles per hour. It features a 50-inch belt, three incline levels, and 250-pound maximum weight capacity.
Shop Amazon
Specs
- Price: $394
- Weight: 97lbs
- Dimensions: 51.4” H x 63.4” L x 28.75” W
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
Pros
- The max speed of 10 miles per hour allows for a 6-minute-mile pace for runners.
- This 97-pound treadmill folds upright, with transport wheels for easy storage.
- 12 present programs on the LCD display can help provide structure to runs...
Click here to view the article.
