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You’re getting in the zone on one of the best treadmills, a bounce in your step and imaginary wind in your hair. What could possibly kill your vibe? A low ceiling, for one. If you’re sweating in a gym without much room for overhead, running on a treadmill — let alone one with incline — can become a...
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings for 2024, Expert-Tested appeared first on BarBend.
You’re getting in the zone on one of the best treadmills, a bounce in your step and imaginary wind in your hair. What could possibly kill your vibe? A low ceiling, for one. If you’re sweating in a gym without much room for overhead, running on a treadmill — let alone one with incline — can become a dangerous proposition. When curating this list of the best treadmills for low ceilings, we took into account several factors, not the least of them being step-up height.
We’ve tested more than 40 different treadmills from major brands, and most of them have step-up heights between eight to 10 inches. We recommend at least 12 inches of clearance between the top of a runner’s head and their ceiling — some may be comfortable with less — and took that into account while making this list. So, lace up your sneakers, strap on a helmet, and join us as we detail our picks for the best treadmills for low ceilings.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions, and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings
After years spent testing, reviewing, and owning over 40 different treadmills, our team of fitness professionals knows that the step-up height — the distance from the floor to the belt deck — is a key spec to note when choosing a treadmill for gyms with low ceilings. The National Building Code states that the standard ceiling height is 8 feet, while the minimum height is 7.5 feet. (1)
If 8 feet is a standard ceiling height, we consider 7.5 feet to be “low” and 7 feet to be “very low.” Along with emphasizing this measurement, we used the average height of American males (5 feet 9 inches) and females (5 feet 4 inches) to provide a reference point for claims like “too high” or “too low.” (2) Our team also rated each treadmill we tested on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including footprint and portability, adjustability and ergonomics, and durability. These are a few of the factors that guided our choices.
Step-Up Height
On a treadmill, the distance from the floor to the running deck is referred to as the “step-up height.” It typically measures around 8 to 10 inches. On compact treadmills, the step-up height tends to be closer to 8 inches than 10. Since you’re probably looking for the shortest of the short, we brought you options that top out at 8.5 inches.
The belt deck of the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
To make our picks, we simply added that measurement to the height of the average user — 5 feet 9 inches for males and 5 feet 4 inches for females — added an inch to account for shoes, and compared it to the height of average (8 feet), low (7.5 feet), and very low (7 feet) ceilings to determine how much overhead clearance the treadmill will allow.
For instance, under a standard 8-foot ceiling, an 8-inch step-up height would allow a 5-foot-9-inch person about 18 inches of clearance, accounting for a one-inch shoe sole, which should be more than enough for comfortable treadmill use. We recommend at least a 12-inch overhead.
Incline
In general, compact treadmills have lower incline ranges or none at all. Incline is an especially important feature for rooms with low ceilings because as the deck rises, you will rise slightly with it. We looked at machines that included incline, but stayed around the average max of 12 percent, as the highest levels of this range will add a few extra inches to your height during use.
Running, Jogging, or Walking
We wanted to highlight machines that are designed for specific types of treadmill workouts. If you intend to use your treadmill mostly for running, your machine will need a more powerful engine — around 3.0 to 3.5 horsepower — a running belt length close to the 60-inch average, and a cushioned deck. What do these have in common? They’ll add size to the treadmill.
Some treadmills on our list are designed for lighter use like walking or jogging, while others are designed to be used under standing desks or stored in tight spaces. These smaller, less powerful machines tend to have — you guessed it — lower step-up heights.
Best Overall Treadmill for Low Ceilings: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
The NordicTrack EXP 7i has the features you’d expect in a well-rounded treadmill — upright hydraulic folding, an HD touchscreen, and a 12-percent incline range — but we chose it as the best overall treadmill for low ceilings because it packs all of that into a compact machine. Its 8.5-inch step-up height is toward the low end of the average range of 8 to 10 inches we saw in most of the treadmills we tested.
When you factor in that 8.5 inches, someone 5 feet 9 inches — wearing shoes with a one-inch sole — would have 11.5 inches of overhead clearance under a 7.5-foot ceiling, which is slightly under our recommended 12 inches.
Our product tester using the incline on the NordicTrack EXP 7i
You can take advantage of the 12-percent incline — just remember it will bring you closer to your low ceiling — during one of the 16,000 live and on-demand classes available on iFIT, which you can access via the 7-inch touchscreen. The app costs $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial, but I believe it unlocks the potential of the best NordicTrack treadmills. “iFIT is some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” agrees Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer.
[Related: iFIT Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]
Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, scored the EXP 7i’s durability, customizations, adjustability, and ergonomics a 4 out of 5. Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester and certified nutrition coach, agreed. “This is NordicTrack’s budget-friendly treadmill,” he explains in his video review below. “It’s not perfect, but I think there are alot of things it does really well.”
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Herod called out its 55-inch belt deck — on the low end of what we recommend for running — in his review of the EXP 7i. “The actual deck — the running surface — is a little bit small,” he said. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model.” Because those with long strides tend to be taller, shorter athletes who require less overhead clearance may be best suited for the EXP 7i.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill for Walking for Low Ceilings: 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
If walking workouts are your jam, the Horizon T101 can provide a serious challenge with its 10-percent incline range. It’s our pick for the best treadmill for walking for low ceilings because of its low step-up height of just 7.13-inch – roughly 1 to 3 inches lower than average. For instance, under a “low” 7.5-foot ceiling, the 7.13-inch step-up height would allow a 5-foot-9-inch person with shoes on roughly 12.7 inches of overhead clearance, which is above our recommended range.
The 55-inch-long belt deck may not be ideal for sprints — we recommend a 60-inch deck for runners — but it’s well within the range for walking workouts. As certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto explains, “A good walking treadmill has a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long (preferable is 18 to 20 inches wide by 55 to 60 inches long).”
A BarBend product tester walking on the Horizon T101.
We also like Horizon’s FeatherLight hydraulic folding system, which takes a lot of the effort out of folding and unfolding the deck. That helped the T101 earn a 4 out of 5 rating from our tester, a certified personal trainer, in the areas of footprint, portability, adjustability, ergonomics, and workout experience. “The hydraulic folding and wheels actually made it pretty easy to move,” they said. “It’s more compact, so I think this is a great option for anyone who wants to do a lot of walking or jogging.”
At $699, it costs roughly $300 to $700 less than the average mid-range treadmill. Capritto pointed out, “I personally love walking-specific models because they are usually less expensive, thus more accessible to people who don’t have multiple thousands of dollars to spend on a luxury treadmill.”
While it lacks connected programming, the six preset programs are plenty to get you moving. In general, you won’t see much tech on this treadmill. “It does have built-in speakers that you can connect to your device via Bluetooth,” our tester explained. “Outside of that, there aren’t many tech features to speak of.”
Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill for Running for Low Ceilings: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
Pros
Cons
What does a good running treadmill need? A roomy 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck, cushioning in that deck to support your joints, and an incline range that can add a little intensity and variety to those long runs. Hello, Sole F63. We made this our pick for best treadmill for running for low ceilings because it hits the three criteria you’ll need for long-distance, sprint, or hill training — all atop an 8-inch-high belt deck.
An 8-inch step-up height is at the lower end of the typical range of 8 to 10 inches. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet, and we consider a low ceiling to be around 7.5 feet. On the 8-inch deck of the F63, a person standing 5 feet 9 inches tall — adding an inch for their shoes — would have our recommended 12 inches of overhead clearance. We wouldn’t, however, recommend this treadmill for ceilings lower than 7.5 feet.
The 20-inch by 60-inch deck lines up with standard running decks, while the 15-percent incline range — 3-percent higher than average — can help you simulate running outdoors and add intensity to your runs. Just remember that the incline will lift you closer to your low ceiling.
Our tester running on the Sole F63.
Her lowest rating was a 4 out of 5 for durability because it wasn’t as smooth as she would have liked at higher speeds. “I like that it has a 3.0 HP motor, but I did feel some shaking while I was running,” she described. “Definitely not a deal-breaker, but it wasn’t exactly smooth.”
“Ideally, the best treadmills for running will have a powerful motor with at least 3.0 CHP,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. “You’ll also want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride.” The Sole F63 checks all her boxes.
While it doesn’t offer integration with apps like iFIT or Peloton, you can always set your phone or tablet in the device holder to stream workouts. The machine has also eight preset programs to help you build a running routine.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Shop Echelon
Specs
Pros
The post The 7 Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings for 2024, Expert-Tested appeared first on BarBend.
You’re getting in the zone on one of the best treadmills, a bounce in your step and imaginary wind in your hair. What could possibly kill your vibe? A low ceiling, for one. If you’re sweating in a gym without much room for overhead, running on a treadmill — let alone one with incline — can become a dangerous proposition. When curating this list of the best treadmills for low ceilings, we took into account several factors, not the least of them being step-up height.
We’ve tested more than 40 different treadmills from major brands, and most of them have step-up heights between eight to 10 inches. We recommend at least 12 inches of clearance between the top of a runner’s head and their ceiling — some may be comfortable with less — and took that into account while making this list. So, lace up your sneakers, strap on a helmet, and join us as we detail our picks for the best treadmills for low ceilings.
The 7 Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings
- Best Overall Treadmill for Low Ceilings: NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Best Treadmill for Walking for Low Ceilings: Horizon T101
- Best Treadmill for Running for Low Ceilings: Sole F63
- Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6
- Best Space-Saving Treadmill for Low Ceilings: WalkingPad P1 Foldable Walking Treadmill
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill for Low Ceilings: LifePro Fitness PacerMini Portable
- Best Budget Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
About Our Expert:
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions, and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmills for Low Ceilings
After years spent testing, reviewing, and owning over 40 different treadmills, our team of fitness professionals knows that the step-up height — the distance from the floor to the belt deck — is a key spec to note when choosing a treadmill for gyms with low ceilings. The National Building Code states that the standard ceiling height is 8 feet, while the minimum height is 7.5 feet. (1)
If 8 feet is a standard ceiling height, we consider 7.5 feet to be “low” and 7 feet to be “very low.” Along with emphasizing this measurement, we used the average height of American males (5 feet 9 inches) and females (5 feet 4 inches) to provide a reference point for claims like “too high” or “too low.” (2) Our team also rated each treadmill we tested on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including footprint and portability, adjustability and ergonomics, and durability. These are a few of the factors that guided our choices.
Step-Up Height
On a treadmill, the distance from the floor to the running deck is referred to as the “step-up height.” It typically measures around 8 to 10 inches. On compact treadmills, the step-up height tends to be closer to 8 inches than 10. Since you’re probably looking for the shortest of the short, we brought you options that top out at 8.5 inches.
To make our picks, we simply added that measurement to the height of the average user — 5 feet 9 inches for males and 5 feet 4 inches for females — added an inch to account for shoes, and compared it to the height of average (8 feet), low (7.5 feet), and very low (7 feet) ceilings to determine how much overhead clearance the treadmill will allow.
For instance, under a standard 8-foot ceiling, an 8-inch step-up height would allow a 5-foot-9-inch person about 18 inches of clearance, accounting for a one-inch shoe sole, which should be more than enough for comfortable treadmill use. We recommend at least a 12-inch overhead.
Incline
In general, compact treadmills have lower incline ranges or none at all. Incline is an especially important feature for rooms with low ceilings because as the deck rises, you will rise slightly with it. We looked at machines that included incline, but stayed around the average max of 12 percent, as the highest levels of this range will add a few extra inches to your height during use.
Running, Jogging, or Walking
We wanted to highlight machines that are designed for specific types of treadmill workouts. If you intend to use your treadmill mostly for running, your machine will need a more powerful engine — around 3.0 to 3.5 horsepower — a running belt length close to the 60-inch average, and a cushioned deck. What do these have in common? They’ll add size to the treadmill.
Some treadmills on our list are designed for lighter use like walking or jogging, while others are designed to be used under standing desks or stored in tight spaces. These smaller, less powerful machines tend to have — you guessed it — lower step-up heights.
Best Overall Treadmill for Low Ceilings: NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
This tread still goes all the way up to 12 percent incline and 12mph in speed, plus it comes with a free one-month iFit membership (a $39 value). The adjustable cushioning can also help lower the impact on your joints, or mimic the feel of a road race if you are training for something on rougher terrain.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $1,299
- Dimensions: 59.7” H x 70.8” L x 34.9” W
- Step-Up Height: 8.5”
- Incline Range: 0%-12%
- Weight: 228lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Max Speed: 10mph
Pros
- The 8.5-inch step-up height is on the low end compared to the average treadmill step-up height of 8 to 10 inches.
- Stream interactive iFIT workouts on the swiveling 7-inch HD touchscreen.
- When not in use, the hydraulic folding system allows for easy upright storage.
Cons
- A monthly iFIT subscription costs $39.99 after your free 30-day trial.
- The 55-inch running deck length is at the lower end of the 55- to 60-inch average range we recommend.
The NordicTrack EXP 7i has the features you’d expect in a well-rounded treadmill — upright hydraulic folding, an HD touchscreen, and a 12-percent incline range — but we chose it as the best overall treadmill for low ceilings because it packs all of that into a compact machine. Its 8.5-inch step-up height is toward the low end of the average range of 8 to 10 inches we saw in most of the treadmills we tested.
When you factor in that 8.5 inches, someone 5 feet 9 inches — wearing shoes with a one-inch sole — would have 11.5 inches of overhead clearance under a 7.5-foot ceiling, which is slightly under our recommended 12 inches.
You can take advantage of the 12-percent incline — just remember it will bring you closer to your low ceiling — during one of the 16,000 live and on-demand classes available on iFIT, which you can access via the 7-inch touchscreen. The app costs $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial, but I believe it unlocks the potential of the best NordicTrack treadmills. “iFIT is some of the best interactive programming out there and really helps prevent boredom,” agrees Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer.
[Related: iFIT Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal?]
Our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer, scored the EXP 7i’s durability, customizations, adjustability, and ergonomics a 4 out of 5. Jake Herod, BarBend’s expert product tester and certified nutrition coach, agreed. “This is NordicTrack’s budget-friendly treadmill,” he explains in his video review below. “It’s not perfect, but I think there are alot of things it does really well.”
NordicTrack's BEST Valued Treadmill?? — NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review (2023) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KGDZi_mow)
Herod called out its 55-inch belt deck — on the low end of what we recommend for running — in his review of the EXP 7i. “The actual deck — the running surface — is a little bit small,” he said. “Somebody who has a long stride will probably want to target a different model.” Because those with long strides tend to be taller, shorter athletes who require less overhead clearance may be best suited for the EXP 7i.
Read our full NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill for Walking for Low Ceilings: 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
- Dimensions: 55? H x 70? L x 34? W
- Step-Up Height: 7.13”
- Incline Range: 0%-10%
- Weight: 180lbs
- Max Speed: 10mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- With a 10-percent incline range, you can add variety and intensity to your walking workouts without bonking your head.
- Horizon’s Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning in the belt reduces the shock absorbed by your joints.
- The FeatherLight hydraulic folding system assists in folding and unfolding the deck.
Cons
- Its 55-inch-long belt deck may not be long enough for the strides of taller users.
- There are six preset workouts, but it doesn’t have a screen or interactive programming.
If walking workouts are your jam, the Horizon T101 can provide a serious challenge with its 10-percent incline range. It’s our pick for the best treadmill for walking for low ceilings because of its low step-up height of just 7.13-inch – roughly 1 to 3 inches lower than average. For instance, under a “low” 7.5-foot ceiling, the 7.13-inch step-up height would allow a 5-foot-9-inch person with shoes on roughly 12.7 inches of overhead clearance, which is above our recommended range.
The 55-inch-long belt deck may not be ideal for sprints — we recommend a 60-inch deck for runners — but it’s well within the range for walking workouts. As certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto explains, “A good walking treadmill has a deck with minimum dimensions of 16 inches wide by 48 inches long (preferable is 18 to 20 inches wide by 55 to 60 inches long).”
We also like Horizon’s FeatherLight hydraulic folding system, which takes a lot of the effort out of folding and unfolding the deck. That helped the T101 earn a 4 out of 5 rating from our tester, a certified personal trainer, in the areas of footprint, portability, adjustability, ergonomics, and workout experience. “The hydraulic folding and wheels actually made it pretty easy to move,” they said. “It’s more compact, so I think this is a great option for anyone who wants to do a lot of walking or jogging.”
At $699, it costs roughly $300 to $700 less than the average mid-range treadmill. Capritto pointed out, “I personally love walking-specific models because they are usually less expensive, thus more accessible to people who don’t have multiple thousands of dollars to spend on a luxury treadmill.”
While it lacks connected programming, the six preset programs are plenty to get you moving. In general, you won’t see much tech on this treadmill. “It does have built-in speakers that you can connect to your device via Bluetooth,” our tester explained. “Outside of that, there aren’t many tech features to speak of.”
Read our full Horizon T101 Treadmill Review.
Best Treadmill for Running for Low Ceilings: Sole F63
Sole F63 Treadmill
Sole F63 Treadmill
The Sole F63 is a high-quality, no-frills treadmill. The 3.0 HP motor can support up to 325 pounds, and the foldability is ideal for those tight on space.
Shop SOLE
Specs
- Price: $1,199
- Dimensions: 67? H x 77? L x 35? W
- Step-Up Height: 8”
- Incline Range: 0%-15%
- Weight: 224lbs
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
Pros
- The 20-inch by 60-inch running deck allows plenty of space for taller runners and long strides.
- Its 15-percent incline is 3- to 5-percent higher than what you’ll find on most treadmills.
- The cushioned belt deck may help reduce shock absorption.
Cons
- While it offers eight preset workouts, it has no fitness app integration.
- The 8-inch step-up height may be too high for those with a ceiling below 7.5 feet.
What does a good running treadmill need? A roomy 20-inch by 60-inch belt deck, cushioning in that deck to support your joints, and an incline range that can add a little intensity and variety to those long runs. Hello, Sole F63. We made this our pick for best treadmill for running for low ceilings because it hits the three criteria you’ll need for long-distance, sprint, or hill training — all atop an 8-inch-high belt deck.
An 8-inch step-up height is at the lower end of the typical range of 8 to 10 inches. Standard ceiling height is 8 feet, and we consider a low ceiling to be around 7.5 feet. On the 8-inch deck of the F63, a person standing 5 feet 9 inches tall — adding an inch for their shoes — would have our recommended 12 inches of overhead clearance. We wouldn’t, however, recommend this treadmill for ceilings lower than 7.5 feet.
The 20-inch by 60-inch deck lines up with standard running decks, while the 15-percent incline range — 3-percent higher than average — can help you simulate running outdoors and add intensity to your runs. Just remember that the incline will lift you closer to your low ceiling.
Her lowest rating was a 4 out of 5 for durability because it wasn’t as smooth as she would have liked at higher speeds. “I like that it has a 3.0 HP motor, but I did feel some shaking while I was running,” she described. “Definitely not a deal-breaker, but it wasn’t exactly smooth.”
“Ideally, the best treadmills for running will have a powerful motor with at least 3.0 CHP,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. “You’ll also want a running deck at least 60 inches in length to accommodate the length of a typical running stride.” The Sole F63 checks all her boxes.
While it doesn’t offer integration with apps like iFIT or Peloton, you can always set your phone or tablet in the device holder to stream workouts. The machine has also eight preset programs to help you build a running routine.
Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.
Best Folding Treadmill for Low Ceilings: Echelon Stride-6
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Shop Echelon
Specs
- Price: $1,699
- Dimensions: 57” H x 64.8” L x 32.4” W
- Step-Up Height: Not disclosed
- Incline Range: 12 levels
- Weight: 182.35lbs
- Max Speed: 12.4mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Pros
- Echelon’s Auto-Fold system...
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