How Much Space Do You Need For A Treadmill?

Saturday, February 8th

How Much Space Do You Need for a Treadmill?

Treadmills are the number-one selling piece of cardiovascular equipment on the market today. Their versatility, durability and ease of use make them a top draw for exercisers.

If you have ever worked out at a fitness facility, then you know that treadmills are a vital part of the cardio equipment offered by every facility out there. Along with exercise bikes and elliptical trainers, they are the most popular piece of equipment to own.

But working out at the gym is a different matter than working out at home. Most gyms have adequate space to accommodate the equipment which they purchase for client usage. When buying exercise equipment for your home, there are a lot of things to consider.

If you can afford - and have space for - only one piece of equipment, a treadmill is a wise investment.

Treadmills are designed to provide compression-type exercise. What that means is that you are helping to make your bones and muscles stronger through a high-impact exercise. The impact felt when using a treadmill helps to keep bones strong and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. The downside to having a high-impact workout is that it may not be best for people who have joint, hip or knee pain. For those people, using a treadmill can aggravate your condition and should be avoided in favor of another piece of equipment, such as a recumbent bicycle or an elliptical trainer. Those pieces of equipment provide low-impact cardiovascular exercise, which is easier on the joints.

If you've decided that adding a treadmill to your home gym is in the cards, then there are a few things to consider before purchasing one.

The most important thing to consider is how much space you will need to not only use, but to store, the treadmill.

If you live in cramped quarters, purchasing a treadmill that can fold up for easy storage may be your best option. Folding treadmills are generally the same size as their non-folding counterparts; however, the benefit is that when you are finished using them, they fold up into a standing position. In folding position, they can save three to four feet of floor space. While folding treadmills tend to not be as durable or long-lasting as their larger counterparts, they are better than nothing if your living quarters do not allow for a larger unit.

The average length of most commercial models of treadmill is between 70 and 82 inches. Included in the measurement is the motor - which is situated in the front of the machine - the control panel and the running belt. Treadmills are generally 30 to 40 inches wide, which includes the width of the running belt and the safety side mounts. If you are having trouble picturing just how large that is, consider the size of an average loveseat, and that is how much space you can expect a non-folding treadmill to occupy.

In addition to the size of the unit itself, it also is important to leave adequate space around the machine while it is in use. Most treadmill manufacturers recommend providing at least two to three feet of floor space around the front end of the unit, and three to eight feet behind it.

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Treadmill FAQ

What makes treadmills so popular?

As one of the most commonly-used pieces of gym equipment, treadmills are usually the first machine people think of when setting up a workout space at home. Whatever your level of fitness, a treadmill can help you make progress: from low-intensity walking to running intervals on an incline, the possibilities are endless (and they don't depend on the weather).

Do treadmills take up a lot of space? It depends on the model you choose. Some machines allow you to fold the tread surface up towards the

It depends on the model you choose. Some machines allow you to fold the tread surface up towards the console, similar to a Murphy bed. But, with the higher-end machines that come with plenty of features like live-coached workouts or sky-high incline capabilities, you're likely to need a reasonable amount of floor space. Check the dimensions of any treadmills you're considering and compare them against the places you're thinking of keeping your machine.

How much will I pay for a treadmill?

You might be surprised to learn that you can get a basic treadmill for under $600. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll see prices in the $9,000 and up range for models exactly like what you'd use at a fitness center or gym. Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-range options that give you good features, top-notch tech and durability without breaking your budget.

Do treadmills come with a warranty?

Yes. Coverage varies, and most manufacturers have different timeframes of warranty protection for the frame, electronics, and any labor costs. You may also be able to add an extended warranty and/or maintenance plan, to keep your treadmill in good shape for longer.

Is shipping expensive?

How does "free” sound? Many retailers of treadmills give you no-cost delivery. Just be aware that if you return your treadmill, you're likely to be on the hook for the shipment costs to get it back to the store (and your refund may have their original shipping costs deducted from it).

Can I return my treadmill?

Check the retailer's policies. Many offer return periods of 30-60 days, but some provide none at all. You may have to pay restocking fees of up to 25% too, in addition to the return shipping costs (which could get expensive on such a heavy piece of equipment).

Can I have my treadmill set up by a professional?

Yes, though not all retailers offer it as an add-on service with your treadmill purchase. Look for that option during the checkout process. Otherwise, the company might be able to recommend an installer in your area. If all else fails, it might be worth it to call a fitness center or sporting goods store near you to get the name of a professional they trust.

Why should I buy a treadmill online?

There's no better way to get the world's widest selection of treadmills - at the best prices. Shopping online makes it easy and even fun to check out all of the latest features and see what customers say about the machines once they're in home use. And, there's no need to rent a truck or try to fit your treadmill in the back of your car with so many retailers offering free delivery right to your doorstep.