Treadmills
Folding treadmills, walking pads and running treadmills for UK homes: motor power, noise, space and the best picks.
A home treadmill lets you walk or run whatever the British weather is doing. The right one depends on whether you want to walk, jog or run seriously, and how much space and noise you can live with.
Our treadmill guides
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Walking pad, folding treadmill or running treadmill?
| Type | Top speed | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking pad / under-desk | about 6 to 8 km/h | Walking while working, small flats | Not for running; no or low handrail |
| Folding treadmill | about 12 to 16 km/h | Walking and jogging, mixed households | Narrow belts on cheap models |
| Running treadmill | 18 to 22 km/h | Regular runners, interval training | Heavy, large, louder |
What to check before you buy
Motor: continuous horsepower
Look for continuous horsepower (CHP), not peak. As a rough guide, about 1.5 CHP suits walking, 2.0 to 2.5 CHP suits jogging, and 2.5 CHP or more suits regular running.
Running belt size
For running, look for a belt of about 130 cm long by 45 cm wide or more. Walking pads and small folders often have 100 to 120 cm belts, which are fine for walking only.
Incline
Incline makes walking a far tougher workout without running. Powered incline is worth paying for if you mostly walk.
Noise for flats
Motor hum is rarely the problem. Footfall impact travels through floors. A thick treadmill mat, a well-cushioned deck and walking rather than running help a lot in upstairs flats.
Weight and delivery
Treadmills are heavy, often 40 to 90 kg or more. Check whether delivery is to the kerb or the room of your choice, especially if you live upstairs.
Ceiling height
Add the deck height (often about 20 cm) to your height plus bounce when running. Low ceilings are a common problem in lofts.
How much should you spend?
| Budget | What you get |
|---|---|
| Under £300 | Walking pads and basic folding treadmills. Walking and light jogging. |
| £300 to £700 | Solid folding treadmills with incline and better motors. |
| £700 to £1,500 | Proper running treadmills with wider belts and longer warranties. |
| £1,500+ | Gym-quality decks, powerful motors, smart training. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a treadmill in an upstairs flat?
Yes, especially for walking. Use a thick rubber treadmill mat, choose a well-cushioned deck, avoid late-night running and check your lease, as some flats restrict heavy equipment.
Is walking on a treadmill good exercise?
Yes. Brisk walking counts as moderate activity, and adding incline raises the intensity a lot without the impact of running.
How much space does a treadmill need?
Allow the footprint plus about 2 metres clear behind the deck and 50 cm either side for safety.