5 Best Treadmill for Low Ceilings (Ranked & Reviewed)

Hey, friend! Are you looking for a treadmill that won’t make you bump your head on your low ceiling? 

I know how hard it can be to find one that fits your space and your needs. 

That’s why I’m here to help you out. I’ve spent hours researching and reviewing different treadmills that can work well under a low ceilings. 

I’ve considered things like belt size, motor power, speed range, weight capacity, display screen, preset programs, shock absorption, and foldability. I’ve also looked at user reviews and ratings to see how each treadmill performs and lasts.

In this article, I will show you my top five picks for the best low profile treadmill. I will tell you why I picked them and what are their good and bad points.

So, if you’re ready to find the perfect treadmill for your low ceiling, let’s get started!

What are the Best Treadmill for Low Ceilings?

• Best Overall – NordicTrack T Series 8.5s
• Best Cheapest – XTERRA Fitness TR150
• Best Quality – Horizon Fitness T101
• Best Walking and Light Jogging – Goplus 2 in 1 Folding
• Best for Runners – Sole F80 Treadmill

NordicTrack T Series 8.5s

• Price: $$$
• Product dimensions: ‎78.9″D x 35.5″W x 59.4″H
• Belt size: 60 L by 20 W
• Horse power: 3.5 HP
• Speed: 12 MPH
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Best for: Overall

Looking for a treadmill that fits under your low ceilings and gives you an awesome workout? Check out the Nordictrack T 8.5S Treadmill. 

This is not a boring treadmill that only lets you run and walk. This is a treadmill that makes your workout fun and exciting. Here’s why this treadmill is the best one for low ceilings:

This low profile treadmill has foot panels that let you hop on and off the belt easily, even when it’s moving. You can switch between running and walking without stopping or changing the speed. You can also do other exercises like lunges, squats, or side steps.

This treadmill lets you choose how soft or hard the belt is with FlexSelect cushioning. You can turn it on or off depending on what you like. You can feel like running on the road or be gentle on your joints.

It has a big and tiltable touchscreen that shows iFit programs and other features. iFit gives you access to interactive workouts led by professional trainers. You can pick from different categories, explore beautiful places, or challenge yourself with live classes and leaderboards. The touchscreen also shows your stats.

I love this treadmill and its features, especially the cushioning and the iFit programs. They make my cardio workouts more fun and effective.

If you want a cheaper previous model alternative to this treadmill, you may like the Nordictrack T 6.5 S. It has most of the same features, but with a lower price and a smaller size. It may not be as powerful or spacious, but it can still give you a good cardio workout.

Overall, the T 8.5 S treadmill  is perfect for people who want a quality and versatile treadmill that can give them challenge and comfort. It is also great for people who like interactive workouts with iFit.

Pros

• Large and tiltable touchscreen with iFit programs
• FlexSelect cushioning for customized comfort
• Powerful motor and spacious belt for smooth running
• Foot panels for easy on/off and variety of exercises
• Folding frame for space-saving and easy storage

Cons

• Expensive price and subscription fee
• No heart rate chest strap included

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

• Price: $
• Product dimensions: 63.4”L x 28.75” W x 51.4” H
• Belt size: 50”L x 16”W
• Horse power: 2.25 CHP
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs
• Best for: Cheapest

Next up, we have the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill, a treadmill that won’t make you hit your head on your low ceilings or break your bank.

This compact treadmill can fold up and roll away like a suitcase, saving you space and hassle. You can stash it under your bed or in your closet when you’re done. 

This treadmill can also go up to 10 mph, which is pretty fast for a cheap treadmill. You can also adjust the incline manually with three levels, which is a nice bonus for a budget treadmill. These features let you mix up your workout and challenge yourself.

The XTERRA TR150 treadmill also has a clear LCD display that shows your stats like time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse. You can track your progress and performance with these numbers. The display also has 12 preset programs that change the speed and duration of your workout. You can pick from different modes like manual, interval, rolling, weight loss, and more.

Compared to the Nordictrack T 8.5S Treadmill and the Sole F80 Treadmill, It is cheaper and smaller, but weaker and narrower. It may not be good for serious runners or heavy users, but it may be enough for beginners and walkers who want a foldable treadmill.

Pros

• Foldable design with wheels for easy storage
• Speed range up to 10 mph for different workouts
• Manual incline features with three levels for extra challenge
• Clear LCD display with 12 preset programs and stats
• Lifetime warranty on the frame for great value

Cons

• Low weight capacity of 250 lbs
• Short warranty on the motor and parts

Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill

• Price: $$
• Product dimensions: 71”L x 33”W x 55” H
• Belt size: 55”L x 20” W
• Horse power: 2 CHP
• Weight capacity: 300 lbs
• Best for: Quality

Horizon Fitness T101 is the foldable treadmill that delivers on its promise of quality.

It has a lifetime warranty on the frame, motor and cushioning, which is rare for a home treadmill under $1,000. It also has a Three Zone Variable Response Cushioning system that provides different levels of cushioning throughout the belt deck to mimic the natural foot strike.

And of course, it has a foldable design with a hydraulic folding mechanism that makes it easy to fold and unfold the treadmill safely and smoothly.

And if you need some guidance, it has 30 preset programs for various workouts that can be easily accessed and adjusted with quick dial options.

Overall, the Horizon Fitness T101 is a good option for joggers and light runners who want a quality and affordable foldable treadmill. It has a lifetime warranty, a cushioning system, and a foldability feature that make it stand out from other low profile treadmills in this price range.

Pros

• Affordable and good value for money
• Quiet and smooth motor with lifetime warranty
• Cushioned belt deck that reduces joint impact
• Foldable and easy to store
• Bluetooth speaker and tablet rack for entertainment

Cons

• Small display screen and limited feedback

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

• Price: $
• Product dimensions: ‎52.5”L x 29″W x 44.5″H
• Belt size: 40″L x 16”W
• Horse power: 2.25 HP
• Weight capacity: 265 lbs
• Best for: Walking and Light Jogging

Are you looking for a treadmill that can fit under your low ceilings and switch between two modes: under-desk and regular? If so, you may like the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill.

This Goplus 2-in-1 has a speed range up to 7.5 mph, which is higher than most walking treadmills. You can adjust the speed with the remote control, which is very convenient and handy. 

You don’t have to touch the display or the handrail to change the speed or mode. You can also choose from 12 preset programs for different workouts, which are displayed on the LED screen.

The GoPlus treadmill also has a five-layer belt deck that helps absorb some shock and impact, making your walks smoother and quieter. The belt deck measures 16 by 40 inches, which is enough for walking and light jogging.

Read more: How to Reduce Treadmill Noise in An Apartment (9 Tips)

Overall, the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is cheaper and more versatile, but less powerful and spacious. It may not be suitable for serious runners or heavy users, but it may be enough for beginners and walkers who want a versatile treadmill.

Pros

• Foldable design with two modes: under-desk and regular
• Remote control for easy speed and mode adjustment
• LED display with metrics and phone holder
• Five-layer belt deck for shock absorption

Cons

• Low weight capacity of 265 lbs
• Noisy at higher speeds

Sole F80 Treadmill

• Price: $$$
• Product dimensions: 66” H x 82.5” L x 38”W
• Belt size: 60”L x 20”W
• Horse power: 3.5 CHP
• Weight capacity: 350 lbs
• Best for: Runners

Are you a serious runner who needs a treadmill that can fit under your low ceiling and still give you a smooth and challenging run? If so, you may want to take a look at the Sole F80 Treadmill. This is a treadmill that has a powerful motor, a spacious belt, and a cushioned deck that can reduce the impact on your joints.

This fantastic treadmill has a 3.5 HP motor that can handle high speeds and inclines. You can run up to 12 mph and adjust the incline up to 15%. This means you can simulate different terrains and intensities, and push yourself to the limit.

The belt also has a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which reduces the impact on your joints by up to 40% compared with outdoor running. This is especially helpful if you have joint injuries or want to prevent arthritis.

This treadmill also has a large and tiltable touchscreen similar to Nordictrack T 8.5 S (Our Top Pick) that can display iFit programs and other features. You can also explore scenic locations around the world with Google Maps integration, or challenge yourself with live classes and leaderboards

Compared to the Nordictrack T 8.5S Treadmill, which is our top pick for low ceiling, the Sole F80 Treadmill is more suitable for runners who want a more powerful and spacious treadmill. However, it is also more expensive and less space-saving than the Nordictrack T 8.5S Treadmill, which may matter more for some people. (But hey, this is for serious runners.)

Pros

• Powerful motor and spacious belt for smooth running
• Cushion Flex Whisper Deck for reduced joint impact
• Touchscreen with iFit programs and tests
• Folding frame with wheels for easy storage

Cons

• No heart rate chest strap included
• Fewer preset programs than other treadmills

How to Measure Your Ceiling Height and Choose the Right Treadmill

First, you need to measure how high your ceiling is. You can use a tape measure or a laser level for this. Just make sure you measure from the floor to the ceiling.

Next, you need to measure how tall you are with your shoes on. This is your user height.

Then, you need to find out how high the treadmill is from the floor to the running surface. This is the deck height. You can check the product specifications.

Now, you need to do some math. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. You just need to add your user height and the deck height, and then subtract them from the ceiling height. This will give you the clearance, which is how much space you have between your head and the ceiling when using the treadmill.

For example, let’s say your ceiling height is 8 feet (96 inches), your user height is 6 feet (72 inches), and the deck height is 5 inches. Then, your clearance is 96 – 72 – 5 = 19 inches.

Ideally, you want to have at least 6 inches of clearance when running on a treadmill. This way, you won’t bump your head or feel like you’re trapped in a box. But if you’re only going to walk or jog on the treadmill, you might be okay with less clearance.

One more thing to consider is the incline capability of the treadmill. Some treadmills can change their slope, which can make them higher and lower your clearance. If you want to use the incline feature, make sure you have enough clearance at the highest slope level.

How to Pick the Perfect Low Profile Treadmill for Your Space

So, what should you look for before you buy one? Here are some key features and factors to consider:

Belt Size and Running Space

The belt size is how long and wide the belt is. The running space is how much room you have to use on the belt.

The belt size and running space depend on your height, weight, stride length, and speed. Usually, the bigger the belt, the better. But since you have a low ceilings, you might have to settle for a smaller belt to fit the treadmill in your space.

A good belt size for most people is 20 inches wide and 60 inches long. This can fit most runners and walkers well. But if you’re taller than 6 feet or have a long stride, you might need a longer belt of 62 inches or more. If you’re shorter than 5 feet 10 inches or have a short stride, you might be fine with a shorter belt of 55 inches or less. And that definitely drop the price of  a treadmill.

For walking, a narrower belt of 16 inches or more might be enough. But for running or jogging, a wider belt of 18 inches or more is better. A wider belt gives you more space to move and lowers the chance of falling off the treadmill.

Motor Power and Speed

The motor is what makes the belt move and controls how fast it goes. The motor power shows how much power the motor can give out continuously.

The motor power and speed depend on your weight, fitness level, and goals. Usually, the higher the power and speed, the better. But since you have a low ceilings, you might have to settle for lower power and speed to fit the treadmill in your space.

Some experts say that a good motor power for most people is between 2.0 and 4.0 continuous horsepower (CHP). This can handle most runners and walkers at different speeds and inclines. But if you’re heavier than 200 pounds or want to run at high speeds or inclines, you might need more power of 4.0 CHP or more. If you’re lighter than 150 pounds or want to walk at low speeds or inclines, you might be okay with less power of 2.0 CHP or less.

A good speed range for most people is between 0 and 12 miles per hour (MPH). This can suit most runners and walkers at different levels and times. But if you’re an advanced runner or sprinter, you might need more speed of 12 MPH or more. If you’re a beginner walker or jogger, you might be fine with less speed of 10 MPH or less.

Programs and Features

The programs and features are the extras that make a low profile treadmill more fun and useful. Some treadmills have pre-set workout programs that can keep you motivated and on track. Other features include heart rate monitors, speakers, and USB ports.

The programs and features depend on what you like and need. Usually, the more the treadmill has, the better. But since you have a low ceilings, you might have to give up some of these extras.

Wrapping Up

You made it to the end of this article. 

Congratulations! You are now ready to pick the perfect treadmill for your space and your goals.

But in case you are still undecided, let me give you my final recommendation. The best treadmill for low ceiling is the Nordictrack T 8.5S Treadmill. This low-profile treadmill that has a touchscreen with iFit programs, a cushioning system that you can adjust, foot panels that let you switch exercises, and a foldable design that saves space. 

I hope this article helped you find the best low-profile treadmill.

Happy running!

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