If you’ve spent any time shopping for exercise equipment, you’ve no doubt noticed the height of some pieces of equipment. This is true even if you’re considering a treadmill. That’s because a high deck and a low ceiling do not always mix.
Many spare rooms and basements only have 7′ high ceilings. If you’re lucky, they might be 8′ high. If you’re 6′ or taller, it can be a major problem.
The average treadmill deck height might be 10″. Add incline and your height. Your head is going to be hitting the ceiling. You need to look at treadmills for low ceilings. That means the deck height is low enough for taller users.
This guide will review the best low-profile treadmills available. Ready? Let’s get going!
In a Hurry? Here’s our Top Pick:
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The NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Treadmill has a deck height of 7″. Add the 10% incline, and you will need about 20″ of clearance. This factors in a user height of 6’3″. That means if you’re taller, and you have low ceilings, you may have a problem if you use the incline at the highest level.
Still, if the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S can work for your situation, it’s the best treadmill in this guide. It has impressive features.
The 6.5S is a folding treadmill. It has a space-saving, EasyLift Assist folding design. You will find that folding the 6.5S is fast and easy.
The deck has a 10% incline option with a 10-setting OneTouch control. The 6.5S motor has 3 hp and a top speed of 10 mph. There is also a 10-setting OneTouch control for the speed.
The NordicTrack T Series 6.5S measures 67″ H x 36″ W x 73″ L, with a running surface measuring 20″ x 55″. The suggested maximum user weight capacity is 300 lbs.
Plus, there’s FlexSelect shock-absorbing cushioning to protect your joints and provide a comfortable exercise session.
There’s also a one-month free iFit membership. You can engage in live, studio, and global workouts led by an elite personal trainer.
Your personal trainer can auto-adjust your speed and incline levels via Bluetooth. As well, with your iFit membership, you can choose to follow full-body workouts that use the treadmill and off-the-treadmill exercises.
The T6.5S features a 10″ Smart HD touchscreen. Your iFit workouts and exercise stats, including heart rate, are streamed right to your touchscreen. Also, there’s an auxiliary music port with dual 2-inch speakers.
Finally, there’s a 10-year warranty on the alloy stainless steel frame.
It’s true that all NordicTrack T Series treadmills have similar features. Still, some will have a higher deck or smaller running area. In comparison, the wide range of features of the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S make it the best overall low-profile treadmill.
- Cushioned Deck For Joint Comfort – 7″ Deck Height
- Folds For Easy Storage
- Includes One Month Trial iFit Membership
- Users Over 6’3″ Might Find The Deck Height Too High
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Are you 6′ 3″ or over? Then you not only need a low profile treadmill, but you also need at least a 60″ long treadmill deck. That’s especially true if you plan to jog or run on your treadmill.
With that in mind, the 3G Elite Runner Treadmill has a 22″ x 62″ running deck. That’s big enough for even the tallest users to walk, jog, or run on.
But is it a low-profile treadmill? With a deck height of 7.5″, the answer is yes. Plus, that’s to the top of the deck. 3G is one of the few companies showing the height of the deck from the floor to the top.
The deck features Ortho Flex Shock Suspension for support and comfort. The Elite Runner measures 84″ L x 35.5″ W x 58″ H.
This treadmill also has a steel frame that can hold up to 400 lbs. It also has an impressive lifetime warranty.
The Elite Runner has a 4 hp motor, and a top speed of 12 mph, which it can reach in just 18 seconds. That makes it a good choice for HIIT workout programs.
Plus, it has an incline to 15%. How much you use the incline will depend on the height of your ceiling. That’s because, depending on incline height, you will need to add another 8-10″ for clearance.
The 3G Elite Runner does not fold, so expect to keep it set up in one place.
Next, the LCD screen shows your workout stats, which include incline level, speed, time, and calories. The 3G Elite Runner has built-in workout programs that can be customized, and heart rate grips in the handles.
Also, there is one-touch speed and incline controls. Finally, there are speakers and an adjustable cooling fan.
- Large 22″ x 62″ Running Surface
- The Height Of The Deck Is 7.5″
- 4.0 HP Motor
- Some Users Feel The Treadmill Shakes When Using
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The Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Slim Treadmill has a 5.25″ high deck, and a 17.5″ x 49″ running belt. The treadmill itself measures 59″ L x 30.5″ W x 40″ H.
The Asuna has a motor that’s 2.5 hp and a top speed of 8 mph. The Asuna Slim Treadmill features a steel frame and has a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs.
This is an under-desk design and can be used with or without folding handles. The low-profile design allows you to store it under a bed or in a closet. It can be locked in both a folded position and an in-use position.
The led display runs across the top of the handle and features 4 windows that display your stats. You can see time, speed, distance, and calories burned all at once. Plus, you can use the pedometer to track your steps during your workout.
Finally, other features include a device holder and a headphone port. Connect your music device and use the built-in speakers to listen to your favorite songs.
Also, there are transport wheels that make the Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna easy to store. All of these features make the Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna Slim Treadmill the best treadmill for women.
- Features A Low 5.25″ Deck
- 4-Window Monitor Across The Handle
- Transport Wheels For Easy Moving
- Some Users Find The Belt Needs Frequent Adjustment
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Here is our pick for the best treadmill for low ceilings for budget-minded users. The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7945 Walkstation is a slim, flat under-desk design. There is no incline, and there are no handles. That should be kept in mind if you are a senior or beginner that may need to hang onto handles for security.
The front of this low-profile treadmill contains a 14″ x 5″ digital monitor. The height of the front is 6.5″, the tallest point. The actual running surface is a little lower, making this treadmill a good choice for most users.
In fact, if you are 6’3″ tall, and factoring the deck height, you will need a 6’7″ ceiling height. Of course, add in 5″ or so for leeway, and you’re just over 7′.
If you have a low ceiling, one less than 7′, the tallest user will need to be 6′ or a little shorter.
From there, the SF-T7946 measures 50″L x 21.5″W x 6.5″H. The running deck measures 39″ x 14″. It has a sturdy steel frame with a 220 lb user capacity. The Walkstation moves easily and has transport wheels.
This treadmill for low ceilings has a top speed of 3.75 mph. That’s from a 1.5 hp motor. This means it is a walking treadmill. That includes, of course, brisk walking and power walking.
The large monitor tracks and displays your stats, which include time, calories burned, distance, and speed.
Plus, there is a wrist strap remote controller and an emergency stop clip. One drawback is that there’s no mention of a heart rate monitor.
Finally, this low-profile treadmill comes with a 3-year warranty on the frame and 180 days on parts. That’s quite a list of features for budget-minded users.
- Slim, Flat Underdesk Design
- Only 6.5″ At The Highest Point
- Includes A Remote Control And Emergency Stop Clip
- A Budget Treadmill Packed With Features
- This May Not Work For Taller Users With Low Ceilings Under 7′
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The deck height of the Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill measures about 5.75″. Plus, it has a spacious 50″ x 16″ running deck. In terms of overall size, the TR150 is larger than some of the other treadmills, measuring 63.4″L x 28.75″W x 51.4″ H.
The Xterra Fitness TR150 has a steel frame that can hold users weighing up to 250 lbs. The speed range is .5 to 10 mph from a 2.25 hp motor.
There are 3 manual incline settings on this low-profile treadmill for low ceilings. This will need to be taken into account when measuring the height of the deck, and the height of the tallest user. That is especially true if you intend to use the incline frequently.
Another consideration with manual incline settings is you will need to set the incline level, then begin your treadmill workout. Be sure you warm up before you go into the heart of your exercise session.
There are 12 pre-set workout programs and a 5” led display that tracks your workout information. This includes distance, calories burned, speed, and time. Plus, there are heart rate monitors built into the handles.
Also, the console has a built-in book rack and two accessory holders.
Finally, this folding treadmill for low ceilings folds up simply by pulling a knob. Also, the TR150 has transportation wheels for easy moving.
Finally, the warranty on the frame is a lifetime with no limitations. That’s the best warranty of any low-profile treadmill in this guide.
- 5.75″ Deck Height Ideal For Low Ceilings
- Durable Steel Construction
- Three Manual Incline Settings
- There Are 12 Pre-Set Workout Programs – Top Speed Of 10 mph
- Some Users Find It’s Too Large
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The Gymax 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill has a handle that folds completely flat. That’s unlike other 2 in 1’s with grab handles that don’t fold. This low-profile treadmill has a 6″ deck height.
The running surface measures 16″ x 40″, making it a good choice for shorter users. The measurements for the treadmill itself are not included in the description. Still, since the running deck makes up most of the treadmill, it’s not much bigger. Yet, the total deck width will be several inches wider than the belt.
The belt features a diamond texture for stability. The Gymax is both a walking and a running treadmill. There are two modes, one with the handle up for running. The other has the handle down for walking. Since this is an under-desk design, it can be used for walking while you work.
There is a LED display built into the front of the treadmill. The display tracks and shows your workout info, including speed, time, and calories burned.
There is also a device holder on the folding handle. Plus, you will find the Gymax app online. This app allows you to choose workout programs that fit your goals.
The Gymax 2 in 1 has a quiet motor that rates at 2.25 hp. The speed range runs up to 2.5 mph for walking and a top speed of 7.5 mph for running. The belt is shock-absorbing, comfortable, and non-slip. This makes using the treadmill safe and easy.
Finally, the Gymax has a safety key and remote control. There is even an adjustable foot pad for each side in the front. This ensures this treadmill for low ceilings is even.
- The Deck Is 6″ High
- There Is A 40″ x 16″ Running Belt
- The Best 2 In 1 Treadmill For Home Use
- A Few Users Have Had Trouble Getting The Bluetooth Connectivity To Work
- No Mention Of Heart Rate Monitors
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The CitySports Treadmill is our pick for the best value. That’s because of all the features this low-profile treadmill has. Plus, it’s priced right.
The features begin with a 4.9″ deck height and a running belt measuring 40″ x 16″. The total size of this low-profile treadmill is 52.76″ L x 4.92″ W x 23.23″ H. The height refers to the machine being placed in a standing position for storage.
The CitySports Treadmill has a weight limit of 242 lbs. The top speed is 3.7 mph, and it’s adjustable. This treadmill features a 2-window LCD display that tracks distance, speed, calories, and time.
It will also indicate when the treadmill needs lubrication. Plus, it displays your Bluetooth connection. It also comes with a remote control.
The deck absorbs shock, it’s non-slip, resists wear, and it’s quiet. Plus, this slim treadmill has built-in speakers.
Finally, you can exercise with the free CitySports Fit app. This free app provides on-demand workout videos and allows you to schedule workouts and track performance. No wonder it’s the best bang for your buck!
- Impressive List Of Treadmill Features
- Slim Design – 4.92″ Deck Height
- Holds Users Up To 242 lbs
- Some Users Find It Needs Frequent Lubrication
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Here is a treadmill that lets you work while you walk. The Rhythm Fun Under Desk Treadmill fits easily under your standing desk so you can work and work out. Do you use a home office? This is the best treadmill for low ceilings in your office.
The deck of this treadmill measures 3″ from the floor to the top of the slim deck. This treadmill features an 18″ x 47″ running belt. The treadmill itself measures 63″ L x 28″ W x 7″ H. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel and has a max weight limit of 220 lbs.
The Rhythm Fun Treadmill has shock absorption for joint protection. The motor has 1.5 peak hp and the max speed range is .5 up to 3.7 mph.
Also, this low-profile treadmill has Bluetooth connectivity and a remote controller. The large LCD display tracks speed, distance, calories, and time all at the same time.
Finally, there’s an available Smart workout app for personalized workouts.
- Great For Home Or Office – Plug It In, Turn It On And Go!
- Slim 3″ Deck
- Max Speed Up To 3.7 mph
- The Remote Does Not Respond Fast Enough
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The GoPlus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is an under-desk low-profile treadmill. It’s a compact, lightweight treadmill that features a deck height of about 4.5″.
It’s a 2-in-1 design, fold up the handle, and you have a running treadmill. If you fold down the handle and it is a slim walking treadmill that you can use under your desk. This treadmill for low ceiling measures 49” L x 27” W x 42” H. Fold down the handle, it’s 52” L x 27” W x 5” H.
The GoPlus 2 in 1 has a steel frame with a weight capacity of 265 lbs. The running surface measures 40″ x 16″. That makes it sized just right for shorter users.
It also has a 2.25 hp motor with a top speed of 3 mph. The GoPlus operates quietly and smoothly. Also, there is a deck shock absorption system for comfort and support.
The small LED screen tracks your workout stats, which include time, calories burned, distance, and speed. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for your smart device.
There is a remote control for easy operation, and an emergency stop clip.
Besides handles that fold down, it has transport wheels that make it easy to move for storage.
- 4.5″ Deck Height
- Folding 2 In 1 Design
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- There Are Optional Short Handles That, If Users Install, Don’t Fold Down
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Here is an under-desk treadmill with no handles that folds 180 degrees. The WalkingPad Ultra Slim Treadmill for low ceilings & basements is only 2.25″ thick.
When it is unfolded, the running area measures a generous 57″ x 21.5 “. Fold it in half, and the WalkingPad Ultra Slim measures 32″ x 21.5”. That’s small enough to be stored almost anywhere. This treadmill is made of aluminum and has a weight limit of 220 lbs.
The Walking Pad has a walking mode and a jogging mode. However, unlike other treadmills in this guide, it does not have handles.
There’s both wireless remote control and a Smart Gravity foot sensor speed control. The remote controls speed, and allows you to start or stop the treadmill. It also displays your stats.
Finally, like many of the other low-profile treadmills in this guide, there’s an available fitness app.
- Space Saving, Compact Treadmill Folds In Half
- Ultra-Thin Design
- Holds Up To 220 lbs
- The Belt May Require Frequent Adjustment With The Included Allen Key
A low-profile treadmill is one with a deck height of 8″ or less. Unless you’re training in a garage, most likely you’re using a spare room or basement. Using a low-profile treadmill assumes your exercise space has a low ceiling.
The best treadmills for low ceilings will have to have the lowest possible deck height to account for the ceiling height and taller users.
Also known as step-up height, this refers to the distance between the floor and the running area. This is the most important consideration for users looking for treadmills for low ceilings. Before you buy, make sure you measure your ceiling height!
Once you have determined deck height and ceiling height, you’ll need to know the height of the tallest user. Next, add another 5″ to 8″ to allow for clearance.
Several of the treadmills in this guide have the option of incline. Some, such as our best overall, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S, have an adjustable incline up to 10%.
Other low-profile treadmills for low ceilings with adjustable incline include the Xterra Fitness TR 150.
Power incline may be one of the common features on several treadmills. However, the TR 150 has 3 manual incline settings. This means you’ll have to plan ahead and set the incline before you work out. Otherwise, you’re warming up, then jumping off to raise the incline, then jumping back on again.
Usually, the rest of the treadmill’s measurements will depend on your personal needs. If you have a generous home gym, for example, you can buy any size treadmill you want.
If, on the other hand, you have limited space, you’ll want a compact treadmill. More to the point, if your space has low ceilings, you will need a compact low-profile treadmill.
The running surface, or running deck, needs to be large enough to comfortably walk, jog or run on. There are a few factors that come into play here. First, do you plan to walk, then jog, then, finally, run? Or, are you going to only focus on walking?
Regardless, choose a low-profile treadmill for home use that has good deck shock absorption. This reduces joint impact when using the treadmill.
Next, consider stride length. The belt has to be long enough to allow the proper stride length for your chosen intensity.
Do you plan to primarily walk on your low-profile treadmill? Walking on a treadmill does not require a large running belt. The average stride when walking is shorter than the one needed for jogging or running. Here are some walking stride length guidelines based on your height.
- If you are 5′ 7″ or less, a 42″ to 52″ walking belt should be plenty.
- If you are 5′ 7″ up to 6′ 4″, choose a 52″ to 55″ belt.
- If you are 6′ 5″ up to 6′ 11″, choose a 58″ or larger belt.
Do you plan to use your treadmill for low ceilings for jogging? First, make sure you choose a treadmill with good shock absorption. Next, you will need to add a few inches to the belt size, as follows.
- If you are 5′ 7″ or less, look for a 52″ to 54″ treadmill belt
- If you are 5′ 7″ up to 6′ 4″, choose a 55″ to a 58″ belt
- If you are 6′ 5″ up to 6′ 11″, look for at least a 60″ belt
Are you considering a low-profile treadmill for running? As above, look for good shock absorption. Most decks are cushioned for joint support. Also, you will need a longer belt, as follows.
- If you are 5′ 7″ or less, look for a 54″ to a 58″ belt-inch treadmill belt
- If you are 5′ 7″ up to 6′ 4″, look for a 60″ belt
- If you are 6′ 4″ up to 6′ 11″, you’ll need a 60″ belt at least. For example, the 3G Elite Runner Treadmill has a 22″ x 62″ belt.
All of the treadmills for low ceilings in this guide feature motors that use HP, or horsepower, ratings. This rating refers to peak power. That’s short-term power, it is not continuous power. In contrast, many treadmills feature motors that are rated CHP or continuous horsepower.
Regardless of how they are rated, every motor has a speed range. Do you only plan to walk on your treadmill? Then a top speed of up to 3 mph should be plenty. Are you going to jog or run? Look for a treadmill that features a speed of up to 10 mph.
Pay attention to the hp rating of the motor also. If your treadmill has a top speed of 10 mph, it should have a motor that can handle it.
For example, our best overall, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S, has a max speed of up to 10 mph, and a 3-hp motor to achieve it.
Several of the low-profile treadmills in this guide have extensive consoles with built-in workout programs, access to fitness apps, plus speed and incline controls.
A good example of this is the NordicTrack T Series. It includes a trial iFit membership, which includes personal trainer-led workouts. It also has 10 OneTouch buttons for speed and 10 OneTouch buttons for incline.
In contrast, some of the low-profile treadmills, especially the under-desk kind, have simple LCD screens that display basic exercise info. A good example of this is the Rhythm Fun Under-Desk Folding Treadmill. This has a simple 4-window LCD display that shows your workout stats. In this case, that’s time, speed, distance, and calories.
In most cases, treadmill frames are made of steel. Usually, it’s alloy steel, which is actually the most common type of stainless steel.
A few treadmills, such as the WalkingPad Ultra Slim Folding Treadmill, are made of aluminum or some other material.
If you plan to put your folding treadmill for low ceilings to hard use, choose a steel frame. One good reason for this is that a treadmill with a steel frame will have a good warranty.
For example, our best low-profile treadmill, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S, has a 10-year warranty on its steel frame.
Even better is the Xterra Fitness TR150, which has a lifetime warranty on its steel frame.
Key factors here include weight, gender type, and workout intensity.
People who weigh more, or have more muscle, burn more calories. One reason for those with more muscle is that muscle is metabolically active. It requires calories to maintain your muscle weight.
In terms of weight, a person weighing 185 lbs will burn more calories in 20 minutes on a treadmill at 5 mph than a person weighing 125 lbs.
Men tend to burn more calories than women. The reason for this is that men, on average, have less body fat and a greater amount of muscle mass.
The intensity, or pace, you use on a treadmill directly affects how many calories you burn. For example, if you run at 8 mph, you will burn more calories than running at 5 mph. Further, if you use incline, you will burn more calories. That’s because it takes more energy to run uphill, and calories are what the body uses for energy.
Here are some examples of a 125 lb person walking and running on a treadmill. (1)
- Walking at 3.5 mph burns 120 calories in 30 minutes
- Running at 5 mph burns 240 calories in 30 minutes
- Running at 6 mph burns 300 calories in 30 minutes
- Running at 7.5 mph burns 375 calories in 30 minutes
If you weigh more, let’s say 185 lbs, expect to burn approximately 50-75 more calories. What if you weigh 220-240? Add another 50-75 calories.
Ultimately, your treadmill will track stats that should include calories used. Still, these estimates give you an idea before you buy.
There are quite a few options when it comes to home exercise equipment. No matter what your goals are, or what type of equipment you’re buying, you can find good, durable options.
First, look for a sturdy construction. If possible for your piece of equipment, look for steel construction. Steel is strong and durable. It can handle the abuse.
For example, some people set up a home gym with a lot of resistance equipment. It should be made of steel to handle the weight.
Are you into cardio and plan to spend a lot of time on a treadmill? Look for a steel frame. It will stand up to your most intense cardio sessions. As mentioned above, some treadmills for low ceilings & basements have a lifetime warranty on the frame. It doesn’t get any more durable than that.
Secondly, make sure you choose a treadmill that is easy to use and easy to access. That means it should have a low step-up height. Low-profile treadmills aren’t just for low ceilings & basements. They are also great for easy access.
Finally, match the treadmill to your goals. If you plan to run or do HIIT workouts, don’t choose a low-power, compact treadmill meant for walking.
Also, if you only plan to walk, don’t choose a large treadmill with a huge running area and a powerful motor.
Most, if not all, treadmills, low-profile or otherwise, have cushioned decks. Many use elaborate flex and shock absorption technology. All of these features are meant to ensure your joints are supported and you are comfortable.
One of the best features of a treadmill is that it will help you lose weight. See the section above if you want to know how many estimated calories you can burn on a treadmill.
The great thing about a treadmill is that you can set your own speed. As you progress, you can add speed, and if applicable, incline. You can even work up to intense HIIT workouts.
That means you can burn more calories. As long as you are working hard in the kitchen, you will lose weight.
Do you have limited ceiling space and need a treadmill with a low profile? The best place to start is with our best treadmill for low ceilings, the NordicTrack T Series 6.5S.
The 6.5S is full of features. The list includes a reasonable 7″ high deck, a free 30-day iFit membership, 10 speeds, and 10 levels of incline. With a large running area and FlexSelect Cushioning, it’s easy why the T Series is our best treadmill for low ceilings.
Would you rather get a treadmill with the best possible warranty? The Xterra TR 150 has a steel frame, a weight capacity of 250 lbs, and a large running area. Plus, the TR 150 features a lifetime warranty on its frame.
Finally, do you need an under-desk treadmill for your home office or workplace? The Rhythm Fun Treadmill is compact enough to easily use at your standing desk. Walk and work at the same time. Or, use it for jogging at home.
It should be clear that if you have a space that has a low ceiling height, you’ll find the right treadmill in this guide. Get going and get the best treadmill for low ceilings today!
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