Considering buying a compact treadmill? It used to be that you had to do a lot of research to compare treadmill specs to find one that was built smaller and more compact than others.

However it\’s getting easier these days to find treadmills that are specifically designed to be smaller and take up less space. For example there are several treadmills on the market now that are specifically marketed as compact units.

What\’s the difference between these treadmills and standard residential treadmills? Compact home treadmills are smaller and more lightweight than traditional treadmills.

They are still motorized but tend to have smaller belts, lighter decks and much simpler construction and workout options. Because they\’re lightweight, they\’re easier to move around and can even store away in a closet or under a bed.

There are many reasons to buy a compact treadmill. Maybe you have a small workout area. Or you want to be able to use the treadmill and then store it away quickly in case company comes. Maybe you live in a condo or apartment and don\’t have the room for a big, bulky machine.

No matter what your reasons are, there are a few things you should know before you decide to buy a compact, small treadmill. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to buying this type of treadmill.

Advantages:

#1) More Affordable

Because they are simpler and smaller, these treadmills don\’t usually cost as much as standard residential units. They start around $599 – $799 instead of $1000+ that you would normally pay.

#2) Easier to Move

These lightweight treadmills are much easier to move around. So you can store it away when company comes. Also, you can pack up your treadmill with you if you\’re going away to school or to the cottage for a few months.

#3) Best Choice for Upstairs Bedrooms

If you want a treadmill for an upstairs bedroom, some people are concerned about putting a 300 lb commercial grade machine in their bedroom. They\’d prefer a more lightweight model that they can also move around if they need to.

#4) Easier To Assemble

Putting together a regular home treadmill can be time consuming and even frustrating. Most compact treadmills come fully assembled in the box – or close to it. So there\’s not a lot of work involved. You just unpack and go.

So those are some advantages. There are also some disadvantages to be aware of:

Disadvantages

#1) Lack of Cushioning

These smaller units don\’t have much in the way of shocks or cushioning. The decks don\’t tend to have a lot of give to them. So they\’re probably not the best choice for running.

#2) Not As Many Workout Options

If you\’re lucky you might get a few workout programs thrown in and maybe even a heart rate monitor. But for the most part, compact home treadmills don\’t have a lot in terms of options or bells or whistles. If you want the latest technology for your treadmill – fitness tracking tools, iPod docks, specialized workouts – you may want to go for a standard residential model instead.

#3) Lightweight

Just as this can be an advantage, it\’s also a disadvantage. These treadmills are very lightweight and you definitely feel the difference when you try them. While they are still solid – they definitely don\’t feel like a health club treadmill when you walk on them.

These things may or may not matter to you – but it is something to be aware of before you buy.

Regardless of what you choose to do, remember to take your time, do your research and choose a treadmill you feel comfortable with. There are a lot of great machines out there – you\’re sure to find something you love!

Author Bio: For a list of the latest compact home treadmills from $599 and up visit Compact Treadmill Review. Or visit Home Treadmill Reviews to research and review various treadmills by brand and product ratings.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: compact treadmill,small treadmill,treadmills,buy