In a country where the weather can change faster than a London train timetable, having a dependable way to stay active indoors is no longer a nice to have, it’s a practical necessity. One minute it’s bright and dry, the next it’s raining sideways, making outdoor workouts easy to postpone. At the same time, stepping into a fitness shop or scrolling through online listings can feel overwhelming, with countless machines all claiming to be the best fit.
In this guide, we break down the Different Types of Treadmills and How to Choose the Right One, so you can invest in a treadmill that genuinely supports your fitness goals, suits your home, and doesn’t end up dominating your living room or spare bedroom.
Why Choosing the Right Treadmill Matters
Buying a treadmill isn’t just about adding another piece of fitness equipment to your home; it’s a decision that shapes how likely you are to stick with an active routine long term. Choose a model that’s too large for your flat or too limited for your training ambitions, and there’s a good chance it will end up gathering dust or serving as an overpriced clothes rack. The right treadmill strikes a balance between performance, space efficiency, and useful features, so it fits naturally into your daily life, whether that means a steady walk on a wet Manchester afternoon or a quick sprint session before heading out the door for work.
The Main Types of Treadmills Explained
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the different treadmill categories available today, as each is designed for a specific type of user and living situation. Choosing the right style from the outset can save you money, space, and frustration later on.
1. Folding Treadmills
The most common option for UK households, folding treadmills are designed with space-saving in mind. The running deck lifts or folds away when not in use, making them ideal for spare rooms or shared living areas. Thanks to modern engineering, today’s folding models are far sturdier than older versions and can comfortably handle regular walking and running sessions.
2. Fixed Frame Commercial Treadmills
These are the heavy duty machines typically found in gyms and local leisure centres. Built for constant use, they offer exceptional stability, powerful motors, and long running decks. The downside is size, they don’t fold and require a dedicated workout space, which makes them impractical for most flats or smaller homes.
3. Under Desk Treadmills
With remote and hybrid work becoming standard in cities like London, Leeds, and Birmingham, under desk treadmills, often called walking pads, have grown rapidly in popularity. These compact, low profile machines are designed for slow walking while working, helping reduce the health risks associated with sitting at a desk all day.
4. Manual and Curved Treadmills
Unlike motorised treadmills, manual and curved models rely entirely on your own movement to power the belt. They’re particularly popular for HIIT training, sprint work, and improving running form. While highly effective, they require more effort to use and typically come with a higher price point and a steeper learning curve.
How to Choose the Right Treadmill for You
Understanding the different models is only part of the decision. To choose the right option from all different types of treadmills, you need to match the machine to your lifestyle, space, and long-term fitness plans. These four factors will help narrow things down quickly and realistically.
1. Start with Your Fitness Goals
Be honest about how you plan to use the treadmill. Are you training for the London Marathon, building endurance for weekend runs, or simply aiming to reach 10,000 steps a day while staying indoors? Runners should look for a higher top speed (at least 12 km/h), a longer running deck, and solid shock absorption. Walkers, on the other hand, can prioritise portability, stability, and quieter motors for daily use.
2. Think About Where It Will Go
Space is often the deciding factor in UK homes. Measure your available area carefully, including ceiling height if incline is involved. If you live in a flat or a terraced house, a low profile treadmill that slides under a sofa or folds upright into a cupboard will make day to day living far easier.
3. Decide What Features You’ll Actually Use
Modern treadmills can come loaded with tech, but more isn’t always better. Ask yourself whether you’ll genuinely use a large touchscreen and built-in programmes, or if a simple LED display that connects to your phone is enough. If you usually watch BBC iPlayer or YouTube during workouts, paying extra for integrated screens may be unnecessary.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
Treadmill prices range from around £200 to well over £3,000. For most home users, the best value sits firmly in the mid range. Spending a little more typically gets you a quieter brushless motor, better build quality, and improved longevity, features that make daily use far more enjoyable over time.
Our Top Recommendations
To simplify your decision, we’ve selected the best folding treadmills suited to real UK living conditions, whether that’s a compact city flat, a spare bedroom turned home office, or a busy family space where flexibility matters.
1. The "Work-From-Home" Multi-Tasker: WalkingPad C2
If your aim is to stay lightly active during Zoom calls without breaking concentration, the WalkingPad C2 fits seamlessly into a home office setup. Unlike bulky gym style treadmills, it has a clean, understated look and comes in neutral colours that don’t dominate your room.
Its patented 180 degree folding design allows it to slide neatly under a sofa or bed in seconds. For anyone using a standing desk, this makes it easy to switch between sitting and walking, helping you stay alert through the afternoon lull without disrupting your workflow.
2. The "Hybrid" Runner: WalkingPad R2
For households that want one machine to do it all, the WalkingPad R2 strikes an excellent balance. It works as a low speed walking pad during the workday, then converts into a running treadmill once the handrail is raised. The reinforced frame adds confidence and stability when pushing the pace.
With a top speed of 10 km/h, it’s well suited to steady jogs or evening walks after dinner. A built-in device holder lets you watch BBC dramas, training videos, or podcasts while you exercise, making longer sessions feel effortless.
3. The "Serious" Space-Saver: WalkingPad X21
If floor space is limited but you still want near commercial performance, the WalkingPad X21 stands in a league of its own. It is the world’s first treadmill with true Double Fold technology, allowing both the belt and the frame to fold so the unit can stand upright at a full 90 degree angle.
When stored, it occupies less space than a medium suitcase, making it an ideal solution for London flats or compact spare rooms. Tech focused users will also appreciate the digital control knob built into the handrail and the NFC pairing, which lets your phone connect instantly for live speed, distance, and workout tracking.
4. The Budget-Conscious Beginner: WalkingPad A1 Pro
The WalkingPad A1 Pro is an award winning introduction to home fitness, delivering a surprisingly premium experience at a more approachable price. One of its biggest advantages is how quiet it runs, which makes a real difference if you live in a terraced house or a flat and need to be mindful of neighbours, especially during early mornings or evenings.
It also includes Automatic Speed Control technology, where built-in sensors respond to your foot position rather than buttons or remotes. Step slightly forward to increase the pace, or drift back to slow down. The result is a hands free, intuitive walking experience that feels natural from day one, particularly for beginners easing into regular indoor exercise.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right balance between performance and footprint is what makes home fitness sustainable in the long run. By understanding the different types of treadmills and how they fit into everyday UK living spaces, you can turn even a modest spare room or living area into a practical personal wellness hub, no matter what the British weather decides to do outside. Whether you’re squeezing in a walk before the school run or unwinding after a long day at work, the right treadmill removes excuses and builds consistency. Choose wisely, and your treadmill won’t gather dust, it will quietly become part of your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I run on a walking pad?
It depends on the model. Dedicated walking pads are typically capped at around 6 km/h. Hybrid options, such as the WalkingPad R2, support higher speeds of roughly 10-12 km/h, which is suitable for steady jogging rather than sprinting.
2. How do I know if a treadmill is stable enough?
Check the machine’s net weight and frame construction. Models built with aluminium alloy frames tend to feel more solid underfoot. A higher user weight rating also usually signals better long term durability.
3. How noisy are treadmills, and how can I reduce noise?
Most modern treadmills with brushless motors operate below about 65 dB. In a flat, you can reduce vibration and noise further by using a rubber mat and keeping the belt properly lubricated.
4. Are “commercial-style” treadmills worth it for home?
They deliver excellent durability and stability, but they also demand a large, permanent footprint. For most homes, especially flats or shared spaces, a folding treadmill is a more practical choice, offering strong performance while keeping your living area flexible and clutter free.
5. What should I look for in a treadmill warranty?
A solid warranty should clearly cover the motor, frame, and electronic components, as these are the most expensive parts to repair. It’s also wise to choose a brand with a UK based service network, so parts, repairs, and customer support are easy to access without long delays.
More Reading: Are Walking Pads Worth It?
