The average Canadian may not have space in their homes or apartments for a full-size treadmill. If you don’t have a lot of space but want to improve your fitness, a folding treadmill may provide a unique solution. These treadmills fold up and away when you aren’t using them, making it easy to continue using your space after your workout is finished.
We evaluated the best foldable treadmills in Canada using our own test lab results and tester feedback. When choosing these foldable treadmills, we looked at unique features, as well as speed, unfolded dimensions, and running deck size.
Best Folding Treadmills for Canadians
- Best Overall: NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill
- Best Device Compatibility: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
- Best Under Desk Treadmill: GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
- Best Running Deck: XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
- Best 2 in 1: Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Why Did We Choose These Folding Treadmills in Canada?
As we began reviewing the best foldable treadmills in Canada, they started to stand out in their own unique categories. Ultimately, the ways they stood out became the reasons that we put these treadmills on the list. Here is why we chose each of the treadmills on our list.
First off, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill is the best foldable treadmill in Canada overall. This option includes a large 10” touchscreen, a larger deck, and more speed than some of the other options we looked at.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill features multiple points of device integration, from Bluetooth phone calls to device holders and media ports.
If you want a treadmill that offers comprehensive walking and running features as well as easy storage, the GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill has your back. This treadmill features collapsible handlebars that transform the full-sized treadmill into an under-desk option, a walking pad, or an easy-to-store option.
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill has the best running deck of all the options we chose. This is especially true if you have shorter strides.
The Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill, on the other hand, is the best 2-in-1 option we found. This folding treadmill features removable handlebars, turning the treadmill into a great jogging option.
Best Overall
NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill
Features:
- Max Speed: 16kph (10mph)
- Running Deck: 50cm x 127cm
- Max Incline: 10%
- Unfolded Dimensions: 171.45cm x 91.44cm x 185.42cm
- Console: 10" HD Touchscreen
It's Great For:
- Canadians with joint problems
- Those who prefer to follow exercise programs
- Users who want to easily lift and lower the treadmill
- Those with larger spaces to set up the treadmill
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill is the best folding treadmill in Canada overall. As a company, NordicTrack has a great track record for exercise equipment, like some of the largest companies on the Canadian market. Its reputation is well-earned, and this treadmill is a shining example of why. It features a large HD touchscreen, a massive maximum speed setting, and a large enough running deck for users of most heights.
This treadmill’s console is a 10” HD touchscreen, with on-demand streaming of the entire library of iFit workouts. You can track all your stats through the app, so you can compare your progress over time. When you use iFIT’s personal training program, your trainers will be able to connect with your machine, adjusting your incline and speed to keep your workouts productive.
The running deck is about 20” by 50”, which is large enough for most users to job or run. This treadmill has one of the largest running decks on our list, so those who usually struggle to run on a smaller folding treadmill will appreciate this one. A weight capacity of 300 pounds (136kg) makes it ideal for a larger range of users as well.
When you’re finished working out, you can easily fold the treadmill up against the wall using the Easy Lift system. Despite how heavy the treadmill is, it’s simple to lift and fold for those who won’t be able to lift the full weight of the running deck. While this treadmill is large when it’s unfolded, it folds up small to store right against a wall.
Further, it’s one of the best options we found for those who have joint issues. The FlexSelect cushioning system softens impact, reducing stress on all your joints. If you often find your knees or ankles ache after a run on the treadmill, you should choose one with a dampening feature like the T 6.5 Si Treadmill.
The Highlights
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill has a heavy-duty design, which makes it perfect for higher-impact activities like running and jogging. The 10” HD Touchscreen features compatibility with major fitness applications, including iFIT (which is available with a subscription). You can incline this treadmill up to 10% for a more challenging workout. Even the tallest users will be able to run on this extra-large running deck, too.
- Heavy-duty design for running and jogging
- 10” HD Touchscreen with iFIT compatibility
- 10% incline control for more intense workouts
- Large running deck for users of most heights
From the Test Lab
“It’s no surprise that this NordicTrack folding treadmill is one of the best. It was universally praised by our team of testers.”
Best Device Compatibility
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill
Features:
- Max Speed: 12kph (7.5mph)
- Running Deck: 42cm x 125cm
- Max Incline: 12%
- Unfolded Dimensions: 163.8cm x 71.12cm x 128.27cm
- Console: Backlit digital LCD monitor
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want 12 adjustable incline levels
- Users who need to monitor heart rate while working out
- Those who need a well-cushioned surface
- Users who want their devices close at hand while working out
If you want a foldable treadmill that is compatible with all the devices you want to keep close at hand, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill is the best option for you. This treadmill features multiple panels and features to help you work with your devices. A device holder makes it easy to display your tablet or phone as you work out, meaning you can stream fitness programs, shows, and movies at your leisure. There’s also a media port, built-in speakers for your music, and phone connectivity.
The Bluetooth system allows you to take phone calls as long as your phone is synced correctly. You can take calls with the buttons on the panel, and the calls will connect to the onboard speakers and microphone. You won’t have to stop running to answer that important call you’ve been waiting for.
The digital monitor tracks a host of different metrics, including calories burned, distance, speed, and time. You can also track your pulse or heart rate using the pulse sensor belt. This belt can be worn around your chest, so you don’t have to hold onto the handlebars when you’re running or jogging. It helps you maintain a more natural gait and tracks your heart rate in real-time.
There are 12 different workout programs available on the digital monitor, so you can test yourself or take it easy. The maximum incline is about 12%, so you can get your uphill jogging out of the way if you like. If you enjoy the feel of running outside, this treadmill can help you achieve the same feeling. Worried about it getting away from you? The emergency stop clip can immediately stop the treadmill when pulled, so you can safely hit the higher speeds on this treadmill.
The Highlights
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill includes a device holder, media port, built-in speakers, and a phone connectivity panel to help integrate all your devices. There are a full 12 workout programs available to select on the digital monitor, which helps track your progress over time. There are pulse sensors on a handy pulse belt to keep your heart rate in mind without holding onto the handlebars. Finally, the deck is shock-absorbing, making running more comfortable for those who have joint problems.
- Device holder, media port, built-in speakers, and phone connectivity for full device integration
- 12 workout programs available on the digital monitor
- Pulse sensors for simple heart rate tracking
- Deck absorbs shock and makes running more comfortable, especially for those with joint issues
From the Test Lab
“This treadmill has more device compatibility features than any other we’ve seen. It’s great for those who need their phone or table with them.”
Best Under Desk Treadmill
GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
If you don’t can’t get your steps in because of your busy work life, it might be time to check out the GYMAX 2-in-1 Under Desk Treadmill. This option easily transforms from a walking pad or under-desk treadmill to a full-sized option. When you raise the handlebars, you unlock new options for the treadmill, including increased speed settings.
While the handlebars are down, you can expect to walk about 2.5mph (or 4kph). The walking pad is easy to slide under your standing desk, allowing you to get your steps in while you answer emails or take calls. The whisper-quiet operation won’t disturb others in your home or office. When it’s time to get serious at home, you can raise the handlebars to unlock a new high speed.
With the handlebars raised, the walking pad becomes a running deck. You can get up to 7.5mph (12kph) at this point, with a long enough tread that all but the tallest Canadians can run safely. This treadmill has a maximum weight allowance of 265 lbs.
The tablet shelf and touch-screen LED screen work together to provide all the metrics you need. You can connect this treadmill to your phone or other devices via Bluetooth, which is extremely helpful when you want to track improvements over time.
The Highlights
The GYMAX 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill gives you the flexibility to walk or run, depending on whether you have the handlebars up or not. The maximum running speed when the handlebars are raised is 7.5 mph (or 4 kph), which allows for decent cardio. The belt is non-slip so you can feel safe walking or running. When it’s time to put it away, you’ll love the lightweight design (especially when compared to other treadmills on the Canadian market).
- 2 in 1 treadmill allows you to walk or run
- A maximum running speed of up to 7.5mph (12kph) when the handlebars are raised
- Non-slip running belt for better safety
- Lightweight when compared to other options
From the Test Lab
“It’s easy to fit this folding treadmill into your busy life, regardless of how larger your space is. The dual walking and running features were great for our household.”
Best Running Deck
XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill
Features:
- Max Speed: 16kph (10 mph)
- Running Deck: 40.6cm x 127cm
- Max Incline: 3 manual options
- Unfolded Dimensions: 161.04cm x 73.03cm x 130.56cm
- Console: 5" LCD display
It's Great For:
- Users with longer strides
- Canadians who want direct access to preset speeds
- Those who want to manually adjust incline
- Users who want to run up to 16kph
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill has the best running surface on our list. The longer deck makes it great for those who want to jog or those with a smaller stride. The deck is cushioned, meaning that multiple soft points absorb impact. As a result, the treadmill is a lot more comfortable to use, especially for those who suffer from joint issues.
The deck is fast, too. It can increase speed to up to 16kph, or 10phm. This means that the most advanced fitness users can find an option that works well for them. All of the options are available via a backlit LCD screen, which tracks pulse, calories, time, speed, and distance There are 10 different speed options, so those who like to increase slowly into a run aren’t becoming frustrated with the system.
This treadmill features a manually adjustable incline, with three options you can choose before starting your workout. This allows you to lock into an incline level for the entire workout. Incline cannot be controlled via the console, but nearly everything else can. Ensure that you keep your hands over the pulse grips if you want to get your heart rate in real-time.
If you like following preset and programmed workout footage, this treadmill is the one for you. There are 12 different programs to follow along, so you’ll always have something to do. A hydraulic system makes it easy to fold and position wherever you need it without straining to lift the heavy deck. Finally, two very convenient holder locations on the console allow you to store your devices. It even provides a tablet holder so you can check out your favorite media while you exercise.
The Highlights
The large running surface on the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill makes it ideal for users of various heights, and those with a variety of stride lengths. Taller Canadians will be able to run on this treadmill. The 5” LCD display tracks speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse with the pulse sensors on the handlebars. There are 12 preset running programs for a simple, premade workout. There are also 3 manual incline levels so you can increase the intensity of your workout. The cushioned running deck absorbs a lot of impacts, making it more comfortable on your joints overall.
- Large running surface for users of various heights and stride lengths
- 5” LCD displays speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse metrics
- 12 preset running programs and 3 manual inclines for every workout
- Cushioned deck absorbs most of the impact for your run
From the Test Lab
“This was the best treadmill we found for our taller testers. The running deck was long enough for all of our testers to run or jog.”
Best 2 in 1
Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
Features:
- Max Speed: 12kph (running), 4kph (walking)
- Running Deck: 40.6cm x 101.6cm
- Max Incline: None
- Unfolded Dimensions: 124.46cm x 68.58cm x 106.68cm
- Console: Small LED screen
It's Great For:
- Canadians who work at standing desks all day
- Those who want to experience both walking and running on a treadmill
- Shorter, smaller users
- Users who need a quieter machine
The Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill is unique on our list. Instead of being a standard foldable treadmill, this option converts from a running treadmill (with handlebars) to a walking model (with no handlebars). The second option here is usually used for under your desk while you’re working, provided you have a standing desk. The speed varies for each part of the treadmill, but together they create a powerful workout machine that fulfills the roles of two different options.
When the treadmill is in running mode (when the handlebars are raised), it can go up to 12kph. However, when the handlebars are removed, it can only reach about 4kph. This is for safety, as jogging on a treadmill with no handlebars can lead to an injury.
No matter how you choose to use this treadmill, you’ll find that it’s simple to operate. The console is a small LED screen at the top of the treadmill deck. You can control the speed of your treadmill using the included remote control. If things go south, you can pull the safety key and ensure that the treadmill comes to a complete stop.
When you’re ready to put it away, you can tilt it up onto the transport wheels. This makes it extremely easy for one person to move if need be. Connect your device via Bluetooth to listen to your favorites out loud while you work out. The belt is a completely non-slip surface, with multiple layers of cushioning to keep your feet and joints comfortable as you walk.
This foldable treadmill is one of the best convertible treadmills we’ve seen. It offers great quality and a lot of power for the price, especially if you want to try an under-desk treadmill to begin with.
The Highlights
The Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill easily converts between a running treadmill (with handlebars extended) to a walking treadmill with no bars. It’s two devices in one, making it a great investment for your home gym. This treadmill has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can play music through speakers throughout the house. It’s simple to operate this treadmill, though you do need to remove it since the console is on the floor. Overall, though, this treadmill is extremely lightweight and simple to store when we aren’t using it.
- Converts between running mode (with handlebars) and walking mode (no bars)
- Bluetooth connectivity for speakers and metrics
- Easy to operate with a remote instead of the console
- Simple to store and lightweight to move
From the Test Lab
“This treadmill was great! It took care of two of my needs without having to purchase additional equipment.”
Why Trust Us?
Over the last several years, we’ve reviewed countless home, health, and fitness products. We’ve spent time doing our own research, testing each product in our test lab, and sending each product into the hands of our testing group. Our experience has made it easy to determine which home products are worth purchasing, as well as which you should skip.
As we reviewed the best folding treadmills in Canada, we evaluated each product based on the following performance areas.
- Speed. How fast can the treadmill go? A good spread of speeds is ideal for both casual and fitness-driven Canadians, so we tried to include a range.
- Size. You likely want a folding treadmill to save space. We’ve measured each of the products we test, hoping to bring you the correct expectations when you order.
- Incline. Incline can be either manual or electric, but we’ve tried to include a host of foldable treadmills that allow for incline adjustment.
- Display. In most treadmills, the display keeps you up to date on metrics, but it also allows you to change the setting. We included a lot of display options on our list.
Why Choose a Folding Treadmill in Canada?
The main reason you should choose a folding treadmill in Canada is for space. Foldable treadmills can save you space, particularly if you have limited room in your home or apartment. The ability to fold the treadmill up against the wall or store it under the bed can help a lot. If you find yourself hesitating to purchase a treadmill because you don’t know where you’ll put it, a folding treadmill might be the right option for you.
The best folding treadmills in Canada have wheels on the bottom, too. This means that you can fold them, but you can also move them around once they are folded. If you want to move the treadmill from one room to another for use or storage, choose one with wheels on the bottom to make it easier.
If you worry about cleaning under a heavy treadmill, that’s another area where a folding treadmill can benefit you. They are generally lighter, but the ability to fold the deck up makes it simple to clean underneath.
A folding treadmill can help you reach your fitness goals, no matter how much space you have in your home. No matter how small your home or apartment is, a folding treadmill makes it easy to get your steps in at home.
How to Choose a Folding Treadmill for Canadians
A folding treadmill can be a great investment for your home, but how do you know which one to choose? With so many different features (and quality levels), it can be difficult to choose. The following considerations, features, and factors can give you a solid foundation as you shop for the best folding treadmills in Canada.
Consider Your Fitness Goals
Before you can start looking for the best foldable treadmill in Canada, you need to consider how you’ll use it. Consider your fitness starting point and your goals. Where do you want to be? How can you use a foldable treadmill to reach your goals?
Are you looking to burn calories and improve your heart health? Or do you just want to stretch your muscles a few times a week? The intention is everything, especially when it comes to exercise equipment.
Once you have an idea of how you want to use the treadmill, it will be easier to choose an option that works for you. Look for features like the ones we’ll mention below to determine which type of treadmill will work best for your lifestyle. Consider the options here, and you’ll be able to make a decision that best supports you.
Treadmill Size
Since you are probably purchasing a foldable treadmill because you need to save space in your home, the size of the treadmill is extremely important. There are two main size options you should consider when purchasing one of the best foldable treadmills in Canada.
Running Deck Size
The size of the running deck can determine what your treadmill can be used for. Longer decks are best for running, while you should walk on shorter decks. Running on a deck that isn’t long enough for your stride can be dangerous. You should choose a treadmill with a deck size that makes it possible to do the type of exercise you need.
Here is a quick guide to tell you which running deck size (or treadmill belt size) you need for your favourite activity.
- Walking: Minimum of 51cm (20”) wide, 127cm (50”) long
- Running: Minimum of 56cm (22”) wide, 139.7cm (55”) long
- Tall Runners (over 6′ tall): Minimum 56cm (22”) wide, 152cm (60”) long
To ensure that you don’t get injured while using your treadmill, make sure to stick to these guidelines. If you are a taller Canadian, you should consider purchasing a treadmill with an extra-long deck.
Unfolded Size
The unfolded size of the treadmill can determine where you can put it in your home or apartment. You want to choose a treadmill that does what you need it to do, but make sure that you have enough room to work out when the treadmill is unfolded. This is an easy thing to overlook, especially when considering the size of the deck. Make sure to check the unfolded size of the foldable treadmill before you decide to purchase it.
The main reason you would choose a folding treadmill is for the smaller size or convenient storage.
Speeds
How many speeds does the treadmill have? If you want to slowly ramp up your fitness, the number of speeds might not matter to you. However, if you are already at a great fitness level and want a challenge, you might want a treadmill that features many different speeds. A larger number of speeds is important for progressive fitness.
However, the number of speeds isn’t as important as the top speed, especially if you want to run or jog on your treadmill. For running and jogging, you need a treadmill with a higher maximum speed. If you want a treadmill you can jog on, choose an option that goes up to about 12kph, or 7.5mph. If you want to run, choose a treadmill with higher-speed options. Keep in mind that the size of the deck can determine if you should run on the treadmill or if it’s best for walking and light jogging.
Display and Metrics
The display, or console, is one of the most important parts of a treadmill. A display allows you to choose settings and change options like speed or incline. The display also tracks your metrics. Metrics like heart rate, speed, incline, distance, steps, calories burned, and more can help you track your fitness goals. If you track these metrics over time, you can determine how you are improving and identify areas where you still need to improve.
No matter what metrics appear on the display, the type of display on your treadmill matters. Some treadmills only have a small LCD screen, which showcases a few important metrics and not much else. On the other end of the spectrum are treadmills with full touchscreen displays with graphs, multiple metrics, and options you can swap to track exactly the type of progress you want to see.
Treadmills with larger HD displays will be more expensive. If you want to use your own devices for a display, look for a treadmill that features device integration with different apps and options.
Incline
The incline is one of the ways you can increase the intensity of your workout. The incline settings on your treadmill tilt the deck upwards, mimicking the feel of walking uphill. Some treadmills have incline options built into the control panel, allowing you to increase the incline without stopping the treadmill. These are best if you want to vary the difficulty of your workout on an individual basis.
Most often, foldable treadmills will include manual incline options. To change the incline, you must stop the treadmill and manually change the level with a mechanism on the bottom of the treadmill. It might be a hassle, but it’s built specifically for those who don’t want to change the incline during their workout.
The type of workout you want to do can determine what type of incline you want to use, or if you want to use them at all. The incline is measured in degrees. The high the degree of incline, the more difficult your walk or jog will become. A good maximum incline is around 20%.
Hydraulic Folding Mechanisms
Treadmills are heavy, and the heaviest part of the treadmill is the deck. Foldable treadmills require you to lift the deck to fold it flat, which can pose a problem. That’s why some foldable treadmills use hydraulic folding mechanisms to make them easier to fold. Hydraulic options help take some of the weight of the deck, making it simple to lift without exerting much force at all.
Of course, some foldable treadmills have better folding mechanisms than others. If you know that you won’t be able to lift the deck, consider treadmills that specifically use hydraulic options to make it easier. Some treadmills may have special ‘easy raise’ or ‘soft lower’ systems to make it easier, so look for foldable treadmills that have these types of assistance options.
Presets and Programs
If you go to the gym to use a treadmill, you might find yourself trying some of the presets and programs that are integrated into the treadmill. These tracks increase speed, resistance, and incline to maximize your workout. If you enjoy this type of workout, you should choose a treadmill that includes presets, programs, and other routines so you can target your workouts.
Some treadmills use subscription-based fitness apps to deliver programs and preset, while others have them built right into the treadmill. The type you should choose depends on which option works best for you. If you’re already using a fitness app that is compatible with your treadmill, you can use it to access programs through the app integration.
If you aren’t using a fitness app (or want a simpler, streamlined experience), choose a treadmill that comes with a variety of presets. Between 8 to 12 presets will give you plenty of variety to choose from and work towards during your exercise sessions.
Device and Program Integration
Most Canadians use devices while working out. Those who are serious about their fitness goals may have subscription fitness services, such as iFit, Peloton, and JRNY. These services offer training, preset programs, customized tracks, and metric tracking over time.
Some treadmills allow for flawless integration with apps. Standard treadmills sometimes come with their own touchscreen displays you can use with your streaming services, fitness apps, and more. However, foldable treadmills use Bluetooth integration with your devices more often. This means that you can track your stats and load up programs on your phone or tablet.
You must make sure that you have the right applications and subscriptions for the treadmill you choose. If you don’t want to use a fitness program, you can also choose treadmills with device compatibility systems. These treadmills have device holders and may have media ports or built-in speakers so you can use your devices without the additional fitness apps.
Pulse Monitoring
Pulse monitoring isn’t rare when it comes to foldable treadmills. That doesn’t mean that every treadmill monitors your pulse in the best way, or in real time. Most have you hold your palms to the pulse sensors on the handlebars. If you’re trying to run or jog, this can be extremely inconvenient.
If you plan on jogging a lot, or if you don’t want to hold onto the pulse monitor points constantly, investigate a treadmill that uses other pulse monitoring features. Some might include a chest belt or armband that tracks your pulse. Others might integrate with fitness watches and other devices you may already own.
Pulse monitoring is important for working out. You need to know when you hit your peak heart rate, which is when your workout is most effective. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult to track your heart rate. You should choose the pulse monitoring method that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foldable treadmills sturdy in Canada?
For the most part, foldable treadmills are sturdy. However, they can have lower weight limits than treadmills that don’t fold. To avoid your treadmill breaking down, always choose one with a higher weight limit than your current weight.
Are treadmills bad for your knees?
Treadmills can irritate existing joint conditions, especially in your knees. However, some treadmills come with a cushioned or shock-absorbing deck for this reason. If your knees bother you after walking a lot, choose a treadmill that has a cushioned deck for comfort.
Is a treadmill good for your heart?
Walking on a treadmill is a great cardio exercise, which can help keep your heart healthy when you exercise regularly.