The blue LCD console features a large, easy to use display with 6 exercise programs. You can track speed, time, distance, steps, heart rate and calories burned.

The incline feature, not always seen in treadmills of this price range, is excellent for varying difficulty and working different muscle groups. A push of a button easily adjusts the incline levels between 4, 6, 8, or 10. Another button skips directly to 3, 4, 5, or 6 miles per hour.

Other features include built-in speakers and headphone port for an iPod or MP3 player.

While this treadmill is sturdy and stable, it’s not the best choice for heavy running. The 1.5-horsepower drive motor offers speed ranges of 0.5 to 8 MPH. For models with more speed and power, browse our other treadmill reviews.

LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Product Details

• Fully assembled treadmill
• Folds compactly to store under bed or in closet
• Blue LCD console tracks time, calories, distance, steps, speed, and incline
• Quick-start speed and incline buttons; 3 speed and 3 incline programs
• 10 Incline levels
• Built-in speakers and headphone port
• Contact heart rate grips
• 30.5″ x 51.5″ x 60.5″ — Folds to 13.5″ x 59.5″
• Drive motor: 1.5-horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Speed: 0.5 to 8 miles per hour
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Lifetime on the frame, 5 years on the motor, and 1 year on parts and labor

More Info & Price Comparisons

• LifeSpan Fitness TR200 Fold-N-Stor Compact Treadmill on Amazon
• See all bestselling Folding Treadmills

There’s nothing negative to say about the older version — the Smooth 6.45 is a solid, high-quality treadmill with a good range of useful features. The 6.75 builds on this foundation with additional features and enhancements.

The improved gas-shock assist, dual stage soft-drop folding system lets you gently lower the deck into place with a foot operated lever. After a workout it can be easily tilted back into folded position and wheeled away for storage.

The 6.75 model features an enhanced, deluxe sound system that accommodates iPods, MP3 players, CD players or other audio devices. No need for tangled headphone wires when using this premium system.

Hand Rail Toggle Switches make it easy to adjust your incline and speed without touching the console or distracting from your workout.

Speed settings range from 0.5 – 12 mph and there are 15 incline levels. The 12 preset programs include 5 speed programs, 5 incline programs, 2 distance programs, plus a heart rate program

Other features include a 3.0 HP motor, a larger and improved dual color LCD display, heart rate control with wireless heart rate strap, ultra quiet, whisper weave treadbelt, transport wheels, water bottle holders and a 2-speed fan.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• The NEW Smooth 6.75 Treadmill direct from Smooth Fitness

Th InMotion II features a non-slip, low-impact 42 inch long walking/running surface that lets you set the pace, but your legs are the only motors driving the belt. This a good choice for light jogging or simple walking — still one of the most fundamentally beneficial forms of aerobic exercise.

With no motor the InMotion II saves electricity and is relatively quiet, but far from silent as manual treadmills are sometimes advertised.

The InMotion II includes a multi-function, battery-operated monitor, which tracks distance, workout time, speed, and calories burned.

Other features include two incline positions (8 and 10 degrees), foam-padded front and side rails, a sturdy, heavy-duty steel frame and skid-resistant rubber floor protectors.

The treadmill folds up for convenient storage in a closet, in a corner or under a bed.

If you’re looking for a powered folding treadmill see our reviews of the Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill and BodyCraft 1120 Folding Treadmill.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• The Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill on Amazon
• The Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill on eBay

Stamina InMotion II Manual Exercise Fitness Treadmill US $199.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Mar-14-2010 20:55:14 PDT   | Watch this Item

Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill US $159.99 Auction Ends: Monday Mar-15-2010 7:29:32 PDT   | Watch this Item

Bowflex folding treadmills are robust and reliable and you can’t go wrong with any of the three available models — the Series 3, Series 5 and Series 7.

Like the higher end models, the Series 3 is heavy, bulky and well-constructed with the look and feel of a professional club machine. The 1.75 horsepower continuous-duty motor runs at speeds of up to 10 mph.

The ample walking and running surface measures 20″ X 54″ and features Bowflex’s unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for stability, comfort and low stress on the feet, ankles, knees and hips. The deck features a 0-12% adjustable incline for a more challenging workout

The workout programs include manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, and hill intervals, monitored on a crisp four-window LED display.

This treadmill can be folded when not in use and lowered with no effort using the hydraulic power system.

This model does not include chest strap heart rate monitoring. Like many treadmills and elliptical trainers it uses pulse rate grip sensors that do not always produce accurate readings.

The easy to follow instructions and included tools make assembly relatively painless.

Also see the Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber, an innovative fitness machine that meshes the benefits of treadmills and stair stepping.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find the Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill on Amazon
  
• Compare to the Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill
• Bowflex Treadmills on eBay
  

Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 Stair Stepper Treadmill US $999.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Mar-14-2010 8:54:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

Treadmill Safety Key Nautilus and BowFlex Treadclimber US $19.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 10:51:23 PDT   | Watch this Item

For those who can’t afford a powered treadmill or are simply averse to researching the hundreds of available features, a manual model is a simple, economical solution.

The Phoenix 98516 includes a heavy, weighted flywheel and a solid 41.5-by-13.5-inch running surface. The track is set on a small incline allowing the belt to be driven by user weight and motion — the faster you tread, the faster the belt spins.

The 98516 can be used for running but is really more appropriate for walking and rehab. The frame is a bit wobbly while in use and user weight should not exceed 250 pounds.

The easy to learn low-tech display includes a single button, runs on two AA batteries and tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned.

The folding option and relatively small size make this treadmill simple to move and store. It’s also very easy to assemble.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Phoenix 98516 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill
• Comare to other Manual Treadmills on Amazon
• Phoenix Manual Treadmills on eBay

Phoenix Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill US $129.00 Auction Ends: Sunday Mar-14-2010 23:13:19 PDT   | Watch this Item

Phoenix Health & Fitness Denise Austin Manual Treadmill US $149.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 4:44:56 PDT   | Watch this Item

The machine is compact, simple to assemble and very easy to use. The twister plate can be removed to further save space in small rooms. On top of the pole sits a small, a very basic computer monitor that tracks steps and time only.

If you’re looking for a robust, sturdy piece of cardio equipment, this is not the best choice. The machine wobbles a bit as you exercise, not unexpected from something so small. But the non-slip pedals and rubber non-skid footpads help maintain balance. Both the stepper and twister provide a good range of motion and an adequate workout.

The MS-90 is marketed as a “hers” option, although there’s no reason why it can’t be used by men as well.

MS-90 Mini Stepper with Twister Plate Product Details

• Step machine for cardio/aerobic exercise and calorie burning
• Twister board trims waist and improves flexibility
• Two 2-pound and two 3-pound neoprene dumbbells
• Slip resistant pedals and rubber non-skid footpads
• Comfortable foam grip handlebars
• Basic exercise computer tracks progress

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find the MS-90 Mini Stepper with Twister Plate on Amazon
  
• See all Mini-Steppers

The Smooth Fitness 5.45 delivers health club quality performance without the shifting or shaking associated with many home models. At 75″ x 36″ x 60″ and 210 pounds this may not be the choice for apartments, condos or small homes, although the folding feature does save space when not in use.

The running deck measures an ample 20″ x 55″ and uses Whisper Weave technology, making the 5.45 as quiet as any home treadmill currently on the market. Other positives include good speed and incline and an advanced shock absorption system that markedly reduces stress on joints.

The downside? The console is less advanced than many comparably priced or even cheaper models. It includes just 6 buttons without much control or variety, although it does track the basics — speed, incline, distance, calories, time and pulse. This may not be of concern to those looking to invest in the running platform rather than the bells and whistles.

The treadmill comes nearly assembled but requires some time to attach a few small pieces and the side rails. Plan to have the help of at least one other person if planning to move it after delivery. Includes a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor and 3-year warranty on parts.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the 5.45 Folding Treadmill on Amazon
• Buy direct from Smooth Fitness
• See all folding treadmills on Amazon
• Find more folding treadmills on eBay
  

The 3.5 HP continuous duty motor attains speeds of up to 12 MPH on a generous 20″ x 60 inch “Cushion Flex” deck. The S77 is the most powerful and largest treadmill in the Sole line.

Even with the high torque engine and robust performance, operation is extremely quiet and smooth. The rack and pinion gear designed incline motor reaches a maximum of 15% quickly and quietly.

Sole has chosen to not incorporate the increasingly common folding feature in this model. Although the non-folding design adds to stability and smooth operation, if space and storage are of concern, you may want to consider one of Sole’s folding treadmills.

The three color, six window display is top notch and features an innovative message board with scrolling instructions and feedback. It also tracks speed, time, distance, calories expended, pace, pulse rate and incline.

The workout programs include 6 standard, 2 custom, and 2 heart-rate control options for cardio or fat loss. In the heart-training mode the computer automatically adjusts incline to maintain your target heart-rate zone.

Like many treadmills the fan and sound system on the S77 are less than impressive, but the speaker does include an iPod/MP3 player hook up.

Setup is surprisingly easy with the detailed, well thought out instructions. However, the package is huge and heavy (280 lbs), and you’ll need help moving it into place before assembly.

Sole S77 Treadmill 2009 Model Product Features

• 3.5 horsepower continuous duty ultra high torque motor
• Cushion Flex absorption deck with a 20- by 60-inch running surface
• Speed range from 0.5 to 12 mph
• 15% incline
• Grip pulse and wireless chest strap heart rate control
• 6 standard programs, 2 user-defined programs, and 2 heart rate programs
• LED display with 6 windows tracks speed, incline, time, distance traveled, calories, pulse, and pace
• Fans and speakers with MP3 jack
• Maximum user weight of 400 pounds
• Lifetime warranty on the motor, deck and frame, 5 years on electronics

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find the Sole S77 Treadmill (2009 Model) on Amazon
  
• Compare all Sole treadmill models
• See more Sole treadmills on eBay

The 1.25 horsepower motor is adequate for low to moderate speeds but significantly less powerful than higher-end treadmills.  The motor warranty is limited to 2 years and the frame weight capacity is just 250 lbs.

This treadmill does include many of the standard features you’d expect from any modern treadmill model. The computer programming and display panel feature the basic options. Programs include manual, intervals, rolling hills, and weight loss. The 3 window console gives feedback on speed, time, distance and resistance level.

Reader reviews commonly point to difficultly with assembly and a less than intuitive manual. Some even report missing parts. The other concern is that although the treadmill feels sturdy and durable when in use, the noise level is comparatively high. Like many home treadmills the Merit 725T will require routine maintenance.

Among the positives are AeroSoft cushioning, hand contact heart rate monitoring, and a fold-up design that eases transport and storage. It also includes an incline feature that’s limited to 10%.

This is a reasonably priced treadmill that provides a solid cardiovascular workout. For those looking for more power, features and reliability we recommend reading about these higher-end models:

• LifeSpan Fitness TRC 3000-HRC
• Sole F80

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Merit Fitness 725T Treadmill on Amazon
  
• See all Merit (Horizon) treadmills listed on eBay

The treadmill comes nearly fully assembled out of the box. With only the console to attach you’ll be up and running on the sturdy, solid frame in minutes.

Powered by a 1.75 horsepower continuous duty motor, operation is smooth and the well-padded deck includes eight kinetic energy dampers to make walking and running easy on the knees and joints.

One drawback of the programming is the lack of an option to change the base speed settings during interval programs. You’ll need to go with the pre-assigned speed values for each interval or manually change between levels. Otherwise, the choice of eight preset workout programs and one specially designed body-fat program will be sufficient for most users.

The console looks impressive with a five-window LED panel that displays speed, time, distance, incline, pulse, and calories burned.

The hand grip quick-keys are a handy feature allowing you to adjust speed and incline without touching the console.
The speed range is 0.5 to 10 miles per hour with a maximum incline of 10 percent.

The strong warranty includes 40 years on the motor, 5 years on parts, 2 years on labor and lifetime on the frame.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find this BodyCraft 1120 Folding Treadmill on Amazon
  
• See all folding treadmills available on eBay