Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Jeff
Treadmills are one the most popular choices of workout equipment at the gym or home. The benefits of having one machine that lets you walk, run, or climb while in the same place are endless. So, it comes as no surprise that you’d want one too.
However, welcoming such a machine in an indoor space can be challenging if you don’t know how large it is or have enough room for it. So, it’s essential to understand what you need and how much space you can spare. Then, get the treadmill that matches these expectations.
Therefore, if you’re interested in learning more about treadmills and their dimensions, continue reading.
How to Choose the Right Dimensions
Grab Your Measuring Tape
If you’re planning on getting a treadmill, then you already have a place in mind to keep it in. First, measure the empty area designated for the treadmill to see if it’ll fit. Keep in mind that the average treadmill ranges from 60″ to 80″ in length, 28″ to 36″ in width, and 55″ to 60″ in height.
Second, visualize how much extra space will surround the treadmill from all sides. A treadmill with enough distance from all directions is safer to use than one that’s crammed in places where it doesn’t belong. Putting treadmills in crowded areas is a recipe for disaster.
According to the American Council on Exercise or ACE, you need around a total of 30 square feet to ensure that any treadmill stands comfortably.
Check Your Own Needs
While the dimensions of the space you have are essential, so are yours. How tall you are and the length of your stride are two factors that should play a role in your choice.
Simply put, the taller you are, especially if you’re over 6 feet, the longer and wider the conveyor belt should be to accommodate your strides comfortably and safely. However, if you’re aren’t that tall, compact treadmills with shorter and narrower belts won’t be problematic.
Ensure that your height and the ceiling height aren’t that close so that you don’t have to worry about accidentally hitting your head.
Consider the Different Types
Since we’re talking about dimensions, it’s crucial to understand how much the treadmill type affects the space it occupies. For example, some treadmills aren’t built to be folded or stored away, which means that they naturally take up more space than ones that do.
1. Traditional
Traditional treadmills are those that are always open. They provide more stability, thanks to their solid construction. In addition, their sturdiness enables them to handle more weight. In short, non-folding treadmills are good at everything except saving space unless you pick a small model.
They’re also typically more expensive, although there are many affordable options. You can check out the best rated treadmill at different price points to find the best choice for your budget.
2. Folding
Folding treadmills are those whose decks you can fold upward to save floor space. Most treadmills targeting personal or in-home use, as opposed to commercial use, are foldable so that you can maximize your floor space.
Check out our nordictrack c700 treadmill reviews, weslo crosswalk 5.2t treadmill, and nordictrack c990 treadmill reviews for good-quality folding treadmills.
Folding treadmills are also convenient because they’re easier to clean and maintain. Not to mention, their relatively low costs make them appealing to anyone on a budget.
However, you have to keep in mind that these treadmills have their limitations regarding specs, power, and weight capacity. Also, when folded, folding treadmills become taller, which is something to consider if your ceiling height is low.
Will You Walk, Run, or Both? 
The type of activity you’ll use the treadmill in directly impacts how tall and wide the treadmill needs to be. Walkers can settle for almost any treadmill because their strides are typically short and there isn’t much movement involved.
Joggers and runners need more room because they’re moving their arms and legs more openly. So, you might consider getting the treadmill hiit workout for sprints. Otherwise, if you want to walk and run, get a larger treadmill.
Setting up the Area
Clear the Front
Any motorized treadmill needs ventilation at the front for the motor to run efficiently. To prevent the treadmill from overheating, keep at least 25″ empty in front of the machine.
Clear the Sides
The freedom to get on and off the treadmill from any direction is convenient. Also, the belt needs some space from both sides to run smoothly. So, keep around 25″ empty from both sides.
Empty the Area Behind the Treadmill 
We’ve all seen videos of horrible treadmill accidents because of the machines being crammed from behind. To avoid that, keep 72″ to 95″ behind the treadmill empty.
Ensure Sufficient Vertical Space
While there’s a lot to do if you don’t have enough floor space, such as getting a folding treadmill, lack of sufficient vertical space is problematic. So, make sure that there’s a vertical space of 96″ to 110″ above the treadmill.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the dimensions of the treadmill are critical. You have to consider the room’s measurement, your height and stride, and how well the treadmill you have in mind matches these factors.
Also, the type of treadmill you have affects how much space it occupies. So, a folding one saves more space than its non-folding counterpart. Finally, you need to make room around the machine for safety and ventilation.