How Much Space Does a Treadmill Take Up?

Space can be a huge criteria when buying a treadmill. Whether you have a small apartment, are space constrained in a bedroom, or if you simply don’t want the treadmill to take up too much space, the trend of the last 10 years has left you with fewer choices. Like many other consumer products, treadmills have conformed to the idea that “bigger is better!” Quality of a treadmill is not determined by the size of the machine but rather by the quality of the engineering, design, and ultimately, the quality of the parts.

So when planning for your treadmill, one of the great inventions of the last 25 years was the folding mechanism by Icon Health and Fitness in the 1990’s. Even though they have generally used this as an excuse to make hulking machines now, they came up with the great idea that the treadmill should fold up so people don’t have to permanently dedicate a huge space to the installation of a treadmill.

An average treadmill these days are still narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway but count on around 3 feet for the width of the machine. Since companies are using longer and longer treadmill running belts, the machines have to be longer so a typical machine these days run around 6 feet long and at least 4 to 5 feet high.  These days, machines can go much larger so make sure that you ask the dimensions and plan your space unless you have unlimited room.

The big space that most people overlook is that you should leave at least 5 to 6 feet of open space behind the treadmill. NEVER put the rear of the treadmill up against a wall or another stationary object. If you have an accident, you could easily get trapped on a moving treadmill belt if you don’t have open space behind a machine and I’ve seen 3rd degree burns from someone trapped on a belt. You don’t want to volunteer for this type of injury.

Some commercial machines can be as large as a small bus! (Just kidding!) But, they can be huge machines. For instance, the premiere Lifefitness commercial treadmill these days is over 6.5 feet long, over 3 feet wide, and over 5 feet tall. It weighs nearly 450 lbs. and closely resembled the Incredible Hulk!

In the past, there were companies that specialized in space efficient units like Pacemaster with the old 870 model that ceased production in the 1990’s. Today, brands that are known with specific models targeted for space efficiency include True’s Z line of treadmills and several Yowza model machines.

Optimizing Space for Your Treadmill: Measurement and Placement Guidelines

Space Saving Treadmills: If you are looking to purchase a foldable, “space saving” treadmill, just know that these units only save space when they are not in use. When the deck is lowered or unfolded, the machine is going to have a similar footprint as other treadmills that lack the folding feature. The space saving treadmill design is ideal if you have limited room and need to maximize your square footage when the machine is not being used. Follow the measurement guidelines below with the deck lowered for safe and efficient operation. 

Room in the Rear: It is important to leave plenty of room behind your treadmill for safety purposes. When measuring an area to place your machine, be sure to leave approximately 5 feet of extra space behind the unit. This will ensure that if you do have an accident, or fall, you don’t get trapped on a moving treadmill belt and will avoid unnecessary injuries.

Room on the Sides: The average width of a treadmill is 3 feet. For safety reasons, it is always best to leave a couple of feet on each side of the machine to safely get on and off the treadmill. Leaving room on either side of the machine is also beneficial to keep the area around the unit clean and leave plenty of room to perform routine maintenance on your treadmill. 

Room in the Front: The motor and electronic components in a treadmill need to be well ventilated. It is important to leave a couple of feet in front of the unit to allow for proper airflow through the motor cover to cool the electrical components within. Not allowing sufficient airflow to these components can cause extensive damage and lead to costly repairs.

 So to wrap it up, the minimum space requirements these days are 3 feet of width, 5 feet of height (not the walking area but the console mast at the front), and 6 feet of length with an additional 5 feet of open space behind the treadmill when it is in operating position (not just folded up).

FAQ

How much space do you need for a treadmill?

To accommodate a treadmill, it is recommended to have a minimum space of 3 feet in width, 5 feet in height (for the console mast at the front), and 6 feet in length. Additionally, an additional 5 feet of open space should be left behind the treadmill when it is in the operating position. To ensure proper maintenance and repair of your treadmill, you can rely on professional treadmill repair service

What is the standard size of a treadmill?

The standard size of a treadmill is approximately 3 feet in width, 6 feet in length, and 4 to 5 feet in height.

How close to a wall can a treadmill be?

It is advised to never place the rear of a treadmill against a wall or any other stationary object. To ensure safety, it is recommended to leave at least 5 to 6 feet of open space behind the treadmill.

Will a treadmill fit in a closet?

The space requirements for a treadmill typically exceed the dimensions of a standard closet. Therefore, it is unlikely that a treadmill would fit comfortably within a closet.

Can a treadmill fit in an apartment?

The feasibility of fitting a treadmill in an apartment depends on the available space. While some compact and foldable treadmills are designed for smaller spaces, it is important to measure the dimensions of both the treadmill and the designated area within the apartment to ensure a proper fit.

Is 40cm wide enough for a treadmill?

A width of 40cm would generally be too narrow for a treadmill. Treadmills typically require a minimum width of around 3 feet (approximately 91cm) to accommodate the user and the running surface.

How do you fit a treadmill in a small house?

To fit a treadmill in a small house, it is important to consider the available space and choose a compact and foldable treadmill model designed for smaller areas. Additionally, optimizing the layout and storage options within the house can help create sufficient space for the treadmill.

What is the minimum space behind a treadmill?

It is recommended to leave a minimum of 5 feet of open space behind the treadmill when it is in the operating position. This space is necessary to ensure safety and prevent accidents or injuries.