For less than the cost of an annual gym membership, you could have a treadmill in your home. But you don’t need to worry that you don’t have enough space for this kind of equipment. These two models from Sunny Health and Merax both fold up for compact storage. Let’s review them now to see which one is best suited to your needs.
Merax JK1603E Easy Assembly Folding Electric Treadmill Motorized Running Machine
To begin, the Merax JK1603E lets you both walk and jog because it offers speeds between 0.62 and 6.2mph, or 1 to 10km/h. The track measures 14 inches wide by 44 inches long, which is adequate for users of average height and stride. And it supports up to 220 pounds of weight.
Because the treadmill is very compact, it folds up small enough to fit in a closet. Although it weighs about 70 pounds, the rolling wheels on the bottom will help you move it out of the way.
While it uses electricity, it doesn’t consume much at only 500W. The motor is fairly quiet, which makes using the treadmill more pleasant. Plus, the minimal deck is cushioned to reduce impacts on your joints. And it has another safety feature—a stop key. Pressing this will halt the deck in a hurry. There is also a clip with a cord for your clothing that will stop the treadmill.
While you exercise, you can view data as calories burned, time elapsed, speed, distance traveled, and heart rate. You can measure the heart rate by grasping the sensors in the handlebars.
There are three training programs available in the console. They include both low and high-intensity recovery periods. Plus, you can increase your aerobic activity by raising the incline of the treadmill.
More features of the Merax JK1603 treadmill:
- Some assembly required
- Comes with 1-year limited warranty on the frame and motor
- Regular inspection is smart as the owner may need to make small adjustments now and then
- Measures 25 by 45 by 58 inches when open and 25 by 25 by 51 inches when folded
- Weighs 70 pounds
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Electric Treadmill
The SF-T7603 treadmill from Sunny Health and Fitness has features in common with the one from Merax, which can make it difficult to choose between them. For example, they both fold up for storage. And they both support up to 220 pounds. Plus, both let you raise the incline to increase the calories you burn, and they have a top speed of 6mph.
But there are some significant differences, too. For one, the SF-T7603 has a larger deck that measures 16 inches wide by 49 inches long. This is important if you have a longer stride.
To continue with the comparison, there are nine training programs instead of only three. And the handlebars have more functions. They allow you to measure your heart rate and also change the speed of the deck, or stop it.
Owners have commented that the 2.2HP motor is quiet enough that they can walk on the treadmill and enjoy watching television at the same time. Of course, one glace down at the console reveals essential data like time elapsed and calories burned.
Although the Sunny Fitness treadmill weighs more, it has a soft drop system that unfolds it slowly and safely, taking the strain off your back. It also has transport wheels to help you move it.
More features of the SF-T7603 treadmill:
- Comes with a 90-day manufacturer warranty
- Weighs 103 pounds
- Measures 62 by 27 by 47 inches in size
Recommendation
Both of these inexpensive treadmills offer basic features to help you improve your fitness at home. Both fold up compactly for storage, and both have rollers for transport. Both offer speeds up to 6mph for jogging and support up to 220 pounds of weight.
But the Sunny Fitness SF-T7603 is advantageous if you have back pain. It has a support system that unfolds it with less effort. This treadmill also offers more user programs and has a wider and longer running deck.
Meanwhile, the Merax JK1603 has a longer warranty should there be a problem down the road.
Click here to purchase Merax JK1603E on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 on Amazon.com!