Treadmills

No, they don't fold down. At least not mine (18" stride and I'm 5.5) but I love love love love it. I'm not kidding. I've had mine for over a year and my legs have become more muscular, I've dropped some weight, and best of all, when I talk my mile walk at work (fast mile) I'm not winded at all. I can cruise at a very fast clip and I do better than all of my friends!

I have mine squeezed in my front room. I had a stationary bike before that and after 5 years I was bored to death. Love my elliptical. Best money I've spent on a piece of exercise equipment--right up there with my weigh bench.

And for my dogs? I just walk them several times a day, rain or shine, snow, rain, or fog. (Yes and some days I hate it a whole lot, too) 

 Yeah, I'm definitely looking at second hand ones. Or, I can probably scrounge up enough spare cash in the next couple of month to spend a bit more (still under $500 though). I am also considering Walmart for a cheap new one. I started looking at their brands and reviews by users.