Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds can save you time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop, establish your goals for exercise and choose a treadmill that is compatible with your goals.
"Be sure to measure the space you'll use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is a great option for a number of exercisers. If you're an avid athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a newbie who wants to squeeze in some cardio in an office meeting or even after dinner, a treadmill that folds will make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity workout. It's not difficult to agree with a treadmill which allows you to get on and enjoy your daily workout.
While older foldable treadmills were often associated with low quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same features and functionality as non-folding models. The most important thing to consider when choosing the best folding treadmill is the deck's size. You'll want an area that is wide and long enough to allow you to run at full speed. Ideally, a deck with a length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the most tall runners to feel comfortable.
The capacity to carry weight is also vital. If you intend to use your treadmill to run, you'll need to ensure it can support your weight as well as any additional gear, like shoes. A folding treadmill of top quality must have a capacity of at least 350 pounds.
It's also important to check that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some folding treadmills feature the "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when in use, while others have hydraulics to help you quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.
It's time to move! The built-in display for performance displays data such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can also pair your phone with the treadmill to listen to music or watch a film during your workouts. If you're feeling social you can also take part in a virtual race alongside family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to improve your performance You can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout, and also focus on different muscle groups within the body. For example, walking at an incline of just a little targets your glutes and calves, and strengthens your lower back muscles, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than flat running. Having the ability to change your incline level can also add variety to your workout, keeping it exciting and avoiding boredom.
When selecting a treadmill that has an incline, remember that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. Therefore, it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually progress to more strenuous inclines as you get more comfortable with your treadmill workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine can also help you avoid injury by reducing the strain on your joints.
You should consider the size of the deck, motor horsepower and incline capability of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily power walk and throw in some jogging, then the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you're a serious runner, then you'll want to look for a model with a more robust 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Another thing to think about is whether the incline settings are manually or automatically controlled. This will affect your experience with the treadmill because the controls on certain models require pressing the button to adjust the incline of the deck while others offer an automatic incline setting that can go up to 10 percent gradient.
It is also important to ensure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded quickly. This is crucial if you are buying a folding treadmill and have limited storage space in your home or office. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to do it and may need to be held during the process. A majority of our treadmills feature an automated folding system which makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and hassle when it comes to storage of your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is enough speed for the majority of runners. If you are not an avid runner or prefer walking for most of your workouts, you should look for one that has a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your smartphone if you plan to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also prefer models that have thumb dials mounted on the handgrips, allowing users to swiftly change the speed or incline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on consoles.
Another feature to be aware of is whether the treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stop button that shuts down the treadmill in the event of a fall or slip. These are essential not just to ensure safety, but also to avoid damage to the belt and motor. We suggest that you look into this feature before purchasing one of our selections.
When shopping for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The more expensive folding machines tend to be stronger and have a greater maximum weight capacity. This will help them not warp over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of the treadmill you're considering, check out its warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it performs over time.
Remember that most treadmills aren't used all day, and models that fold are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This places more stress on the hinge and could cause problems later on," says Mody. We recommend selecting a treadmill from an established brand with a history of producing quality equipment.
While older treadmills with foldable features were typically regarded as having less features than standard treadmills but the latest models are catching up. They have similar features and capabilities are found on higher-priced treadmills, including incline capabilities.
Additional Features
As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true with regard to folding treadmills. Treadmills which fold require more components and materials than treadmills that don't fold, such as tubing made of heavier metal and safety features such as gas shocks. These costs can add to the price but make the treadmill more durable and stable.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer is a shrewd choice for high-end products that improve performance. She prefers to run outdoors, but she loves to incorporate treadmill exercises that are incline-based into her fitness routine. An incline can make a huge difference to your treadmill workout, whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the outdoors experience.
Luff recommends a foldable, robust treadmill with a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that's robust. It should also come with a large deck for workouts with built-in speakers that can blast your favourite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to prioritize those with a longer offering particularly for the most important components like the frame and motor.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the standout in our test of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial quality and easy design. It is quiet, meaning it can be used without disrupting other users. treadmill with incline 's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing the button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs as well as coaching via the JRNY App and a fan that cools your body just right.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much simpler to fold and unfold when not in use. It also provides the treadmill with more stability. It has an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout songs and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however, and its small fan might not be enough for most users to feel at ease during sweaty workouts.