Buying a Folding Treadmill

A folding treadmill can save you time and money by keeping your training at home. Before you go shopping make sure you know your fitness goals and then choose a treadmill that is suitable for their needs.

“Be sure to take measurements of the space you intend to use and store the machine, and prioritize those with the longest warranty,” Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds up is a good option for a number of exercisers. Whether you’re a longtime athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a novice who’s looking to get in some cardio in a work meeting or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. It’s difficult to argue with a treadmill that lets you to get onto and do your daily exercise.

While older treadmills that could fold were often associated with low quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same features and functions as non-folding alternatives. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is important. You’ll need an area that is large and wide enough to let you run at full speed. Ideally, a deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will offer enough space for even the most tall runners to feel at ease.

The capacity to carry weight is also important. If you plan to use your treadmill for running, make sure it can accommodate your weight as well as any additional equipment, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds in 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 a “fold-on-pin” design that lifts the console mast up over the running surface when not in use, while others have hydraulics to help you quickly and easily fold down the deck.

It’s time to get moving! The built-in performance display shows information like the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can also pair your phone to the treadmill to listen to music or watch a film during your workout. If you’re looking to socialize you can join a virtual race with family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, consider one of 15 pre-loaded workouts with adjustable speeds and an incline.

Capacity to Line Incline

Inclination settings can boost the intensity of your workout, and also target different muscle groups in the body. For example, walking at a slight incline targets the glutes and calves and strengthens your lower back muscles, while running on an incline burns more calories than flat running. Having the ability to change your incline can provide a variety to your workout to keep it exciting and avoiding boredom.

When looking for a treadmill that has an incline be aware that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for those who are new to the sport. Therefore, it is important to begin low and slowly work your way up to more challenging inclines as you become more comfortable with your treadmill exercise routine. By reducing the impact on your joints, adding an incline can help avoid injury.

In addition to ensuring that the treadmill’s incline capability is in line with your objectives, you’ll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor horsepower. If you’re planning to power walk along with occasional jogs, a treadmill powered by a motor that’s 2.0-2.5 chp is likely to suffice. If you are a serious runner, you’ll need an item with a motor of at least 2.5 chp.

Another thing to think about is whether the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. incline treadmill can impact the experience you get from the treadmill because the controls on certain models require pressing an option to adjust the slope of the deck. Other models have an automatic incline setting that can reach up to 10 percent slope.

It is also important to ensure that the incline feature of the treadmill can be folded and unfolded quickly. This is essential when you purchase a folding treadmill and have little storage space in your office or home. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and often requiring a person to hold up while you do it. Many of our picks feature an automated folding system which makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and headaches in the process of storing your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The top folding treadmills have speeds of up to 12 mph. This is enough speed for the majority of runners. If you’re not a skilled athlete, or you tend to walk the majority of your time, opt for a model with the speed limit that is lower that 8 mph. Select a treadmill that can be connected to your smartphone in case you intend to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also recommend models with thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, allowing users to swiftly change the speed or incline. It’s easier than hitting buttons on consoles.

Consider whether the treadmill has safety features built in like an emergency stopper that will shut down the treadmill in the event you fall or slip. These are essential not just to ensure safety, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We suggest that you look into this feature prior to purchasing one of our choices.

When you shop take note of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The ones that cost more tend to be more durable, and have a larger maximum weight capacity. This will ensure that they do not warp over time. If you’re concerned about the longevity of the treadmill you’re considering, check out its warranty and reviews from previous customers to determine how it has held up over time.

Also, keep in mind that the majority of treadmills aren’t used every day, and that foldable models might experience more wear and tear than their non-folding counterparts. Mody claims that this could lead to problems in the future because it puts more stress on the hinge. We recommend selecting a treadmill manufactured by a brand that has a history of producing quality equipment.

While earlier treadmills that fold up were typically regarded as having lesser functionality than standard models but the latest models are moving up. Many of them come with similar features and capabilities to the ones found on higher-end treadmills.

Additional Features

As with all things, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies with regard to folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than treadmills that do not fold like heavy tubing made of metal and safety features like gas shocks. These additional costs can push the price up but they create an exercise machine that is more robust and stable when being used.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer has a keen eye for high-quality products to increase performance. While she is a fan of running outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. If you’re looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running on the real pavement, an incline could make the world of difference in your treadmill exercise.

Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill that has an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that is sturdy. It should also have an ample workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favourite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and prioritizing those that offer a long-term warranty particularly for the most important components such as the motor and frame.

In our testing of treadmills that fold up The JRNY model from Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade design and easy design. The machine is quiet so it can be used in a shared space without disrupting or distracting others. It’s simple to switch between different user profiles at the click of a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs as well as coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the body to the perfect temperature.

Another option that’s worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. It is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB) which makes it simpler to fold or unfold when not in usage and also gives it more stability. Its built-in speakers play your favorite workout music and can also connect to third-party apps for virtual training. It does not have an incline and the small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during sweaty workouts.