Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save money and time by exercising at home using the folding treadmill. Before you shop, establish your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that will meet your needs.

Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: “Measure the area where you’ll store and use the machine, and then give priority to those with longer warranties.”

Deck Size

A folding treadmill can be a great option for many exercisers. If you’re an avid athlete looking to add an extra mile or two to your runs or a beginner who’s hoping to do some cardio at a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you get in the workouts you need to. With the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week, it’s tough to argue against an exercise machine that allows you to get on to do your daily cardio.

Despite the fact that earlier models were often associated with lower quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. The most important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a folding treadmill is the deck size. You’ll want the deck to be long and wide enough to allow you to run at full speed. Ideally, a deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the tallest runners to feel at ease.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity for weight on an adjustable treadmill. If you intend to run on your treadmill ensure that it is able to support your weight as well as any extra gear, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds up with top quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

It’s also important to make sure whether your treadmill folds easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have the “fold on pin” design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill isn’t being used. Other treadmills have hydraulics to enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

It’s time to move! You can monitor your progress using the built-in performance monitor which displays data including speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also connect your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a film during your workout. You can also join a virtual race against family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you’re looking to up your game You can test out one of the 15 pre-loaded workouts with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.

Incline Capabilities

Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target different muscles. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves, while running at an angle burns more calories than flat-running. You can spice up your workout by changing the incline. This will keep it exciting and prevent boredom.

When you are looking for a treadmill with an incline be aware that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for novices. It is important to start with a low incline and gradually move up as you become more familiar with your routine on the treadmill. By reducing the stress on your joints, incorporating an incline will help you avoid injuries.

You’ll want to consider the size of the deck as well as the motor’s horsepower and the ability to incline of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily run on power and do the occasional jog, the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. If you’re a serious runner then you’ll have to choose a model with a more robust 2.5 chp or greater motor.

Consider whether the slope settings on your treadmill are set manually or automatically. This will impact your experience on the treadmill, as some models require you press a button to alter the slope. Others offer an automatic incline that can be set at 10 percent.

Also, ensure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly crucial if you’re purchasing an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a cramped space or have a shared house or office that has limited storage space. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold and require more than one person and frequently requiring someone to hold them up when you fold them. Many of our picks feature an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and headaches in storing your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds of up to 12 mph. This is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you’re not a seasoned athlete, or you tend to walk for the majority of your exercise, opt for a treadmill with speeds that are lower than, around 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your device if you plan to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials that are mounted chest-high on the hand grips to let you quickly make huge leaps in speed or incline. It’s much more fluid than trying to hit buttons on the console.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether a treadmill has built-in safety features, such as an emergency stop-clip that shuts down the treadmill if you slip or fall. These features are crucial for safety and to prevent damage to belts and motors. Some of our top picks include this feature, and we recommend checking before making the purchase.

Lastly, be sure to pay attention to the treadmill’s weight capacity when you’re comparing. The higher-end folding treadmills are generally stronger and have a larger weight capacity which can help stop them from warping 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.

Remember that the majority of treadmills don’t get used every day, and that foldable models may experience more wear and tear than nonfolding counterparts. Mody states that this could lead to problems in the future due to the fact that it puts more stress on the hinge. We recommend selecting a treadmill from a brand that has a history of producing quality equipment.

While older foldable treadmills were typically associated with lower functionality than standard models, the newer offerings are catching up. Many of them come with similar features and capabilities as the ones found on higher-end treadmills.

Added Features

Folding treadmills aren’t any different. Like everything else in life, you’ll get what you pay for. Folding treadmill with incline require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include heavier metal tubing and safety features such as gas shocks. These extra costs can push the price up, but they create a treadmill that is robust and stable in use.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and an expert trainer has a keen eye for high-end products that improve performance. She loves running outdoors, but she loves to incorporate treadmill exercise on an incline into her fitness routine. An an incline can make a significant difference to your treadmill workout whether you want to increase your heart rate or recreate the outdoors experience.

Luff suggests choosing a treadmill foldable with a frame and motor that are durable enough to withstand the weight of your body, and an expansive workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your favorite music. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and deciding on those that offer a long-term warranty particularly for the most important components such as the motor and frame.

In our evaluation of folding treadmills, the JRNY model from Bowflex was the most notable due to its commercial-grade performance and simple design. The machine is quiet, so it is able to be used without creating a disturbance to other users. It’s also simple to switch between profiles by pressing one button. It also includes 26 programs integrated and coaching through the JRNY App and a fan that cools your body just right.

Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design which makes it easier to fold and unfold when not in use and gives the unit more stability. Its built-in speakers play your favorite workout music and it can connect to third-party applications to provide virtual training. It doesn’t have an incline and the small fan may not be adequate to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.