Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save money and time by working out at home with a folding treadmill. But before you go shopping, establish your goals for exercise and choose a treadmill that matches.

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

Deck Size

A folding treadmill can be an excellent option for a variety of exercisers. Whether you’re a longtime athlete looking to add an additional mile or two of your runs or a beginner who’s hoping to do some cardio in a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, it’s hard to oppose a treadmill that lets you hop on for your daily cardio.

While older foldable treadmills were typically associated with poor quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold have the same features and features as nonfolding models. The most important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a treadmill that folds is the deck’s size. You’ll want the deck to be large and wide enough to allow you to run at full speed. A deck that’s 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the largest runners to feel at ease.

treadmills that incline to carry weight is also vital. If you intend to use your treadmill for running, make sure it can support both your weight and any additional equipment, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds in high quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

It’s also important to make sure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some folding treadmills feature a “fold-on-pin” design that lifts the console mast on top of the running surface when not in use, while others come with hydraulics that allow you to quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.

Once you’ve found the perfect treadmill that folds, it’s time to get started working out! You can track your progress on the built-in performance monitor which shows data such as speed distance, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can pair your phone to your treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watching a movie. You can also participate in a virtual race against family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you’re ready to step up your game You can try one of the 15 pre-loaded workouts with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.

Capacity to Line Incline

Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscles. For instance, walking at an angle of about a quarter to target the glutes and calves and strengthens your lower back, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. Having the ability to change your incline can add variety to your workout, keeping it engaging and avoiding boredom.

When choosing a treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. It is important to start with a low slope and gradually work your way up as you become more comfortable with your routine on the treadmill. By reducing the impact on your joints, adding an incline can help avoid injuries.

You’ll want to consider the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower, and incline capability of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily power walk, and add in some jogging, then a treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you’re 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 can be manually or automatically controlled. This will affect your experience with the treadmill as the controls on some models require you to press an option to alter the slope of the deck while others provide an automatic incline adjustment which can go as high as 10 percent grade.

You should also make sure that the incline feature of the treadmill can fold and unfold easily. This is especially important if you’re buying a foldable treadmill and live in a small space or have a shared house or office that has limited storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to accomplish it, and might need to be held while doing so. Many of our picks come with an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will help you save time and headaches in storing your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour, which is enough for the majority of runners. If you are not a runner or prefer to walk during your workouts, you should look for a treadmill with a lower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Select 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 that are mounted on handgrips, allowing you to quickly change speed or the incline. It’s a lot easier than hitting buttons on consoles.

Another aspect to consider is whether a treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stop-clip that shuts down the treadmill if you slip or fall. These features are essential to ensure safety and prevent damage to motors and belts. Some of our top picks include this feature, and we recommend checking before making the purchase.

Also, make sure to be aware of the treadmill’s capacity for weight when you’re looking for. The ones that cost more tend to be more durable, and have a greater capacity for weight. This will help them not to swell over time. If you are concerned about the longevity of a product, take a look at its warranty and reviews from customers to determine how it holds up.

Keep in mind that most treadmills are not used every day, and models that fold are more susceptible to wear and tear. Mody says that this can cause problems in the future because it puts more stress on the hinge. We recommend selecting a treadmill manufactured by an organization with a history of producing quality equipment.

The latest models are getting up to older models that were associated with fewer features. Many have comparable features and capabilities to those you’ll find on higher-priced treadmills, including incline capabilities.

Additional Features

Folding treadmills are no different. As with most things in life, you’ll get what you pay for. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include tubing made of heavier metal and safety features such as gas shocks. These added costs can push the price tag higher but they create a treadmill that is durable and stable when being used.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer has a keen eye for high-quality products to enhance performance. She loves running outdoors, but she enjoys incorporating treadmill exercise on an incline into her workout routine. If you’re looking for a way to get your heart rate up or recreate the sensation of running on real pavement, an incline could make a huge difference in your treadmill exercise.

Luff recommends a foldable and sturdy treadmill that has an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that is sturdy. It should also include a large deck for workouts with speakers built in to blast your favourite music. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and prioritizing those with a long-term guarantee, especially for important parts like the frame and motor.

In our testing of folding treadmills, the JRNY model from Bowflex was the most notable due to its commercial-grade quality and intuitive design. It is quiet, so it can be utilized in a space without disrupting or distracting anyone else. It’s easy to switch between various user profiles at the click of a button. It also includes 26 programs integrated as well as coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools your body just right.

Another option worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. It is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB), which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in use and also gives it more stability. It comes with an inbuilt speaker that plays your favourite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party apps for virtual training. It does not include an incline however, and its tiny fan might not be sufficient for most users to be at ease during sweaty workouts.