Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds down can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop set your fitness goals and find a treadmill that suits them.
"Be sure to take measurements of the space you intend to use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with the longest warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.
Deck Size
A folding treadmill is a good option for many exercisers. A treadmill that folds up is a great choice for anyone looking to do some cardio in between meetings at work or even after dinner. With the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity each week, it's hard to oppose the treadmill that allows you to take a spin to do your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that earlier models were often regarded as inferior quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills have the same features and features as nonfolding treadmills. When choosing a folding treadmill, the dimension of the deck is important. You'll need a deck large enough to run with full strides. Ideally, a deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will offer enough space for even the largest runners to feel at ease.
The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also vital. If you intend to run on your treadmill ensure that it can accommodate your weight as well as any extra gear like shoes. A top-quality treadmill that folds up must be able to support at 300 pounds at a minimum.
It's also important to make sure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have a "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast up above the running surface when in use, while others have hydraulics to help you quickly and easily fold down the deck.
When you've found the perfect treadmill that folds, it's time to start working out! The built-in performance display shows data such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a film. If you're enjoying socializing you can also join a virtual race with family members or friends via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're ready to 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
Inclination settings can boost your workout's intensity and target different muscle groups throughout the body. Walking at a slight angle can strengthen the lower back and calves, whereas running at an incline will burn more calories than flat running. Being able to alter your incline level can also add variety to your workout making it more exciting and avoiding boredom.
When looking for a treadmill that has an incline be aware that the higher the slope, the more challenging it will be for beginners. It is important to start with a lower incline and gradually work your way upwards as you become familiar with your routine on the treadmill. By reducing the stress on your joints, using an incline will help you avoid injuries.
You should consider the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower and incline capability of the treadmill. If you plan to mostly run on power and do the occasional jog, an exercise machine with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor should suffice. If you are a serious runner, you'll require a treadmill with a motor that is at least 2.5 chp.
Check if the incline settings on your treadmill are set manually or automatically. This can impact your experience with the treadmill because the controls on certain models require you to press an option to adjust the incline of the deck, while other models have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent slope.
In the end, you'll need to make sure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is important if you are buying a treadmill that folds and has small storage space at your home or office. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it, and might need to be supervised while doing it. Fortunately, a lot of our selections come with an automated folding mechanism that makes the process easy and quick, saving your time and stress when it comes to storing your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills have speeds of up to 12 mph. This is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you're not an experienced athlete, or you tend to walk for the majority of your workout, look for a treadmill that has the speed limit that is lower, around 8 mph. If you intend to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift, choose one that connects to your device so that you can keep on top of your training. We also like models that have thumb dials mounted on handgrips, allowing you to change speed or incline. It's easier than hitting buttons on the console.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built-in, such as an emergency clip that can shut down the machine in case you slip or fall. These features are crucial for safety and to prevent damage to motors and belts. A few of our choices include this feature, and we recommend checking before making an purchase.
Finally, you should take note of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're looking for. The higher-end folding treadmills are generally more durable and have a greater maximum weight capacity, which will help prevent them from warping over time. If you're worried about the longevity of a particular model, check the warranty and reviews from previous customers to determine how it performs over time.
Be aware that treadmills aren't used every day, and models that fold may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody states that this could result in problems in the future due to the fact that it puts more stress on the hinge. We recommend choosing a treadmill made by an established brand with a history of producing quality equipment.
While earlier treadmills that fold up were often associated with lower features than standard treadmills but the latest models are moving up. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on more expensive treadmills, such as incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. As with most things in life, you pay what you pay for. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These additional costs can push the price up but they create a treadmill that is more robust and stable when in use.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer has a keen eye for high-quality products to increase performance. She loves running outdoors, but she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises in her fitness routine. If you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the sensation of running on the real pavement, an incline can make the world of difference to your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends choosing a foldable treadmill with a motor and frame that are strong enough to support the weight of your body, and a large workout area equipped with speakers that blast your favorite music. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and deciding on those that offer a long-term warranty particularly for crucial parts such as the motor and frame.
The JRNY model of Bowflex was the standout in our testing of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial quality and intuitive design. The treadmill is quiet, which means it's able to be used with out disturbing others. It is also easy to switch between profiles by pressing the button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs and coaching through the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the body to the perfect temperature.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design which makes it easy to fold and unfold when not in use and gives the unit more stability. It also has a built-in speaker that plays your favourite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline however, and its tiny fan might not be sufficient for many users to be at ease during sweaty workouts.