Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds down can save you time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you go shopping set your fitness goals and find a treadmill that suits your needs.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and then give preference to machines that have longer warranties."
Deck Size
A folding treadmill can be a great option for many exercisers. If you're an avid athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to squeeze in a bit of cardio during a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you get in the workouts you need to. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, it's difficult to resist a treadmill that lets you hop on for your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that earlier models were often regarded as poor quality Modern models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding models. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the dimension of the deck is the most important. You'll need a deck that is large enough to allow full strides. A deck that is at minimum 55 inches long and 20 inch wide will give even the biggest runners space to run comfortably.
Another important consideration is the capacity for weight on an adjustable treadmill. If you intend to use your treadmill for running ensure that it can accommodate your weight as well as any extra gear, such as shoes. A high-quality treadmill that folds should have a capacity of at 300 pounds at a minimum.
Finally, it's important to verify that the folding treadmill can fold easily. Some treadmills with folding capabilities feature the "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Others have hydraulics that allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
Once you've found your ideal treadmill that folds, it's time to get moving! You can track your progress on an inbuilt performance monitor which displays data including speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also connect your phone to the treadmill so you can listen to music while exercising or watching a movie. If you're looking to socialize, you can even take part in a virtual race alongside friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, try one of the 15 workouts preloaded that can be adjusted in speed and incline.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups throughout the body. For instance, walking on 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. You can spice up your workout by altering the speed at which you run. This will keep it interesting and prevent boredom.
When you are looking for a treadmill with an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, more difficult it will be for beginners. This is why it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually work your way up to more strenuous inclines as you become more comfortable with your treadmill exercise routine. Incorporating an incline in your routine will also help you avoid injury by decreasing the impact on your joints.
You'll need to think about the deck size, motor horsepower, and the ability to incline of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then an exercise machine with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. If you are an avid runner, then you'll require a treadmill with a motor that is at minimum 2.5 chp.
Take note of whether the incline settings on your treadmill are adjusted manually or automatically. This can affect your experience using the treadmill since certain models require you to push a button to adjust the slope. Others provide an automatic incline which can reach a 10 percent grade.
You'll also want to 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 tiny space or have a shared home or office space with limited storage space. Certain treadmills can be difficult to fold and unfold and require more than one person, and often requiring a person to hold up as you do so. Fortunately, many of our choices have an automated folding mechanism that can make the process easy and quick and save you time and headaches when it comes to storing your new 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 an experienced and/or prefer to walk most of your workout, look for a treadmill with speeds that are lower than that 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 recommend models with thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, which allow you to quickly change speed or anincline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on the console.
Another feature to consider is whether a treadmill is equipped with safety features like an emergency stop button that shuts down the treadmill when you fall or slip. These are crucial not only to ensure safety, but also to prevent damage to the motor and belt. A few of our choices have this feature, which we suggest you check before making an purchase.
Finally, you should be aware of the treadmill's capacity for weight when you're looking for. The higher-end folding machines tend to be more durable, and have a larger maximum weight capacity. This helps them not to warp over time. If you're worried about the longevity of a particular model, make sure to check the warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it has held up over time.
Finally, remember 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 says that this can cause issues in the future as it puts more stress on the hinge. That's why we suggest choosing a treadmill that is an established fitness brand with a long history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.
While older foldable treadmills were often associated with less capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are getting better. They have similar features and capabilities that you'll find on more expensive treadmills, like incline capability.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills are no different. As with incline treadmill in life, you'll get what you pay. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills like heavy tubing made of 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 an expert trainer, has a keen sense for high-end products that improve performance. While she would rather run outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the experience of running on the real pavement, an incline can make a huge difference in your treadmill exercise.
Luff suggests a foldable, robust treadmill that has an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that's sturdy. It should also come with an ample workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your music. She also encourages assessing the warranty and focusing on those that have a longer-term warranty, especially for key parts such as the frame and motor.
The JRNY model of Bowflex was the standout in our testing of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial quality and easy design. It's quiet enough that it can be utilized in a space without disrupting or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between various user profiles with the click of a button. It also includes 26 programs that are integrated, coaching through the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that is precisely the right place.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. It is built with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in usage and provides it with more stability. It also has an inbuilt speaker that plays your favorite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and the small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.