Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds down can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. But before you go shopping decide 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 plan to store and use the machine, and give priority to those with longer warranties."
Deck Size
A folding treadmill can be an ideal option for many exercisers. Whether you're a longtime athlete looking to add an extra mile or two to your run or a beginner who's hoping to get in a bit of cardio during meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity each week, it's hard to argue against a treadmill that lets you hop on for your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that older models were often associated with inferior quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same features and functionality as non-folding options. When selecting a treadmill that folds the dimension of the deck is the most important. It is essential to have a deck that is large enough to allow full strides. A deck that is at minimum 55 inches long and 20 inch wide will allow even the most tall runners space to run comfortably.
The capacity to carry weight is also important. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it can support both your weight and any extra gear, such as shoes. A good quality folding treadmill should have a capacity of at 300 pounds or more.
It is also essential to ensure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some folding treadmills feature the "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Some have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
It's time to move! The built-in performance monitor displays data such as speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to your treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watching a movie. You can also take part in a virtual race against family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, try one of 15 pre-loaded workouts that can be adjusted in speed and an incline.
Capabilities for Incline
Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target various muscles. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves, whereas running at an angle burns more calories than flat-running. You can add variety to your workout by altering the incline. This keeps the workout interesting and avoid boredom.
When you choose a treadmill that has an incline, remember that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for those who are new to the sport. Therefore, it's crucial to start at a lower level and gradually work your way up to more challenging slopes as you get more comfortable with your exercise routine. By reducing the strain on your joints, incorporating an incline can help you avoid injuries.
You'll need to think about the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower, and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily run on power and do some jogging, then the treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. However, if you're a serious runner, then you'll want to find a treadmill that has a more powerful 2.5 chp motor or more.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the incline settings are manually or automatically controlled. This can impact your experience on the treadmill, as certain models require you to press a button to alter the slope. Others offer an automatic incline that can achieve a 10-percent grade.
You'll also want to make sure that the incline feature is able to be folded and unfolded quickly. This is crucial if you are buying an incline treadmill that folds up and you have little storage space in your office or home. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and frequently requiring someone to hold them up while you do it. A majority of our treadmills come with an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will help you save 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 sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you're not a skilled runner, or you tend to walk for the majority of your exercise, opt for a model with a maximum speed that's lower that 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your device in case you intend to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials mounted on the handgrips, allowing you to quickly change speed or incline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on a console.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built in like an emergency clip that will stop the treadmill in case you fall or slip. These are crucial not only for safety, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We recommend you test this feature prior to purchasing one of our picks.
When you shop take note of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The most expensive folding treadmills are generally stronger and have a larger capacity for weight that will prevent the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a treadmill, take a look at the warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Remember that most treadmills aren't used all day, and folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This places more stress on the hinge and could cause problems later on," Mody says. Mody. This is why we recommend choosing a treadmill from a legacy fitness brand with a long history of manufacturing quality equipment.
The latest models are catching up to older models that were associated with less features. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities to those you'll find on higher-priced treadmills, like incline capability.
Additional Features
As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" applies when it comes to folding treadmills. Treadmills which fold require more components and materials than treadmills that do not fold like heavier metal tubing and safety features like gas shocks. These additional costs can make the price tag higher but they create a treadmill that is robust and stable in use.
As an ace fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products that can help boost performance. While she prefers to run outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her fitness routine. An an incline can make a significant difference to your treadmill workout, whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff suggests a foldable, sturdy treadmill that has a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also include an ample workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and focusing on those that offer a longer warranty, especially for key components such as the frame and motor.
In our evaluation of treadmills that fold up that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex was the most notable due to its commercial-grade performance and simple design. The machine is quiet so it can be utilized in a space without disrupting or distracting others. It's simple to switch between different user profiles with a click of a button. It also includes 26 programs integrated into it as well as coaching through the JRNY app and a useful cooling fan that hits the right spot.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. The treadmill is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB), which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in usage and also gives it more stability. It comes with an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout songs and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however and its small integrated fan may not be enough for many users to feel at ease during a sweaty workout.