Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop decide the goals you want to achieve and choose 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 preference to machines with longer warranties."
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds can be an excellent option for a variety of exercisers. If treadmills that incline 're an avid athlete looking to add an additional mile or two to your runs or a novice who's looking to do some cardio in a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you get in the workouts you need to. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity workout. It's hard to argue with a treadmill which allows you to jump on and enjoy your daily exercise.
While older treadmills that could fold were often associated with low quality, today's models are more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills come with the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is most important. You'll need a deck that is long and wide enough to let you take full strides when running. A deck with a length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the tallest runners to feel comfortable.
Another factor to consider is the weight capacity of the treadmill that folds. If you intend to use your treadmill for running ensure that it is able to support your weight as well as any extra gear, such as shoes. A top-quality treadmill that folds up will need to be able to hold at 300 pounds at a minimum.
It is also important to verify that the folding treadmill can fold easily. Some folding treadmills feature an "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast up above the running surface when being used, while other have hydraulics to help you quickly and easily fold down the deck.
When you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's the time to start working out! You can monitor your progress using the built-in performance monitor which shows 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 exercising or watch a movie. If you're looking to socialize you can also join a virtual race with family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, consider one of the pre-loaded exercises that have adjustable speeds and an incline.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings can boost your workout's intensity and target different muscle groups throughout the body. For instance, walking at a slight incline targets the calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back muscles, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. The ability to alter your incline can add variety to your workout, keeping it engaging and avoiding boredom.
When choosing a treadmill that has an incline, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the harder it will be for novices. It is essential to start with a low incline and gradually work your way upwards as you become familiar with your routine on the treadmill. By reducing the stress on your joints, incorporating an incline can help you avoid injuries.
You should consider the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower, and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you're planning to power walk with occasional jogs, then the treadmill that has a motor of 2.0-2.5 chp should be sufficient. However, if you're a serious runner then you'll want to look for a model with a more robust 2.5 chp or more motor.
Check if the incline settings of your treadmill are controlled by hand or automatically. This can affect your experience with the treadmill as the controls on certain models require you to press an option to alter the slope of the deck while others have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent grade.
In the end, you'll need to ensure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is especially crucial if you're purchasing an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a cramped space or have a shared home or office that has small storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it and may need to be held while doing so. Fortunately, a lot of our selections come with an automated folding mechanism that makes the process simple and quick and save you time and stress when you need to store your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds up to 12 mph, which is enough for the majority of runners. If you're not a seasoned runner, or you tend to walk the majority of your exercise, opt for a treadmill that has a maximum speed that's lower to around 8 mph. If you're planning to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your device so that you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted high on the hand grips that allow you to make huge leaps in speed or incline. It's much more fluid than trying to press buttons on the console.
Be sure to check if the treadmill has safety features that are built-in for example, an emergency clip that will shut down the machine in the event that you fall or slip. These features are crucial to ensure safety and prevent damage to motors and belts. We suggest that you look into this feature prior to purchasing one of our choices.
Lastly, be sure to take note of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're looking for. The more expensive folding machines tend to be more durable, and have a greater maximum weight capacity. This will ensure that they do not to swell over time. If you are worried about the longevity of a product, check out its warranty and reviews from customers to see how it holds up.
Finally, remember that the majority of treadmills aren't used every day and foldable models may experience more wear and tear than their nonfolding counterparts. "This puts more stress on the hinge, which can cause issues later on," says Mody. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill from an established fitness brand with an extensive history of producing quality equipment.
The latest models are getting up to older models that were tagged with fewer features. They have similar features and capabilities to the more expensive treadmills.
Added Features
Like most things, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is applicable with regard to folding treadmills. Treadmills which fold require more components and materials than treadmills that don't fold that include heavier metal tubing and safety features such as gas shocks. These costs can add to the cost, but they make the treadmill more durable and stable.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer is a shrewd choice for high-quality products to increase performance. She prefers to run outdoors, but she loves to incorporate treadmill exercises that are incline-based into her workout routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the sensation of running on real pavement, an incline can make all the difference to your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill that has an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also come with an ample workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your favourite music. She also encourages assessing the warranty to prioritize those that offer a longer warranty especially for crucial parts like the motor and frame.
The JRNY model of Bowflex was the most notable in our testing of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial-grade quality and simple design. The treadmill is quiet, meaning it's able to be used with out disrupting others. It's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs, coaching via 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 much easy to fold and unfold when not in use and provides the treadmill with more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your preferred workout music and it can connect to third-party apps for virtual training. It doesn't have an incline and the small fan might not be enough to keep users cool during sweaty workouts.