Buying a Folding Treadmill
A folding treadmill can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop decide the goals you want to achieve and then find a treadmill that matches.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you plan to store and use the machine, and give preference to machines that have the longest guarantee."
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is a good option for a number of exercisers. If you're an avid athlete looking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to get in some cardio in an office meeting or even after dinner, a treadmill that folds can help you get in the workouts you need to. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise. It's not difficult to agree using a treadmill that allows you to hop on and get your daily exercise.
Despite the fact that older models were often associated with inferior quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the dimension of the deck is important. You'll need a deck that is wide and long enough to let you take full strides when running. A deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will offer enough space for even the largest runners to feel at ease.
Another factor to consider is the capacity for weight on an adjustable treadmill. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll want to ensure it can support your weight as well as any additional equipment, like shoes. A good quality treadmill that folds must be able to support at least 300 pounds.
It's also important to check that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills with folding capabilities have the "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill isn't in use. Others have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
It's time to move! The built-in performance display shows information 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 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 15 pre-loaded workouts that have adjustable speeds and incline.
Capabilities for Incline
Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups. For instance, walking at an angle of about a quarter to target the calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an incline burns more calories than flat running. You can spice up your workout by changing the speed at which you run. This keeps it interesting and prevent boredom.
When looking for a treadmill with an incline be aware that the steeper the slope, more difficult it will be for beginners. It's important to begin with a low incline and gradually build upwards as you become familiar with your treadmill routine. Incorporating an incline in your routine can also aid in avoiding injury by reducing the strain on your joints.
You'll want to consider the deck size as well as the motor's horsepower and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you plan to primarily power walk, and add in some jogging, then an exercise machine with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you are a serious runner then you'll need an exercise machine with a motor of at least 2.5 chp.
Another thing to think about is whether the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This will affect your experience with the treadmill since the controls on certain models require pressing a button in order to alter the slope of the deck. Other models offer an automatic incline setting that can reach up to 10 percent gradient.
You'll also want to make sure that the incline feature is able to be folded and unfolded quickly. This is especially important if you're buying a foldable treadmill and live in a tiny space or have a shared home 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 supervised while doing it. Luckily, many of our selections come with an automated folding mechanism that makes the process easy and quick which will save you time and headaches when you need to store your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you're not an avid runner or prefer walking for most of your workouts, you should look for an exercise machine with a lower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to 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, which allow you to change speed or incline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on the console.
Another thing to consider is whether a treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stop clip that shuts down the treadmill when you fall or slip. These are important not only for safety reasons, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. A few of our choices include this feature, and we suggest you check before making a purchase.
When you shop for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The most expensive folding treadmills tend to be stronger and have a higher weight capacity which can help stop them from bending over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a particular model, check out its warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it has held up over time.
Keep in mind that most treadmills aren't used all day, and folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody claims that this could lead to problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. That's why we advise selecting a treadmill from an established fitness brand with long-standing history of manufacturing quality equipment.
The latest models are catching up to older models that were associated with less functionality. They have similar features and capabilities to the ones found on higher-end treadmills.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. Like most things in life, you'll get what you pay. Folding treadmills typically require more materials and components than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms 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, has a keen sense for top-quality products that can enhance performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she is a fan of incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her workout routine. An inclined treadmill can make a massive difference to your treadmill workout, whether you are looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff recommends selecting a treadmill that folds with a frame and motor that are sturdy enough to support the weight of your body, as well as an expansive workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favorite tunes. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and deciding on those that offer a long-term warranty particularly for crucial parts like the frame and motor.
In our testing of treadmills that fold The JRNY model from Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade quality and intuitive design. The machine is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without disrupting others. It's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs and coaching through the JRNY App and a fan that cools the body to the perfect temperature.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design that makes it easy to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the treadmill more stability. It has a built-in speaker that plays your favourite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however, and its tiny fan might not be enough for most users to feel at ease during a sweaty workout.