Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can cut costs and time by training at home with an adjustable treadmill. However, before you start shopping decide what your workout goals are and choose a treadmill that will meet your needs.
"Be sure to take measurements of the area you plan to use and store the machine and prioritize those with the longest warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, informs SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is 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 newbie who wants to do some cardio in a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you fit in those much-needed workouts. With the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity every week, it's tough to argue against an exercise machine that allows you to take a spin for your daily workout.
While older foldable treadmills were typically associated with poor quality, today's models are more competitive than ever before. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is important. You'll need a deck that is large enough to allow full strides. Ideally, a deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will offer enough space for even the largest runners to feel at ease.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the weight capacity of the treadmill that folds. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it is able to support your weight as well as any extra gear like shoes. A good quality treadmill that folds up will need to be able to hold at least 300 pounds.
Finally, it's important to ensure that your folding treadmill can fold easily. 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 being used. Some have hydraulics that help you fold the deck quickly and easily.
It's time to get moving! You can track your progress with an inbuilt performance monitor which shows data such as speed distance, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also connect your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a film during your workout. You can also join a virtual race with your friends or family via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're ready to up your game You can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings can boost the intensity of your workout and focus on different muscle groups within the body. For example, walking at an angle of about a quarter to target the glutes and calves, and strengthens your lower back, while running on an incline burns more calories than flat running. You can add variety to your workout by changing the incline. This keeps it exciting and prevent boredom.
When choosing a treadmill with an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the harder it will be for novices. It is important to start with a low incline and gradually build up as you become more familiar with your treadmill routine. By reducing the impact on your joints, using an incline can help you avoid injuries.
You'll need to think about the size of the deck as well as the motor's horsepower and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you intend to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, a treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. However, if you're a serious runner then you'll want to choose a model that has a more powerful 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Another thing to think about is whether or not the incline settings are manually or automatically controlled. This can impact your experience on the treadmill since the controls on some models require you to press a button in order to adjust the slope of the deck while others have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent gradient.
Also, make sure that the incline feature is simple to fold and unfold. This is especially important if you're buying a treadmill that folds up and you live in a cramped space or have a shared home or office space with limited storage space. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold, requiring 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 makes the process easy and quick, saving you 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 sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you're not an experienced runner, or you tend to walk for the majority of your exercise, opt for a treadmill with a maximum speed that's lower, around 8 mph. If you plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift and Zwift, make sure it connects to your smartphone so you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models that have thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, which allow you to change speed or the incline. It's easier than hitting buttons on consoles.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built in for example, an emergency stopper that will stop the treadmill in the event you slip or fall. These features are essential for safety and to prevent damage to motors and belts. We recommend you test this feature before purchasing one of our choices.
When you shop take note of the capacity of the treadmill's weight. The more expensive folding treadmills tend to be stronger and have a larger weight capacity, which will help prevent them from warping over time. If you are concerned about the longevity of a product, look at its warranty and customer reviews to determine how it holds up.
Remember that most treadmills aren't used every day and that folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody says that this can result in problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. We suggest choosing a treadmill made by an established brand with a history of producing quality equipment.
While older foldable treadmills were typically associated with lesser capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are getting better. They have similar features and capabilities that you'll find on more expensive treadmills, such as incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills are no different. Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. Folding treadmills require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include tubing made of heavier metal and safety features such as gas shocks. treadmills with incline can push the price up, but result in an exercise machine that is more robust and stable when in use.
As an ace trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for high-quality products that can help boost performance. While she prefers to run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. If you're looking for a way to get your heart rate up or recreate the sensation of running on the real pavement, an incline could make a huge difference to your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends selecting a treadmill that folds with a motor and frame that are durable enough to withstand the weight of your body, and a spacious workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your favorite tunes. She also recommends looking over the warranty and focusing on those with a longer offering especially for crucial parts such as the frame and motor.
In our evaluation of treadmills that fold The JRNY model from Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade design and easy design. The machine is quiet so it can be used in a shared space without disturbing or distracting others. It's simple to switch between different user profiles with a press of one button. It also includes 26 programs integrated, coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the body just right.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill uses a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much easier to fold and unfold when not in use. It also provides the treadmill with more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your favorite workout music and can also connect to third-party applications to provide virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and the small fan may not be adequate to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.