Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. But before you go shopping, establish the goals you want to achieve and find a model that matches.
"Be sure to measure the space you intend to use and store the machine and prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds can be an excellent option for a variety of exercisers. treadmills that incline folding treadmill is an ideal option for those who want to squeeze in some cardio in between meetings at work or even after dinner. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, it's hard to resist the treadmill that allows you to hop on for your daily workout.
Despite the fact that earlier models were frequently viewed as lower quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. The most important feature to take into consideration when selecting a treadmill that folds is the deck's size. You'll require a deck that is that is large enough to allow full strides. A deck with a length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.
The capacity to carry weight is also important. If you plan to use your treadmill for running ensure that it can support both your weight and any extra gear, such as shoes. A folding treadmill of top quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
Also, you should check if your chosen folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills with folding capabilities come with a "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Other treadmills have hydraulics to enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
Once you've found your ideal folding treadmill, it's the time to get started working out! You can track your progress with an inbuilt performance monitor which shows data such as speed and distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also connect your phone with the treadmill to listen to music or watch a movie during your workouts. You can also participate in an online race against your family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, consider one of the 15 workouts preloaded that have adjustable speeds and incline.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout, and also target different muscle groups in the body. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline will burn calories more than flat running. Being able to alter your incline can add variety to your workout, keeping it interesting and preventing boredom.
When shopping for a treadmill with an incline be aware that the higher the slope, the more challenging it will be for those who are new to the sport. For this reason, it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually progress to more challenging inclines as you become more comfortable with your workout routine. By reducing the strain on your joints, using an incline will help you avoid injuries.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capabilities match your objectives, you'll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor horsepower. If you're planning to power walk with the occasional jog then an exercise treadmill with an engine of 2.0-2.5 chp is likely to suffice. If you are a serious runner then you will need an exercise machine with a motor that is at least 2.5 chp.
Consider whether the slope settings on your treadmill are adjusted by hand or automatically. This can affect your experience on the treadmill because the controls on certain models require pressing the button to adjust the incline of the deck. Other models have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent gradient.
It is also important to make sure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded easily. This is particularly important if you're buying a treadmill that folds up and you live in a cramped space or have a shared house or office that has limited storage space. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold with the help of more than one person, and often needing to be held up while you do it. A majority of our treadmills feature an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will help you save time and stress when it comes to storing your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you're not a skilled and/or prefer to walk for the majority of your time, opt for a treadmill that has a maximum speed that's lower that 8 mph. If you intend to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift and Zwift, make sure it connects to your device so you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials that are mounted at the chest level on the handgrips that allow you to make huge leaps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on a console.
Another feature to be aware of is whether the treadmill is equipped with safety features like an emergency stop-clip that shuts down the machine when you fall or slip. These features are essential for safety and to prevent damage to motors and belts. We recommend you test this feature prior to purchasing one of our selections.
When shopping take note of the capacity of the treadmill's weight. The more expensive folding treadmills tend to be more durable and have a greater capacity for weight that will prevent them from bending over time. If you are concerned about the durability of a model, check out the warranty and customer reviews to determine how it holds up.
Be aware that treadmills are not used every day, and folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. Mody states that this could cause problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. We recommend selecting a treadmill manufactured by an organization with an established track record of producing high-quality equipment.
While earlier treadmills that fold up were typically regarded as having lower features than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are catching up. Many have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on more expensive treadmills, including incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills are no different. Like most things in life, you get what you pay. Folding treadmills typically require more materials and components than non-folding machines, including the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These extra costs can push the price up but result in a treadmill that is durable and stable when in use.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer is a shrewd choice for high-end products that enhance performance. She prefers to run outdoors, but she also loves to incorporate treadmill exercise on an incline in her fitness routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running on pavement, an incline can make a huge difference in your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends selecting a treadmill that folds with a motor and frame that are sturdy enough to support the weight of your body, and a spacious workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favorite music. She also recommends looking over the warranty to choose those that have a longer-term warranty especially for crucial components like the motor and frame.
In our testing of treadmills that fold up The JRNY model from Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade performance and simple design. It is quiet, so it's able to be used with out disrupting other users. It's also simple to switch between profiles by pressing the button. It also includes 26 programs integrated, coaching via the JRNY App and a fan that cools the body just right.
Another option worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design that makes it simpler to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the treadmill more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your favorite workout music and it can connect to third-party apps for virtual training. It doesn't include an incline however, and its tiny fan may not be enough for most users to be at ease during sweaty workouts.