Buying a Folding Treadmill
A folding treadmill can save you time and money by allowing your training at home. But before you go shopping determine the goals you want to achieve and then find a treadmill that is compatible with your goals.
"Be sure to take measurements of the space you intend to use and store the machine and prioritize those with the longest warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A folding treadmill is a great choice for a variety of fitness enthusiasts. If you're an avid athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two to your run or a beginner who's hoping to get in some cardio in an office meeting or even after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity every week, it's tough to oppose the treadmill that allows you to take a spin for your daily workout.
Despite the fact that earlier models were often associated with poor quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills come with the same features and features as nonfolding treadmills. The most important feature to take into consideration when selecting a treadmill that folds is the deck size. You'll need the deck to be wide and long enough to let you run in full stride. Ideally, a deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.
The weight capacity of a treadmill is also crucial. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it is able to support your weight as well as any extra gear, such as shoes. A good quality treadmill that folds must be able to support at least 300 pounds.
It is also essential to ensure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold come with the "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill is not being used. Some have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
When you've found the perfect treadmill that folds, it's time to get moving! The built-in performance monitor displays information such as speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also connect your phone to the treadmill to listen to music or watch a film during your workout. You can also take part in an online race against your family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. And, if you're ready to improve your performance You can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded with adjustable speeds and inclines.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target different muscles. Walking at a slight angle can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline will burn more calories than flat running. The ability to alter the incline of your workout can give your workout a different perspective, keeping it interesting and preventing boredom.
When shopping for a treadmill with incline, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. Therefore, it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually move up to more challenging inclines as you become more comfortable with your workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine will also aid in avoiding injuries by reducing the strain on your joints.
You'll need to think about the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower and the ability to incline of the treadmill. If you plan to power walk with occasional jogs, the treadmill that has a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp will probably suffice. However, if you're a serious runner, then you'll want to look for a model that has a more powerful 2.5 chp motor or more.
Take note of whether the incline settings of your treadmill are set manually or automatically. This can impact your experience on the treadmill since the controls on certain models require pressing the button to alter the slope of the deck. Other models offer an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent grade.
Finally, you'll want to make sure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is especially important if you're buying a treadmill that folds up and you live in a small space or have a shared house or office space with small storage space. Some treadmills are a pain to fold and unfold with the help of more than one person and often requiring a person to hold up when you fold them. Many of our choices have an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will help you save time and stress when it comes to storage of your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds as high as 12 mph, which is enough for most runners. If you're not an athlete or prefer to walk to work out, you should look for an exercise machine with a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to be connected to your smartphone should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials positioned at the chest level on the handgrips to let you quickly take big leaps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on a console.
Another aspect to consider is whether a treadmill has built-in safety features like an emergency stop clip that shuts down the treadmill in the event of a fall or slip. These features are essential for safety and to avoid damage to motors and belts. Some of our top picks come with this feature, which we suggest checking prior to making a purchase.
When you shop for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The more expensive folding machines tend to be more durable, and have a larger maximum weight capacity. This helps them not to warp over time. If you are concerned about the durability of a model, check out its warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Remember that the majority of treadmills don't get frequently used, and that foldable models may experience more wear and tear than their nonfolding counterparts. Mody says that this can result in problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. We recommend selecting a treadmill from a brand that has a track record of producing top quality equipment.
While older treadmills with foldable features were often associated with lesser functionality than standard models however, the newer models are getting better. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities to those you'll find on more expensive treadmills, like incline capability.
Additional Features
Like most things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is applicable in the case of folding treadmills. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than non-folding machines, including the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These extra costs can push the price up, but they create a treadmill that is more robust and stable when used.
As an ace fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for products of high-quality that can help boost performance. She enjoys running outdoors, but she likes to incorporate treadmill incline exercises 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 outdoors experience.
Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill with an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that is robust. It should also include a large workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your music. She also suggests looking over the warranty and deciding on those that offer a long-term warranty, especially for important parts such as the motor and frame.
The JRNY model of Bowflex was the most impressive in our testing of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. It's quiet enough that it can be used in a group space without disturbing or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between various user profiles at the press of a button. It also comes with 26 programs that are integrated, coaching through the JRNY app, and a handy cooling fan that hits just the right spot.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. The treadmill uses a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much easier to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the unit more stability. It has an inbuilt speaker that plays your favourite workout music and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and its small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during sweaty workouts.