Buying a Folding Treadmill

A treadmill that folds down can help you save time and money by keeping your training at home. Before you shop, determine your fitness goals, and then find a treadmill that suits them.

Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area in which you intend to store and use the machine, and then give priority to those with longer warranties."

Deck Size

A folding treadmill is a great choice for a number of exercisers. If you're an avid athlete looking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a newbie who wants to squeeze in some cardio in meetings at work or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you fit in those much-needed workouts. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity workout. It's difficult to argue with a treadmill which allows you to jump onto and do your daily workout.

Despite the fact that earlier models were often regarded as inferior quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills that incline have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When choosing a folding treadmill, the dimension of the deck is most important. You'll need an area that is long and wide enough to allow you to run in full stride. A deck that is at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will allow even the most tall runners space to run comfortably.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity for weight on a folding treadmill. If you intend to use your treadmill to run, you'll need to make sure it's able to support your weight as well as any additional equipment, like shoes. A treadmill that folds in top quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

It's also important to check that your folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold feature a "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Others have hydraulics that allow 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 displays data including speed and distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can pair your phone to your treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a film. If you're looking to socialize you can join a virtual race with family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, try one of the pre-loaded exercises that have adjustable speeds and an incline.

Capabilities for Incline

Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target various muscles. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves, while running at an incline burns more calories than flat running. You can spice up your workout by varying the incline. This keeps it exciting and prevent boredom.

When selecting the treadmill with an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the harder it will be for beginners. It's important to begin with a lower incline and gradually move upwards as you become comfortable with your treadmill routine. By reducing the stress on your joints, incorporating an incline can help you avoid injuries.

You'll want to consider the size of the deck, motor horsepower and incline capability of the treadmill. If you plan to mostly power walk, and add in some jogging, then the treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you're a serious runner, you will need a treadmill with a motor that is at minimum 2.5 chp.

Take note of whether the slope settings on your treadmill are controlled by hand or automatically. This will affect the experience you get from the treadmill because the controls on some models require you to press an option to adjust the incline of the deck while others offer an automatic incline setting that can reach up to 10 percent slope.

Also, ensure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial if you are buying a folding treadmill and have small storage space at your office or home. Some treadmills can be difficult to fold and unfold and require more than one person, and often requiring a person to hold up while you do all treadmills have incline it. Many of our choices come with an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will cut down on time and stress when it comes to the process of storing your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The top folding treadmills reach speeds up to 12 mph, which is enough for most runners. If you're not an experienced and/or prefer to walk most of your exercise, opt for a model with speeds that are lower than that 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to be connected to your device should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials that are mounted chest-high on the hand grips that allow you to make big jumps in speed or incline. It's more fluid than trying to press buttons on a console.

Another feature to take into consideration is whether a treadmill is equipped with safety features, such as an emergency stop-clip that shuts down the machine if you slip or fall. These features are essential for safety and to prevent damage to motors and belts. We recommend that you check this feature prior to purchasing one of our picks.

When you shop take note of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The more expensive folding machines tend to be stronger and have a greater capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not to warp over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a particular model, check the warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it has held up over time.

Also, keep in mind that the majority of treadmills aren't used every day and that models that fold may experience more wear and tear than their non-folding counterparts. "This puts more strain on the hinge, which can cause issues later on," Mody explains. Mody. We recommend selecting a treadmill from an established brand with an established track record of producing high-quality equipment.

While earlier treadmills that fold up were typically associated with lower capabilities than standard treadmills however, the newer models are getting better. Many have comparable features and capabilities to those you'll find on more expensive treadmills, like incline capability.

Additional Features

Folding treadmills aren't different. Like everything else in life, you'll get what you pay for. Folding treadmills require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include heavy tubing made of metal and safety features like gas shocks. These costs can raise the cost but also make the treadmill more durable and stable.

As an ace fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for high-quality products which can improve performance. She prefers to run outdoors, but she also likes to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her fitness routine. If you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the sensation of running on the real pavement, an incline could make the world of difference in your treadmill workout.

Luff recommends a foldable, robust treadmill with incline with an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that's durable. It should also come with an ample workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to choose those with a longer offering particularly for the most important parts like the frame and motor.

The JRNY model of Bowflex was the most notable in our test of treadmills that fold for its commercial quality and easy design. The treadmill is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without disturbing others. It's also simple to switch between different user profiles by pressing the button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs and coaching through the JRNY App and a convenient fan that cools your body just the right way.

Another option that's worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill uses a fold-on-base (FOB) design that makes it simpler to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the unit more stability. The built-in speaker system plays your workout tunes of choice and can also connect to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline however, and its tiny fan may not be enough for most users to feel at ease during sweaty workouts.