Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save money and time by exercising at home using a folding treadmill. Before you shop, establish your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that will meet your needs.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and then give preference to machines that have longer warranties."
Deck Size
A folding treadmill is a great option for many 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 do some cardio in meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds will make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. With the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, it's difficult to resist an exercise machine that allows you to hop on to do your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that older models were often regarded as poor quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding options. The most important feature to consider when selecting a folding treadmill is the deck size. You'll require a deck that is that is large enough to allow full strides. Ideally, 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 weight capacity of a treadmill is also important. If you plan to use your treadmill for running, you'll need to ensure it can support your weight and any other gear, like shoes. A good quality folding treadmill will need to be able to hold at 300 pounds or more.
It's also important to check that your folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills with folding capabilities come with a "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over 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 treadmill that folds, it's time to start 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 connect your smartphone to your treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a film. You can also participate in an online race against your family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, consider one of the 15 workouts preloaded that have adjustable speeds and incline.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target various muscle groups. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves, while running at an incline will burn more calories than flat-running. Being able to alter the incline of your workout can give your workout a different perspective making it more engaging and avoiding boredom.
When you choose the treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. It is essential to start with a low incline and gradually work your way up as you become familiar with your routine on the treadmill. Incorporating an incline into your workout routine can aid in avoiding injury by reducing the strain on joints.
In addition to ensuring that the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your needs, you'll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor's horsepower. If you intend to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you are a serious runner, you'll require an item with a motor of at minimum 2.5 chp.
Check if treadmill with incline of your treadmill are controlled manually or automatically. This can affect your experience with the treadmill since some models require that you press a button to adjust the slope. Others provide an automatic incline which can reach a 10 percent grade.
You should also ensure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded easily. This is especially important if you're buying a foldable treadmill and live in a small space or have a shared home or office with limited storage space. Certain treadmills can be difficult to fold and unfold with the help of more than one person and often needing to be held up when you fold them. Many of our picks feature an automated folding system which makes the process easy and quick. This will cut down on time and headaches in the process of storing your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills can achieve speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, which is enough for most runners. If you're not a skilled runner, or you tend to walk most of your time, opt for a model with a maximum speed that's lower that 8 mph. If you plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running 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 mounted on handgrips, which allow you to change speed or anincline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on consoles.
Be sure to check if the treadmill has safety features that are built-in for example, an emergency clip that will shut down the machine in the event you slip or fall. These are crucial not only to ensure safety, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We suggest that you look into this feature before purchasing one of our choices.
When you shop for a treadmill, be aware of the capacity of the treadmill's weight. The higher-end folding machines tend to be stronger and have a greater capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not to swell over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a treadmill, take a check out the warranty and customer reviews to see how it stands up.
Also, keep in mind that the majority of treadmills don't get used all the time and foldable models may experience more wear and tear than their non-folding counterparts. "This places more stress on the hinge and can cause problems later," says Mody. We suggest selecting a treadmill from a brand that has a track record of producing top quality equipment.
While earlier treadmills that fold up were typically associated with lower capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are getting better. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities that you'll find on higher-priced treadmills, including incline capabilities.
Additional Features
As with most things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is applicable in the case of folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold generally require more materials and components than those that do not fold, such as more robust tubing made of metal and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These added expenses can push the price tag higher but create a treadmill that is robust and stable when being used.
As an ace trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products that can help boost performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. An incline can make a huge difference to your treadmill workout, whether you want to increase your heart rate or simulate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff recommends selecting a treadmill that folds with a frame and motor that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of your body, and a spacious workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favourite tunes. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and focusing on those that have a longer-term warranty especially for crucial parts like the frame and motor.
In our evaluation of folding treadmills, the JRNY model from Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade design and easy design. It's quiet enough that it can be used in a shared space without disrupting or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between various user profiles with a click of one button. It also includes 26 programs integrated as well as coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools your body just the right way.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. It has a fold-on base (FOB) design which makes it easier to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the treadmill more stability. It comes with a built-in speaker that plays your favourite workout music and can be connected to third-party apps for virtual training. It doesn't have an incline, and its tiny fan may not be adequate to keep users cool during sweaty workouts.
