Buying a Folding Treadmill
A treadmill that folds down can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. But before you go shopping determine your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that matches.
"Be sure to take measurements of the space you'll use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with a longer warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds can be an ideal option for many exercisers. If you're an avid athlete looking to add an additional mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to squeeze in a bit of cardio during meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise. It's not difficult to agree with a treadmill that lets you to jump onto and do your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that older models were often regarded as lower quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding models. When selecting a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is the most important. You'll want an area that is wide and long enough to allow you to run at full speed. A deck that is at 55 inches in length and 20 inches wide will give even the tallest runners enough room to run comfortably.
The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also important. If you intend to use your treadmill for running ensure that it can support both your weight and any extra gear, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds up with good quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
It is also essential to ensure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills with folding capabilities feature a "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Other treadmills have hydraulics to allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
It's time to get moving! You can track your progress with the built-in performance monitor which displays data including 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. treadmill with incline can also participate in a virtual race against family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, you can try one of the pre-loaded exercises that can be adjusted in speed and an incline.
Capabilities for Incline
Inclination settings can boost the intensity of your workout, and also target different muscle groups in the body. For instance, walking on a slight incline targets the calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. You can spice up your workout by changing the speed at which you run. This will keep the workout interesting and avoid boredom.
When shopping for a treadmill that has an incline take note that the steeper the slope, more challenging it will be for those who are new to the sport. This is why it's crucial to start at a lower level and gradually progress to more challenging slopes as you get more comfortable with your exercise routine. By reducing the strain on your joints, incorporating an incline can help you avoid injuries.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your needs, you'll be paying attention to the dimensions of the deck as well as motor horsepower. If you plan to power walk with the occasional jog then a treadmill powered by a motor of 2.0-2.5 chp will probably be sufficient. However, if you're a serious runner then you'll have to choose a model that has a more powerful 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Check if the incline settings on your treadmill are controlled manually or automatically. This can impact your experience using the treadmill since some models require that you press a button to adjust the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline that can reach a 10 percent grade.
You'll also want to ensure that the incline feature of the treadmill can fold and unfold easily. This is important when you purchase an incline treadmill that folds up and you have limited storage space in your office or home. Some treadmills are a pain to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and often requiring a person to hold up while you do it. Many of our picks feature an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will save you time and headaches in the process of storing your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills reach speeds as high as 12 miles per hour, which is enough for most runners. If you are not an athlete or prefer to walk during your workouts You should consider one that has a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to be connected to your smartphone if you plan to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also recommend models that have thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips that allow you to quickly change speed or the incline. It's easier than hitting 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 case you slip or fall. These features are important to ensure safety and prevent damage to belts and motors. A few of our picks include this feature, and we suggest you check before making a purchase.
Also, make sure to pay attention to the treadmill's weight capacity while you're looking for. The higher-end folding machines tend to be stronger, and have a larger capacity for weight. This helps them not to warp over time. If you are worried about the durability of a model, check out the warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Keep in mind that most treadmills are not used every day, and folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody states that this could lead to problems in the future due to the fact that 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.
The latest models are catching up to older models that were associated with fewer features. Many of them come with similar features and capabilities as those found on more expensive treadmills.
Additional Features
As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true when it comes to folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than treadmills that don't fold like tubing made of heavier metal and safety features like gas shocks. These extra expenses can push the price up, but create an exercise machine that is more robust and stable when being used.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and an expert trainer is a shrewd choice for high-quality products to enhance performance. While she would rather run outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. An incline can make a huge difference to your treadmill workout whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or simulate the experience of running outdoors.
Luff suggests selecting a treadmill that folds with a motor and frame that are strong enough to withstand the weight of your body, and a large workout area equipped with speakers that blast your favorite tunes. She also suggests looking over the warranty and deciding on those with a long-term offer, especially for important parts like the frame and motor.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the standout in our testing of treadmills that fold for its commercial quality and easy design. The machine is quiet so it can be used in a shared space without disrupting or distracting others. It's easy to switch between different user profiles at the touch of a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs, coaching via the JRNY App and a fan that cools your body to the perfect temperature.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much simpler to fold and unfold when not in use and provides the treadmill with more stability. Its built-in speakers play your workout tunes of choice and can also connect to third-party apps to provide virtual training. It doesn't have an incline and the small fan might not be enough to keep users cool during a sweaty exercise.