Buying a Folding Treadmill
A folding treadmill can help you save time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop, establish what your workout goals are and find a model that is compatible with your goals.
"Be sure to measure the space you intend to use and store the machine and prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, informs SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is an ideal option for many exercisers. A treadmill that folds is a great choice for anyone looking to squeeze in some cardio in between meetings at work or after dinner. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week, it's tough to oppose the treadmill that allows you to hop on for your daily workout.
While older foldable treadmills were often associated with low quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same features and functionality as non-folding options. The most important feature to consider when choosing the best folding treadmill is the deck size. You'll require a deck that is large enough to run with full strides. A deck that is at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will allow even the tallest runners enough room to run comfortably.
The weight capacity of a treadmill is also crucial. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it is able to support both your weight and any additional equipment, such as shoes. A high-quality treadmill that folds will need to be able to hold at least 300 pounds.
It is also essential to ensure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills with folding capabilities have a "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Other treadmills have hydraulics to help you fold the deck quickly and easily.
Once you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's time to start working out! The built-in performance display shows data such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can also pair your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a video during your workouts. If you're feeling social you can take part in a virtual race with friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, try one of 15 pre-loaded workouts that can be adjusted in speed and an incline.
Capabilities for Incline
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups throughout the body. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves, whereas running at an angle burns more calories than flat-running. The ability to alter your incline level can also give your workout a different perspective to keep it interesting and preventing boredom.
When selecting a treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. For this reason, it's crucial to start low and slowly progress to more challenging slopes as you become more comfortable with your workout routine. By reducing the stress on your joints, incorporating an incline will help you avoid injury.
Aside from making sure the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your objectives, you'll be looking at the size of the deck and motor's horsepower. If you're planning to power walk and do occasional jogs, then a treadmill powered by a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp should suffice. If you are an avid runner, then you'll require a treadmill with a motor of at least 2.5 chp.
Another thing to think about is whether or not the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This can affect your experience on the treadmill because the controls on some models require pressing an option to adjust the slope of the deck while others provide an automatic incline adjustment that can reach up to 10 percent grade.
You should also make sure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded quickly. This is particularly important if you're buying a treadmill that folds up and you live in a small space or have a shared home or office that has small storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to accomplish it and may need to be supervised while doing it. Fortunately, a lot of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process quick and simple which will save you time and headaches when it comes to storing your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills reach speeds as high as 12 mph, which is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you're not a seasoned runner, or you tend to walk for the majority of your time, opt for a treadmill with the speed limit that is lower that 8 mph. If you plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your smartphone so you can keep up with your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials that are mounted chest-high on the hand grips to let you quickly take big leaps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to press buttons on the console.
Another aspect to consider is whether a treadmill has built-in safety features, such as an emergency stop button that shuts down the treadmill when you fall or slip. These are important not only for safety, but also to prevent damage to the motor and belt. We recommend you test this feature before purchasing one of our selections.
Also, make treadmills with incline to be aware of the treadmill's capacity for weight when you're shopping. The ones that cost more tend to be stronger, and have a greater capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not to warp over time. If you are worried about the durability of a model, take a look at its warranty and reviews from customers to determine how it holds up.
Be aware that treadmills are not used every day, and models that fold could be more prone to wear and tear. Mody states that this could result in issues in the future as it puts more stress on the hinge. That's why we suggest choosing a treadmill that is an old-fashioned fitness brand that has an extensive history of producing high-quality equipment.
While older treadmills with foldable features were typically associated with lower capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are moving up. Many have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on more expensive treadmills, including incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Like most things, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is applicable with regard to folding treadmills. Treadmills which 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 costs can make the price up, but create a treadmill that is more robust and stable when used.
As a top trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products that can help boost performance. While she prefers to run outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts 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 replicate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill that has an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that's sturdy. It should also include a large deck for workouts with built-in speakers to blast your favorite music. She also encourages assessing the warranty and focusing on those with a longer offering, especially for key parts like the frame and motor.
In our tests of treadmills that fold, the JRNY model from Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade performance and simple design. The treadmill is quiet, which means it is able to be used without disrupting others. It's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing one button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs, coaching via the JRNY App and a convenient 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 easy to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the treadmill more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your workout tunes of choice 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 a sweaty workout.