Buying a Folding Treadmill
A folding treadmill will save you time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you go shopping, determine your fitness goals and find a treadmill that suits your needs.
"Be sure to take measurements of the area you plan to use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is an excellent option for a variety of exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two to your run or a novice who's looking to do a bit of cardio during a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity workout. incline treadmill to argue with a treadmill which allows you to get on and get your daily exercise.
While earlier treadmills that fold were typically associated with poor quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding models. When choosing a folding treadmill, the size of the deck is important. You'll want a deck that is large and wide enough to let you run at full speed. A deck that is at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will allow even the most tall runners space to run comfortably.
The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also important. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll need to make sure it's able to support your weight as well as any additional gear, like shoes. A folding treadmill of good quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
Also, you should ensure that your folding treadmill has easy-to-fold technology. Some treadmills that fold feature an "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Other treadmills have hydraulics to allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily.
Once you've found your ideal folding treadmill, it's the time to start working out! You can monitor your progress using the built-in performance monitor which displays data including speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while exercising or watch a film. If you're feeling social you can also take part in a virtual race with friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're ready to step up your game You can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline burns more calories than flat running. You can add variety to your workout by changing the angle. This keeps it interesting and prevent boredom.
When looking for a treadmill with incline be aware that the steeper the slope, more challenging it will be for beginners. This is why it's important to start out at a lower level and gradually work your way up to more challenging inclines as you get more comfortable with your treadmill workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine can also help you avoid injury by reducing the stress on joints.
You'll want to consider the size of the deck as well as the motor's horsepower and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you plan to primarily run on power and do the occasional jog, an exercise machine with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. If you're a serious runner, you'll need an item with a motor of at least 2.5 chp.
Another thing to consider is whether the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This can affect your experience using the treadmill since some models require that you push a button to adjust the slope. Others offer an automatic incline that could achieve a 10-percent grade.
In the end, you'll need to ensure that the incline feature is simple to fold and unfold. This is particularly important if you're buying an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a cramped space or have a shared home or office space with limited storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it, and they may require to be supervised while doing it. Fortunately, many of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that can make the process simple and quick which will save you time and stress when it comes to storing your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills have speeds of up to 12 mph. This is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you're not an athlete or prefer to walk to work out then you should choose a treadmill with a lower maximum speed, like 8 mph. If you intend to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift and Zwift, make sure it connects to your device so that you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted at the chest level on the handgrips to let you quickly take big leaps in speed or incline. It's much more fluid than trying to press buttons on the console.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether a treadmill is equipped with safety features like an emergency stop clip that shuts down the treadmill when you fall or slip. These features are essential to ensure safety and prevent damage to belts and motors. A few of our picks include this feature, and we recommend checking before making an purchase.
When shopping for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The ones that cost more tend to be stronger, and also have a higher capacity for weight. This will help them not to swell over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a product, check out its warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Finally, remember that the majority of treadmills aren't used all the time, and that foldable models may experience more wear and tear than their nonfolding counterparts. "This places more strain on the hinge and can cause problems later on," says Mody. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill from an old-fashioned fitness brand that has a long history of manufacturing quality equipment.
The latest models are catching up to older models, which were characterized with fewer features. They have similar features and capabilities as the more expensive treadmills.
Additional Features
As with most things, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is applicable in the case of folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills, such as heavier metal tubing and safety features such as gas shocks. These costs can raise the cost but also make the treadmill more durable and stable.
As a top-notch fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for high-quality products that help improve performance. While she prefers to run outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. An an incline can make a significant difference to your treadmill workout whether you want to increase your heart rate or simulate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff suggests a foldable, robust treadmill that has an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also have an ample workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your music. She also suggests looking over the warranty and prioritizing those with a long-term offer particularly for the most important components such as the motor and frame.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the most notable in our tests of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. It is quiet, which means it is able to be used without disrupting others. It is also easy to switch between user profiles by pressing the button. It also includes 26 programs integrated and coaching through the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the 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 much simpler to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the unit more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your workout tunes of choice and it can connect to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and its small fan might not be enough to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.