Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save time and money by working out at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you go shopping make sure you know your fitness goals, and then choose a treadmill that is suitable for their needs.
"Be sure to take measurements of the area you plan to use and store the machine and prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A folding treadmill is a great choice for a number of exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete looking to add an extra mile or two to your runs or a beginner who's hoping to get in some cardio at a work meeting or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity every week, it's difficult to argue against a treadmill that lets you get on to do your daily cardio.
While earlier treadmills that fold were often associated with low quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold have the same features and features as nonfolding treadmills. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds the dimension of the deck is most important. You'll want a deck that is wide and long enough to allow you to take full strides when running. A deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.
The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also vital. 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, such as shoes. A folding treadmill of good quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
It is also essential to ensure that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have a "fold-on-pin" design that lifts the console mast up above the running surface when it's not being used, while other include hydraulics to help you quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.
It's time to get moving! You can monitor your progress using the built-in performance monitor which shows data such as speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also connect your phone to the treadmill to listen to music or watch a movie during your workout. If you're looking to socialize, you can even take part in a virtual race with friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, try one of the pre-loaded exercises with adjustable speeds and incline.
Capacity to Line Incline
Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target various muscle groups. For example, walking at an incline of just a little targets your calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an incline burns more calories than flat running. Having the ability to change your incline can give your workout a different perspective making it more engaging and avoiding boredom.
When looking for a treadmill that has an incline take note that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for novices. This is why it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually progress to more strenuous inclines as you become more comfortable with your workout routine. By reducing the stress on your joints, adding an incline can help you avoid injury.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capabilities are 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 run on power and do the occasional jog, an exercise machine with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you are a serious runner then you'll need a treadmill with a motor that is at least 2.5 chp.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This can affect your experience with the treadmill because the controls on certain models require pressing a button in order to adjust the incline of the deck. Other models have an automatic incline setting that can go up to 10 percent grade.
You'll also want to ensure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded easily. This is particularly important if you're buying a foldable treadmill and live in a small space or have a shared house or office with small storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to do it, and might need to be held during the process. Many of our picks have an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will help you save time and hassle when it comes to the process of storing your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds of up to 12 mph. This is sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you are not an avid runner or prefer walking during your workouts You should consider one that has a slower maximum speed, such as 8 mph. Select a treadmill that can be connected to your smartphone should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials mounted on the handgrips, allowing you to quickly change speed or the incline. It's easier than hitting buttons on a console.
Be sure to check if the treadmill has safety features built in for example, an emergency clip that will shut down the treadmill in the event that you slip or fall. These features are essential for safety and to prevent damage to belts and motors. We recommend that you check this feature prior to buying one of our selections.
Also, make sure to be aware of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're looking for. The higher-end folding treadmills are generally more durable and have a greater capacity for weight which can help stop the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a particular model, make sure to check the warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it has held up over time.
Finally, remember that the majority of treadmills aren't used every day and that models that fold could be more prone to wear and tear than their nonfolding counterparts. Mody states that this could cause issues in the future as it puts more pressure on the hinge. We suggest selecting a treadmill manufactured by an organization with a history of producing quality equipment.
While incline treadmill that fold up were often associated with lesser features than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are catching up. Many of them come with similar features and capabilities as those found on more expensive treadmills.
Additional Features
Like most things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true in the case of folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold generally require more materials and components than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These additional costs can make the price up but result in a treadmill that is durable and stable when in use.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and an expert trainer has a keen eye for high-quality products to increase performance. While she would rather run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. If you're looking for a way 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 selecting a treadmill that folds with a motor and frame that are durable enough to support the weight of your body, and an expansive workout deck equipped with speakers that blast your favorite tunes. She also encourages assessing the warranty to prioritize those that offer a longer warranty, especially for key components such as the frame and motor.
The JRNY model of Bowflex was the standout in our test of folding treadmills for its commercial quality and intuitive design. It is quiet, so it can be used in a shared space without disturbing or distracting others. It's easy to switch between various user profiles with the press of a button. It also includes 26 programs integrated, coaching via the JRNY App and a fan that cools your body just the right way.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. The treadmill is designed with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it simpler to fold or unfold when not in usage and gives it more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your preferred workout music and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't include an incline, however and its small fan may not be enough for most users to be at ease during a sweaty workout.