Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save money and time by exercising at home using an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop decide what your workout goals are and choose a treadmill that matches.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and give preference to machines that have the longest guarantee."
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is a good option for many exercisers. A treadmill that folds is a great choice for anyone who wants to get in a bit of cardio during a meeting at work or after dinner. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. It's hard to argue with a treadmill which allows you to jump on and get your daily exercise.
While older treadmills that could fold were often regarded as low quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest models of folding treadmills come with the same features and features as nonfolding treadmills. The most important aspect to consider when selecting a treadmill that folds is the size of the deck. You'll need a deck large enough to run with full strides. A deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.
The capacity to carry weight is also vital. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll want to make sure it's able to support your weight and any other equipment, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds in top quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
It's also important to make sure whether your treadmill folds easy to fold. Some folding treadmills come with a "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Others have hydraulics that 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! The built-in performance monitor displays information such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to the treadmill so you can listen to music while working out or watching a movie. If you're enjoying socializing, you can even take part in a virtual race alongside friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. And, if you're ready to up your game You can test out one of the 15 workouts preloaded with adjustable speeds and inclines.
Capabilities for Incline
Inclination settings can boost the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups throughout the body. Walking at a slight angle can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an angle burns more calories than flat-running. The ability to alter your incline can add variety to your workout making it more exciting and avoiding boredom.
When you are looking for a treadmill with incline, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the more challenging it will be for beginners. Therefore, it's important to start out with a low slope and gradually progress to more challenging inclines as you become more comfortable with your treadmill exercise routine. By reducing the stress on your joints, adding an incline can help you avoid injury.
You should consider the size of the deck, motor horsepower, and incline capability of the treadmill. If you plan to mostly power walk and throw in some jogging, then a treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor should suffice. However, if you're a serious runner, then you'll need to choose a model with a more robust 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Another thing to think about is whether or not the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This will impact your experience using the treadmill since some models require you push a button to adjust the slope. Others provide an automatic incline which can achieve a 10-percent grade.
Also, ensure that the incline feature is able to fold and unfold. This is particularly crucial if you're purchasing an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a tiny space or have a shared home or office that has limited storage space. Certain treadmills can be difficult to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and often needing to be held up as you do so. Luckily, many of our choices have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process easy and quick, saving you time and stress when it comes to storing your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour, which is enough for the majority of runners. If you are not a runner or prefer walking for most of your workouts then you should choose one with a lower maximum speed, such as 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your smartphone in case you intend to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials that are mounted high on the hand grips to let you quickly make huge leaps in speed or incline. It's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on the console.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether a treadmill comes with safety features built-in, such as an emergency stop button that shuts down the machine when you fall or slip. These are crucial not only to ensure safety, but also to avoid damage to the motor and belt. A few of our picks have this feature, which we recommend checking before making a purchase.
When shopping, pay attention to the weight capacity of the treadmill. The higher-end folding treadmills tend to be stronger and have a higher capacity for weight that will prevent the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a treadmill, take a look at its warranty and customer reviews to determine how it holds up.
Be incline treadmill that treadmills aren't used all day, and models that fold are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This places more strain on the hinge and could cause problems later on," says Mody. This is why we recommend choosing a treadmill that is a legacy fitness brand with a long history of manufacturing quality equipment.
While earlier treadmills that fold up were typically associated with lower capabilities than standard treadmills but the latest models are catching up. They have similar features and capabilities are found on higher-priced treadmills, such as incline capabilities.
Additional Features
As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true with regard to folding treadmills. Folding treadmills typically require more materials and components than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These additional expenses can push the price up, but result in an exercise machine that is more robust and stable used.
As a top-notch trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products which can improve performance. She prefers to run outdoors, but she loves to incorporate treadmill exercises that are incline-based into her fitness routine. If you're looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running on the real pavement, an incline can make the world of difference in your treadmill workout.
Luff recommends choosing a treadmill foldable with a frame and motor that are durable enough to hold the weight of your body, as well as an expansive workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your favorite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and focusing on those that offer a longer warranty particularly for the most important parts like the motor and frame.
In our testing of folding treadmills that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade design and easy design. The machine is quiet, which means it is able to be used without disrupting other users. It is also easy to switch between user profiles by pressing a button. It also includes 26 programs integrated into it, coaching through the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that hits the right spot.
Another option that's worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. It is built with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in use and also gives it more stability. The built-in speaker system plays your favorite workout music and it can connect to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however, and its small integrated fan may not be enough for many users to feel at ease during a sweaty workout.
