Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can cut costs and time by exercising at home using an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop set your fitness goals and then find a treadmill that suits their needs.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and give preference to machines with the longest guarantee."
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is a great choice for many exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to do some cardio in meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. With the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity every week, it's difficult to argue against an exercise machine that allows you to take a spin for your daily workout.
While older foldable treadmills were often regarded as low quality, today's models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same features and functionality as non-folding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the dimension of the deck is important. You'll require a deck that is sufficient to allow full strides. A deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.
Another factor to consider is the weight capacity of the treadmill that folds. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it can support both your weight and any extra gear, such as shoes. A good quality treadmill that folds must be able to support at 300 pounds at a minimum.
Finally, it's important to check if your chosen folding treadmill has easy-to-fold technology. Some folding treadmills feature a "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast on top of the running surface when not being used, while other come with hydraulics that allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily. the deck.
When you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's the time to get moving! 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 you can listen to music while exercising or watch a film. If you're looking to socialize, you can even join a virtual race with friends or family members via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to step up your game, you can try out one of the 15 workouts preloaded with adjustable speeds and inclines.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout, and also target different muscle groups throughout the body. For instance, walking on a slight incline targets the calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an incline will burn more calories than flat running. You can spice up your workout by altering the angle. This will keep it exciting and prevent boredom.
When selecting a treadmill that has an incline, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the harder it will be for novices. It is important to start with a low slope and gradually move up as you become comfortable with your treadmill routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine will also aid in avoiding injuries by decreasing the impact on your joints.
In addition to ensuring that the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your objectives, you'll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor horsepower. If you plan to mostly power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then a treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor should suffice. If you are an avid runner, then you will need an item with a motor that is at minimum 2.5 chp.
Another thing to consider is whether the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This can impact the experience you get from the treadmill because the controls on certain models require pressing the button to adjust the incline of the deck. Other models have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent slope.
It is also important to make sure that the incline feature of the treadmill can fold and unfold easily. This is essential in the event that you purchase a folding treadmill and have limited storage space in your home or office. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it and may need to be supervised while doing it. Many of our picks come with an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will help you save time and hassle when it comes to storage of your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you are not a runner or prefer to walk to work out then you should choose an exercise machine with a lower maximum speed, like 8 mph. Choose treadmills with incline that can be connected to your smartphone should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted chest-high on the hand grips to allow you to quickly make big jumps in speed or incline. It's more fluid than hitting buttons on the console.
Another aspect 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 if you slip or fall. These features are crucial for safety and to avoid damage to motors and belts. Some of our top picks have this feature, which we suggest checking prior to making the purchase.
Lastly, be sure to take note of the treadmill's capacity for weight when you're shopping. The most expensive folding treadmills tend to be more durable and have a greater capacity for weight, which will help prevent the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you are concerned about the longevity of a model, look at the warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Remember that the majority of treadmills aren't frequently used, and that foldable models could be more prone to wear and tear than their nonfolding counterparts. Mody states that this could cause problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. That's why we suggest selecting a treadmill from an established fitness brand with long-standing history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.
The newer models are catching up to older models that were tagged with less functionality. Many of them come with similar features and capabilities to the ones found on higher-end treadmills.
Additional Features
As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true in the case of folding treadmills. Folding treadmills require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include tubing made of heavier metal and safety features like gas shocks. These added expenses can push the price tag higher but create an exercise machine that is more durable and stable when being used.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer, has a keen sense for top-quality products that can improve performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she is a fan of incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. An inclined treadmill can make a massive difference to your treadmill workout, whether you want to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running outdoors.
Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill with an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that is robust. It should also come with a large workout deck with speakers built in to blast your music. She also suggests looking over the warranty and prioritizing those that offer a long-term warranty, especially for important parts like the frame and motor.
In our tests of treadmills that fold up, the JRNY model from Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade performance and simple design. The treadmill is quiet, so it's able to be used with out disrupting other users. It is also easy to switch between user profiles by pressing one button. It also includes 26 programs integrated and coaching through the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the body just right.
Another option that's worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill uses a fold-on-base (FOB) design which makes it easy to fold and unfold when not in use and provides the treadmill with more stability. The built-in speaker system plays your preferred workout music and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however and its tiny fan might not be sufficient for many users to be comfortable during a sweaty workout.