Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can cut costs and time by working out at home with the folding treadmill. Before you shop make sure you know your fitness goals and 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. You should prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds can be an ideal option for many exercisers. A treadmill that folds up is a great option for those who want to squeeze in some cardio in between meetings at work or after dinner. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity workout. It's difficult to argue with a treadmill which allows you to hop on and get your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that older models were often regarded as lower quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. The most important aspect to consider when choosing a folding treadmill is the size of the deck. You'll need a deck that is large and wide enough to let you take full strides when running. A deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the tallest runners to feel comfortable.
The capacity to carry weight is also vital. If you plan to use your treadmill for running, you'll want to ensure it can support your weight and any additional gear, like shoes. A folding treadmill of good quality should 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 feature an "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Others have hydraulics that help you fold the deck quickly and easily.
Once you've found your ideal folding treadmill, it's the time to get started working out! The built-in display for performance displays information such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watching a movie. If you're feeling social you can take part in a virtual race with family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, you can try one of the pre-loaded exercises with adjustable speeds and an incline.
Incline Capabilities
Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target various muscles. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline will burn calories more than flat running. The ability to alter the incline of your workout can provide a variety to your workout, keeping it interesting and preventing boredom.
When choosing the treadmill with an incline, remember that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for those who are new to the sport. It's important to begin with a lower incline and gradually work your way up as you become familiar with your routine on the treadmill. Incorporating an incline into your routine can help you avoid injury by reducing the strain on joints.
In addition to ensuring that the treadmill's incline capabilities match your objectives, you'll be looking at the dimensions of the deck as well as motor horsepower. If you plan to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you're a serious runner, then you'll need to look for a model with a stronger 2.5 chp motor or more.
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 as certain models require you to press a button to alter the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline that can achieve a 10-percent grade.
You'll also want to make sure that the incline feature of the treadmill can be folded and unfolded easily. This is important in the event that you purchase an incline treadmill that folds up and you have little storage space in your office or at home. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold with the help of more than one person and often requiring a person to hold up when you fold them. Fortunately, many of our choices have an automated folding mechanism that can make the process simple and quick which will save you time and headaches when you need to store your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills can achieve speeds of up to 12 mph, which is fast enough for the majority of runners. If you're not an athlete or prefer to walk during your workouts You should consider one that has a slower maximum speed, like 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to be connected to your device should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also prefer models with thumb dials that are mounted chest-high on the hand grips that allow you to make huge leaps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to press buttons on a console.
Another feature to be aware of is whether the treadmill has built-in safety features, such as an emergency stop clip that shuts down the machine in the event of a fall or slip. These are important not only for safety reasons, but also to avoid damage to the motor and belt. A few of our choices include this feature, and we recommend checking before making the purchase.
Finally, you should be aware of the treadmill's weight capacity while you're shopping. The more expensive folding machines tend to be stronger and have a larger capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not to swell over time. If you are concerned about the longevity of a product, take a look at the warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Keep in mind that most treadmills aren't used all day and that folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. "This places more strain on the hinge, which can cause problems later on," Mody explains. Mody. This is why we recommend choosing a treadmill that is an old-fashioned fitness brand that has a long history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.
While older foldable treadmills were often associated with less capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are catching up. Many of them have similar features and capabilities as the ones found on higher-end treadmills.
Added Features
As with most things, the old adage "you get what you pay for" applies when it comes to folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold generally require more components and materials than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These costs can increase the cost but also make the treadmill more durable and stable.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer, has a keen sense for top-quality products that can increase performance. While she prefers to run outdoors, she is a fan of 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 pavement, an incline can make the world of difference to your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends a foldable, robust treadmill that has an engine that is able to withstand your weight and a frame that's durable. It should also include a large deck for workouts with speakers built in to blast your favorite music. She also recommends looking over the warranty and focusing on those that offer a longer warranty especially for crucial components such as the frame and motor.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the standout in our tests of treadmills that fold for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. It is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without creating a disturbance to other users. It is also easy to switch between user profiles by pressing one button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs and coaching via the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that hits just the right spot.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. The treadmill is designed with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in use and provides it with more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your preferred workout music and it can connect to third-party applications to provide virtual training. It does not include an incline, however and its small integrated fan might not be enough for most users to feel comfortable during a sweaty workout.