Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save money and time by exercising at home using a folding treadmill. Before you shop, determine your fitness goals and choose a treadmill that is suitable for their needs.
Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and then give priority to those with the longest guarantee."
Deck Size
A folding treadmill is a good option for many exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete looking to add an additional mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to do some cardio at a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to get in the workouts you need to. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, it's difficult to resist a treadmill that lets you take a spin to do your daily cardio.
Despite the fact that earlier models were often regarded as lower quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding alternatives. When choosing a folding treadmill the dimension of the deck is important. You'll need a deck that is large enough to allow full strides. A deck that is at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will give even the biggest runners space to run comfortably.
The weight capacity of a treadmill is also important. If you intend to use your treadmill for running, you'll want to ensure it can support your weight and any additional equipment, like shoes. A high-quality folding treadmill must be able to support at least 300 pounds.
It's also important to check whether your treadmill folds easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have an "fold-on-pin" design that lifts the console mast up on top of the running surface when in use, while others come with hydraulics that allow you to quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.
When you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's time to get moving! You can track your progress on an inbuilt performance monitor which shows data such as speed and distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can pair your phone to your treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a movie. You can also participate in a virtual race with your friends or family via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, try one of 15 pre-loaded workouts that have adjustable speeds and incline.
Incline Capabilities
Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target various muscle groups. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline will burn calories more than flat running. You can spice up your workout by altering the angle. This will keep it interesting and prevent boredom.
When you are looking for a treadmill with incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for novices. For this reason, it is important to begin at a lower level and gradually move up to more strenuous inclines as you get more comfortable with your workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your workout routine will also aid in avoiding injuries by reducing the stress on your joints.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your goals, you'll also want to pay attention to the deck size and motor's horsepower. If you plan to primarily power walk and throw in some jogging, then a treadmill with a 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you're an avid runner, then you'll have to look for a model with a more robust 2.5 chp motor or more.
Consider whether the incline settings on your treadmill are adjusted manually or automatically. This will affect your experience on the treadmill since the controls on some models require you to press an option to alter the incline of the deck. Other models have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent grade.
Finally, you'll want to ensure that the incline feature is able to fold and unfold. This is essential in the event that you purchase a treadmill that folds and has small storage space at your office or at home. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to do it and may need to be held while doing so. Fortunately, many of our selections come with an automated folding mechanism that can make the process quick and simple which will save your time and stress when it comes to storing your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you're not a seasoned athlete, or you tend to walk the majority of your exercise, opt for a treadmill with a maximum speed that's lower that 8 mph. If treadmill incline plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift, choose one that connects to your device so you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted on handgrips that allow you to change speed or anincline. It's easier than hitting buttons on a console.
Another aspect to take into consideration is whether a treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stop clip that shuts down the treadmill if you slip or fall. These are crucial not only for safety, but also to avoid damage to the belt and motor. A few of our choices come with this feature, which we suggest you check before making an purchase.
Also, make sure to pay attention to the treadmill's weight capacity when you're shopping. The more expensive folding treadmills tend to be more durable and have a greater maximum weight capacity which can help stop the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you are concerned about the durability of a treadmill, take a check out its warranty and reviews from customers to see how it holds up.
Finally, remember that the majority of treadmills aren't used every day, and that foldable models might experience more wear and tear than nonfolding counterparts. "This places more strain on the hinge, which can cause problems later," Mody explains. Mody. That's why we suggest choosing a treadmill that is an old-fashioned fitness brand that has a long history of manufacturing quality equipment.
The newer models are catching up to older models that were tagged with less functionality. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on higher-priced treadmills, such as incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. Like most things in life, you'll get what you pay for. Treadmills that fold typically require more materials and components than non-folding machines, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These costs can increase 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. She prefers to run outdoors, but she also likes to incorporate treadmill exercise on an incline into her fitness routine. If you're looking for a way to get your heart rate up or replicate the feeling of running on real pavement, an incline could make a huge difference to your treadmill exercise.
Luff recommends a foldable, robust treadmill with a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also have a large deck for workouts with built-in speakers that can blast your music. She also recommends looking over the warranty to prioritize those with a longer offering particularly for the most important components like the frame and motor.
In our testing of treadmills that fold up that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade quality and intuitive design. The treadmill is quiet, which means it can be used without creating a disturbance to others. It's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing a button. It also includes 26 integrated programs and coaching via the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that is precisely the right place.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB) which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in use and gives it more stability. It comes with a built-in speaker that plays your favorite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It does not have an incline, and its tiny fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.