Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save time and money by training at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop decide your goals for exercise and find a model that will meet your needs.
"Be sure to measure the space you intend to use and store the machine, and prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is an ideal option for many exercisers. Whether you're a longtime athlete looking to add an additional mile or two to your run or a beginner who's hoping to get in some cardio at a work meeting or after dinner, a treadmill that folds will make it easier to get in the workouts you need to. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. It's not difficult to agree with a treadmill which allows you to hop on and enjoy your daily exercise.
While older foldable treadmills were often associated with low quality modern models are more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills come with the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When selecting a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is the most important. You'll need a deck sufficient to allow full strides. A deck that is at least 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will allow even the most tall runners room to run comfortably.
The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also crucial. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll need to make sure it's able to support your weight as well as any additional equipment, like shoes. A high-quality treadmill that folds up will need to be able to hold at 300 pounds at a minimum.
Finally, it's important to check if your chosen folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some folding treadmills feature an "fold-on-pin" design that lifts the console mast up on top of the running surface when not being used, while other 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 start working out! You can track your progress on an inbuilt performance monitor which shows data such as speed, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. treadmills that incline can also connect your phone to the treadmill so you can listen to music while exercising or watch a movie. You can also participate in an online race against your family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to improve your performance, you can try out one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target various muscles. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline burns more calories than flat running. Having the ability to change your incline can give your workout a different perspective, keeping it interesting and preventing boredom.
When shopping for a treadmill with an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for novices. It's important to begin with a low slope and gradually move up as you become comfortable with your treadmill routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine can also help you avoid injury by decreasing the impact on your joints.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capabilities are in line with your needs, you'll want to pay attention to the dimensions of the deck as well as motor's horsepower. If you're planning to power walk along with occasional jogs, a treadmill powered by a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp will probably suffice. If you're an avid runner, then you'll need to find a treadmill with a more robust 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Another thing to think about is whether the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This can affect your experience on the treadmill since some models require that you push a button to adjust the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline that can be set at 10 percent.
Also, make sure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is crucial when you purchase a folding treadmill and have limited storage space in your office or at home. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to accomplish it and may need to be held while doing so. A majority of our treadmills have an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and hassle when it comes to storing your treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills reach speeds as high as 12 mph, which is enough for the majority of runners. If you are not a runner or prefer to walk to work out, you should look for an exercise machine with a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. If you're planning to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift, choose one that connects to your smartphone so you can keep on top of your training. We also like models with thumb dials positioned at the chest level on the handgrips that allow you to make big jumps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on a console.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built-in for example, an emergency stopper that will stop the treadmill in the event that you slip or fall. These features are important to ensure safety and prevent damage to belts and motors. A few of our choices come with this feature, which we suggest you check before making a purchase.
Also, make sure to take note of the treadmill's weight capacity while you're shopping. The most expensive folding treadmills are generally stronger and have a larger weight capacity that will prevent the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a particular model, check out the warranty and testimonials from past customers to see how well it holds up over time.
Keep in mind that most treadmills aren't used every day and that folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This places more strain on the hinge, which can cause problems later on," Mody says. Mody. That's why we advise selecting a treadmill from an established fitness brand with a long history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.
The newer models are catching up to older models that were tagged with less features. They have similar features and capabilities to the more expensive treadmills.
Added Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. Like everything else in life, you get what you pay. Treadmills that fold typically require more materials and components than non-folding machines, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These added expenses can push the price up but they create an exercise machine that is more durable and stable when being used.
As a top-notch fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products that help improve performance. She enjoys running outdoors, but she also loves to incorporate treadmill exercises that are incline-based into her fitness routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the experience of running on the real pavement, an incline could make a huge difference to your treadmill workout.
Luff recommends a foldable and sturdy treadmill that has an engine that can handle 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 suggests evaluating the warranty and deciding on those with a long-term guarantee particularly for the most important components like the frame and motor.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the standout in our test of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. It is quiet, so it's able to be used with out creating a disturbance to other users. It's also simple to switch between different user profiles by pressing one button. It also includes 26 programs that are integrated, coaching through the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that hits the right spot.
Another option worth looking into is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill uses a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much simpler to fold and unfold when not in use and gives the unit more stability. It comes with a built-in speaker that plays your favorite workout music and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and its small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during sweaty workouts.